Mastering PMP exam without memorization [Book Review]

“Learn Faster, Retain More and Pass the PMP Exam” – reads the caption of this book. I find the book really useful to learn PMP concepts easily and faster compared to other reference books along with PMBOK Guide.

My struggles

Once I completed the PMP class room training, I took the membership of PMI. Immediatly, I downloaded a copy of the PMBOK Guide 6th edition (freely available eBook, PMBOK Guide Agile PG for PMI Members). I started reading the guide, tried to learn what I got trained in the institute (iTechGurus, Chennai).

But I felt, it is bit hard to read, and remember the ITTOs and concept of Inputs, outputs and Tools & Techniques. So, I thought of getting a reference book.

I tried Rita Mulcahy’s PMP exam Prep 9th edition. It is good for PMP preparation, even though it follows a different style compared to PMBOK Guide. Don’t get me wrong; it is an excellent book. But, I felt the book was quite extensive and it scared me. I was looking for another reference book.

At this point of time, my PMP Trainer Mr. Manickavel Arumugam suggested this book (PMP Exam Master Prep by Scott Payne) to me.

What I liked about the book?

First impression is the best impression. When I started to go through the book, I got impressed with the line in Introduction “Mastering the PMP exam is not about memorization; it is about making connections.”

It gave me confidence that I can read and complete this book without undue stress. That means, not to put more effort on memorizing ITTOs, rather I can understand and correlate the concepts.

The PMBOK Guide and most of the other reference books are organized and constructed by Knowledge Areas (Integration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resource, Communications, Risk, Procurement and Stakeholder management).

But PMP Exam Master Prep by Scott Payne is organized and constructed by Process Groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling and Closing). The content in the book is based on how a normal project is implemented.

Usually, most of the PMP reference books explained each process in the sequence of Input, Tools and Techniques, and Output. But, in this guide, they described first the outputs of each process, which we expect from each process, then the inputs it needs and the tools and techniques used to get that output.

Each process is presented in the following flow, which I felt logical:

1. Summary,
2. ITTO,
3. Key Outputs,
4. Key Inputs,
5. Key Tools and Techniques

Interesting aspect of this book is the Case Study, which crafted and represented a real-life story (a person who was just a manager of a department becomes a project manage to lead the project). The case study continues throughout the book and it is followed by questions that challenge us to interpret the story.

Another Interesting and useful thing is the Master Points, the key concepts highlighted throughout this book. It is short, easy to understand and it helps to revise the concepts quickly.

Critical Path Method and Earned Value Management have been explained very well. It is very easy to remember the formulae, understand the question and calculate the correct answer.

What can be improved?

Though I liked the book, I feel it can still be improved. My suggestion to the author is to update the following things in this book:

• Expecting more simulation-based question and answers and
• Expecting topics on project selection, motivational theories, professional and social responsibility
• It will be better if data representation tools and techniques are explained with pictures (charts/ diagrams)

Conclusion

After completing this book, I am confident that I can achieve the PMP Credential. And I refer this book to anyone who is preparing for the PMP Exam.

I congratulate and thank the author Scott Payne for his effort in coming out with a good reference book for PMP aspirants.