PMP enthusiasts are perplexed on whether or not to read the entire PMBOK Guide, and if done, is it all one needs to pass the PMP exam? We have come across these questions on several Q&A platforms; therefore, we decided to give some PMBOK Guide-based doubts a shot with a detailed explanation.

People tend to ask these questions as the PMBOK Guide is not an easy task that you could finish reading in a day. It's not only tricky and hard to get in-depth knowledge of the concepts, but at the same time is tedious and tranquilizer.

Never mind, at the end of this article, you will understand how to read the PMBOK Guide. So, without wasting much precious time, let's skip to the good parts.

All I Need is a PMBOK Guide to Pass the PMP Exam?

For this question, the answer is NO. You can't just rely on the Guide to pass the credential, but with additional study materials.

Though PMI has released the PMBOK Guide, which is considered a PMP exam reference book. However, it doesn't mean the exam is entirely or partially dependent on the Guide. Remember, with PMP ECO 2021, PMP includes three key approaches:

• Predictive
• Hybrid
• Agile

Therefore, PMBOK Guide alone isn't sufficient.

The exam questions are based on tasks. Some of the explanations on Tasks are in the Guide, while some aren't. Hence to prepare the candidates to the fullest and pass on the first try, PMI does offer other study material resources.

NOTE:

The PMBOK Guide and Agile Practice Guide can be acquired at zero cost for PMI members. However, we recommend you to prepare from a good book by investing some amount in a paper copy of the PMBOK Guide or other materials.

You can check out other reference books in the PMI's reference list.

Other the PMI resources, there are countless other materials for you to prepare for the PMP credential test. We suggest you read at least one PMP preparation book and take many practice tests.

Here are some of the top PMP Exam Prep Book you could benefit from in 2022:

Can I Pass the PMP Exam Without the PMBOK Guide?

Yes, candidates can pass the PMP credential exam without the PMBOK Guide. In our experience as training providers, we have seen large such scenarios in the past. However, emerging for the credential test without reading the Guide is not advisable.

We, as training providers, do agree that reading the entire PMBOK Guide can be a considerable challenge. However, the Guide is one among many PMP preparation materials, and neither PMI nor any other experts forcefully recommend learning the book from cover to cover.

We ask our candidates to go through PMBOK Guide at least once before the exam because PMP is a complex and expensive test, where you don’t want to take the chance of re-examination. Moreover, the concepts of the credential test often use languages/terminologies seen in the PMBOK Guide, which for non-readers can be a huge hurdle.

Is Reading the PMBOK Guide a Prerequisite?

The PMBOK Guide is a must-read if you are serious about taking the PMP credential test and succeeding in the first attempt. The preparation for the examination should also include other reference books, as mentioned earlier.

However, reading the PMBOK Guide is not mandatory. You can read; otherwise, skip and go for much simpler PMP prep resources.

But if you ask whether we recommend reading the Guide before the exam, our answer will be YES.

The PMI published the PMBOK Guide, which consists of terminologies and best practices for project management. Since PMI holds the credential test; hence, studying it can enhance your chance of passing the test.

Shortcuts of Reading PMBOK Guide

Individuals new to project management are burdened with one question: How to read the PMBOK Guide? Are there any shortcuts to reading the PMBOK Guide?

A common mistake most aspirants make is straightaway reading the PMBOK Guide without guided help. By guided help, we mean knowledgeable PMI-certified instructors or PMI-approved training centers. The PMBOK Guide is a challenge to crack and learn, and it becomes so strenuous without authoritative guidance.

Therefore, we, a PMI-approved training provider, advise you to attend a 35 contact hours training PMP course before looking at the Guide. This will aid you in understanding complex structures and terminologies.

Studying the PMBOK Guide with the help of a training center makes it a much more streamlined and seamless process.

In addition to good guidance, the below-given points will aid you in studying the PMBOK Guide quickly:

1. Read and Understand, Not Memorize

Be it any exam preparation book, it's always better to understand vital concepts and facts from it rather than memorizing each and every single line. PMBOK Guide being bulky, you must follow the technique 'Understand and not Memorize' from the beginning to the end of chapters.

This will help you gain sufficient knowledge of each terminology and can answer the questions if conceptual.

2. Understand Tasks in Each Domain

As the PMBOK Guide follows the knowledge domain methodology, many among us do have the misconception that it's the best way to learn the Guide. However, it's not. According to the 2021 ECO change, the concept of learning from 5 process groups has shifted to learning 35 tasks in each domain – Process, People, and Business Environment.

Thus, understanding the domain tasks will help you to a greater extent.

3. Consider Other Prep Books with PMBOK Guide

Reading the PMBOK Guide alone is insufficient to pass the PMP credential test. With a new ECO on the line, you will have to understand the concept of Agile and predictive methodologies.

Therefore, try using other reference materials mentioned in this article and the Guide. This will help you understand a particular task from a third-person view. Thus, PMBOK Guide will become an easy read.

4. Relate it to Your Projects

When you start reading the PMBOK Guide, you should relate its concept to your previous or current projects. This will help you acquire a good understanding of the Guide and aid you in your future project and clearing the exam.

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