Exceptional PGMP Books to Help You in Your Product Management Journey

You must fulfil your educational and professional experience requirements to be eligible for the PgMP certification. Along with formal schooling and project management training, this often entails specific years of program management experience. If you are looking to grow in program management positions and stand out in the crowded job market, it is an important credential and according to me, the best way to propel your career in this field is to read exceptional books!

In this article, we will help you learn in detail about various PGMP books and different aspects of the PGMP study guide to help you with this process. However, if you are anyway determined to take up the PGMP training, I suggest candidates check out KnowledgeHut’s PGMP training course. We will provide you with a comprehensive guide toward becoming a successful Project manager with various tools and techniques and practical examples.

What is PgMP?

The most esteemed certification available for program managers is called Program Management Professional (PgMP). The PMI (Project Management Institute) offers this certificate for seasoned program managers.

I would suggest if you presently hold the PMP certification (or the designation of Project Management Professional), becoming a Program Management Professional, or PgMP, is the next step in developing your competence in project and program management. The PgMP is a well-known program management certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

This degree should be obtained by senior management practitioners, especially those who manage large programs. Your knowledge and experience in program management are demonstrated by your PGMP certification. Employers are looking for project managers that can finish jobs on schedule, on budget, and as efficiently as possible. Obtaining a certification verifies your ability to carry out these responsibilities correctly, adding credibility to your candidature.

I would say earning the PgMP certificate involves more than just gaining a new title. We here at KnowledgeHut, think that program managers need more skills than project managers do, including strategic thinking, leadership, team development, and resource management. Your PgMP certification shows businesses that you are an authority in these skills, making you an appealing candidate.

Best PgMP Books for Beginners

Discover the must-read PgMP guides tailored for newcomers to excel in their Program Management journey.

1. Project Management to Absolute Beginners Guide

Meta Info:

• Author Name: Greg Horine

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• Year of release and version: First Edition, 22nd April 2005
• Good Reads Rating: 4.2
• Publisher Info: QUE

Book Info:

According to me and many others in this domain, this is one of the most well-liked introductory PMI PGMP books out there. Absolute Beginner’s Guide To Project Management is a must-read for you if you are starting your project management career. From planning and control to getting started with agile project management, this PGMP program management professional all-in-one exam guide covers all the key ideas in project management that any project manager should understand. To help you prepare for the most recent PMP Certification Exam, the 4th edition of the book has also been updated with all the most recent and well-liked web-project management tools.

2. Be Fast or Be Gone: Racing the Clock with Critical Project Management

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• Author Name: Andreas Scherer

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• Year of Release and Version: 1st Edition, March 10, 2011
• Goodreads rating: 4.4
• Publisher Info: Prochain Solutions Inc

Book Info:

If you enjoy reading fiction, we will definitely suggest this PGMP handbook to you! Through the narratives of two individuals, Mike Knight and his son Tim, the book discusses Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). After learning that Tim has a rare type of brain cancer, Mike leaves his job to help a pharmaceutical company in using CCPM to speed up the commercialization of the sole treatment for the disease. The best thing about this book is how it makes CCPM, a challenging subject for beginning project managers, more engaging and approachable.

3. PgMP Exam Cram: A Smart Companion for Achieving PgMP Exam Success

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• Author Name: Anand Vijaykumar

• amazon
• Year of release and version: 1st Edition, 7 July, 2021
• Good Reads Rating: 4.5/5
• Publisher Info: Notion Press

Book Info:

Besides extending an array of conceptual knowledge and subject expertise, this book significantly emphasizes the value of implementing skills in life-like situations. Therefore, this book captures detailed sample text questions to assist aspirants with consistent practice. With over 400 sample questions, this book is your one-stop solution to PGMP exam preparation. 

4. Implementing Program Management

Meta Info 

• Author Name: Ginger Levin

• amazon
• Year of release and version: 3rd Edition, 19 April, 2016
• Good Reads Rating: 3.8/5
• Publisher Info: Auerbach Publications 

Book Info

Written by project management educator and senior consultant Dr. Ginger Levin, this book takes the reader through the entire project management lifecycle from something as basic as the definition of a program to the delivery and program completion. This is the ultimate handbook you’ll need to explore guidelines and templates for the project plans, agendas, and procedures to ascertain smooth management across domains.  
 

5. PgMP Program Management Professional All-in-One Exam Guide

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• Author Name: Joseph Phillips

• amazon
• Year of release and version: 1st Edition, 1 November, 2008
• Good Reads Rating: 3.8/5
• Publisher Info: McGraw-Hill Osborne

Book Info

Are you looking for a comprehensive resource to get started with your PGMP exam preparation? End your search with this book, which comprises a detailed curriculum with all three phases of the credential process- review from PMI staff, practicing questions, and assessment. From details on managing projects to leveraging the right tools and techniques for optimum results, this book is your must-have, on-the-job reference.
 

Advanced PgMP (Program Management Professional) Books

6. Ephiphanized: A Novel on Unifying Theories of Constraints, Lean and Six Sigma

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• Author Name: Bob Sproull and Bruce Nelson

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• Year of Release and Version: 1st Edition, January 31, 2012
• Goodreads rating: 4.5
• Publisher Info: North River Pr

Book Info:

According to us, this is one of the best PGMP exam prep book out there that thoroughly analyzes how project managers might use the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to raise overall productivity within a company. To achieve even better results, it also provides crucial insights on how to apply the TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma approaches.

The book is broken into two sections: Part One discusses the fundamental ideas behind the TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma techniques, while Part Two gives a more in-depth explanation of each of these fundamental ideas for readers who choose to delve deeper.

7. The Lazy Project Manager: How To Be Twice As Productive and Leave the Office Early

Meta Info:

• Author Name: Peter Taylor

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• Year of Release and Version: 1st Edition, August 10, 2009.
• Goodreads rating: 3.9
• Publisher Info: Infinite Ideas Limited

Book Info:

The value of employing TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma approaches to get better results is also highlighted in this PGMP handbook pdf. To achieve better on-time delivery and previously unheard-of levels of profitability, it strongly emphasizes advanced project management approaches and abilities. The well-known Pareto rule, commonly known as the 80/20 rule, states that just twenty percent of causes result in eighty percent of the effects.

If you are looking for options to do one of the best Project Management courses and emerge as a successful project manager, I recommend checking out KnowledgeHut Project Management Courses. These courses incorporate various interactive live training sessions from experienced project managers. It is a globally recognized credential that will completely authenticate your leadership skills. This would upscale your career and help you emerge victorious in your field.

8. The Sensible Guide to Program Management Professional (PGMP) ® Success

Meta Info

• Author Name: Te Wu

• amazon
• Year of release and version: 1st Edition, 27 July, 2021
• Good Reads Rating: 3.7/5
• Publisher Info: Auerbach Publications

Book Info

Are you a manager aiming to hone your skills and claim credibility for it? This book can be your first step towards cementing your status as a credible and skilled program manager. Curated by compiling myriads of essential management concepts, strategies, tools, and processes, this book aims to prepare aspiring program managers for the PGMP certification exams. I believe, from broad conceptual knowledge to personal anecdotes from the writer, readers will be able to gain great insights into program management, enabling them to emerge as effective leaders. 

Bonus: The book also contains 420 practice questions, access to the online PGMP community, and an exam simulator online for additional benefits.

9. PgMP Exam Preparation and Study Guide

Meta Info 

• Author Name: Jean Gouix and Martial Bellec

• amazon
• Year of release and version: 2nd Edition, January 1, 2013
• Good Reads Rating: 4.8/5
• Publisher Info: N/A 

Book Info

Rated as one of the leading recommendations across project management communities, this book can be an excellent guide to clear your PGMP examinations. Strictly adhering to PMI’s PGMO ECO (Examination Content Outline), this book revolves around program management processes, tasks, strategies, and a list of nearly 220 questions to help you prepare for this challenging examination.   

10. Program Management Professional Handbook (PGMP) Handbook

Meta Info 

• Author Name: Anand Vijayakumar

• amazon
• Year of release and version: 1st Edition, July 13, 2020
• Good Reads Rating: 4.4/5
• Publisher Info: Notion Press 

Book Info

Attain the valued PGMP credential with this comprehensive handbook that provides in-depth insight into concepts aligned with the PGMP exam curriculum. From program management performance domains to strategic objectives that help you achieve the title of a competent program manager, the book covers it all. To help understand these concepts, this handbook takes a step ahead and offers learning assistance through pictures, charts, examples, and more. 

Preparation Tips for PgMP Certification

A thorough understanding of program management principles, techniques, and experience is necessary to prepare for the Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification. Here are some suggestions we have that will help you properly prepare if you want to pursue the PgMP certification:

• Know if you are eligible: A mix of schooling, professional program management experience, and project management training is often required to be eligible, so be sure you meet these prerequisites.
• Familiarize yourself with the exam: Learn about the PgMP exam's structure, format, and subject matter. You can adjust your preparation strategy in light of this.
• Study the Standards: We would urge you to first study the official certification standard or manual that the certifying organization has given. Your primary source for comprehending the ideas and topics covered on the test will be this.
• Review the Domains: Program management is covered in several different areas in the PgMP exam, including Strategic Program Management, Benefits Management, Stakeholder Management, etc. Make sure you are well-versed in the subject areas related to each domain.
• Utilize Official Resources: Use the official study tools and resources that the certifying authority has given. Study aids, example questions, practice tests, and reference resources may be included.
• Incorporate Time Management: The PGMP test has a time limit. We would suggest that you practice completing example questions in a timed environment to enhance your time management abilities.
• Go through Case Studies: Study possible case study scenarios for the exam. For a realistic simulation of actual program management issues, practice analyzing and resolving these case studies.
• Take Practice Exams: Examine your knowledge using practice questions to determine what needs more study. You can familiarize yourself with the format and type of questions on exams by taking practice tests.
• Study with Partners or Groups: Work together with other PgMP candidates to debate ideas, exchange insights, and resolve doubts. Group conversations can present many viewpoints and improve your comprehension.
• Get Familiar with Real-World Experience: Incorporate your actual program management experience into the learning materials. Putting the concepts into practice will help you comprehend them better and make them more relatable.
• Develop a Study Plan: Create a systematic study schedule that outlines the subjects you'll cover each day or week. You can stay focused and organized while preparing by creating a study plan.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key. To keep up a consistent rate of learning, set aside time each day or week for studying and reviewing the subject for your own good.
• Identify Your Weak Areas: Evaluate your development over time and pinpoint the areas that require additional effort. Spend more time studying these subjects to improve your expertise.
• Practice Positivity: A certification exam preparation can be difficult. Keep an optimistic outlook, stay driven, and have faith in your capacity to succeed.
• Take Mock Exams: Take thorough practice exams as the exam date draws nearer to get a sense of what to expect. You can check your readiness and increase your confidence by doing this.

More Ways to Learn PgMP

Learning about project management certification programs may be done in several ways. Here are a few typical approaches that I think can help you:

• Start by looking on search engines and educational platforms for project management certification courses. Project management courses, including premises that prepare you for certification examinations, are frequently offered on websites like KnowledgeHut.
• Take a look at various websites of reputable project management associations like the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM) or the Project Management Institute (PMI). These organizations frequently offer details on different certification alternatives, prerequisites, and study materials.
• Look for project management-focused training, seminars, and conferences. These gatherings may provide in-depth educational opportunities and chances to network.
• The material required for project management certification tests is covered in a wide variety of books and study manuals. I would suggest that you look for books that certifying bodies have endorsed or that have received good evaluations from industry experts.

Remember that your preferred approach may vary depending on your budget, availability, and learning preferences. It's a good idea to extensively study your possibilities and pick a program or resource that matches your interests and goals.

Conclusion

To conclude, starting a project management certification program can be a game-changing step in improving your professional chances. These courses provide thorough training in project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, giving you the skills you need to manage large-scale projects and lead teams.

These programs certify your expertise and dedication to the topic through a mix of organized curriculum, practical case studies, and frequently difficult certification tests. A certification program gives you the skills, credibility, and assurance you need to succeed in today's competitive business environment, whether your goal is to advance in your current position or switch to a project management job.

Also, if you are looking for a viable course to upscale yourself in the field of project management, I suggest looking into KnowledgeHut's Program Management Professional course. This particular course will imminently help you with your PGMP certification training and master the overall program lifecycle. Besides being highly competent in the market, you can master new tools and techniques with practical examples to apply in real-life situations. You will also learn program management in a newer light that would align with the specific business strategies.