Book Title:PMP Exam Prep “An A+ Guide”
Author:  Cynthia Stackpole
Publisher: Management Concepts
List Price:  US$39.00
Publication Date: 2008
ISBN:  978-1-56726-200-1
Reviewer:  Jerry Partridge, PMP
Review Date:  February 2008

Introduction to the Book

The book stated purpose was to provide an overview of the PMP exam and give basic information needed to pass the test.  It reviews the nine knowledge areas, along with professional responsibility and intends to focus on understanding integration as well. 
It includes content and exercises to help gauge readiness for the exam.

The author has been active in teaching, writing and consulting for a number of years and has published three books as well as served in senior positions in PMI committees.  This book is published in the same year as the author serves as the project manager for the PMBOK Guide 4th Edition, soon out in exposure draft.

The reviewer is active in coaching and hosting seminars for professionals seeking to prepare for the certification exam.  Any publication reporting to aid in preparation is of immediate interest and worthy of review.

Overview of Book’s Structure

The book covers the same topics in the same order as the PMBOK Guide with the same titles.  The last chapter covers professional responsibility.  The appendices host exercise answers for chapter exercises for all knowledge areas except Integration Management and with the addition of professional responsibility.  The CD contains two pdf files: one 196 questions with answers and a second file with questions only (same questions in each).

Highlights: What I liked!

The book is easy to read with a clear font and lots of open spaces for notes.  It has several focus areas to facilitate understanding the information such as “key points” and “terms to know” as well as practice exercises for most of the chapters.

The book has additional comments for certain subjects where “more than the PMBOK” coverage has traditionally been advised.  These areas include organizational theory, team building, and the general subject of communication.

The author has used a flow chart shape with dashed lines to identify the numerous process “updates” and this helps clarify some of the Guide redundancy.

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About the Reviewer Jerry Partridge Jerry Partridge, PMP, is a senior program and project manager and consultant, certified PMP since 1998.  He actively supports PMI publications with contributions on development teams and in reviews of the exposure drafts.  He is listed as a contributor in the 2000 and 2004 PMBOK Guide Updates as well as several of the PMI publish Practice Standards.  He hosts PMP certification seminars for local universities and consultant clients.  He delivers project management courses for several international clients using certified materials and own developed courses.

 

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