Best PMP Book: Rita Mulcahy vs Head First vs Andy Crowe vs Kim Heldman

Note: This is an extract from the report: 100+ Tips on PMI® PMP® Certification Training & Study by 100+ Recent PMP®s

Rita Mulcahy vs Head First vs Andy Crowe vs Kim Heldman PMP® Book

Which one is the best PMP® book? This should be the toughest questions to answer. Luckily, with the input of 100+ PMP® who share their learning experience through their PMP® exam lessons learned, it can be concluded that these four books are among the best PMP® Prep books. If one would study with any one of these book together with the PMBOK® Guide Guide, there is a high chance of passing the PMP® exam.

But which one is best for you depends on the type of learner you are.

We have derived the following four questions to help you select the best PMP® book that is tailored for you:

  • If you want to know the ins and outs of project management and are not afraid of difficult materials, Rita’s is your definite choice.
  • If you want to take it easy, go for the exam oriented guide by Andy Crowe.
  • If you are a visual learner, go for Head First.
  • If you want an alternative approach to the PMBOK® Guide, Kim Heldman is the best PMP® exam prep book for you.

If you would like to know more about the style and level of difficulties of individual PMP® Certification preparation books, read the comments below by 100+ PMP® they have mentioned in their lessons learned:

Rita’s PMP® Book

  • By studying Rita’s PMP® book, you will have a firm grasp of the PMI®’s approach project management and familiarize yourself with the style of wording of questions in the PMP® exam.
  • Rita’s book is an eye opener for project management. Your approach towards project management will change after reading the book.
  • It helps you preparing for the PMP® exam.
  • Though the book is quite difficult, it might discourage you initially, this will help you understand the knowledge gap you have.
  • Rita’s process chart is very helpful to understand the sequence of project management processes.
  • If you do not understand the PMBOK® Guide Guide fully, you might read Rita’s book to assist you. 
  • However, Rita’s book does not have detailed coverage of all the ITTOs, relying on this book alone is not sufficient for the PMP® exam.
  • Rita’s book requires much efforts to read. There are alternatives on the market that are much easier to study.

Head First

  • Head First is especially good for visual learners as it contains a lot of diagrams and illustrations. It makes user of the advanced findings from cognitive psychology to help you understand the subjects.
  • Head First includes many interactive elements and exercises to help your brain understand and remember the concepts.
  • Head First makes the PMBOK® Guide Guide project management knowledge easy. Read this book if you are overwhelmed by the PMBOK® Guide Guide or Rita’s.
  • Head First acts as a good beginners’ guide for the PMP® Exam preparation.
  • Head First makes the learning fun. It is great for teaching you complex concepts.

Andy Crowe PMP®

  • Andy Crowe is the king of context, priority, and focus for the PMP® exam.
  • Andy Crowe PMP® helps simplifying complex concepts.
  • Andy Crowe PMP® book is very useful PMP® reference book as it explains the project management concepts in simple and plain language.
  • Andy Crowe is easy to read and understand. It is a great prep book for the PMP® exam and no more. Use this book if you want to pass the PMP® exam easily.

Kim Heldman’s PMP® Guide

  • Kim Heldman’s PMP® Guide arranges the PMBOK® Guide processes by process groups which is different from the PMBOK® Guide Guide and all other PMP® exam prep books. It is also illustrated with lots of real-life examples to help you understand the concepts. It also include some great PMP® exam tips.

The Best PMP® Book Goes to …

From the survey of 100 PMP®s, the following are the most mentioned PMP® Exam Prep books for their PMP® preparation and study.

But be reminded that the best PMP® book is the book that can help you to pass the PMP® exam successfully. You might think try reading chapter samples from the links below to see which book suits your learning style before purchasing one.

free pmp certification guideFree! We have analyzed 100+ Lessons Learned by successful PMP Exam takers and compile a 9 page report on PMP Exam Preparation FAQ Answered by 100+ Recent PMPs. Indispensable for your PMP exam preparation! Exploit it NOW!

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