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Head First PMP

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Binding:	Kindle Edition
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Label:	O'Reilly Media
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Publisher:	O'Reilly Media
Studio:	O'Reilly Media

Editorial Reviews

Media Reviews

"I have been doing project management for over 30 years and am considered a subject matter expert in the PMBOK(r) Guide -Third Edition primarily because I am the Project Manager who led the team that developed this edition. As a consultant I was hired to review and evaluate eight of the top selling PMP Exam Preparation books for their accuracy in following the PMBOK® Guide - Third Edition. I have developed and taught a PMP Exam Prep course for a leading R.E.P., and taught PMP Exam preparation classes for PMI Chapters. I can honestly say that Head First PMP is by far the best PMP Exam Preparation book of all I have reviewed in depth. It is the very best basic education and training book that I have read that presents the processes for managing a project, which makes it a great resource for a basic project management class for beginners as well as a tool for practitioners who want to pass the PMP exam. The graphical story format is unique, as project management books go, which makes it both fun and easy to read while driving home the basics that are necessary for preparing someone is just getting started and those who want to take the exam."
--Dennis Bolles, PMP DLB Associates, LLC and co-author of The Power of Enterprise-Wide Project Management
"This looks like too much fun to be a PMP study guide! Behind the quirky humor and nutty graphics lies an excellent explanation of the project management processes. Not only will this book make it easier to pass the exam, you'll learn a lot of good stuff to use on the job too."
--Carol Steuer, PMP and PMBOK(r) Guide, 3rd Edition Leadership Team
"This is the best thing to happen to PMP since, well, ever. You'll laugh,learn, pass the exam, and become a better project manager all at the sametime."
-- Scott Berkun, author of The Art of Project Management and The Myths of Innovation
"Original, fresh, and fun... this is truly the perfect study companion for anyone aiming for PMP certification."
--Teresa Simmermacher, PMP and Project Manager at Avanade
"I love this format! Head First PMP covers everything you need to know to pass your PMP exam. The sound-bite format combined with the whimsical images turns a dry subject into entertainment. The organization starts with the basics then drills into the details. The in-depth coverage of complex topics like Earned Value and Quality Control are presented in an easy to understand format with descriptions, pictures, and examples. This book will not only help you pass the PMP, it should be used as an daily reference for practicing project managers. I sure wish I had this when I was studying for the exam."
--Mike Jenkins, PMP, MBA
"I think that under the fonts and formalized goofiness, the book has a good heart (intending to cover basic principles in an honest way rather than just to pass the test). Head First PMP attempts to educate potential project managers instead of being a mere "how to pass the PMP exam" book filled with test taking tips. This is truly something which sets it apart from the other PMP certification exam books."
--Jack Dahlgren, Project Management Consultant
"Head First PMP is a great tool to help make sense of the Project Management Body of Knowledge for the everyday Project Manager."
--Mark Poinelli, PMP

About the Book

A PMP certification is more than just passing a test. It means that you have the knowledge to solve most common project problems, and proves that you know your stuff. Once you're certified, your projects are more likely to succeed because you have the skills and knowledge to make them successful. Not only that, it can mean a better job, more money, and greater respect f...

Customer Reviews

I passed my PMP exam recently. In spite of my years of experience, I found that the exam needs a truckload of preparation! I started with PMBOK Guide, Rita Mulcahy, some others, and settled on HFP. The HFP is not the first book you should read, and certainly should not be the only book you read. Unlike the somewhat snide (and ineffective) Mulcahy book, this book would give you tons of useful mnemonics to remember stuff by. After reading this book, I was having a much easier time answering questions in other books, such as Mulcahy's.

The PMP examination is not for the faint of heart. At the minimum, you should know the PMBOK Guide by rote (esp. the I-TT-O, Glossary, and the formulae). You need to supplement that knowledge using other books. These are the list of books I found useful (in no particular order):
0. PMBOK Guide
1. HF PMP
2. Mulcahy
3. Kim Heldman
4. Andy Crowe

Unfortunately, HF PMP does leave out many vital topics. This will hurt you in the exam, if you have not covered it elsewhere (e.g. Calculating CPPC and FPIP using numbers, GERT, etc., amongst many other examples). But for the topics covered, you will have a strong help from this book in retaining that information!

I would strongly encourage the authors to:
1. Consider revising the book and adding the missing topics - priceless addition, given that the authors do a wonderful job of any topic they cover in the book.
2. Add a GLOSSARY OF TERMS that may be referenced in the PMP Exam, even though these may not be covered in detail in the book (cite a ref.).

It will be worth the price you'd pay for such a book!

This is the book. I have read 4 different books to study for the PMP (without taking any classes) and this one by FAR is the easiest, simplest, and best book that is out there. The exercises reinforce the concepts in new and different ways (matching, crossword puzzles, short answer, etc). Even when I thought I had to memorize the formulas, I now discover I don't need to because the book explains the concepts in such simple terms that the formulas go together and just "logically" make sense. They explain a lot of terms from both a project manager AND a sponsor's perspective. This is by FAR the greatest book. The concepts are SO simple. I do recommend using PMP Practice Questions Exam Cram 2 or some book with test questions in it to go along with this book only after you have read this book.

Even after being through project management in the real world I learned a few things to help me in my current job. Anyway, I rate this a NUMBER ONE MUST HAVE. I look forward to more books in this series or any other concept out there that I want to learn. OUTSTANDING JOB TO O'REILLY, the Publisher. I give kudos and more kudos.

If you don't mind reading the PMBOK guide for your exam preparation, then, I suspect, you would enjoy memorizing a phone book or have an unusually strong taste for suffering. In either case, don't read any further and don't buy "Head First PMP" -- reading it may be too much fun for you and dangerous to your mental health!

For those of us, who find the PMBOK bo-o-o-oring, "Head First PMP"'s approach is the *only* way to learn. Let's admit, that the topics covered by the exam, while are very important, are not very exciting. To learn them well, it is important to dig deeper into the reasons for the best practices. Following the style of the "Head First" series, the authors of this book took the subject of the PM science and turned it into a fun-to-read and easier-to-learn-and-internalize collection of graphics, questions, answers, mental games and scenarios, stories. They deconstructed the topics to their essence and then reconstructed them in a way that makes sense to everyone who is willing to focus and think. The book is very engaging and, in my opinion, is a must to read, at least to make sure that you understand all the answers.

I'd like to point out the difference between this book and other books in the series -- Object-Oriented Analysis and Design, Design Patterns, Java. Those books cover topics that are interesting (at least to me) in nature, and had been covered in other publications with various success. The "Head First PMP" book is different in the sense that its authors "dared" to apply the "Head First" approach of "you'll learn better when reading is fun" to a topic that while important, makes me think of an ominously laughing dentist holding a jack hammer.

In preparation for the test, I recently spent some extended time in the bookstore comparing options to help my studies. The local bookseller I visited unfortunately didn't have the Head First book that I had heard so much about, so I ended up with a another title that was also highly recommended on Amazon. After bringing the other book home, I read two chapters and realized I was thinking about everything other than what I was reading. I decided I needed a different route if I planned to stay awake during my preparations for the exam and decided to try to source a copy of the Head First guide instead.

I found a copy of the Head First PMP title at another bookshop and settled in for what I thought was going to be another futile attempt at cramming this information into the old gray matter. However, much to my surprise, I found myself *engaged* in the content, and moreover, I was truly *learning* it! The book's approach ensures understanding of the content through thought and exercises - not reading lots of text and hoping some of it sticks long enough to pass the test.

If you haven't seen what makes the book different, definitely take a moment to visit the book's website (http://www.headfirstlabs.com/pmp) to see if this writing style is a fit for you. As another reviewer mentioned, this book definitely has a quirky feel to it (e.g. a fireside chat between the scope management plan and the project scope statement as one example) that may not be right for everyone, but for the rest of us, Fireside chats, crossword puzzles and Cows Gone Wild is half of what makes the book so engaging.

Don't let the fun use of graphics and informal style of the book fool you into doubting its usefulness or accuracy. While I can't guarantee that you'll pass the exam by reading this book, I will say that when you use the book as outlined in the book's introduction, the Head First PMP should absolutely increase your knowledge of the things PMI deems important for the exam without torturing yourself in the process.

Finally, for those that may be wondering why you should take my word on the use of this book, I passed the exam by a good margin yesterday. I found that on at least 25-30 questions, I would not have gotten the question correct had it not been for something I read in the Head First PMP book over the two days prior to the test.

Highly recommended!

PMBOK this is not, nor is it like many study guides with the roteness of
memorizing the ABCs. It is "Brain-Friendly", and it provides meaning behind
the processes. Has not put me to sleep yet ......

I cant explain it but this book make it stick like "done spaghetti on a wall" . Being a visual learner this book ( as well as other HFL Books) have hit my sweet spot. It is like an instructor with a blackboard in a book, and the little devil and angel over your shoulder telling you what is right or wrong.

I am getting instant results from the first 5 chapters, An excellent guide/ training tool for all those new and somewhat new to project management methodologies. As a matter of fact I will be using this guide to train my team so expect a few copies to come my way

COWS GONE WILD - I cant wait for it to come out for mac and PC

I bought probably 8 PMP study guides, including Rita's, Crowe's, and many others. I actually enjoyed reading this one. I made it my first pass through the material. It's a little silly, but if you toss that aside, it engages you, tests your knowledge of concepts, terms, and techniques along the way, presents you a crossword of learned terminology at the end of each chapter, and then puts you through a quiz.

I bought, and do not like, the Rita guide. She has such a snide tone... Allow me to paraphrase. "If you thought X, then you must not be a very good project manager." It's a recurring theme throughout her book. I'm still trying to get over my own mother, I don't want to get it from the PMP exam prep material.

I do like the Crowe (how to pass on your first try) book. Since it's organized like the PMBOK (and this Head First Book) what i recommend doing is reading the Head First book first, then the Crowe book. That's what I did, and it **really** reinforced my understanding. I got the same content from two different angles, two quizzes, and lots of exercises. (The Crowe book really isn't interactive like Head First, but the explanations and writing is really to-the-point and clear). When you're done this approach, then read the PMBOK (I never read the full PMBOK and I passed the PMP with flying colors two days ago--2/26/08).

I do recommend Rita's Exam Software and her flash cards, but that's all the Rita I can take. She still manages to get her snide comments into the exam software question explanations, but it's still a sound exam and with a bank of 1700 questions, it's a great diagnostic and a way to condition yourself for the actual exam.

Overview:
---------
I just passed the PMP exam -- 4th edition of the PMBOK based. The test does require quite a bit of preparation. I have many years of project management experience, so I have a strong practical background. The PMBOK covers a very large body of material which is summarized at a high level in the PMBOK. You must have a combination of practical experience and extensive book knowledge of the PMBOK to pass the exam.

I would start with this book before reading the PMBOK material. The approach in the book is very effective and gives you a very solid overview of the key PMBOK items. After studying this book and doing the practice test in the back, I would then suggest that you go over the PMBOK 4th edition several times followed by doing a lot of practice tests. Practice tests are critical so you can figure out how to properly interpret what the question is asking.

Appoach:
--------
The book uses a series of techniques -- stories, use cases, crossword puzzles, flash card type quizzes (a range of memonic tricks). It may seem a bit odd but it does really work. The reason why I say start with this book is that you need to have solid overview of all the subject areas and processes before you try to connect lots of detailed information that makes up the PMBOK knowledge space.

There are many other books out there to study for the PMP exam. But, if the book does not take a top-down approach, you can very quickly get confused with the PMBOK terminology and processes.

There is a large amount of information available on the internet. When you are taking the practice tests, you should make a list of any terms you are not familiar with and then look them up later. This is a very helpful way to get a feel for the scope and level of detail that you need to know about items defined in the PMBOK and project management world.

I'm a baby boomer who just passed the PMP exam on the first try. I couldn't see spending $2,500 for one of those boot camp courses, so I bought three books from Amazon, printed my copy of the PMBOK, and started my self-study program.

For exam prep purposes, Head First Pmp: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Passing the Project Management Professional Exam was by far the best. The approach is a little unusual, but the combination of pictures, humor and active exercises really works to help you learn the material. The practice exercises and the full 200 question test were challenging enough to make the real exam seem relatively easy. You can also take the practice test online if you want.

For the purpose of self-studying for the exam, I'd have to give this book top ratings. It definitely helped me.

I am working on my PMI certification and I have found many of the books to be dry and boring. I have several of the Head First Java books and purchased this PMP book as soon as it came out. It doesn't disappoint. The format of the content makes it easy to comprehend. I highly recommend it.

[...]. Before you look at it, I'd like to mention that this title being reviewed, Head First PMP, helped me.

I went through four books: Rita Mulcahy's, Kim Heldman's, Andy Crowe's, and Head First PMP.

Mulchay's book just turned me off. I did not appreciate being talked down to by the self-proclaimed *itch goddess. Sure it contains some good content but: (1) her book is cluttered, (2) her tone is dismissive, and (3) the title was not edited professionally. You can pass the PMP without having to put up with her *rap.

Heldman's isn't bad. Both authors are women but while Mulcahy is the kind you'll wish you never met, Heldman is sweet and kindly in her tone. Both women know their stuff but Kim knows how to present it in an inoffensive manner.

Crowe was highly recommended and as I discovered, rightfully so. It has a companion website that was useful.

And then there's Head First PMP! It employs an unorthodox style but it works. It is an effective learning book. The magnet exercises are useful. The "there are no dumb questions" columns contain insightful questions. And so forth. To be sure, I found that some parts of it were "corny." In my opinion, those parts did not contribute enough to justify their presence. Generally speaking however, the title was well-written and well-edited.

HEAD FIRST PMP: A LEARNER'S COMPANION TO PASSING THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL EXAM offers an engaging, lively review of PMP principles for any who would prepare for the certification exam using a unique method which helps reinforce the larger concept of project management both for the exam and on the job. It packs in visual approaches which reinforce the written word, using flow charts, black and white drawings and cartoons, and pictures to emphasize basic concepts. Other books are dry and make learning a challenge, but HEAD FIRST PMP is one of the few on the topic to create a lively, even fun survey learners will appreciate.

Head First PMP makes the material from the PMBOK engaging and meaningful through the use of graphics and entertaining examples. The PMBOK put me to sleep, but the presentation of this book makes it a real "page turner." Before you know it, you've read a hundred pages and you're ready for the next hundred!

I am using this in conjunction with the Whizlabs PMP mock exams, which give you the education units required as a pre-requisite to the exam.

I also highly recommend the other books in the Head First Series, particularly Head First Design Patterns.

I never thought that PM stuff is anything else than dry boring stuff. This book just taught me the opposite. The most important output of this book is that it makes PM tangible. Some may say that PMP is outdated by Agile Project Management. The opposite is true, APM is based on PMP.

To me content and style could not be better presented.

Great Done!

Beside the superb exam preparation material in the book look for even more additional material [...]

Hi, I passed the PMP exam on Sep 6'07 and used HF PMP as part of my preparations. I must confess anything that PMBOK covers is being covered by this book. But what is more interesting is the ease with which all concepts are explained and can be understood. This book goes in depth to make you understand the finer points in PMBOK and that is one big reason to buy it. Not forgetting the presentation of this book which makes it so much enjoyable to read and pass the exam.

There are questions at the end of each chapter which are in line with the real exam and tests your understanding of concepts.

All in all a great book for preparation and a must have for anyone appearing for the exam. Cheers!

Neeraj , PMP

the head-first books, do what they do best. teaching the brain. This is an excellent book. Go Buy.

I have just passed PMP exam today. Head First was my only source of study. Complex concepts are described in a very simple way. The questions after each chapter are very helpful.
I enjoyed every moment I studied this book.
I strongly recommend it for Project Managers who want to get Certified.

This is the only PMP-related book that you need to pass the certification exam. It taught me EVERYTHING that I needed to pass. I got my official training hours via [...] and did NOT take one of those 4-5 day training classes.

After reading Head First PMP, I was a little scared, so I bought Andy Crowe's "The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try". That book was a good review, and it boosted my confidence, but I didn't need it. Andy Crowe's book was well-written and easy-to-read, but it didn't "teach" me the subject matter. Head First PMP "taught" me the subject matter. I was an experience PM at the time, but knew NOTHING (literally) about the PMBOK before reading the book.

I didn't buy "Rita's Book", perhaps because of the hype. I can't say if her book is good.

I've since bought 3 Head First books and my co-workers have bought dozens of them. I'm currently studying Head First Design Patterns with 5 colleagues. I'm using Head First SQL to teach a class to 2 colleagues. I am reviewing Head First PMP with a Project Manager at work to help her pursue the PMP certification. I'm periodically reading Head First Excel, because I was tired of being embarrased that I'm a software developer / PM and didn't know how to use Excel. They are GREAT books. I recommend them all.

Just passed the exam - excellent book and very good preperation for the PMP exam. I found the practice exam very similar to the real thing.

I passed the exam today. I used the PMBOK and this book. I liked the head first style. The practice exam is very close to the real exam.

I have been PMP certified recently. PMP certification really needs a lot of work. I first took my official training hours. However i felt as if "lost in space" after that training. It included lots of definitions and processes but no real business matter know how. Studying for PMP seemed to me like a lot of work to do. Then i got "Head First PMP" book. This was really a turning point for me. Reading this book was a real joy. It taught me the underlying concepts in such an interesting way and helped me gain a lot of knowledge. It has a special way of getting information to stick in your mind "just as promised by the authors". I got several books later just to make sure i got everything right. I got the Andy Crew book which was a good one too. I got the PMBOK guide and Rita's book. However though they were good none of them was as good and as interesting to read as the Head First PMP.
I really recommend this should be the first book to read. It's just WONDERFUL.
I want to thank the Head First team for there wonderful effort. I fell in love with this series of books that i bought 4 other Head First books.
Thank you

This book was an invaluable tool that made it so I passed the PMP the first time. I was very skeptical when the book first arrived, but after just a few pages I knew this was what I needed. I read it through once, used the free online test, then used it for my review before the test, and passed. Well worth it!!!

This book helped me passed the PMP.
though there are some typo, this was the main book I used to pass my PMP.
It clarify the concept and expecially on the Risk management chapter.
I guess, one thing the book can do better is, a bit recap of the input output and the process name on each chapter end. As the exam asked lots of pmp name, knowing the stuff cannot help pass the exam. we also need to associate the "know" to PMI terminology.
Anyway, highly recommended!

I picked this book because of all the visual references. The book covers everything that you need to know to pass the PMP, and it was fairly easy and quick to read through the information. The pictures and visual references helped me remember the important information for the test. The sample questions at the end of each section helped me study and the full length sample gave me confidence that I was prepared. I now use this book to teach a 3-day PMP certification class to prepare participants to take the test through Accelerate-U.

I felt this book allows one to pick up a solid understanding of project management concepts quickly - I would read this book first before the PMBOK Guide 4th edition or any other PMP study guides. There's a lot of visual representation of the concepts, which helps in understanding the material and, hence, helps in remembering them. If you felt nervous about learning and understanding the PMBOK material, this book will put you at ease.

As far as the practice exam, I felt the exam tested and reinforced the fundamental concepts of project management. To me, doing well in this exam meant I had a solid grasp of understanding of the PMBOK material. I felt, though, that the exam didn't have enough of the wordy, scenario-based questions expected in the real exam.

I had two other study guides for preparing for the PMP exam: The PMP Exam - How to Pass on Your First Try (4th edition) by Andy Crowe and PMP Prep Exam (6th edition) by Rita Mulcahy. If I was forced to choose one study guide amongst the three, it would be the Andy Crowe book; however, if you need a confidence builder in picking up the concepts described in the PMBOK Guide 4th edition pretty quickly and are willing to buy another study guide, then this is the book for you.

I passed the PMP exam yesterday. I completed the test, comfortably and confidently, in less than two hours. I would attribute a lot of the credit for being prepared to using the Head First PMP book. My advice to someone trying to prepare for the PMP exam would be to read the PMBOK 4th Edition, read Head First PMP (and do all the exercises in the book), read the PMI code of ethics, then repeat the process. Do the online Head First PMP sample test a couple of days before the test. Then relax the day before the test. I thought the PMP test was very fair and asked questions that a project management practitioner should know. And I can think of many ways that future projects will be more successful than many past projects that I have participated in.

Pros:
Easy to read, compared to PMBOK - where you read 1 paragraph for 20 times and still don't know what they're talking about
Completely opposite of those Phsychology books if you know what I'm talking about
Good examples
Catches your interest right from the beginning, and it doesn't look like a regular study guide

Cons:
None so far!

If you think Rita Mulcahy's book is great but find yourself struggling and in need of better visuals, this book is it - especially when it comes to formulas. Am reading this book page by page and, after struggling for weeks with Rita's book, CDs, etc, there's a definite technique to their learning process that WORKS for me...am "understanding" more than just memorizing concepts and forumulas. For those reasons alone it was well worth the $$. ....of course, the final proof will be on exam day coming up...

I am a great fan of head first series. Keeping that in mind i am trying to write this review so that it is NOT biased ..
Being a huge fan of the head first series books, i had bought this one and a few others together from Amazon some time back last year ..
I remember then when i thought about checking this book out, i read through a few chapters which i liked .. but the urgency of taking the exam was not there. So the book was kept aside. Work pressure and current projects got priority.
When the time came that i applied with PMI for the exam, like many others i bought the Rita book as well and started my study with Rita and PMBOK.
To be honest, I found Rita very boring and the tone of the text not appealing. Its contents (tips and coverage) was adequate nonetheless. PMBOK was still better but getting it all laid out in my brain for the exam was taking its time.
It was then that i turned to HEAD FIRST PMP, and i found a new friend.
And there i was covering one chapter after another cruising through and then consolidating with PMBOK. I was going past the Knowledge areas one after another, nicely doing scope, time and then cost and then human resource and then comm. Risk and Quality were a breeze and so was Code of ethics. Finally the procurement.
Studying for the exam was a lot of fun suddenly.
I will admit here that Rita's fast track questions were also great in helping me through.
The manner in which the concepts are illustrated for the exam in this Head First book would without any doubt make me rate this book a 5 star.
I loved this book start to end. Great book for the exam which i cleared successfully.

With no intention of taking the PMP exam I read the "Head First PMP." I needed some solid PM principles to apply to my work in an Agile development environment. So, with a desire to study ole skool Project Management in an Agile way I was drawn to the "Head First" books. And wow! What a fantastic way to learn! Knowing full well that PM concepts are not the most exciting topics, this book grabs your attention by drawing you in with its conversational tone. It reminds me of a scrapbook, it's a combination of print, pictures and handwriting. It's like getting your older brother's school textbook after he's highlighted all the important points and written the exam questions in the margins...literally! Now I'm spoiled, "Head First" is the only way to learn.

The book examines each concept in a fun way with examples and stories to help the points stick. Over 14 chapters the authors hit all the high-points of project management and each chapter concludes with helpful quizzes, puzzles, etc. to capture the idea. I had my teenage daughter read the first chapter since the "triple constraints" of her chores (scope/time/effort) directly impact the "quality" of her allowance. Ha ha, she didn't appreciate the humor but she got the basics, thanks to the "Head First" style she understood the concepts. I'm such a fan I've bought 2 other "Head First" books, "Object Oriented Analysis" and "Servlets & JSP."

I have been doing project management for last couple of years but have always dreaded the PMP exam.

Headfirst PMP changed all that. It brings common sense, logic and most importantly fun back into PMP. Understanding concepts become effortless. Chapters on Time, Risk and Human Resource Management are spot on. I can say with confidence that I passed the exam largely because of this book.

A big thank you to Andrew, Jennifer & rest of the team!

The Head First PMP guide is an excellent guide for studying for the PMP, and understanding project management as according to the pmbok. This book will not only teach you the things you need to pass and get certified. You will also gain a deeper understanding of project managagement. Even if you are an experienced project manageger you will gain from this book. I am already applying things I have learned and it has made a world of difference. Many thanks to the authors. Excellent job! Almost forgot, I passed my pmp as well thanks to this book.

I took an expensive 5-day prep course and got very little out of it. This book saved me, and is the only reason I passed the test on my first try! It takes a common sense approach and breaks-up the activities to make it easier to remember the information.

Head First: A Brain Friendly Guide..is an excellent supplement to understanding some of the more mundane project management topics. I love the ways of the Tools&Technique, I/O; the graphics made it so much easier to relate to. I recommend reading the Project Management textbook, then read the Head First.

This is the best logically written book for computer science engineers (IT Professionals). No book comes close to this book. It explains every concepts easily and no need to memories any concept. We just need to understand the concepts which is explained with the quiz, examples and question bank.

This book should be read 1st before any book on PMP; even before Rita's PMP exam prep book and PM Fast track.

I would give 5 stars to this book.

I passed the PMP exam last week after four months of solid study. Reading Head First PMP was the perfect way to get started on tackling the PMBOK guide material. It takes a lighthearted but not lightweight aproach to the subject material. My advice for studying for the PMP exam, in order, is as follows,

Pre-requisite Resources

a. Head First PMP
b. The PMBOK Guide
c. The Project Management PrepCast (....) which is an extremely good value podcast series.
d. PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy

Method

1. Start by reading Head First PMP in full.
Then by knowledge area do the following,
2. Read the PMBOK guide for the knowledge area.
3. Listen to the PM Prepcast podcasts for the knowledge area.
4. Study the PMP Exam Prep Chapter for the knowledge area.
5. Finally do as many practise questions as posible prior to sitting the exam.

Good luck!

I pretty much passed the test by just working through the 600 pages of this book. It uses pictures, quizzes, crosswords and games to help you get the basic concepts and necessary formulas down.

You'll go comatose if you try to tread the PMBOK itself and go blind while reading the Mulcahy prep book.

I would use this book, do extra sample questions and look up answers that you get wrong know. About 20 hours of studying

Given the 35% pass rate for those who self-study, I took a 4-day exam prep "boot camp." I then had to wait nearly a month to take the exam, so I invested in additional study materials - in particular this book and the Rita Mulcahy book. Because both books take different approaches, I felt together they gave me a broader base of user-friendly information to work with.

This book is VERY visual compared to others, and while all of it was useful, I found it most helpful for comprehending the formulas and network diagrams.

That said, no matter what your learning style, I wouldn't recommend using this book exclusively to prep. Despite the book's thickness, because of all the visuals and games I found I got through it relatively quickly, and I still didn't feel confident that I was fully prepared for the test afterwards. Hence the reason to supplement with the Mulcahy book. Together it made the test go pretty smoothly and that's what I'd recommend to others.

I read this book first in my preparation for PMP exam - it was fun, put a good structure into all 44 PMI processes, made memorization unnecessary. I took the test exam on the website and did well.

Then I tried reading Rita Mulcahey book - the structure was horrible, every other sentence was self-congratulatory, the test questions were convoluted and answers frequently made no sense. I gave up on the book, and instead re-read Head First PMP.

I passed the PMP Exam on the first try. Oh, by the way, it also taught some useful concepts for real project management.

If what you want is a clear, concise, well-written and practical guide to project management, this is the book for you. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I bought this book less than two weeks before my exam (after shooting a few hundred away for some "Tricks of the Trade") and passed my exam with plenty of room to spare.

One of the best things about this book is it treats you like an equal, someone who has stopped by their cube to ask some questions of a colleague. I used to one of those who sneered at the Head First approach, thinking that any book that wasn't written as densely as possible wasn't serious. I have since grown up and realized that all that matters is that I learn the material.

Since having a PMP credential is becoming a commodity item necessary for getting through screening gates, it makes sense to minimize the expense for passing the test while maximizing the material learned. There isn't a doubt in my mind that Head First PMP is the way to go.

Let's face it, since this is a business credential, there are lots of businesses trying to sell you the sure-fire method of passing the exam. Well, there isn't one and you can dump a lot of money down the drain trying to find one. So do yourself a favor, buy this book even if you aren't taking the exam. You will learn how to run your projects efficiently. What more could you want for less than 50 bucks?

I passed the PMP today with a 76%. I got an 85% on the Head First test and must say it was very close to the real thing. A great prep tool that I feel was instrumental in me passing, so thanks a bunch.

I have passed the PMP exam two days ago and would like to share with you my experience on how to pass the exam.
I recommend having the following books and tools:
1. Read the First Head PMP
2. Study Rita book & Rita flash cards
3. PMP mathematics
4. PM process poster, by Eric van Meulen (must to have )
5. Purchase mock exam from pmstudy.com
P.s it took me seven weeks to study and pass the PMP
Jihad

This book is excellant, brain friendly to get the fundamentals in the first reading.
Vendor has sent the book earlier than expected, book is in excellant condition , it is a new one even though I got it for 50% of the marked price.

This book contains solid material and it is appropriate for understanding the initial concepts. I highly recommend reading this first before getting into PMBOK which would put you to sleep. I cannot agree with others that say that this is the only material you will need. I have used 3 other books along with Head First to pass my PMP exam on 1st try at the beginning of October. Questions were very hard and I found them much different from the practice exam questions that I have used for my studies so consider that as well. I have also used Andy Crowe, PMBOK 4th ed, Head First and PMP Study Guide.

For me, this was the only book I used to prepare for the test. I took 48 hrs class room review by the local PMI Chapter a year before I took the exam. I am sure that helped, but I needed to review only this book prior to actually taking the exam. I did not even bother with the PMBOK (3rd ed), even though I had it with me for reference. Head First PMP broke down the structure of the PMBOK material in a way that was very easy to follow and absorb the methodology. Their fun approach puts you in the right mood to tackle this 'dry' subject matter. Highly Recommended!

This is the only book you will need to pass your PMP. I read this book and the PMBOK and passed my PMP exam. The PMBOK covers lots of material in a dry clinical format that is about like reading stereo instructions. The Head First PMP book is a much easier and interesting read. The PMBOK does not cover everything on the PMP exam, the Head First PMP does.

If you really want to pass the exam and get everything in one place read this book and skip the PMBOK. You will not regret it.

I spent a great deal of money attending Villanova University online for project management. While the classes were great for learning the processes of PM, they were completely useless for passing the PMP exam. The Head First book gives clear explanations and exercises which help to learn the processes in a manner needed for the exam. If you already have experience managing projects then this book will help fill in the gaps of your knowledge. Use this book and others (Andy Crowe's "The PMP Exam", is an excellent additional reference) to pass the exam. Only use material that stretch your abilities, because I can assure you the PMP exam will completely tax your mind if you are not adequately prepared.

"Head First PMP" is an absolute must for anyone who would like to prepare for PMP certification. It is well written, covering all the topics required for PMP.

There are a lot of books available for preparation of the certification, but Head First PMP stands out from all of them. It is easy to read, understand, and believe me, it would help you make a great deal of progress in your understanding and study of the material. PMBOK guide is a must for PMP preparation. But reading PMBOK guide alone would be tough, which is where HF PMP comes handy. My recommendation is to read Head First PMP chapter first and then read PMBOK guide. Also check out the head first pmp forums or Oreilly site for errata.

Even after certification, Head First PMP will serve you as a quick and easy reference for your project management questions. I would definitely recommend this to all.

"Head First PMP" is a very good book for project managers who are preparing for PMP exam. I always admired the "Head First" way of providing the technical and managerial books. My sincere thanks for O'Reily Publications and the authors of Head First PMP. To present the subject into a pictorial way need lots of creative and art type of thinking. Expecially, I like Risk Mangement chapter in this book. Overall the contents and depth of subjects are good enough to understand all the knowledge areas and process groups to pass PMP exam. Its great book and everyone in the proect management field, can have this book.

It's no secret that the Project Management Professional (PMP

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