PMP aspirants always look for study materials to aid their exam preparation. I was the same during my own PMP journey, constantly searching the Internet for free resources.
Throughout my search, I came across numerous websites, blogs, and forums. While a few offered valuable PMP materials, the sheer volume of resources online made it impossible to review them all. Unfortunately, most were outdated or not aligned with the latest PMP exam content outline.
Finding high-quality, reliable study materials was challenging.
After passing the PMP exam, I saved a list of the resources I used and then forgot about it. I rediscovered it on my computer recently, which reminded me of how difficult it was to find good study materials then.
Now that I have my blog, I’m sharing this list so that other PMP aspirants can benefit from it and focus on studying rather than wasting time sifting through countless online resources. I’ve double-checked each to ensure they are up-to-date and aligned with the current exam content outline.
Instead of overwhelming you with hundreds of options, I’m offering a carefully curated selection of high-quality resources. Stick to these, focus on your studies, and you’ll be well-prepared to pass the exam.
Before I provide you with a few PMP exam study resources, let us first understand the PMP certification.
What is the PMP Certification?
The PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is a globally recognized credential awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It validates the expertise and skills of professionals in managing projects efficiently following industry best practices. PMP certification covers various aspects of project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closing of projects across different industries.
To become PMP certified, candidates must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements, including 35 contact hours of project management training and passing a rigorous exam.
PMP certification enhances career opportunities, demonstrating high competence and commitment to the project management profession. Employers highly value it, often leading to better job prospects, higher salaries, and leadership roles in project management.
PMP Study Materials
I have divided PMP exam study resources into the following four parts:
1. PMP Study Resource: Training Programs
Unless you are an active CAPM, you must complete 35 contact hours of project management training to meet the PMP exam eligibility requirements. In this section, I’ll recommend two top-quality training programs that fulfill this requirement.
Both programs are fully online, have a money-back guarantee, and are affordable.
PM Sprout
This program was developed in collaboration with PMSimplify, a PMI-approved Authorized Training Partner (ATP). It’s one of the best courses available for PMP aspirants, offering far more than video sessions and mock tests. It includes everything you need to successfully prepare for the exam.
In addition to video sessions and mock tests, this course offers study notes, flashcards, a comprehensive PMP Formula Guide, true/false statements, over 800 practice questions, and much more.
The course is priced at 150 USD and provides one year of access.
PM PrepCast
OSP International developed the PM PrepCast specifically for PMP training, founded by Mr. Cornelius Fichtner.
This program consists of video sessions and end-of-chapter quizzes to reinforce your learning. Once you complete all the sessions, you can take a final exam to earn your certificate for 35 contact hours.
The program is priced at 279 USD, and access is granted until the exam content changes. You’ll receive a free upgrade to the latest version if you purchase the course within six months of the new exam release.
2. PMP Study Resource: Reference Books
You must study the PMBOK Guide and PMP exam reference books to pass the PMP exam. The PMI publishes the PMBOK Guide, which is a must-have for your PMP exam preparation.
I suggest you read two good reference books in addition to the PMBOK Guide to understand project management concepts.
The following are a few good PMP exam reference books.
The PMBOK Guide
You can get your digital copy of this guide for free if you are a PMI member. If you are interested in hardcover, the link is given below.
Rita Mulcahy
This is the most popular PMP exam preparation book, and many professionals consider it second only to the PMBOK Guide. Rita Mulcahy, a world-famous author, wrote it.
Head First PMP
This is my favorite book, and I recommend you buy it. This book explains concepts in easy-to-understand language with text, graphics, etc. I strongly believe this book will be a great start for you.
Kim Heldman
This is my second favorite book. One thing I like is that it explains project management concepts through phases. This book explains the concepts in detail.
Andy Crowe
This is another renowned book for PMP exam preparation. It provides one week of online access to a Velociteach program called InSite. You can use it one week before the exam to revise your concepts.
3. PMP Study Resource: Sample Questions
Practicing PMP exam sample questions is an important part of your preparation.
All resources given here are 100% online and updated with the sixth edition of the PMBOK Guide and the latest exam content outline.
Oliver Lehman’s 100 Questions
This is the most well-known set of PMP exam sample questions. Many experts agree that you are ready for the exam if you score above 70% on Oliver Lehman’s tests.
These questions are hard, so don’t be frightened if your score is lower. The link for these questions is below; you can try them when your preparation is complete.
Oliver Lehman’s 180 Questions
This is Oliver Lehman’s other set, which has 180 PMP exam sample questions. These are available in a pdf file, so you can download and use them offline. Again, if you score over 70%, consider yourself ready for the exam.
These questions are tougher than the PMP exam questions, so don’t get discouraged if you score less here.
I recommend you attempt these questions in the last stage of your PMP exam preparation.
Cornelius Fichtner’s PM Exam Simulator
Mr. Cornelius Fichtner developed this PM Exam Simulator. It has more than 2,100 PMP exam sample questions.
The price of this simulator is 149 USD with 90 days of access.
PMP Question Bank
Disclosure: I developed this question bank.
This PMP Question Bank has 360 high-quality PMP exam sample questions aligned with the latest updates to the exam applicable in 2024.
Thousands of professionals have used it and passed the PMP exam, making it one of the most popular question banks for PMP exam preparation.
This is the most affordable set of questions available at 4.99 USD.
PMP Mock Test
I developed this mock test, which comprises 180 PMP exam sample questions. It is a timed test, and you can use it to check your readiness for the exam.
Please note that the questions in this mock test differ from the PMP Question Bank.
This is the most affordable and high-quality mock test for the PMP exam. I recommend you try it before the exam.
4. PMP Study Resource: Other Resources
Here are a few optional but useful PMP study resources. You can use them as supplementary resources for your PMP exam preparation.
PMP Exam Preparation Tool
You can use this course for your PMP exam preparation if you have attended the training.
I designed this tool for professionals preparing for the PMP exam.
The tool includes study notes, true/false statements, flashcards, practice questions, etc.
The price of this tool is 49.99 USD, and the access is for six months.
Learn PMP EVM Concepts
This course helps you understand earned value management, explains earned value formulas, and explains how to solve mathematical questions based on them.
Please note that most of the PMP study resources in this blog post are not free. I did not find any free or equivalent resources.
For example, I did not find equivalent free resources for practicing PMP flashcards. There is no free alternative for the 35 contact hours training program, and no good PMP exam reference books are available for free.
How to Prepare for the PMP Certification Exam?
You can follow the following steps to prepare for the PMP certification exam:
- Understand the Exam Content: Start by familiarizing yourself with the PMI’s Exam Content Outline and the PMBOK Guide. These will give you a clear understanding of the knowledge areas and domains covered in the exam.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic study schedule based on your personal and professional commitments. Aim to study regularly, dedicate 2-3 hours daily, and cover all topics. Set specific weekly goals, ensuring you allocate time for review and practice exams.
- Enroll in a 35-Contact Hours Course: A PMI-approved training course is essential to meet exam eligibility and provides comprehensive study materials. Choose a course that fits your learning style, whether online, in-person, or self-paced.
- Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses: In preparation, take a practice exam to assess your current knowledge level. Identify areas where you’re strong and those that need improvement. Focus more on your weak areas, such as risk management, scheduling, or cost management.
- Use Study Resources: Supplement your learning with PMP study guides, flashcards, and mock tests. Resources like the PMP PrepCast, PMBOK Guide, and study notes will help reinforce your knowledge.
- Join a Study Group or Forum: Participate in PMP study groups or online forums to share insights, ask questions, and learn from others preparing for the exam. This can also help keep you motivated and accountable.
- Take Mock Exams: Regularly attempt full-length PMP mock exams to simulate the test environment and gauge your progress. Analyze your results to adjust your study plan as needed.
- Review Key Formulas and Concepts: Create flashcards for essential PMP formulas (such as earned value management) and key concepts. Practice them regularly to strengthen your understanding.
- Final Review and Rest: In the last week, focus on revising key topics, reviewing formulas, and taking short practice quizzes. Ensure you get enough rest before the exam to stay sharp and focused.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best study materials for the PMP exam?
The best resources include:
- PMBOK Guide: The official reference from PMI, covering key concepts, processes, and terminologies.
- PMP Prep Books: Guides like Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep or Andy Crowe’s The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try.
- Online Courses: PMI-approved training programs such as PM Sprout, PMPrepCast, and Udemy offer structured learning and mock exams.
- Flashcards and Formula Guides: These help you memorize key concepts and formulas (e.g., earned value management).
- Mock Exams: Tools like PM Exam Simulator provide practice tests to simulate the real exam.
2. How many hours should I study to pass the PMP exam?
Most experts recommend studying 100-150 hours over 2-3 months, depending on your experience and familiarity with project management concepts. Create a study plan with daily or weekly goals to cover all knowledge areas and review weak topics.
3. Is the PMBOK Guide enough to pass the PMP exam?
The PMBOK Guide is essential, but it may not be enough. The PMP exam also tests practical project management experience and real-world application. Supplement it with resources like PMP exam prep books, online courses, and mock exams.
4. Are free PMP resources reliable?
Some free resources can be useful, but be cautious about their accuracy and alignment with the latest PMP exam content. Using free materials, stick to trusted sources like PMI, recognized PMP blogs, or established training providers.
5. How do I ensure my study resources are up-to-date?
Always check for the latest edition of any study guide, online course, or mock test to ensure it aligns with the current PMP exam content outline. PMI regularly updates the exam, so staying current with changes is critical.
6. Can I pass the PMP exam without attending formal training?
No. PMI requires 35 contact hours of formal project management training as part of the eligibility criteria. To qualify for the exam, you must enroll in a PMI-approved training course, either online or in-person.
7. How many practice questions should I attempt before the exam?
Aim to attempt at least 800 to 1,000 practice questions. This will give you enough exposure to the question format, difficulty level, and time management skills needed for the real exam.
Summary
To pass the PMP exam, you have to study wisely. You should start your PMP exam preparation with the right PMP study material. I have provided high-quality PMP study resources with a solid track record in this blog post. I recommend you use them for your studies. The PMP exam is not tough; you can pass it on your first attempt with proper planning.
Good luck with your PMP exam preparation.
Some of the links above are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking. Please understand that I recommend these resources because they are useful, not because of my commissions. Please do not purchase unless you feel you need the materials or that they will help you achieve your goals. Read the disclaimer.
I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.
