PMP Success Series: Certification Exam Manual with CD-ROM

Rating:
Summary: I passed the first try!
Review:
I just passed my PMP exam on my first try. I studied for the exam with Tony's book "Crosswind PMP Success Series: Certification Exam Manual", CD simulation exams, placemats and audio CDs. I had purchased the Rita book first. However I think Tony's book was much better at providing explanations and examples. It complimented the PMBOK, made reading and understanding the PMBOK easier.

The exam simulation CDs really helped me prepare for the exam, and it provides a great study aid; it provides feedback on what sections of the exam you should review. It also helped with the timing, how fast you need to be able to proceed through the test questions. I was able to answer all the questions on the exam in a little over 2 hours, used 1 hour for review of the questions I marked and finished 30 minutes ahead of time.

I was able to beta test the new exam simulations with 5 process group tests, 9 knowledge area tests, framework and PR, and 4 complete PMP tests, 20 tests total. I reviewed Rita's test questions and Crowe's test questions as a backup. I believe that Tony's material provided me with the knowledge I needed to pass the exam.
I would not recommend the Sybex exam simulation CD; I found it frustrating, confusing and too wordy.


Rating:
Summary: Success story
Review: Almost all the chapters were extremely helpful. I liked the framework fill in the blank exercise, 30 questions at the end of each chapters and the matching input, tool, output exercise. The chapter that explained how to apply for the PMP exam was really helpful. I did most of my studying using this book in addition to PMBOK. I passed the PMP exam yesterday.

Rating:
Summary: Very clean & easy to read +++
Review: Besides the PMBOK, this was the only other book that I purchased. I started reading the PMBOK first but I had a hard time memorizing concepts, tables, formulas, processes, etc. Don't get me wrong, the PMBOK is a great resource, but in my opinion is a little tedious to read, so I decided to change my studying strategy. I started reading the PMP Success Series first and using the PMBOK as a complimentary resource. This combination worked great for me! The advantage of this book is that it has a bunch of tools, tables, exercises, and of course the CD, that helped me to memorize needed things for the test. I strongly would recommend this book to anyone trying to prepare for the PMP certification.

Rating:
Summary: This book rocks!!!
Review: I am visual learning. This book stands out from the rest because it provides both great visuals and content. I did a lot of research and found no other text book that contain the material in a creative, logical fashion, that did not put me to sleep.IF you review this book, you will have a solid understanding of the PM foundation and you WILL pass the test... like I did.
The exam simulation cd is an extra bonus!! It gave me peace of mind as I got closer to my test date. It will do the same for you. Trust me... this is the book to purchase!

Good luck.
Melissa

Rating:
Summary: A good read with alot of questions and exercises....
Review: I bought this book along with Rita's to prepare for the exam. The 200 question test was something that was very appealing to me. I found in studying this book it was very detailed and complete compared to the Rita book. This book also had a lot of very helpful exercises. I liked the matching exercises for the INPUTS/TOOLS& TECHNIQUES/OUTPUTS, and the terminology matching.

The network diagram and earned value exercises really helped me understand what was needed instead of simply memorizing things.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource
Review: I used this book heavily to help prepare for taking the PMP exam. There are many exercises and ways to prepare for taking the exam in this book that you won't find elsewhere. Test taking skills, question types, memorization techniques etc. But, as they say the proof is in the pudding and I passed the first time out.

Rating:
Summary: A lot of value for the $
Review: The book was a nice addition to the rather boring PMBOK. I was pleased to see additional information that showed a lot of information that the PMBOK didn't have. The cost and time chapters were extremely helpful. I liked the framework fill in the blank exercise, and the matching input, tool, output exercise also. The chapter that explained how to apply for the PMP exam was really helpful. It even included step by step processes to apply online. There is also a place in the book where the author also will email you a spreadsheet for entering your experience hours for the exam.

I found the exam simulation CD very useful and very accurate to the questions I actually experienced on the test. It had timing, the ability to mark questions, and gave me a detailed report similar to a $300 CD a friend at work purchased.

Rating:
Summary: The Total Package.....
Review: This book did it all. The content complimented the PMBOK and the exercises and questions helped reinforce all the material. I liked the approach of the author when they choose to include 30 questions per topic. I had seen other books with anywhere from 10 to 25 questions varying by topic. The 30 questions per chapter and the 200 question exam simulation CD really reduced my anxiety as the exam date approached. The test was done and I am a PMP! 172/200!

Rating:
Summary: One Stop PMP
Review: Used only these materials to pass the PMP test in Nov '04 with room to spare above 137. Did not crack the PMBOK, as all that was needed is contained in this book.

A definite need is the practice test CD and placemats. Took other practice tests on and off PMI study site and this was the closest to the real test in type, style and context. Placemats help to summarize the key areas into diagram/picture format. This helps it stick in the brain.

With this information and study time, there should be no reason why one cannot pass the PMP test. Will be buying the next edition, that supports the new PMBOK , just to have it as reference.