The Project Manage Book of Knowledge (PMBoK) is the foundation on which the fields of Information Technology (IT) & Construction based Portfolio, Program, & Project Management has been built. In 2007, this 3rd Edition of the PMBoK was 290 pages. The latest released in 2021(7th edition) is 370 pages and has expanded into knowledge areas which allows for the methodology to be used by additional project heavy fields. ( )

I use this as a reference when writing proposals. It is definitely not something you want to read--but for this type of stuff, the writing is clear and not unnecessarily complicated. Some complain about the print on gray pages with watermarks being hard to read, but I don't have any problems with it. The various diagrams are printed in boxes with a white background. ( )

How can you rate a textbook - a book that is required reading to pass an exam?

This book is required reading for the project management course I am currently taking, and while it is by no means entertaining (and probably not meant to be!), I did find it very useful.

The writing style is very dry and matter-of-fact, so I'd recommend it more as a reference book than a real textbook. It gives a complete overview of all the PMI processes with lots of detail on Inputs, Tools & Techniques, and Outputs for each process. Like one of my professors said: "If you have a question as to where you are in the pprocess, use PAGE 61 for an overview." She is right! It's easy to get lost in the details, so page 61 comes in extremely handy. They should make it into a poster and sell it with the book!

Also, if you do not have project management experience, this is not the book to use for understanding the theory behind it or how to do it in practice. It's good for background and as a refresher more than anything else. Am, of course. required reading for anyone attempting the CAPM or PMP exam!

Now I can look forward to working my way through the 6th edition which is going to be published around September, I think.



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If you're looking to pass the PMP exam this book is a must read. Understanding all the processes and concepts in this book is critical. The writing is overly complicated and not geared to someone new to the profession. For folks new to project management I think you'd be better off reading "project management for the real world" type books instead while you gain some experience before attempting the PMBOK. ( )