Head First Pmp

  Author:    Jennifer Greene, Andrew Stellman
  ISBN:    0596102348
  Sales Rank:    6666
  Published:    2006-12-01
  Publisher:    O'Reilly Media
  # Pages:    600
  Binding:    Paperback
  Avg. Rating:    5.0 based on 57 reviews
  Used Offers:    9 from $27.22
  Amazon Price:    $31.49
  (Data above last updated:  2008-12-04 07:05:02 EST)
  
  
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Head First Pmp
  
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  • "I have been doing project management for over 30 years and am considered a subject matter expert in the PMBOK(r) Guide -Third Edition primarily because I am the Project Manager who led the team that developed this edition. As a consultant I was hired to review and evaluate eight of the top selling PMP Exam Preparation books for their accuracy in following the PMBOK® Guide - Third Edition. I have developed and taught a PMP Exam Prep course for a leading R.E.P., and taught PMP Exam preparation classes for PMI Chapters. I can honestly say that Head First PMP is by far the best PMP Exam Preparation book of all I have reviewed in depth. It is the very best basic education and training book that I have read that presents the processes for managing a project, which makes it a great resource for a basic project management class for beginners as well as a tool for practitioners who want to pass the PMP exam. The graphical story format is unique, as project management books go, which makes it both fun and easy to read while driving home the basics that are necessary for preparing someone is just getting started and those who want to take the exam."
    --Dennis Bolles, PMP DLB Associates, LLC and co-author of The Power of Enterprise-Wide Project Management

  • "This looks like too much fun to be a PMP study guide! Behind the quirky humor and nutty graphics lies an excellent explanation of the project management processes. Not only will this book make it easier to pass the exam, you'll learn a lot of good stuff to use on the job too."
    --Carol Steuer, PMP and PMBOK(r) Guide, 3rd Edition Leadership Team

  • "This is the best thing to happen to PMP since, well, ever. You'll laugh, learn, pass the exam, and become a better project manager all at the same time."
    -- Scott Berkun, author of The Art of Project Management and The Myths of Innovation

  • "Original, fresh, and fun... this is truly the perfect study companion for anyone aiming for PMP certification."
    --Teresa Simmermacher, PMP and Project Manager at Avanade

  • "I love this format! Head First PMP covers everything you need to know to pass your PMP exam. The sound-bite format combined with the whimsical images turns a dry subject into entertainment. The organization starts with the basics then drills into the details. The in-depth coverage of complex topics like Earned Value and Quality Control are presented in an easy to understand format with descriptions, pictures, and examples. This book will not only help you pass the PMP, it should be used as an daily reference for practicing project managers. I sure wish I had this when I was studying for the exam."
    --Mike Jenkins, PMP, MBA

  • "I think that under the fonts and formalized goofiness, the book has a good heart (intending to cover basic principles in an honest way rather than just to pass the test). Head First PMP attempts to educate potential project managers instead of being a mere "how to pass the PMP exam" book filled with test taking tips. This is truly something which sets it apart from the other PMP certification exam books."
    --Jack Dahlgren, Project Management Consultant

  • "Head First PMP is a great tool to help make sense of the Project Management Body of Knowledge for the everyday Project Manager."
    --Mark Poinelli, PMP


About the Book

A PMP certification is more than just passing a test. It means that you have the knowledge to solve most common project problems, and proves that you know your stuff. Once you're certified, your projects are more likely to succeed because you have the skills and knowledge to make them successful. Not only that, it can mean a better job, more money, and greater respect from your peers.

But studying for a difficult four-hour exam on project management isn't easy, even for experienced project managers. You want to remember everything that you're learning about project management, but your brain is working against you! Your brain craves novelty, and most PMP certification prep books are anything but novel. When you keep putting down a boring book instead of studying, it's because your brain doesn't think the information in it is worth learning. Your brain has more important stuff to think about, like how to keep you alive and out of danger-and it doesn't think that failing the PMP exam qualifies as life-threatening!

So how do you trick your brain into thinking that your life does depend on learning everything you need to know to pass the PMP Exam? Head First PMP is the answer! Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science and learning theory, Head First PMP has a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works-a multi-sensory experience that helps the material stick, not a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep.

Head First PMP offers 100% coverage of The PMBOK® Guide principles and certification objectives in a way that's engaging, not tedious. This book helps you prepare for the PMP certification exam with a unique method that goes beyond answers to specific questions and makes you think about the big picture of project management. By putting project management concepts into context, you will be able to understand, remember, and apply them-not just on the exam, but also on the job.

With Head First PMP, you get the best of both worlds: a thorough and effective preparation guide for the PMP certification exam with hundreds of practice questions and exam strategies, along with puzzles, games, problems, exercises and the unique Head First approach that makes learning easy and entertaining. When you're done with Head First PMP, you'll know your stuff, you'll pass the exam, and you'll be able to bring everything you've learned to your job.

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11-18-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Head first PMP
Reviewer Permalink
I found this book very helpfull studying for my PMP exam. Much easier to read than some other texts. The excersies and real life applications made the information easy to remember. Would highly reccomend.
nb. May need updating for PMBOK version 4 which is due out soon.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-12-04 07:05:37 EST)
11-10-08 3 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  A good book but not enough
Reviewer Permalink
Great book with very intuitive pictures and examples. Gets you started very well. Kind of like dummy series. But this book is not enough by itself to pass the exam. I used it as a first book to get started and realized that this book did not cover a lot of the information. It will be best to study this and then read another book that you like.

What's covered well:
Risk Management
Quality Management

What's not covered well:
Time Management ( especially Network Diagrams)
Professional Responsibility


(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-19 00:59:15 EST)
11-07-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Very Helpful for the PMP Exam
Reviewer Permalink
I use this book along with Dr. Sanghera's PMP Exam Quicklet tohelp my students pass the PMP exam. It is an interesting read and covers the topics pretty nicely. If you think some of the topics are not covered well, just pick up Andy Crow's PMP book or Dr. Paul Sanghera's PMP In Depth to compliment this book. Great non-boring style.
I recommend it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-11 01:58:59 EST)
10-26-08 2 0\1
(Hide Review...)  Unreadable...
Reviewer Permalink
Warning: If this is your first Head First book, read the preamble section entitled "Who is this book for?", and a few of the sections that follow it. Ignoring that they almost dare you to read the book, they aren't kidding when they say it's different. It's different in that most books can be read, whereas this one cannot be.

At least they're honest and up front about it though. And truthfully I did buy it because I was not looking forward to reading about PMP. So I bought this book because it looked fun. It is not.

I read a lot of technical books, cover-to-cover, fairly quickly. This book is so incoherent and incomprehensible I can't imagine what kind of brain is actually compatible with it. It looks like it was written by and for people with AADHD (Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder). The amount of information on each page is barely worth the paper and ink used to create the page. Furthermore, the exams are completely worthless. Most answers are easily guessed, and I scored perfect on one without even reading the preceding 3 sections it was based on (because as I said, I could not read it).

The book was also very expensive compared to other technical books, especially other O'Reilly technical books.

I gave this book, and the Head First format an honest shot. It's a one-star book, but I'll give it a bonus star just in case it's just me. If you're considering this book, I recommend you sit in a bookstore and truly try to read the first few chapters to see if you can make sense of any of it before you commit to the purchase. I'm sorry I threw out my receipt already, otherwise I'd return it. :-(
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-08 00:46:24 EST)
09-15-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Great for visual learners
Reviewer Permalink
I'm a visual learner and I found this book to be very helpful in preparing for the exam. The situational questions in the book are relevant to the types of questions on the exam and the cross-word puzzles and exercises are helpful to remember the concepts. The FREE online practice test is very useful as well.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-10-27 01:02:54 EST)
09-08-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  If PMBOK makes you sleepy
Reviewer Permalink
Head first did again a fantastic job in rewriting a boring classic book like PMBOK.

Read this book first: it gives a very nice overview on PMP and is fun to read.
Only if you want to take the exam you should complete with PMBOK
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-16 01:11:03 EST)
09-07-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Very comprehensive
Reviewer Permalink
I started reading this book last week, and so far I can tell you it explains the concepts in a very easy way, you're learning concepts almost without noticing it. I like the writing style, the revisions and the excercises that appear repeatly along the pages.

However I think I could need another book to get those concepts learned in more depth. In general this book is a good starting point.





(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-16 01:11:03 EST)
09-03-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Excellent Starting Point for PMP Study
Reviewer Permalink
I passed the PMP exam last week after four months of solid study. Reading Head First PMP was the perfect way to get started on tackling the PMBOK guide material. It takes a lighthearted but not lightweight aproach to the subject material. My advice for studying for the PMP exam, in order, is as follows,

Pre-requisite Resources

a. Head First PMP
b. The PMBOK Guide
c. The Project Management PrepCast (....) which is an extremely good value podcast series.
d. PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy

Method

1. Start by reading Head First PMP in full.
Then by knowledge area do the following,
2. Read the PMBOK guide for the knowledge area.
3. Listen to the PM Prepcast podcasts for the knowledge area.
4. Study the PMP Exam Prep Chapter for the knowledge area.
5. Finally do as many practise questions as posible prior to sitting the exam.

Good luck!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-08 00:33:32 EST)
08-13-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  You could pass with just this book and stay awake doing it
Reviewer Permalink
I pretty much passed the test by just working through the 600 pages of this book. It uses pictures, quizzes, crosswords and games to help you get the basic concepts and necessary formulas down.

You'll go comatose if you try to tread the PMBOK itself and go blind while reading the Mulcahy prep book.

I would use this book, do extra sample questions and look up answers that you get wrong know. About 20 hours of studying
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-06 00:31:58 EST)
07-11-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Helped me pass the exam
Reviewer Permalink
Given the 35% pass rate for those who self-study, I took a 4-day exam prep "boot camp." I then had to wait nearly a month to take the exam, so I invested in additional study materials - in particular this book and the Rita Mulcahy book. Because both books take different approaches, I felt together they gave me a broader base of user-friendly information to work with.

This book is VERY visual compared to others, and while all of it was useful, I found it most helpful for comprehending the formulas and network diagrams.

That said, no matter what your learning style, I wouldn't recommend using this book exclusively to prep. Despite the book's thickness, because of all the visuals and games I found I got through it relatively quickly, and I still didn't feel confident that I was fully prepared for the test afterwards. Hence the reason to supplement with the Mulcahy book. Together it made the test go pretty smoothly and that's what I'd recommend to others.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-14 04:46:44 EST)
05-27-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  A valuable guide for PMP Exam preparation.
Reviewer Permalink
As noted in several other reviews, this guide presents necessary PMP exam prep information in an easy to read format. The methodology in which the material is presented is excellent. I would strongly recommend this book as part of an overall strategy in preparation for the PMP. However, since the PMP covers much more than just the PMBOK Guide, you will need to round out your business management knowledge/skills.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-07-11 15:31:31 EST)
05-24-08 3 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Great as a supplimental read
Reviewer Permalink
This book does an excellent job of putting a lively spin on a dry curriculum, but is definitely not in-depth enough in many areas to serve as a primary source of study. The publisher's description "a learner's companion" about sums it up. Be aware that there is a smattering of errors throughout. For example, the author's description of referent power as "you're standing in for someone who has more position or power" bears no resemblance to how this is defined by the source, Bertram Raven's 1959 "Studies in Social Power", which other PMP resources, such as Kernzner, describe as charismatic power. The author also has a peculiar way of performing PDM forward-pass calculations that differed from my IIL course material, but also made the whole thing more complicated than it needed to be. I won't go into the details here, but be sure to keep an eye out for such inconsistencies.

With that being said, I would still recommend the book to anyone who's in the process of preparing for the exam, but is having trouble pounding through and staying engaged with other study materials. The book presents concepts in a way that is easy to read, understand, and retain. For example, their presentation of earned value does a great job of demystifying this concept. Consider taking a break from the drudgery to give this a peruse, and then going back to the cram.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-28 04:37:13 EST)
05-10-08 3 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good exam prep supplement
Reviewer Permalink
The Head First PMP is a good exam prep supplement. I would not recommend this as your only source of exam prep material - Andy Crowe's is a little more in-depth and contains less errors in the material (although it too, has errors.) If you get this, know that it's not *the* comprehensive study guide, but it will give you a more hands-on, interactive practice of the concepts than some other guides. Be warned that you will need to download the errata sheets from the publisher, and it's no substitute for reading the PMBOK or using practice exams. I like the friendly, interpersonal style of the book and the use of real-world examples (baking cookies, planning a wedding, developing a software game), pictures, quizzes, and crossword puzzles to help bolster the concepts. I hated Rita's book for her attitude and relationship marketing and wouldn't have paid money for it if I hadn't gotten it as part of a prep class. The exam questions included in the book are representative of other exam questions I've found as well.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-25 04:34:39 EST)
05-02-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Makes Learning Fun
Reviewer Permalink
This is great fun book for a "Dry" subject. Has lots of pictures and cartoons which bring the FUN into studying.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-19 05:46:41 EST)
03-23-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good for introduction. Hard to review
Reviewer Permalink
I passed PMP with PMBOK, this one and Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep. I love the other head-first books. This one is a good book if you are new to some concepts. But the pictureful book becomes a super hard one if you want to do a quick review.
Why did I rate 5? Also because HF throws in a free 200 question mock-exam. Just loved it. But felt that the book has some errors.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-03 04:42:21 EST)
03-19-08 3 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  It's OKAY
Reviewer Permalink
I would say it's an intro book. I liked other Head First series (more technie-ones), but not a big fan of PMP book. It's just okay, it's not great. You should probably go through it to get a basic understanding of what it'll be all about, but as for studying I prefer Crowe's book.

The PMP Exam: How to Pass On Your First Try (Test Prep series)
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-23 04:37:12 EST)
03-04-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  This book is a MUST-HAVE
Reviewer Permalink
I have at least 4 other books that I used to study for the PMP exam, and the Head First PMP book is by far the most worthwhile investment I had made. Granted, it would not be THE definitive PMP text book out there (the PMBOK Guide fits that description nicely though), but I found that a lot of the ideas and concepts did stick in my head far better after reading this otherwise somewhat fun and entertaining book. And trust me, those concepts would come in especially useful when you tackle difficult questions on the PMP exam that test your understanding, not your power of memorization!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-19 16:57:42 EST)
03-04-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  IT Manager
Reviewer Permalink
Very well written!

Concepts are easy to grasp just by looking at the diagram and by a little easy to follow reading with almost no effort.

If you are a novice/expert, this a great resource to have!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-19 16:57:42 EST)
03-04-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Easiest PMP Book to Understand
Reviewer Permalink
I used three books to study for the PMP exam. (I passed :-) This one was my favorite. The authors explain the topics usually with an introductory scenario. I'm a visual learner and I appreciated all the visual clues to help learn the material. The inputs, outputs, and tools started to make sense after I read this book. Other authors had told me that they should, but these authors showed me how. Thanks!!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-19 16:57:42 EST)
02-28-08 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Very good intro to PMP material
Reviewer Permalink
I bought probably 8 PMP study guides, including Rita's, Crowe's, and many others. I actually enjoyed reading this one. I made it my first pass through the material. It's a little silly, but if you toss that aside, it engages you, tests your knowledge of concepts, terms, and techniques along the way, presents you a crossword of learned terminology at the end of each chapter, and then puts you through a quiz.

I bought, and do not like, the Rita guide. She has such a snide tone... Allow me to paraphrase. "If you thought X, then you must not be a very good project manager." It's a recurring theme throughout her book. I'm still trying to get over my own mother, I don't want to get it from the PMP exam prep material.

I do like the Crowe (how to pass on your first try) book. Since it's organized like the PMBOK (and this Head First Book) what i recommend doing is reading the Head First book first, then the Crowe book. That's what I did, and it **really** reinforced my understanding. I got the same content from two different angles, two quizzes, and lots of exercises. (The Crowe book really isn't interactive like Head First, but the explanations and writing is really to-the-point and clear). When you're done this approach, then read the PMBOK (I never read the full PMBOK and I passed the PMP with flying colors two days ago--2/26/08).

I do recommend Rita's Exam Software and her flash cards, but that's all the Rita I can take. She still manages to get her snide comments into the exam software question explanations, but it's still a sound exam and with a bank of 1700 questions, it's a great diagnostic and a way to condition yourself for the actual exam.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-03-03 22:58:21 EST)
02-26-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Great Concept; Slightly Uneven Execution
Reviewer Permalink
First I'll say I really like this book. I've been putting off this exam for a couple years now and this has motivated me to finally get going and get 'er done. The book is not at all dry and the presentation is lively and engaging. One work of caution though. You MUST go to the O'Reilly website and print the errata document. I sailed through until I hit the critical path calculations (float, lead, lag, etc.) in the time management section. Then all the numbers went haywire and it took quite awhile before I figured out that the book was wrong, not I. So print the 2 pages of corrections that range throughout the book and keep it handy. Also, for the critical path section, you need to also print the corrections to the corrections. They didn't catch all the errors in the first errata. It's a little frustrating to have so many issues in this otherwise good book but I suppose this mirrors project work in some ways. We do the best we can with the given constraints.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-29 03:47:57 EST)
02-24-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  My Primary Study Resource for Passing the PMP Exam on the First Attempt
Reviewer Permalink
This excellent resource is innovative, funny, thought provoking and relates the material through illustrative case studies and visual diagrams. Numerous practice drills reinforce the concepts. You end up understanding the concepts rather than memorizing them. This book's unique approach may not be for everyone, so check out the Risk Management Chapter (available as a FREE download on the headfirstlabs website) before you buy.

My strategy for passing the PMP Exam on the first attempt was to carefully read this book (while cross referencing material in the PMBOK), working each of the practice drills and chapter tests. Then finally, taking the FREE 200 question sample exam (download from the headfirstlabs website) and the 3 practice exams in the PMP Exam Quicklet (by Paul Sanghera).

Overall, I found these questions to be a good representation of about 50-60% of the exam. The remaining questions were of a much trickier nature (better approximated by Oliver Lehmann's prep material). I passed the PMP exam after scoring a 96% (while averaging 34 seconds per question) on the Head First 200 question sample exam.

HeadFirstLabs also offers free supplementary resources with this book. Including Message Boards (with invaluable lessons learned).

CONS:

numerous typos! You definitely want to check out the Oreilly errata page

insufficient depth of material. This book provides a great way to understand basic concepts but it is insufficient by itself. You'll want to supplement this reading with other materials (PMBOK, PMP In Depth by Paul Sanghera, etc.)

Bottom Line: despite it's flaws, this is a very good book at a great price.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-26 01:19:52 EST)
02-24-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  My Primary Study Resource....and I Passed the PMP Exam on the First Try
Reviewer Permalink
This was my primary resource for passing the PMP Exam on my first try. It is funny, thought provoking and relates the material through illustrative case studies and visual diagrams. Numerous practice drills reinforce the concepts. You end up understanding the concepts rather than memorizing them. This book's unique approach may not be for everyone, so check out the Risk Management Chapter (available as a FREE download on the headfirstlabs website) before you buy:

My strategy for passing the PMP Exam on the first try was to carefully read this book (cross referencing material in the PMBOK), working each of the practice drills and chapter tests. Then finally, taking the FREE 200 question sample exam (download from the headfirstlabs website)

Overall, I found these questions to be a good representation of about 50-60% of the exam. The remaining questions were of a much trickier nature (better approximated by Oliver Lehmann's prep material). I passed the PMP exam after scoring a 96% (while averaging 34 seconds per question) on the Head First 200 question sample exam.

HeadFirstLabs also offers free supplementary resources with this book. Including Message Boards (with invaluable lessons learned).

CONS:

numerous typos! You definitely want to check out the Oreilly errata page

insufficient depth of material. This book provides a great way to understand basic concepts but it is insufficient by itself. You'll want to supplement this reading with other materials (PMBOK, PMP In Depth by Paul Sanghera, etc.)

Bottom Line: despite it's flaws, this is a very good book at a great price.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-24 22:44:16 EST)
02-24-08 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Clear writing, great structure, good exercises - I passed PMP on first try
Reviewer Permalink
I read this book first in my preparation for PMP exam - it was fun, put a good structure into all 44 PMI processes, made memorization unnecessary. I took the test exam on the website and did well.

Then I tried reading Rita Mulcahey book - the structure was horrible, every other sentence was self-congratulatory, the test questions were convoluted and answers frequently made no sense. I gave up on the book, and instead re-read Head First PMP.

I passed the PMP Exam on the first try. Oh, by the way, it also taught some useful concepts for real project management.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-26 01:19:52 EST)
02-18-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Easy to undrstand the difficult concepts
Reviewer Permalink
This is true brain-friendly guide. Concepts are explained so nicely, it feels like someone is giving you face-to-face training. The pictures, hand drawn charts and even the choice of font is so pleasant to eyes, everyone want to read it. This presentation makes a dry subject so interesting that I love this format. PMP was a foreign language for me before reading this book, but now I not even understand the processes, but even understand why we have these processes and how can they help us in our day to day project management activities. Now on, I will always look for a book in Head First format, before looking at any other book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-24 14:17:16 EST)
01-22-08 5 3\3
(Hide Review...)  Brain-Friendly, Exam-Friendly & Project Management Friendly
Reviewer Permalink
I have been doing project management for last couple of years but have always dreaded the PMP exam.

Headfirst PMP changed all that. It brings common sense, logic and most importantly fun back into PMP. Understanding concepts become effortless. Chapters on Time, Risk and Human Resource Management are spot on. I can say with confidence that I passed the exam largely because of this book.

A big thank you to Andrew, Jennifer & rest of the team!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-18 23:08:30 EST)
01-14-08 5 0\1
(Hide Review...)  Excellent book
Reviewer Permalink
It gives a very graphic project management posed by the PMBOK, which allows for a faster learning, very good book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-13 04:12:57 EST)
01-07-08 5 3\3
(Hide Review...)  An Excellent Guide to the PMP
Reviewer Permalink
The Head First PMP guide is an excellent guide for studying for the PMP, and understanding project management as according to the pmbok. This book will not only teach you the things you need to pass and get certified. You will also gain a deeper understanding of project managagement. Even if you are an experienced project manageger you will gain from this book. I am already applying things I have learned and it has made a world of difference. Many thanks to the authors. Excellent job! Almost forgot, I passed my pmp as well thanks to this book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-13 04:12:57 EST)
01-07-08 5 1\3
(Hide Review...)  This is the book for everyone
Reviewer Permalink
I like this book. It is fun to read while you get the knowledge you need.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-13 04:12:57 EST)
11-30-07 4 1\7
(Hide Review...)  A must have book to understand all about this Project Management
Reviewer Permalink
Even if you are not interested in get the PMP certification or you are not a Project Management, this is a book to read and understand how to make your projects go smoothly.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-13 04:12:57 EST)
11-24-07 5 1\7
(Hide Review...)  A new approach to PMBOK
Reviewer Permalink
As the whole Head First serie, it is a very good and interesting book.
It is the same content as PMBOK, but in a new approach.
Many pictures, jokes, games, and suddenly you have all the body of knowledegment in your mind.
I had read part of PMBOK before, and I was almost giving up to study this subject, so this book came to save me.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-13 04:12:57 EST)
11-21-07 1 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Beware of this Gimmick : How About the PMP Professional Code of Conduct
Reviewer Permalink
This book is full of inaccuracies and confusions introduced by the very style of the book: emphasis on what they call humor, and I call mockery of project management. This ultra attempt for humor masks the accuracy of the subject. Especially if you are a beginner, using this book is like building a house on very shaky foundations. Oh yeah, the project manager of the PMBOK Guide has endorsed this book on these Amazon pages. Should we assume that Mr. Project Manager perhaps does not know that by endorsing one of several PMP books based on the PMBOK Guide, he's clearly violating the PMP Code of Professional Conduct that he signed with PMI (Hint: Conflict of Interest)? Even worse, with this act, he and the authors (who put the endorsement up on Amazon pages) exhibit a very poor understanding of the project management profession and especially of the PMP exam. So, be worried, be very worried. Remember, The PMP Code of Professional Conduct is part of the PMP exam and also part of the PM profession. Furthermore, the content of the PMBOK Guide comes from the subject matter experts and the content creators, and it's an effort of scores of people. A project manager's role is exactly that, the project manager; not necessarily the authority on project management and even on the PMBOK Guide.
Recommendation: shop elsewhere.



(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-24 19:49:00 EST)
11-19-07 4 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Excellent Book to study to PMP Cert
Reviewer Permalink
Altough I'm already a PMP certified I decided to buy this book because I use to teach people to apply for PMP certificate. I considered that Head First PMP book is a good way to study mainly for those who want a way to easily memorize some concepts. The book has many visual explanation about the content needed to get this certificate.
Include this book in your study plan!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-23 01:47:01 EST)
11-16-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  It could be better
Reviewer Permalink
I like the intention of the Head First series in the most cases. In this case, I recommend Head First PMP but I think that some chapters are larger than needed to explain simple concepts.

It needs a review, (page 260 needs a review in the last network diagram).
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-19 09:01:52 EST)
11-06-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good Reference
Reviewer Permalink
I passed the PMP exam recently and found that this book was a very useful reference guide. The approach used in this book creates interest and makes it stick. The puzzles & exercises were useful and helps to understand some of the dry and difficult topics.
The major drawback is that some important topics are missed completely. The authors have to revise the book incorporating the missed stuff.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-16 15:02:20 EST)
10-10-07 3 2\2
(Hide Review...)  One of many books you need to conquer PMP - not the only
Reviewer Permalink
I passed my PMP exam recently. In spite of my years of experience, I found that the exam needs a truckload of preparation! I started with PMBOK Guide, Rita Mulcahy, some others, and settled on HFP. The HFP is not the first book you should read, and certainly should not be the only book you read. Unlike the somewhat snide (and ineffective) Mulcahy book, this book would give you tons of useful mnemonics to remember stuff by. After reading this book, I was having a much easier time answering questions in other books, such as Mulcahy's.

The PMP examination is not for the faint of heart. At the minimum, you should know the PMBOK Guide by rote (esp. the I-TT-O, Glossary, and the formulae). You need to supplement that knowledge using other books. These are the list of books I found useful (in no particular order):
0. PMBOK Guide
1. HF PMP
2. Mulcahy
3. Kim Heldman
4. Andy Crowe

Unfortunately, HF PMP does leave out many vital topics. This will hurt you in the exam, if you have not covered it elsewhere (e.g. Calculating CPPC and FPIP using numbers, GERT, etc., amongst many other examples). But for the topics covered, you will have a strong help from this book in retaining that information!

I would strongly encourage the authors to consider revising the book and adding the missing topics - given the treatment of topics from the authors. Add a glossary of terms that may be referenced in the PMP Exam, even though these are not covered in detail in the book (with a ref.). It will be worth the price you'd pay for such a book!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-07 08:27:46 EST)
10-07-07 1 0\1
(Hide Review...)  Very Disappointed
Reviewer Permalink
I've read this and many other PMP study guides and here is my opinion. I passed the PMP exam but NOT due to this book. The main disappointment I have with this book (and a few others) is that it is organized according to the knowledge areas, whereas the PMP exam specifications by PMI are organized according to the process groups. Also it makes more sense to study project management by process groups because this approach is closer to the real life experience: initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing. If I need to look at the project management body of knowledge organized according to the knowledge areas, I would rather look at the PMBOK Guide. The exam study guides should follow the exam specifications, and should not be a mere re-run of the PMBOK Guide. Also, there is no mention of the exam objectives in any chapter. It reads like more or less a re-run of the PMBOK Guide without any consideration of the exam spec. Other drawbacks of the book are the following:
1. Questions are not close to the real exam questions.
2. The emphasis is on the "fun" not on explaining the topic...so the coverage of many topics is very shallow.
3. At best, the book is a collection of lecture notes without any lecturer explaining them.
4. Oversimplification of serious knowledge often leads to inaccuracies. This book even goes beyond over-simplification in search of humor. It's hard to draw the line between humor and inaccuracies.
If you think project management (or PMP) is a joke, this book is for you. If you believe project management is a serious business, stay away from this book...it has the potential to contaminate your project management knowledge.

So, don't use it as a primary source for your preparation. It's ok as a secondary source, perhaps...

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 11:34:42 EST)
09-12-07 5 3\3
(Hide Review...)  Awesome book with great content!
Reviewer Permalink
Hi, I passed the PMP exam on Sep 6'07 and used HF PMP as part of my preparations. I must confess anything that PMBOK covers is being covered by this book. But what is more interesting is the ease with which all concepts are explained and can be understood. This book goes in depth to make you understand the finer points in PMBOK and that is one big reason to buy it. Not forgetting the presentation of this book which makes it so much enjoyable to read and pass the exam.

There are questions at the end of each chapter which are in line with the real exam and tests your understanding of concepts.

All in all a great book for preparation and a must have for anyone appearing for the exam. Cheers!

Neeraj , PMP
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 11:34:42 EST)
08-30-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  A must for PMP Certification preparation and beyond
Reviewer Permalink
"Head First PMP" is an absolute must for anyone who would like to prepare for PMP certification. It is well written, covering all the topics required for PMP. There are a lot of books available for preparation of the certification, but Head First PMP stands out from all of them. It is easy to read, understand, and believe me, it would help you make a great deal of progress in your understanding and study of the material. Even after certification, Head First PMP will serve you as a quick and easy reference for your project management questions. I would definitely recommend this to all.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 11:34:42 EST)
08-22-07 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Head First PMP Defines a New Oxymoron: Engaging Textbook
Reviewer Permalink
In preparation for the test, I recently spent some extended time in the bookstore comparing options to help my studies. The local bookseller I visited unfortunately didn't have the Head First book that I had heard so much about, so I ended up with a another title that was also highly recommended on Amazon. After bringing the other book home, I read two chapters and realized I was thinking about everything other than what I was reading. I decided I needed a different route if I planned to stay awake during my preparations for the exam and decided to try to source a copy of the Head First guide instead.

I found a copy of the Head First PMP title at another bookshop and settled in for what I thought was going to be another futile attempt at cramming this information into the old gray matter. However, much to my surprise, I found myself *engaged* in the content, and moreover, I was truly *learning* it! The book's approach ensures understanding of the content through thought and exercises - not reading lots of text and hoping some of it sticks long enough to pass the test.

If you haven't seen what makes the book different, definitely take a moment to visit the book's website (http://www.headfirstlabs.com/pmp) to see if this writing style is a fit for you. As another reviewer mentioned, this book definitely has a quirky feel to it (e.g. a fireside chat between the scope management plan and the project scope statement as one example) that may not be right for everyone, but for the rest of us, Fireside chats, crossword puzzles and Cows Gone Wild is half of what makes the book so engaging.

Don't let the fun use of graphics and informal style of the book fool you into doubting its usefulness or accuracy. While I can't guarantee that you'll pass the exam by reading this book, I will say that when you use the book as outlined in the book's introduction, the Head First PMP should absolutely increase your knowledge of the things PMI deems important for the exam without torturing yourself in the process.

Finally, for those that may be wondering why you should take my word on the use of this book, I passed the exam by a good margin yesterday. I found that on at least 25-30 questions, I would not have gotten the question correct had it not been for something I read in the Head First PMP book over the two days prior to the test.

Highly recommended!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 11:34:42 EST)
07-27-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good Start-up book for preparing PMP exam
Reviewer Permalink
"Head First PMP" is a very good book for project managers who are preparing for PMP exam. I always admired the "Head First" way of providing the technical and managerial books. My sincere thanks for O'Reily Publications and the authors of Head First PMP. To present the subject into a pictorial way need lots of creative and art type of thinking. Expecially, I like Risk Mangement chapter in this book. Overall the contents and depth of subjects are good enough to understand all the knowledge areas and process groups to pass PMP exam. Its great book and everyone in the proect management field, can have this book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-13 11:34:42 EST)
07-05-07 5 1\3
(Hide Review...)  Save Money While Learning More (what else do you need)
Reviewer Permalink
If what you want is a clear, concise, well-written and practical guide to project management, this is the book for you. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I bought this book less than two weeks before my exam (after shooting a few hundred away for some "Tricks of the Trade") and passed my exam with plenty of room to spare.

One of the best things about this book is it treats you like an equal, someone who has stopped by their cube to ask some questions of a colleague. I used to one of those who sneered at the Head First approach, thinking that any book that wasn't written as densely as possible wasn't serious. I have since grown up and realized that all that matters is that I learn the material.

Since having a PMP credential is becoming a commodity item necessary for getting through screening gates, it makes sense to minimize the expense for passing the test while maximizing the material learned. There isn't a doubt in my mind that Head First PMP is the way to go.

Let's face it, since this is a business credential, there are lots of businesses trying to sell you the sure-fire method of passing the exam. Well, there isn't one and you can dump a lot of money down the drain trying to find one. So do yourself a favor, buy this book even if you aren't taking the exam. You will learn how to run your projects efficiently. What more could you want for less than 50 bucks?
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-28 08:35:40 EST)
07-03-07 5 1\3
(Hide Review...)  Closest thing to the real thing
Reviewer Permalink
I passed the PMP today with a 76%. I got an 85% on the Head First test and must say it was very close to the real thing. A great prep tool that I feel was instrumental in me passing, so thanks a bunch.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 00:38:41 EST)
06-24-07 5 3\5
(Hide Review...)  Engaging Coverage of Brain-Unfriendly Body Of Knowledge
Reviewer Permalink
If you don't mind reading the PMBOK guide for your exam preparation, then, I suspect, you would enjoy memorizing a phone book or have an unusually strong taste for suffering. In either case, don't read any further and don't buy "Head First PMP" -- reading it may be too much fun for you and dangerous to your mental health!

For those of us, who find the PMBOK bo-o-o-oring, "Head First PMP"'s approach is the *only* way to learn. Let's admit, that the topics covered by the exam, while are very important, are not very exciting. To learn them well, it is important to dig deeper into the reasons for the best practices. Following the style of the "Head First" series, the authors of this book took the subject of the PM science and turned it into a fun-to-read and easier-to-learn-and-internalize collection of graphics, questions, answers, mental games and scenarios, stories. They deconstructed the topics to their essence and then reconstructed them in a way that makes sense to everyone who is willing to focus and think. The book is very engaging and, in my opinion, is a must to read, at least to make sure that you understand all the answers.

I'd like to point out the difference between this book and other books in the series -- Object-Oriented Analysis and Design, Design Patterns, Java. Those books cover topics that are interesting (at least to me) in nature, and had been covered in other publications with various success. The "Head First PMP" book is different in the sense that its authors "dared" to apply the "Head First" approach of "you'll learn better when reading is fun" to a topic that while important, makes me think of an ominously laughing dentist holding a jack hammer.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 00:38:41 EST)
06-23-07 5 4\6
(Hide Review...)  Must Have
Reviewer Permalink
I passed the exam today. I used the PMBOK and this book. I liked the head first style. The practice exam is very close to the real exam.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 00:38:41 EST)
06-13-07 5 6\8
(Hide Review...)  Just passed the exam - excellent book for preperation
Reviewer Permalink
Just passed the exam - excellent book and very good preperation for the PMP exam. I found the practice exam very similar to the real thing.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 00:38:41 EST)
06-10-07 5 6\8
(Hide Review...)  HEAD FIRST PMP is one of the few on the topic to create a lively, even fun survey learners will appreciate.
Reviewer Permalink
HEAD FIRST PMP: A LEARNER'S COMPANION TO PASSING THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL EXAM offers an engaging, lively review of PMP principles for any who would prepare for the certification exam using a unique method which helps reinforce the larger concept of project management both for the exam and on the job. It packs in visual approaches which reinforce the written word, using flow charts, black and white drawings and cartoons, and pictures to emphasize basic concepts. Other books are dry and make learning a challenge, but HEAD FIRST PMP is one of the few on the topic to create a lively, even fun survey learners will appreciate.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-12 00:38:41 EST)
06-01-07 3 3\8
(Hide Review...)  Wild approach to the PMP Exam prep
Reviewer Permalink
I have taught PMP exam prep since 1998, always reviewing new PMP exam prep materials to recommend to my students. LIke the others, this one will be great for some people, those that need the visual connection to make the material stick. I like it, but the format takes getting used to.
First impression, when picking up the book, is that it is too much material. Then you realize it has a lot of white space, a good thing.
Unfortunately, the content is organized and presented by knowledge area instead of process group. The connection of 'process' to the exam is very important and these guys miss it like a lot of other prep material providers, too bad because I like the style.
There are some glaring errors in the EVM section, and the explanation there is also flawed, the part about calculating Planned Value is a mess.
On another topic, the authors show Monitoring and Controlling iterating only with Execution. M & C must also iterate with all the other process Groups. An important concept to understand while preparing for the exam.
The price is good, but no practice exam is offered.
A pretty good book, but not at the top of my list.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-03 15:37:33 EST)
05-24-07 5 15\17
(Hide Review...)  Network Engineer/Architect - Excellent Boot Camp Book
Reviewer Permalink
I cant explain it but this book make it stick like "done spaghetti on a wall" . Being a visual learner this book ( as well as other HFL Books) have hit my sweet spot. It is like an instructor with a blackboard in a book, and the little devil and angel over your shoulder telling you what is right or wrong.

I am getting instant results from the first 5 chapters, An excellent guide/ training tool for all those new and somewhat new to project management methodologies. As a matter of fact I will be using this guide to train my team so expect a few copies to come my way

COWS GONE WILD - I cant wait for it to come out for mac and PC
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-03 15:37:33 EST)
05-23-07 5 9\13
(Hide Review...)  teaching the brain
Reviewer Permalink
the head-first books, do what they do best. teaching the brain. This is an excellent book. Go Buy.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-03 15:37:33 EST)
  
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