Top 7 PMP Books for Exam Preparation in 2024

calendar 17 September 2024

note Veronica Davis

Picture yourself as a Project Manager who is about to lead a high-stakes project that could define your career. The pressure is on, and the need for the right guidance is paramount. Are you prepared with the best Project Management Professional (PMP) resources to navigate this critical phase? In this blog, we will explore the top 7 PMP Books to prepare for the PMP exam in 2024.  

These carefully selected resources will help you grasp complex concepts besides providing practical insights to excel in the exam. Wondering which PMP Books can truly elevate your study routine? Let’s dive in and uncover the essential reads. 

Table of Contents 

1) Best PMP Books 

   a) PMBOK Guide 

   b) PMP Exam Prep Simplified 

   c) PMP Prep Book by Master of Project Academy 

   d) Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Hybrid, 8th Edition 

   e) Head First PMP, 4th Edition 

   f) PMP: Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide 9th Edition 

   g) Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep, 10th Edition Upgraded 

   h) PMP Exam Prep Simplified by Andrew Ramdayal 

2) How to Select the Best PMP Exam Prep Book? 

    a) Topics Covered 

    b) Content Freshness 

    c) Author Credentials 

   d) Writing Style 

   e) Price 

   f) Ease of Availability 

   g) Format 

3) Conclusion 

Best PMP Books 

When preparing for the PMP exam, selecting the right study materials is crucial. Here are some of the best PMP Books designed for you: 

1) PMBOK Guide 

The PMBOK Guide is considered the best study resource for exam preparation. To successfully pass the exam, thorough preparation is essential. Published by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the governing body for the certification examination, the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide will remain your primary reference. You should cover all the topics mentioned in the guide.   


 

  

As you study, you may find certain topics particularly interesting, prompting you to explore them further. To gain a deeper understanding, you can consult other books. PMP exam preparation books are structured to help you get ready for the exam and ensure you are well-prepared to pass it. 

2) PMP Exam Prep Simplified 

Andrew Ramdayal, PMP, brings over 15-year experience in IT Project Management, having worked on multiple IT projects throughout his career. He holds more professional certifications in Information Technology (IT) and accounting, as well as a postgraguate degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) with a focus in Project Management. 


 

The latest edition of PMP Exam Prep Simplified has been developed for the 2021 PMP exam, including sections on predictive, agile, and hybrid Project Management, along with video-based content from the PMBOK Guide, Seventh Edition. Additionally, its 478 pages cover different processes and knowledge areas, core Project Management terms, and an entire chapter on the new exam content outline.  

3) PMP Prep Book by Master of Project Academy 

Many PMP Books emphasize outdated theoretical knowledge of Project Management. But, the PMP Prep Book by Master of Project Academy is organized similarly to a real project. You will see the practical implications of theoretical knowledge while studying PMP exam content, making it easier to comprehend the specifics. 

 

 

Additionally, the PMP Prep Book by Master of Project Academy is designed to help you pass the PMP exam on the first try. Unlike other PMP Book providers, the Master of Project Academy offers a free PMP Book sample for you to review before purchasing the full PMP Prep Book. 

4) Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Hybrid, 8th Edition 

Dr. Robert K. Wysocki brings over 45-year experience being a Project Manager, Business Analyst, Business Process Consultant, and trainer. He has developed more than twenty Project Management courses, trained over ten thousand Senior Project Managers globally, and authored 24 books on Project Management. 


 

The “Effective Project Management” book, included in the PMP recommended reading list, is a valuable resource for PMP exam preparation. It features a companion website with case studies, exercises, and other materials. The book covers various agile approaches, such as Kanban and Scrumban, along with traditional methods, providing a comprehensive overview of Project Management practices. 

5) Head First PMP, 4th Edition 

Jennifer Greene and Andrew Stellman are software engineers, O’Reilly authors, former academic researchers, and project managers. They founded Stellman and Greene Consulting in 2003, providing software development services and training to businesses and individuals. The 4th Edition of Head First PMP is updated for the 2021 PMP exam format.


   

Its 924 pages include the process framework and all testable knowledge areas, including chapters on certification justification, professional responsibility, a final review, and a sample exam. Head First PMP stands out with its unique visual format, dynamic page layouts, attention-grabbing graphics, and balanced text-to-image ratio, making learning more effective and memorable. 

6) PMP: Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide 9th Edition 

The “PMP: Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide, Ninth Edition” by Kim Heldman offers a comprehensive review of the PMP certification exam by PMI. This edition has been updated to incorporate the latest exam changes, including new tasks and the growing importance of agile and adaptive practices.  


  

It uses the 6th Edition of the PMBOK® Guide for current information on key topics and includes hands-on exercises for real-world application. Additionally, it provides one year of free access to an online interactive learning environment with study tools, chapter tests, and two practice exams to help you prepare effectively. 

7) Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep, 10th Edition Upgraded 

Rita Mulcahy authors this 537-page PMP exam book; however, a lot of editing work goes into it by Patti Frazee to facilitate the extra content of processes, agile, integration, stakeholders, and communication on top of conventional processes needed for the exam. It also contains exercises, effective study strategies, practice questions, and the option to access an online PMP examination model.  


The book is known for its unique visual format, which makes learning more engaging and memorable. It includes dynamic page layouts and attention-grabbing graphics to maintain interest. Additionally, it provides hundreds of sample questions and critical time-saving tips to help you pass the PMP exam on your first try. 

How to Choose the Best PMP Exam Prep Book? 

Choosing the right PMP exam prep book can significantly impact your study efficiency and exam success. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best PMP exam prep book: 

1) Topics Covered 

When selecting a PMP exam book, ensure it covers all necessary topics. Given the extensive content for the PMP certification exam, no single book can cover everything. Therefore, it’s important to use multiple study materials that collectively span the full exam content outline. Be mindful of potential overlaps between books to maximize your study budget by choosing resources that serve different purposes without too much repetition. 

2) Content Freshness 

Check the publication date of the book. The PMP exam is constantly updated to reflect current best practices and the evolving role of a Project Manager. Ensure any PMP exam study guide you purchase is the latest edition and aligns with the current exam version, especially if buying second-hand. 

3) Author Credentials 

Consider the author’s credentials by reviewing their bio. Ensure the author has the experience and qualifications to effectively explain the exam topics. The best PMP study guide will be authored by someone you trust as a knowledgeable source. 

4) Writing Style 

Examine the book’s writing style. Texts aimed at beginners are typically easier to read, while more academic books may include footnotes and references. Choose a style that fits your preference and experience with the topic. Simpler, more accessible texts can be beneficial as they are easier to engage with. 

5) Price 

Budget wisely for your study materials. The costs of the PMP exam fee, training courses, and exam simulators can add up, so it’s important to invest in books that offer the best value. Borrowing from colleagues or libraries and purchasing second-hand books can help, but ensure they are the latest versions.  

6) Ease of Availability 

Consider shipping times and fees when purchasing books. Some may be available locally, while others might need to be shipped from abroad. Ensure you receive your books in time to be useful for your study schedule. 

7) Format 

Lastly, consider the format of the book. E-books are often more convenient and cheaper, as they eliminate shipping costs and wait times. Some texts are also available as audiobooks. Select the format that best suits your reading preferences and study habits. Both physical and digital formats have their benefits, so select the one that works best for you. 

Conclusion 

Preparing for the PMP exam is a journey that requires the right resources. With these top 7 PMP Books, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the exam confidently. So, choose the ones that best fit your learning style and get ready to ace the PMP exam!