Head First PMP – A Brain-friendly Guide

Reviewed by Robert Pritchett

Introduction

“A PMP certification is more than just passing a test. It means that you have the knowledge to solve most common project problems, and proves that you know your stuff. Once you're certified, your projects are more likely to succeed because you have the skills and knowledge to make them successful. Not only that, it can mean a better job, more money, and greater respect from your peers…

Head First PMP offers 100% coverage of The PMBOK® Guide principles and certification objectives in a way that's engaging, not tedious. This book helps you prepare for the PMP certification exam with a unique method that goes beyond answers to specific questions and makes you think about the big picture of project management. By putting project management concepts into context, you will be able to understand, remember, and apply them--not just on the exam, but also on the job.”

In this book…

Like, wow! A book that makes Project Management easy to understand and easier to prepare for the project management certification.

Those of us that have practiced PMPing, know that usually we carry a large roll of toilet paper to clean up messes while babysitting projects. This book follows the PMBOK Guide outline and asks that we use the PMBOK Guide with this book in preparation or the exam. The book doesn’t link to http://www.pmi.org/info/default.asp and to get access to the PMBOK you need to go here instead - http://www.pmibookstore.org/PMIBookStore/productDetails.aspx?itemID=358&varID=1

Carol Steuer PMP and PMBOK(r) Guide, 3rd Edition Leadership Team, wrote;

"This looks like too much fun to be a PMP study guide! Behind the quirky humor and nutty graphics lies an excellent explanation of the project management processes. Not only will this book make it easier to pass the exam, you'll learn a lot of good stuff to use on the job too."

You can’t get a better recommendation for a book than from a “competitor” who helped write the “original” for what has become an industry for Project Management – a.k.a. – certification.

And I should have taken the exam early-on when I had the chance 15 years ago.

One good thing is that the Headfirst team has managed to provide an online Forum for PMPers and PMP wannabees.

The book has 14 chapters covering different aspects of management from process, integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement and even professional responsibilities and a last-minute review that summarizes everything learned in the book

Conclusion

Even though there are a few printing glitches in the book, the content engages the whole brain and far outweighs the occasional errors. Thankfully, the website listed above obviates reprinting and obsolescing the print version.

Recommendation

If you have any inkling about going into Project Management as a profession (PMPing and not Pimping), I highly recommend taking this path using this book to help master the process.