Most PMP trainers have students reach out to them for study advice during their PMP exam prep. The most common question that they get is: Is PMBOK Enough For PMP?
People ask this question because the PMBOK Guide is tedious to read and also a bit boring with a lot of theoretical data packed in it. So, most times after PMP aspirants are done with the PMBOK, they don’t find time or energy left to try out other books. But, the PMBOK alone is NOT enough for PMP. Let’s see why we say so!
What is the PMBOK Guide?
Although PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) requires no introduction to most project professionals, let’s understand what it is exactly to clear your doubt. The PMBOK guide is a staple textbook that compiles the fundamental concepts of project management. It introduces 12 principles of project management and 8 performance domains that are critical to consider for PMs in the latest 7th edition. Learn what is different in PMBOK 6 vs PMBOK 7 before choosing a guide for yourself!
PMBOK covers traditional, predictive, adaptive, agile, and hybrid project approaches as well. It is also combined with the Standard Of Project Management. As the name suggests, it is a standardized framework accepted by companies across the globe. It states procedures, practices, terminologies, and recommendations for project professionals. Hence the PMBOK is considered a valuable textbook among leading company PMOs.
Is PMBOK enough for PMP?
If PMBOK is such a good resource, then why is it not enough for PMP? It’s because it covers the definitions, concepts, and technicalities. But it doesn’t cover calculation based questions such as those based on Earned Value and Critical Path that appear in the PMP exam. Here, other reference books come in handy.
There are several books available for PMP Preparation. But you need to keep in mind that not all of these books are aligned with the current PMP standards and have enough credibility to help you pass the exam in one go.
One book that has been hailing superior for years is Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep book.
Reference Books For PMP
Since the PMBOK guide does not offer exercises for the practical application of concepts, reference project management books like Rita Mulcahy PMP book are essential to gear up well for the exam.
It goes without saying that Rita’s PMP book is based mostly on the PMBOK. What really sets the book apart is the method by which she has presented the material. Rita Mulcahy, the late author of the book, worked in project management. She used to teach the discipline to pupils all around the world. Her concise explanations of each PMP topic and standard demonstrate her in-depth knowledge of the subject and conceptual mastery. The PMBOK guide’s principles are made simpler and more in line with the current PMP ECO in Rita Mulcahy’s book, PMP Exam Prep. As such, it covers every detail you might miss when reading the PMBOK.
In addition, there are a ton of exercises in Rita Mulcahy’s PMP book for you to complete as you go. Your understanding of PMI’s project management methodology will be solidified by the scenario- and calculation-based questions in the Rita Mulcahy PMP book. It’s interesting to note that it also mimics the format of the PMP exam questions, which improves your exam familiarity.
Rita’s PMP book highly simplifies project management as a whole. It combines ideas from the Process Groups: A Practice Guide, the Examination Content Outline (ECO), and the PMBOK Guide 7. The fact that Rita books are not merely stand-alone works makes them interesting. Actually, it is an extensive set of materials that includes games, case studies, exercises, difficult questions, thorough solutions, and mock tests!
The Process Chart Game by Rita Mulcahy has long been a favorite among PMP candidates. It makes use of a gamified version of the 49 PMP process matrix, which is typically laborious. Rita’s New Agile Process Chart Game was also included in the most recent 11th Edition of Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep. Your understanding and application of agile project management techniques within the PMP context is the aim of the Agile Process Chart Game. The game illustrates the use of five process groups and related activities in the management of an agile project. You can ensure that you retain the principles without mugging up by playing the game, which will also help you prepare for the exam’s agile-based questions.
The Contrast Question: Should I Omit Reading PMBOK?
Actually you can, even though it is a rather controversial take on the matter. Since the PMBOK takes up too much time and effort, some aspirants omit it entirely for other resources. But, then the onus falls on the quality of the other project management books you choose for your PMP exam Preparation. Additionally, the PMP certification training you undergo also plays a role in this. You can access PMP Certification Online training from any part of the globe and study diligently with the right combination of practice questions and theoretical concepts to pass the PMP exam without reading the PMBOK!
Conclusion
In conclusion we would say that although the PMBOK is a rich resource for PMP preparation, it is not a comprehensive resource. To crack the PMP you need to practice questions as well as actually UNDERSTAND the concepts to apply them in situation-based questions. In such cases, PMP reference books come in hand. Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep is one such ideal resource. It has been long-standing in the PMP field and has demonstrated credibility as well. So, the bottom line is that the PMBOK is not enough for PMP. Invest in more reference books for a thorough PMP exam preparation and to clear your exam in the first attempt. It is ideal to read the PMBOK guide twice and solve questions from a reference book as a comprehensive exam strategy!