This product (BOX) contains three items:
1) A single-user license for PM FASTrack Exam Simulation Software;
2) Rita's Hot Topics Flashcards; and
3) The well known PMP Exam Prep Book.
It is all the contents of Rita's course (which I have taken).
The three items are all you need to get certified.
--- PM FASTrack Exam Simulation Software ---
It has the same "look and fell" you'll get at the real test. Questions are very close to the real exam. A GREAT TOOL!!!
BEWARE: THE LICENSE IS GOOD FOR ONE YEAR ONLY.
--- HOT TOPICS ---
List of topics in the same order of Rita's book. Great asset to check/review your knowledge.
--- The BOOK ---
In short this book is a very good reference for Project Management (not only for PMP Certification).
I was impressed with the overwhelming amount of people praising Rita's book and decided to buy it. Lucky me. It is indeed a very good book.
Besides being a great asset when pursuing the PMP Certification, this book is a great introductory book on Project Management, covering most important subjects.
Do not expect to get as much info as you would reading Kerzner's book, but the balance is good.
Full of illustrative pictures it presents the Project Management processes, along with explanation and examples (a totally different approach than the one used in the PMBoK). I've enjoyed A LOT this approach.
Quick Chapters Overview:
Chapters 1 - 3 cover the introductory material and the PM Framework.
Chapters 4 - 12 cover each of the 9 Knowledge areas.
Chapter 13 covers Professional and Social Responsibility.
PROS:
It has been written as if Rita were talking to the reader. It is a very nice feature that makes the reading very easy. Also, while she does that, she makes you think what and how well have you been managing your projects. Very nice. (Tell me later about it).
Ok, but what makes this book different?
Some of the items are:
* Tricks of the trade
* Eligibility Checklist
* Study Tips (Rita calls it "critical time-saving tips")
* PMI-isms
* Games and exercises
* Common Errors and Pitfalls
* Cert Study Plan
* Quick Tests (at the beginning of each chapter)
CONS:
Very small letters, make it hard to read (Ok, I got the book at the same time I had to get my first glasses, so give Rita some credit).
To summ up:
I recommend it for both the beginner and the seasoned PM alike, since it will be a nice refresher.
If you're looking for a book full of examples and templates, I'd recommend not buying it.
Hope this helps!