An Updated Guide to PMP Exam Reference List + PMP Prep Tips

PMP is the most popular certification option in the project management domain. If you get trained by industry experts and earn this certification, it can be a game-changer for your career. It can open doors for better opportunities and a promising salary package. You can find online PMP certification training programs offered by renowned educational bodies. Enroll in one, prepare well, and watch how fast your career graph grows. Now, the significant aspect here is to get thoroughly trained. To help you on this journey, in this article, we have shared the PMP exam reference list, which can help you plan and prepare to get certified. 

What is the PMP Exam Reference List?

The PMP exam has a reputation for being one of the most challenging certifications in the industry. So, to prepare well for this exam, you require excellent reference material. The books which cover all the topics you will get in the exam and the study notes that offer highlighted content for revision purposes. When you join the online PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner training program, your course provider offers enough reference material. However, it is always advisable to research and find additional sources for better preparation and to increase your chances of passing the exam.

Top PMP Exam Reference List

It is challenging to look for productive reference material as there is an availability of multiple resources claiming to be the best. We will share all the options in a PMI PMP reference list, which you can use to learn better and clear the exam in your first attempt. 

1. PMP Handbook 

The first step to start the certification journey is knowing about the exam in detail. The PMP handbook can help you with this by providing all the information in one place. PMI mentions that it is mandatory for all candidates to read the entire handbook before sitting the exam. You can find the PDF version of this handbook on the PMI website. From here, you can download it and read it. 

2. PMP Exam Content Online 

The next aspect of our PMI PMP exam reference list is online content. Most PMP enthusiasts rely on and look for online resources from where they can get study material. It can be e-books from different authors or notes offered by various course providers. The Project Management certification courses you join also give you a list of online content references, which you can consider while preparing for the exam. 

3. PMO Exam Sample Questions 

You should check the sample papers to get a fair idea about the exam. Attempting the sample questions, you will get to know if you are well-prepared and ready to appear for the exam. You can find sample papers on the PMI website. Moreover, the course providers also offer sample question papers which you can go through. 

4. PMBOK Guide and Standards 

It is a document containing the set terminology and guidelines for project management. It serves as the foundation for the elaborate knowledge of this domain. All information is well-summarized and captured in this guide. Any candidate preparing for this certification exam can refer to this guide and get a fair idea about this domain. 

5. PMP Certifications 

Certifications are the most crucial aspect of the PMP exam reference list. You can find multiple certification options, out of which you can choose the one that suits you. Some of the PMP certification options are;

• IAPM – Certified Project Manager
• BVOP – Project Management Certification
• Associate in Project Management (APM)
• PMI PMP Certification

Books Needed for PMP Exam

In the PMI PMP reference list, let us give you the options of books that you can use. 

Book 1: PMP Exam Prep Simplified

Author: Andrew Ramdayal

The latest edition of this book is in accordance with the latest PMI exam pattern. It has all the significant topics, including agile, predictive and hybrid project management. The book also has sample questions for each chapter. 

Book 2: PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide

Author: Kim Heldman

The book has 12 chapters covering all the essential topics related to the PMI certification exam. It teaches how to develop project plans, make budgets and engage stakeholders, the tasks an employer expects from certified PMP experts. 

Book 3: Fundamentals of Technology Project Management

Author: Colleen Garton with Erika McCulloch

This book is apt for candidates from a technical background and planning to build a career in project management. It will provide you with all the information to guide you to establish a promising career in project management. 

Book 4: PMP Exam Prep Book

Author: Rita Mulcahy's

This book is one of the most popular preparation resources that almost every candidate uses during exam preparation. The book offers a direct one-to-one interaction kind of content, which is engaging and easily understandable. 

Book 5: PMP PMBOK Study Guide

Author: Ralph Cybulski

This book is also one of the reliable exam resources as it includes the PMI standards and all significant topics. It is an elaborate information source that you can definitely refer to while preparing. 

PMP Exam Content Online 2023

We have included all possible resources in the PMI PMP reference list. You can infer from the list that online content is a significant part. Candidates look for books, sample papers, PMI handbook and all other study materials from various online sources. Now, it is crucial to note that you can find multiple resources online offering elaborate study material. However, you cannot rely on all the information available online! Be careful about choosing the online content you refer to while preparing for the exam. The right thing is to go with the references offered by your course provider or those having authorization from PMI. 

PMP Exam Preparation Tips

As mentioned earlier, PMI certification is not that easy to achieve. One has to prepare well and get a fair understanding of all the topics before attempting the exam. Here are a few tips that you can use to sail through and crack the exam on the first attempt. 

• Get the utmost clarity about why you require PMI certification. Do not opt for it only because it's trending. Sit for this exam only when you have an inclination towards this domain. 
• Choose your course provider carefully. There are multiple educators offering preparation courses. It is advisable to choose the ones which have legal authorization. 
• Make sure you give enough time for preparation as it will help you clear the exam in the first attempt. If you are not well-prepared, it is impossible to sail through.
• Read the PMI handbook carefully, as it has all the information you need on the journey to get certified. 

Conclusion

PMI certification is the most popular option amongst those who want to excel in project management. It trains the candidates in the latest tools and techniques that can help in managing a project with utmost efficiency. So, if you have an inclination towards building a career in this domain, you can opt for this certification program. You can enroll on KnowledgeHut's Project Management Professional course to prepare for the exam, and once you get the certification, your career graph will grow exponentially.