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Can I pass PMP without reading Pmbok?

Author

Chloe Ramirez

Updated on February 27, 2026

Can I pass PMP without reading Pmbok?

Can You Pass The PMP Exam Without Reading The PMBOK Guide? Yes, it is possible to pass the PMP exam without reading the PMBOK Guide.

In this regard, do I need to read Pmbok to pass PMP?

PMP exam is not about reading PMBOK Guide or reading it so many times. There are so many other things that you need to do. Specifically you should also attempt many sample questions. Yes, you may be able to pass the exam without reading PMBOK Guide even once.

Additionally, can you pass PMP without studying? YES - you can pass PMP without reading PMBOK. But, to have good knowledge, you need to study PMBOK.

Keeping this in consideration, is Rita book enough to pass PMP?

Rita's book is the best prep book for PMP exam as recommended by the majority of PMP certified professionals. It must be used alongside PMBOK. Rita;s book alone is not sufficient to pass the PMP exam. Rita's mock exams are not as high quality when compared with other online mock exams.

Is PMP exam really that hard?

The PMP Certification exam is indeed a difficult one to crack. Not because of the knowledge and vast curriculum one has to cover, but because it doesn't only test your knowledge, but also your ability to apply that knowledge in different practical situations.

Is the new PMP exam harder?

What makes it appear harder at the present time is that there is limited study material, simulation questions, study resources for the new exam. There are about 8 different large textbooks (including PMBoK) which are inputs to the exam. You may need to read through them to capture the knowledge you need.

Can I study for PMP on my own?

Yes, you can do self study for the PMP examination. In fact, once you have attained the 3 minimum requirements for the PMP Exam, almost all people will do self study for at least 6-8 weeks (about 2 months), before they will be ready for the PMP examination. This is a must, because of the sheer amount of study material.

How hard is the PMP exam 2019?

Consequently, first-time test takers should also be advised that the PMP certification exam is extremely difficult. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions in a period of only four hours. Needless to say, PMP exam difficulty is guaranteed for most, if not all, PMP aspirants.

Why is the PMP exam difficult?

The PMP exam is based on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and “other relevant sources,” which contribute to the difficulty of the exam. The PMBOK Guide is a large text with 49 processes that all have inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs.

What is the best way to study for the PMP?

Top PMP Exam Tips
  1. Conquer the PMBOK® Guide. The PMP exam is based largely on the PMBOK® Guide.
  2. Use a Good PMP® Prep Book.
  3. Try PMP Exam Prep Workshops.
  4. Try Online PMP Exam Prep Workshops.
  5. Take Advantage of Online PMP Exam Simulators.
  6. Remember Flash Cards.
  7. Participate in Study Groups and Discussion Forums.

How do I read a PMP book?

Week one: Read the PMBOK Guide and Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep book with a focus on major topics and practice questions. Afterward, attempt your first mock test. Week two: Read the remaining topics in the PMBOK Guide, have an in-depth look at Rita's book and practice questions and try two more mock tests.

How much should I study for PMP exam?

“200-400 hours are enough for the preparation (for non-native English speaking). You can learn 2-3 hours per day and complete the PMP in 3 months. The duration is various depend on your project management experience (that align with PMI method), English skills, and your learning ability. “

Can you pass the PMP in 30 days?

Preparing for the PMP exam will take daily dedication to studying and understanding the material. But remember! You can do anything for 30 days. What follows are key steps, processes and resources that — along with your dedication — will allow you to prepare for and pass the PMP exam in 30 days (or less).

How can I prepare for PMP in 15 days?

Here is my plan:
  1. Finish reading Rita's PMP Exam Prep one more time by March 8th.
  2. Take the PMP Exam simulator Mock up exam on March 10th.
  3. Work on weak areas, take the 2nd Mock up on March 14th.
  4. If I don't score over 75% in the 2nd exam, I'll reschedule my PMP exam by 10-15 days.

Do PMP questions repeat?

Questions are pretty close to the real exam if you read the Rita's PMP exam Prep book. However, the questions in the book have not changed since the past many year, and in the actual PMP exam, there are always new questions. Further, their question bank is so huge that a question never gets repeated.

Can I pass PMP a week?

PMP exam is not difficult but you need practice, and before practice you need to clear all concepts. If someone is already a Project Manager then also he has to clear few concepts as per PMI standard. The course itself is so vast that it's difficult to cover in a week unless you're a robot.

How many pass PMP exam first try?

I passed the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam on my first try. I don't say this to brag but to say that it's possible to pass the PMP exam on your first try despite the estimated 40–50% first time fail rate.

Can I prepare for PMP every month?

Assuming that you have some prior knowledge and experience of project management, here is strategy which will help you in passing PMP in 1 month. You should devote at-least 5-6 hrs daily for preparation. There is no other option. Choose your 35 hr mandatory training/education provider wisely.

How do I start preparing for PMP?

How to Prepare for PMP Exam
  1. Review the PMP Examination Content Outline.
  2. Enroll in a formal study course offered by accredited Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s).
  3. Prepare a Study plan.
  4. Review the latest edition of PMBOK Guide and self-study books published by other reputable training organizations.

How many PMP are there in the world?

1,000,000 PMP certification

Should you read the Pmbok?

So the quick answer is that YES, you do need to read the PMBOK Guide. But reading the PMBOK Guide alone is not sufficient. You need to extend this knowledge with street smart, exam focused approach, which will help you to pass the PMP exam.

How do you remember ITTOs?

Understand each ITTO and think about why we need them in that particular process. Try to create an ITTO chart on an A3-size paper randomly and repeat it every day. It will help you remember the location of each ITTO. You can also create flashcards for ITTOs and play with them in your free time.

How do I apply for PMP?

Summary
  1. Apply online via the PMI website.
  2. Complete your contact details.
  3. Complete your education details.
  4. Complete your project experience hours.
  5. Get permission from your references to use them on the form.
  6. Complete your project management education hours.

What does the PMP exam cover?

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that outline the five process groups (Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing) and nine knowledge areas (Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resource, Communication, Risk, and Procurement).

Is PMP better than MBA?

MBA programs are designed to create managers. An MBA can be fairly generalized, seldom focused on a particular industry or functional area, which is its greatest strength. PMP certification training provides specialized knowledge that an MBA usually lacks—and this has a higher value in the job market.

Is PMP really worth it?

CIO magazine says PMP is one of the top-paying certifications in the world. Project Management Institute in the 10th edition of the project management salary survey reports that PMP certification holders earn 23% more than the non-PMP holders. PMI used data collected from 33,000 respondents across 37 countries.

What is the passing score for PMP 2020?

This is equivalent to 65.5% passing marks (131 out of 200 questions). Older figure of 68.5% – This percentage included 25 pilot questions. If this were true today then, you need to mark 137 out of 200 questions correctly. Or you would need a bare minimum percentage of 68.5% to succeed.

Is PMP harder than CAPM?

The choice between Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® vs Project Management Professional (PMP)® is a big one.

How Do PMP and CAPM Compare?

PMPCAPM
The difficulty levelWidely considered difficultWidely considered challenging (but not as difficult as the PMP exam)

What is the hardest certification exam?

The World's Most Difficult Exams
  • The United States Medical Licensing Exam. Once you've made it all the way through medical school to get your MD degree, you're still not quite yet ready to actually practice medicine.
  • California State Bar Exam.
  • Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
  • Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam.
  • Certified Master Chef® Exam.

How do I pass PMP first attempt?

Top 10 tips to crack the PMP exam in your first attempt:
  1. Master the PMBOK Guide.
  2. Have a Plan or Schedule.
  3. Refer to another study guide.
  4. Solve a lot of Practice questions.
  5. Write Practice Tests.
  6. Use the 35 hours of project management training efficiently.
  7. Develop a strategy that works for you.

Which is better PMP or CAPM?

A CAPM® certificate will enable you to work on a project, whereas with a PMP® certification, you will be able to lead and direct projects giving you more power. Employers usually give more value to a PMP® certification as compared to any other project management certification.