A study guide for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam, this book provides all the information project managers need to thoroughly prepare for the test. Review materials cover all the processes, inputs, tools, and outputs that will be tested, and extra help is offered with insider secrets, test tricks and tips, hundreds of sample questions, and exercises designed to strengthen mastery of key concepts and help candidates pass the exam on the first attempt.
 |
| ||||||||||||||||||
 Sell Back Your Copy for $41.89
No matter where you bought them, get up to 70% back when you sell your books at Amazon.com.
|
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Andy Crowe is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and the founder of Velociteach, a company that provides project management and certification training. He is the author of Alpha Project Managers and The CAPM Exam. He has taught classes in C++ for Microsoft University and advanced technology courses for the U.S. government and served on Microsoft's .NET international advisory committee. He lives in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
216 of 221 people found the following review helpful
By J Anthony
Format:Paperback
Yes! I passed the PMP 4th Edition Exam on the first try today! I studied for 3 months, using PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition, Andy Crowe book and the free full length PMP Exam @ PMStudy.com. Here is how I studied:
A) Dedicate 1 Day Per Chapter with Andy Crowe book(No More, No Less)
B) Dedicate 1 Day Per Chapter with PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition (After each chapter, go directly to Andy Crowe book to take chapter quiz.)
C) Spend 2 Days reconstructing chart on page 36 in Andy Crowe book, from memory.
D) Spend 2 Days writing down 3 Point Estimate, Communications Channels, Earn Value and TPA formulas, from memory. Put emphasis on calculating EV= and EAC=
E) Spend 1 Day working EMV from decision tree diagrams.
F) Dedicate 1 Day Per PM Knowledge Area using both books. Putting emphasis on common Inputs, Tools & Tech or Outputs i.e. Expert Judgement is common tool in all Project Integration Mgnt Processes. Also, observe how an Output from one Process becomes an Input to another Process. And slow down to understand the purpose & advantage of certain diagram/charts i.e. control, pareto, tornado.
Let me share with you an important secret. In order to read the PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition with appreciation, motivation and comprehension, you need to reverse your academic position. Do not read it from the perspective a student. Instead, imagine that you are a guest professor who has to deliver a lecture on one PM Knowledge Area per day to a classroom of 300 graduate students @ a prestigious university. Create an OUTLINE of each chapter in the PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition (putting an emphasis on what YOU think is important). Now take 1 or 2 Practice Final Exams from Andy Crowe resources or Internet (PMStudy), in order fine tune your OUTLINES. When you feel confident to give your lecture, go take the PMP EXAM! No matter how they spin the question, You WILL KNOW what you know!
A) Dedicate 1 Day Per Chapter with Andy Crowe book(No More, No Less)
B) Dedicate 1 Day Per Chapter with PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition (After each chapter, go directly to Andy Crowe book to take chapter quiz.)
C) Spend 2 Days reconstructing chart on page 36 in Andy Crowe book, from memory.
D) Spend 2 Days writing down 3 Point Estimate, Communications Channels, Earn Value and TPA formulas, from memory. Put emphasis on calculating EV= and EAC=
E) Spend 1 Day working EMV from decision tree diagrams.
F) Dedicate 1 Day Per PM Knowledge Area using both books. Putting emphasis on common Inputs, Tools & Tech or Outputs i.e. Expert Judgement is common tool in all Project Integration Mgnt Processes. Also, observe how an Output from one Process becomes an Input to another Process. And slow down to understand the purpose & advantage of certain diagram/charts i.e. control, pareto, tornado.
Let me share with you an important secret. In order to read the PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition with appreciation, motivation and comprehension, you need to reverse your academic position. Do not read it from the perspective a student. Instead, imagine that you are a guest professor who has to deliver a lecture on one PM Knowledge Area per day to a classroom of 300 graduate students @ a prestigious university. Create an OUTLINE of each chapter in the PMBOK® Guide--Fourth Edition (putting an emphasis on what YOU think is important). Now take 1 or 2 Practice Final Exams from Andy Crowe resources or Internet (PMStudy), in order fine tune your OUTLINES. When you feel confident to give your lecture, go take the PMP EXAM! No matter how they spin the question, You WILL KNOW what you know!
62 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It works - I cleared my PMP exam last week :)
This is what I did to prepare :-
1. I used Andy Crowe as my only study material - (had the old PMBOK) could not read the new PMBOK, however it would be a good idea to read the PMBOK as I found many terms and concepts in the actual exam which were not covered in Andy's book (I still don't know if these concepts are there in the new PMBOK or Rita )
2. Took all chapter tests in Andy and Rita, which I borrowed from a friend (my scores varied from 50% to 85 %)
3. Took some online test papers from Andy's website
4.Took all the Rita tests once again (3 days before the exam - my score varied from 70% to 90%)
5. Reread the concepts behind the questions I got wrong
6. Read the glossary of PM terms in Andy's book - this really helps to refresh your memory regarding the concepts
7. Rather than memorizng all the formulae, I studied the concepts behind the formulae - this helped me to reproduce/reconstruct the formulae easily
8.While studying each chapter, I wrote down all the important concepts,inputs,outputs etc - this really helped me understand & memorize them
The Exam :
1. I found the exam not too easy or tough
2. There were lot of direct questions about inputs/outputs and tools & techniques( around 20-30)
3.There were atleast 10-15 formulae based questions
4.The exam I took had lot of questions from EV calculations and quality management
5. there were atleast 75-100 case based questions where you had to apply the PMI concepts-- I used the elimation method a lot .
6. I finished all 200 qns in 2+ hours and used all the remaining time to review my answers(upto the last minute)
7.I did find myself changing many of my answers while doing the review :)
Lessons learned :
1.Based on my experience, I think the way to go for this exam is to cover the material & take as many test papers as possible.
2.Hone your skills in eliminating wrong answers - you will use it a lot
3. Memorize/learn all the formulae - these are sure shot questions which you can get right
4. Leave enough time to review the answers
5. try to memorize input/outputs/tools/theories - direct questions did come
6.Read the questions atleast twice before looking at the options - I used to make a lot of careless mistakes while doing practice tests.
7. Once again, take as many tests as possible
My take : The book is good and reasonably priced.Use it to your advantage.
Hope this helps - let me know if you have any questions..:)
This is what I did to prepare :-
1. I used Andy Crowe as my only study material - (had the old PMBOK) could not read the new PMBOK, however it would be a good idea to read the PMBOK as I found many terms and concepts in the actual exam which were not covered in Andy's book (I still don't know if these concepts are there in the new PMBOK or Rita )
2. Took all chapter tests in Andy and Rita, which I borrowed from a friend (my scores varied from 50% to 85 %)
3. Took some online test papers from Andy's website
4.Took all the Rita tests once again (3 days before the exam - my score varied from 70% to 90%)
5. Reread the concepts behind the questions I got wrong
6. Read the glossary of PM terms in Andy's book - this really helps to refresh your memory regarding the concepts
7. Rather than memorizng all the formulae, I studied the concepts behind the formulae - this helped me to reproduce/reconstruct the formulae easily
8.While studying each chapter, I wrote down all the important concepts,inputs,outputs etc - this really helped me understand & memorize them
The Exam :
1. I found the exam not too easy or tough
2. There were lot of direct questions about inputs/outputs and tools & techniques( around 20-30)
3.There were atleast 10-15 formulae based questions
4.The exam I took had lot of questions from EV calculations and quality management
5. there were atleast 75-100 case based questions where you had to apply the PMI concepts-- I used the elimation method a lot .
6. I finished all 200 qns in 2+ hours and used all the remaining time to review my answers(upto the last minute)
7.I did find myself changing many of my answers while doing the review :)
Lessons learned :
1.Based on my experience, I think the way to go for this exam is to cover the material & take as many test papers as possible.
2.Hone your skills in eliminating wrong answers - you will use it a lot
3. Memorize/learn all the formulae - these are sure shot questions which you can get right
4. Leave enough time to review the answers
5. try to memorize input/outputs/tools/theories - direct questions did come
6.Read the questions atleast twice before looking at the options - I used to make a lot of careless mistakes while doing practice tests.
7. Once again, take as many tests as possible
My take : The book is good and reasonably priced.Use it to your advantage.
Hope this helps - let me know if you have any questions..:)
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
From what I've read online, the average person preparing for the PMP exam spends about $1000 on prep materials and studies for 4 months, and still only about 51% pass on their first try. Not counting the PMI membership and exam fee, I only spent $50 on Andy's book and studied for 11 days, and I passed. However, I'm not super special; I just wanted it very bad and worked very hard to get it. I thought it was helpful to read about how others prepared for the test, so here's my story:
I have worked in IT for about 15 years, I have a Masters degree, and I've managed numerous small to medium sized technology integration projects. My largest was a $1.3 million dollar infrastructure upgrade of four dispersed contact centers. Unfortunately, the economy was tough on my company and I was laid off in late June. After not getting much response from the numerous jobs I applied for, I decided that I needed to upgrade my skills with some recent certifications. While several of the technically oriented ones (CCNA, MCITP, Security+) seem to be in demand, I didn't think that they would lead me into a position I would enjoy. My personal talents seem to be more in line with organizing and leading projects, and that's what I want to do. Incidently, I also have a Project Management certificate from Portland State University's professional development program from about 9 years ago. I spoke with a career counselor, and she suggested that with my background, getting the PMP would seriously boost my chances of landing a good job.
The PMP application is a beast if you take it seriously. I went through all my old job reviews for the past 8 years and listed out every project I was ever involved in. Breaking them down and estimating the hours spent on each activity from each project was hard. It took me a whole day to fill out the application online... but maybe I took it too seriously! Five days later, I got the news that my application was accepted and I bought Andy's book to start preparing.
I tried reading the PMBOK first, but all I have is an online PDF version, so it was kind of tough to stay focused. Therefore, I just resorted to reading every chapter in Andy's book numerous times and doing all the exercises and quizzes. The first time through, I averaged an 80% on the quizzes. The second time through, I averaged a 90%. The first time I took the full-length practice exam in the book, I got an 82%. I then went online to Crowe's site [...] and used the week-long free pass that comes with the book. I started to watch all the online PMP videos that were there, but I was bored out of my mind (it just seemed like someone reading the same material that was in the book). Therefore, I ended up taking numerous full-length practice exams from the testing lab instead. I took 1 or 2 of these exams per day, scoring 90%, 82%, 98%, 93%, 90%, and 87% (the range depended on which random questions came up and whether I remembered the right answers). Since I was scoring so well, I wondered if Crowe's tests were too easy. Therefore, I took the free practice exams from [...] (among others). My average scores on those sites were around 72%, and I made note of the questions I missed and either looked up the material on the Internet or in the PMBOK. There were numerous topics of material in those tests that weren't covered (or covered well) in Crowe's book, but the clarifying material was easy to find for free. I later read that the tests at those various sites are extra hard just to scare potential PMP-ers into thinking they won't do well unless they buy the prep services from those different companies. The final prep exam I took was a retake of the one in the back of Crowe's book, which I scored a 95% on the day before taking the real test. In my opinion, the real PMP exam was about the same difficulty as that one in the book and it covered approximately the same material. There were absolutely no questions on the real exam about topics that I hadn't read about, so I felt that my preparation was very good.
PMI doesn't give you a numerical score anymore, so I don't know what my overall passing percentage was. Crowe says that a passing score is 61%, but that the test is harder than in the past, but I've seen other sites that say the passing score is actually 70-75% now. The results page after the test just shows pass or fail, and a breakdown of proficiencies in each process group. "Proficient" is supposed to be above average, "Moderately Proficient" is supposed to be average, and "Below Proficient" is below average. My scoresheet looked like this:
Examination: PASS
Initiating: Moderately Proficient
Planning: Proficient
Executing: Proficient
Monitoring and Controlling: Moderately Proficient
Closing: Moderately Proficient
Professional and Social Responsibility: Moderately Proficient
(Based on this, I would guess that I probably scored in the low 80s overall.)
My advice to someone else trying to take the latest version of the PMP exam is to:
1. Buy Andy Crowe's book and read it thoroughly numerous times. Cross reference it with the PMBOK if you need clarification.
2. Memorize all of the earned value formulas (page 182 of the current book) and be able to calculate them easily.
3. Memorize the process framework (listed on page 36) and truly understand how each of these processes work and how they fit into the overall project phases.
4. Pay special attention to the Time Management knowledge area, and understand how a project network diagram, critical path, and float work.
5. Take numerous practice exams until you are easily scoring in the 90%+ range, and really explore the questions that you miss so that you understand the material or reason why that question tripped you up.
Andy's book does have numerous editing errors (typos, misspellings, etc), but there is nothing wrong with the actual material. Given that I only spent $[...] on the book and passed, it was a great deal! Now I just have to go get a job so I can put the PMP to use!!! ;o)
I have worked in IT for about 15 years, I have a Masters degree, and I've managed numerous small to medium sized technology integration projects. My largest was a $1.3 million dollar infrastructure upgrade of four dispersed contact centers. Unfortunately, the economy was tough on my company and I was laid off in late June. After not getting much response from the numerous jobs I applied for, I decided that I needed to upgrade my skills with some recent certifications. While several of the technically oriented ones (CCNA, MCITP, Security+) seem to be in demand, I didn't think that they would lead me into a position I would enjoy. My personal talents seem to be more in line with organizing and leading projects, and that's what I want to do. Incidently, I also have a Project Management certificate from Portland State University's professional development program from about 9 years ago. I spoke with a career counselor, and she suggested that with my background, getting the PMP would seriously boost my chances of landing a good job.
The PMP application is a beast if you take it seriously. I went through all my old job reviews for the past 8 years and listed out every project I was ever involved in. Breaking them down and estimating the hours spent on each activity from each project was hard. It took me a whole day to fill out the application online... but maybe I took it too seriously! Five days later, I got the news that my application was accepted and I bought Andy's book to start preparing.
I tried reading the PMBOK first, but all I have is an online PDF version, so it was kind of tough to stay focused. Therefore, I just resorted to reading every chapter in Andy's book numerous times and doing all the exercises and quizzes. The first time through, I averaged an 80% on the quizzes. The second time through, I averaged a 90%. The first time I took the full-length practice exam in the book, I got an 82%. I then went online to Crowe's site [...] and used the week-long free pass that comes with the book. I started to watch all the online PMP videos that were there, but I was bored out of my mind (it just seemed like someone reading the same material that was in the book). Therefore, I ended up taking numerous full-length practice exams from the testing lab instead. I took 1 or 2 of these exams per day, scoring 90%, 82%, 98%, 93%, 90%, and 87% (the range depended on which random questions came up and whether I remembered the right answers). Since I was scoring so well, I wondered if Crowe's tests were too easy. Therefore, I took the free practice exams from [...] (among others). My average scores on those sites were around 72%, and I made note of the questions I missed and either looked up the material on the Internet or in the PMBOK. There were numerous topics of material in those tests that weren't covered (or covered well) in Crowe's book, but the clarifying material was easy to find for free. I later read that the tests at those various sites are extra hard just to scare potential PMP-ers into thinking they won't do well unless they buy the prep services from those different companies. The final prep exam I took was a retake of the one in the back of Crowe's book, which I scored a 95% on the day before taking the real test. In my opinion, the real PMP exam was about the same difficulty as that one in the book and it covered approximately the same material. There were absolutely no questions on the real exam about topics that I hadn't read about, so I felt that my preparation was very good.
PMI doesn't give you a numerical score anymore, so I don't know what my overall passing percentage was. Crowe says that a passing score is 61%, but that the test is harder than in the past, but I've seen other sites that say the passing score is actually 70-75% now. The results page after the test just shows pass or fail, and a breakdown of proficiencies in each process group. "Proficient" is supposed to be above average, "Moderately Proficient" is supposed to be average, and "Below Proficient" is below average. My scoresheet looked like this:
Examination: PASS
Initiating: Moderately Proficient
Planning: Proficient
Executing: Proficient
Monitoring and Controlling: Moderately Proficient
Closing: Moderately Proficient
Professional and Social Responsibility: Moderately Proficient
(Based on this, I would guess that I probably scored in the low 80s overall.)
My advice to someone else trying to take the latest version of the PMP exam is to:
1. Buy Andy Crowe's book and read it thoroughly numerous times. Cross reference it with the PMBOK if you need clarification.
2. Memorize all of the earned value formulas (page 182 of the current book) and be able to calculate them easily.
3. Memorize the process framework (listed on page 36) and truly understand how each of these processes work and how they fit into the overall project phases.
4. Pay special attention to the Time Management knowledge area, and understand how a project network diagram, critical path, and float work.
5. Take numerous practice exams until you are easily scoring in the 90%+ range, and really explore the questions that you miss so that you understand the material or reason why that question tripped you up.
Andy's book does have numerous editing errors (typos, misspellings, etc), but there is nothing wrong with the actual material. Given that I only spent $[...] on the book and passed, it was a great deal! Now I just have to go get a job so I can put the PMP to use!!! ;o)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good book and good overall review
This was a generally good book, its a bit dry but then again the subject matter is dry. The reason why I am giving this 4 stars and not 5 is that there were some concepts that... Read more
Published 1 day ago by M. Fischer
5.0 out of 5 stars
THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED!
The layout is logical and it starts with teaching you the language of PMP by giving you valuable definitions. Read more
Published 18 days ago by jsumr110
4.0 out of 5 stars
This helped me pass
This really helped me pass the PMP the FIRST time. What a help. Yes the test was a pain, but this HELPED!
Published 1 month ago by Alien4Christ
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Resource!
This book provides 'most of' what you need to prepare and pass the exam. However, I will recommend reading Rita 7th Ed in addition; depending on your level of handling EV Analysis,... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Genuine Grades
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT BOOK!
This a great resource for studying for the PMP exam. The chapters are not too overwhelming like the Rita book is, and not too simplified. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lloyd Cortez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Passed PMP on 3-30-2013 with this book
I used this book along with the PMBOK (of course) to pass the test. Read and do all the tests at the end of the chapter including the final exam. Did this about three times over. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Michael Bloch
4.0 out of 5 stars
Should have waited to buy the 5th Edition that comes out in July
Good use to study the pre-exam questions - wish there was a CD that came instead. Good info as well.
Published 1 month ago by Rachel L Burke
4.0 out of 5 stars
great study guide!
I havent taken the test yet, I hope it helps. Its a great read. Better than the PMBOK. It is easy to follow and understand. it also gives great tips
Published 1 month ago by Jennifer Stevenson
5.0 out of 5 stars
PERFECT
This book was recommended to me by someone that did not read the PMBOK, but did use this guide and passed the exam on the first attempt. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Robert
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like this study guide
I purchased Rita's book from the authors at RMC before getting this one. While the RMC book is ok, I found paragraph after paragraph of written text to be sleep inducing. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ray-man
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Listmania!
So You'd Like to...
Look for Similar Items by Category
- Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Project Management
- Books > Computers & Technology > Business & Management > Project Management > PMP Exam
- Books > Education & Reference
- Books > New, Used & Rental Textbooks > Business & Finance
- Books > New, Used & Rental Textbooks > Computer Science
