A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) -- 2000 Edition

Like the other reviewers of this book pointed out, this book should not be the only preparation for the PMP exam and does not cover all the subjects on the exam. Nevertheless, I found reading through it once (even though it has a definite tendency to put me to sleep) an important preparation for the PMP exam. It is true that not all subjects in the exam are covered by this book, e.g. professional responsibilities, communication, leadership approaches, etc. To prepare for the exam, it is best to also use an exam prep book. In this regard, I found the book by Kim Heldman (and the CD-ROM that came with it) very helpful for passing the exam. I passed the exam after preparing with this book and Heldmans book, and it was not a marginal sort of pass.

If you plan to get an exam prep book, make sure that it is recently published (2002 or later), preferrably with lot of sample questions to practise with. The PMP exam underwent major changes in 2002 and started placing a lot of emphasis on testing understanding based on specific scenarios. Probably because of this, I did not find passing the exam requires much brute-force memorization.

PMI has put a lot of work into this version. Compared to the 1996 version this one reads better, shows clearer relationships between knowledge areas, and has been greatly expanded in some of the knowledge areas - most notably risk management and earned value project management. The CD ROM version that I am reviewing has additional refinements that make this media easier to work with. The 1996 version in electronic format was a collection of standalone Adobe Acrobat files, this version is a single Acrobat file that makes good use of Acrobats navigation features.

If your reason for buying the PMBOK 2000 is to prepare for the Project Management Professional certification you have two choices: CD ROM or book, because this is the primary source of test questions. Heed the previous reviewers comments that the 2001 examinations will also use the 1996 version as a basis for test questions. If you are buying this book to implement project management processes that conform to the PMBOK and work in the computer industry I recommend that you also look at Information Technology Project Management by Kathy Schwalbe. That book presents a project management approach for IT projects that is closely aligned to the PMBOK.

In terms of the PMP Certification, this book is a MUST. I recommend that you read the book cover to cover...twice. Most of it is straightforward but there are a number of nuances that have to be searched out. There are a number of other PMP prep books and CDs which are also very useful. Still, this book should be considered your learning foundation.

If you want more in-depth Project Management reading material then go with Kerzner. If you need the essentials, the definitions and a PMP study-guide, this is the way to go.

Todd Shyres, PMP, CISSP