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Summary: The only resource you'll need
Review: A friend of mine who took one of Andy's courses initially turned me onto this book. I had very limited time to prepare for the exam, so I needed a book that was clear, direct, and most importantly, focused. This book is all of those things. After just a month of prep I was able to pass the exam with plenty of margin to spare. This was the only resource I used. Simply a great resource.
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Summary: Best of the Bunch! I passed because of it!
Review: Andy Crowe knows his stuff! He keeps you focused on what is important to know to pass this very tough quiz. I have over 20 years of project management experience - and I can tell you that without the information that Andy supplies in his writings I would not of been able to pass! Andy and his company also gives 3 day intensive classes that are well worth the time to go to.
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Summary: Great job - works as advertised
Review: As a longtime project manager with little exposure PMIs materials and philosophy I was looking for a plan of attack to getting certified. PMI's PMBOK (Body Of Knowledge) isn't poorly written, but verbose and not particularly well-suited as a study guide.This book is successful because it's straightforward. It doesn't hold out promises about anything but understanding what's necessary to pass the PMP. A framework for learning the material, key details and mnemonics about each of the knowledge areas and process groups, and the philosophy behind the PMI methodology. (Don't underestimate this last point--my experience is sometimes at odds with what PMI believes, and knowing the 'why' provided helpful context.) I'll also add that although it's succinct, the level of detail is appropriate--I haven't yet been left wanting for facts. (Besides, PMI provides a copy of the PMBOK to members that you can use as a reference.) I sought a well thought-out approach to the PMP and found it. I'm happy.
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Summary: Andy Crowe's approach works!
Review: Crowe's approach to study and material organization is straight forward and focuses on the essentials. The information is well structured and therefore easier to grasp. His frequent use of practice exams to reinforce the material is a big plus. Crowe makes a mountain of information understandable in a shorter period of time.
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Summary: What is the big deal?
Review: First, it's important to understand that the PMP test is ***NOT*** the horrible bugaboo it's been made out to be. For crying out loud, you only need to get 69% to pass the test. Any one with functioning neurons between their ears ought to be able to GUESS more than 69% of the questions correctly. I read this book, worked the exercises, and read the PMBOK in my spare time over the course of 6 weeks. I took the test with a raging head cold. I passed with 85%. Note that in the 16 years I've been out of school I've not studied or taken a test even remotely like this. Crowe's book will get you to pass the test, no question about that. But I have some complaints about the book:
- My copy is bound too tightly - it won't stay open while I study or work the exercises.
- There are a few errors and internal inconsistencies: full names of processes; whether a process is core or facilitating; definition of early finish; examples of WBSs are presented as tasks, not deliverables.
- Certain things are so oversimplified that they are confusing and even wrong (CAP, control charts, standard deviation, PERT).
- The whole section on Risk Management is riddled with contradictions and apparent errors.
- A huge personal gripe of mine: Crowe presents new information at the end of a chapter under the heading "Summary." A Summary shouldn't contain any new information - it's a summary or review of information previously provided.
- The topic of network diagrams and in fact the whole book could use a lot more concrete examples. This book is a solid prep tool. The only thing I can say comparing this book with its competitors is that it might be nice to have the book and the tests on CD. The PMI is an amazing organization. They have conned thousands of people (me included) into paying large sums of money for the privilege of memorizing their arbitrary and peculiar opinions. Too bad I didn't think of it first.
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Summary: Invaluable PMP Exam Preparation Book
Review: For those thinking about taking the PMP, it is absolutely essential that you prepare correctly before the test. Get yourself familiar with the type and style of the questions and sharpen your skills in answering them. The style of questions can be overwhelming, or in some cases, deceptive, so having a guide that breaks down the questions and instructs you on where to focus in order to arrive at the correct answer in invaluable. I could not have passed the PMP exam without this extraordinary book. The mnemonics and quizzes are fantastic and really helped me during the exam. I passed on the first try and you can too!! Good Luck!
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Summary: Very Helpful book
Review: Hi all, I just took and passed the PMP test this weekend. I used a few different sources to study. PMBOK, Mr. Crowe's book and another book by Michael Newell. The best source was Mr. Crowe's book. I would have liked a cd with the questions and some of the questions were a bit too easy but on the whole it was a great resource and the one that I recommend the most. I also found a good website that had some sample questions called www.pmboulevard.com.
The book focused on the knowledge you really need and I followed his instructions on what too do when you take the test too a tee. But don't be fooled you must put in some serious study time to pass the test, its not easy and there is a lot too know but this book could be used as a guide. Good luck everyone.
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Summary: The Best Thing I Ever Purchased
Review: I am a student working towards a master's degree in Project Management and while it's good to have a degree. You need to pass the PMP to earn the top dollars. Passing the PMP tells corporate America that you know your stuff. While I have not taken the test, I feel I am better prepared for it because of this book. This book will also help you in everyday life as a Project Manager. I learned several new techniques that helped me on several projects. So if you are serious about being a Project Manager, invest some of your money and time into this book.
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Summary: Excellent Resource to Help You Pass the PMP Exam
Review: I choose this book in large part because of the very positive reviews that I read in this section. Well, I was not disappointed. I passed the PMP exam on my first try and the preparation I received from this study guide was EXCELLENT. The format was well thought out (including putting the Integration Management section at the end), the content was presented in a clear, simple and understandable manner. In fact, I gained a much clearer understanding of some of the more difficult knowledge areas in the PMBOK. The chapter review questions (and explanations) really helped and chapter 14, "How to Pass the PMP," was absolutely indispensable. You won't go wrong with this book.
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Summary: critical success factor to pass the exam
Review: I cleared my pmp exam on my first try yesterday. As you know, PMBOK is a reference instead of a textbook. It is very useful, but definitely not a good starting point to learn about the PMI methodology. I knew I have to turn to other sources, which eventually lead to a procurement process. My requirement is very clear, I need some materials which can enable me to clear the exam ASAP (i.e. a short payback period). The specifications of the materials are as follows:
1. Explain everything straight-forward, so that I can capture the key points immediately
2. Light in weight, so that I can carry it around
3. Without lengthy-case to confuse me, so that I can focus on PMI methodology and principles, not the background information of other companies
According to the comments (expert judgements) here, I "procured" two text books, one by Andy Crowe and another by Rita Mulcahy, the two most popular reference books about PMP. Two books were studied instead of one as I'm not sure whether one book is adequate or not, two books can mitigate the risk, the "unknown-unknown".
I finished both within one month and was fully satisfied with their contents. Their only drawback is, the exercises provided are much easier than the actual exam. But I don't blame on the authors because the objective of these questions is let you verify your understanding (inspection). I checked the questions I missed and clarified my misunderstandings steadily (progressive elaboration). PMBOK is helpful in this stage to provide the official definition of key items. We all know that PMP means Project Management Professional, but it also means Practice Make Perfect. I passed my PMP exam (objectives achieved) as promised by Andy :) Based on the score sheet, I understand that I have some weak areas where I need "continuous improvement". Unlike PMI methodology, there is no closing process in learning. We have many similar idioms in Chinese.
I've cleared the PMP exam on first try with both books. But I still believe that, the critical success factor to pass the exam does not lie on the tools only, but also the methodology how you prepared the exam. There should be many other textbooks available which can help. I am just lucky enough to use some of them.
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