Best PMP Study Books for PMP Exam: Top Choices for Preparation and Practice
Preparing for PMP exam is not easy. It need good plan, strong study habits, and most important – the right books. Many people spend long time searching best PMP study books, but get confused because there are too many options.
In this article, I will share top 10 PMP study books for PMP exam. Some books are good for learning theory, and some are better for practice questions. I will also explain how to choose the best book for your study style.
Why Choosing Right PMP Study Books Is Important
When you study for PMP, not all books are same. Some books follow old exam format. Some have too much theory but not enough questions. That’s why selecting correct PMP study books is very important for success.
Good book should:
-
Follow the latest PMP exam content outline
-
Explain topics in simple way
-
Include Agile and Hybrid content
-
Have practice questions with explanations
-
Give real exam-like experience
How to Use PMP Study Books
Before you buy any book, first check your learning style. Some people like reading full chapters. Some prefer short summaries and questions. You can also use two or three PMP study books together – one for learning, one for practice.
Tip: Don’t just read. Take notes, highlight, and solve questions daily.
Top 10 PMP Study Books
Here is the list of best PMP study books based on latest exam content, reviews, and usefulness.
1. Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep
This book is most popular. Many PMP holders used this to pass. Rita's way of teaching is fun and smart. It includes Agile and Hybrid, and also has good practice questions.
-
Good for: Deep understanding, real-world examples
-
Pages: 500+
-
Includes: Exercises, practice questions, tips
- Buy this book at low price at Amazon.com
2. Head First PMP
This is very visual book. It has diagrams, images, jokes, and simple explanations. Perfect for people who don’t like dry reading.
-
Good for: Visual learners
-
Pages: 850
-
Includes: Practice questions, puzzles, summary
- Buy this book cheap at Amazon.com
3. PMP Exam Prep Simplified by Andrew Ramdayal
Very clear and easy to understand. Includes detailed Agile content. Also comes with online video access and full mock exams.
-
Good for: Quick learners, self-study
-
Pages: 550+
-
Includes: 3 mock exams, online access
- Buy this book at low price at Amazon.com
4. The PMP Exam: How to Pass on Your First Try by Andy Crowe
Another favorite. Many people like this book because of straight-to-point writing and full mock test at the end.
-
Good for: Focused study
-
Pages: 600
-
Includes: Online exam simulator
- The book is available for purchase at Amazon.com
5. PMBOK Guide
This is the official book by PMI. Not easy to read but good to refer sometimes. It is not enough alone, but it support other PMP study books.
-
Good for: Understanding PMI terms
-
Pages: 370
-
Includes: Concepts and principles
- Buy this book cheap at Amazon.com
6. PMP Pocket Prep App (Book + Mobile Practice)
This is not a big book, but useful as add-on. It gives daily small questions and short notes. Helps when you travel or commute.
-
Good for: Mobile practice
-
Format: App and digital
-
Includes: 1000+ questions
- Buy the book here.
7. PMP Exam Practice Test Book by Christopher Scordo
If you already studied theory and want to do only questions, this is great book. It has 1000+ high-quality questions with answer explanation.
-
Good for: Practice only
-
Pages: 400+
-
Includes: 8 full exams
- Buy book at low price at Amazon.com
8. PMP Exam Study Guide by Kim Heldman
Very professional book with online materials. It has study plan, chapter tests, and also videos.
-
Good for: People who like structure
-
Pages: 900
-
Includes: Online labs, glossary, review questions
- Buy the book at low price at Amazon.com
9. Agile Practice Guide (by PMI)
This is not full PMP book, but very important for Agile part. Since exam has 50% Agile/Hybrid questions, this is useful to combine with other PMP study books.
-
Good for: Agile topics
-
Pages: 180
-
Includes: Examples, frameworks
- The book is available for purchase at Amazon.com
10. PMP Flashcards (by Aileen Ellis)
Helpful for quick revision. These are small flashcards with key terms and formulas. You can use before exam to refresh brain.
-
Good for: Revision
-
Format: Printed or app
-
Includes: Terms, definitions, formulas
- Buy this product at low price at Amazon.com
Which PMP Study Book Should You Choose?
If you are beginner, best combo is:
-
Rita Mulcahy’s book for theory
-
Scordo’s book for practice questions
-
Agile Practice Guide for Agile part
If you like visuals, Head First PMP is good. If you want mobile study, try Pocket Prep app.
You can check free sample pages on Amazon or author websites before buying.
Tips for Studying with PMP Books
-
Follow latest exam content outline – Make sure your book is updated
-
Study daily – Even 1 hour is good, but be regular
-
Solve practice questions – At least 1000+ questions before exam
-
Understand, don’t memorize – Questions test your judgment
-
Join online forums – Ask doubts and share tips with others
Remember, only PMP study books cannot make you pass. You need focus, smart plan, and good time management.
Conclusion
Preparing for PMP exam is big goal. Right books make the journey easier. In this article, we shared top 10 best PMP study books for PMP exam. Each book has different style – some are simple, some are deep, some are for practice.
Choose books that match your learning way. Use them daily, solve questions, and review weak areas. With right books and effort, you can pass PMP in first try.
Don’t forget – always check book edition is latest and matches exam outline. Good luck!