Here is my approach:
a. go over the PMBOK, paraphrase the sections that you learnt in note form.
b. Understand the relations between the processes; connect them together in your mind.
c. Read Kim Heldman's book on the sections you just read.
d. Answer exam questions (available on the web and from PMI) on the sections just read.
e. Feel good about getting it right. If you didn't get it right, go back and redo the whole section again.
f. Go to the next topic/process and iterate from step a.

Remember, the more exam questions you get right in this time, the better your chances.


Highly overrated   June 18, 2004
 9 out of 24 found this review helpful

This book does present some material well. But it is more of an advertising teaser so you'll buy the whole kaboodle paying several hundred dollars. Or worse you'll be motivated to take her course paying thousands of dollars.
PMP exam prep has definitely been a growing industry. The certification is by itself overly hyped up. Sometimes it all seems like a scam. One can pass PMP by just reading a bunch of prep books. Just because someone is a PMP doesn't mean a squat.


Passed first go   October 8, 2005
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This was the only book I used and I passed easily without going to a course (although I've been doing PM for about 10 years). Sometimes the PMBOK is overly theoretical but this book makes the same material more engaging. Well thought out, highly recommended.


Same experience as most folks   November 5, 2005
 9 out of 11 found this review helpful

I know one needs 30 hours of classroom instruction to qualify for the test, but truthfully one could pass the test comfortably using only this book.


The best book available on PMP Exam   October 11, 2002
 8 out of 11 found this review helpful

This is no doubt the best book available on the PMP Exam. Rita covers each and every area required for the exam. I studied the PMBOK religiously (run through at least 10 times with concentration). Then read PMP Exam prep and sincerely do each of the excercises mentioned by her. Her coverage of Earned Value, and Network diagrams are very good. She covers the whole topics from the exam point of view. Keep doing the sample tests and noting your scores. Once you reach at least 80% on her sample tests then go ahead and plan your dates for the exam. I also attended the local chapter PMP Exam prep training, which also helped a lot. Thus using the PMBOK, PMP Exam prep and training I was able to successfully clear the exam with a very good score.