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In our previous blogs, we have shared important aspects associated with PMP® Certification. In case you have missed out, do review them.
In this blog, we will discuss the reference books for PMP® Certification that you should review as part of your preparation. Remember, there are two categories of books.
Let us now start with the mandatory reference book(s) for the PMP® Certification.
The PMBOK Guide™ is your primary reference book for PMP® Certification. The content of the PMBOK Guide™ is based on inputs provided by hundreds of project management professionals worldwide, subject matter experts, as well as PMI research of project management practices at leading corporates.
Now, does this mean that the PMBOK Guide™ has everything required for the PMP Certification?
The answer is – ‘No.’
Let us clarify.
The dimensions of project management are so vast and cover the knowledge areas of scope, schedule, cost, resources, quality, communication, stakeholders, procurement, risk, and integration. To address each of these ten knowledge areas in a single book would lead to two aspects –
The PMBOK Guide offers an exhaustive overview of the world of project management leaving other areas to its relevant domain experts.
Let us cite an example.
Project initiation is based on various parameters including cost. The PMBOK Guide™ makes mention of the financial parameters such as Return on Investment, Pay Back Period, Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, and others; it does not explain the mechanisms of their computation. This is true of some of the other knowledge areas as well.
As a PMP® aspirant, this situation implies that you choose –
Now, let us focus on the ‘discretionary’ reference books for PMP Certification.
Some of the popular reference books for PMP® Certification are –
As a PMP® aspirant, it is vital that you are aware of the following aspects associated with the books for PMP® Certification.
I have come across cases where professionals are being told that it is okay to ignore the PMBOK Guide™ if you follow one of their recommended reference books.
This is extremely dangerous!
Just to use an analogy of a lunch or dinner –
Remember that you are not just seeking the PMP® certification – you have to prove it on real-world projects. Even if we assume that you pass the PMP® certification just with the recommended book, you would miss out on a lot of content where the PMBOK Guide™ is very useful even after your certification!
Now, the all-important question!
Which book should you refer to?
What does SRISHA recommend?
The answer depends a lot on your project management experience and expertise along with your organizational project management maturity.
Frankly, it does not really matter which book you refer to!
There are professionals who have cleared the PMP® certification just with the PMBOK Guide™ supported by an excellent PMP® Coach and workshop material!
Now, it is for you to make the choice.
Are you seeking PMP® certification just because someone is offering one of the reference books for free or are you really serious about your project management career?
Feel free to connect with us to help you enhance your project management competency.
Note: PMI, PMP, and PMBOK Guide are the Registered Marks of Project Management Institute, USA.
About Author :
Srikanth PV comes with two decades of global corporate and consulting background across industries with diverse roles including Strategy, Leadership, and Management. Currently, he focuses on driving and creating customer value by building and enhancing organizational portfolio, program, and project management maturity by his impactful consulting and coaching engagements. He is also a former member of the Board of Directors of PMI Bangalore Chapter. View his detailed profile on LinkedIn at https://in.linkedin.com/in/srikanthpvpmp