Choosing an exam certification prep course usually comes down to three questions: Which credential do you need? Which study format fits your routine? And how much are you willing to spend upfront? These four books cover three different certification paths, with listed prices spanning $22.50 to $59.49.
If you are preparing for a medical coding exam, you have two titles to evaluate: one used trade paperback that includes a workbook, and one brand-new paperback with a larger page count and a sizable question bank. For a personal trainer certification, Katie Donnelly's 2nd Edition prep course is the only book here focused on that credential and it comes with hundreds of practice questions. If your goal is the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, Rita Mulcahy's 9th Edition is the only PMP title in this lineup.
When you compare exam certification prep materials, the main things to look at are the exam target, the format (paperback, hardcover, or workbook), the condition (new or used), and how much practice material is included. These four books show how those factors can vary even when the prices are close.
Listed Price Comparison
| Course Book | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Coding Exam System: Exam Preparation Course | USD 49.99 | |
| Medical Coding Certification Exam Preparation Course | USD 49.99 | |
| Personal Trainer Certification Exam Prep Course (2nd Edition) | USD 59.49 | |
| PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy (9th Edition) | USD 22.50 |
Decision Matrix
| Course | Target Exam | Format | Condition | Study Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Coding Exam System | Medical coding | Trade Paperback plus workbook | Very Good | 153 pages; includes workbook |
| Medical Coding Certification Exam Preparation Course | Medical coding | Paperback book | Brand New | 426 pages; over 700 sample questions |
| Personal Trainer Certification Exam Prep Course | Personal trainer | Trade Paperback | Brand New | Over 750 practice questions |
| PMP Exam Prep | Project Management Professional | Hardcover | Very Good | 673 pages; accelerated learning approach |
Use the table above as a quick reference, then read the product notes for the trade-offs.
Product Notes
Medical Coding Exam System: Exam Preparation Course
This medical coding study system comes in Very Good condition, clean with no writings or marks. It includes a separate workbook, which is handy if you like to practice alongside the main text. Published by CreateSpace in 2013, the trade paperback runs 153 pages and carries ISBN-10 148485473X. The trade-off is size: you get fewer pages and a used copy, so it may not be as comprehensive as the brand-new 426-page medical coding course. If you prefer a secondhand book with a built-in workbook and a smaller footprint, this option is worth weighing. It is a good fit if you want a quick overview of medical coding topics.
Medical Coding Certification Exam Preparation Course
This brand-new paperbound book is the more expansive of the two medical coding options. It contains over 400 pages of instruction, tips, and tricks, and it includes more than 700 sample exam questions with answers and rationale. It also includes 160 coding tips, clinical explanations, and real-world advice, which could be a plus for someone wanting extra practice under one cover. The limitation is that there is no separate workbook included, so anyone who wants a companion workbook alongside the main text would not get that with this product. With 426 pages, it is a larger, heavier book than the used medical coding system, and it is written at beginner to intermediate level.
Personal Trainer Certification Exam Prep Course (2nd Edition)
Katie Donnelly's personal trainer prep course is a brand-new trade paperback in the Health & Fitness genre, and it includes over 750 practice questions to help you pass your personal trainer exam. That makes it a practice-heavy resource if you learn by testing yourself. The book is the 2nd Edition, is listed with ISBN-10 1448677998 and ISBN 9781448677993, and is unread and in gift-giving condition. The limitation is that it is only useful for someone pursuing a personal trainer certification; if you are not going down that path, you would be paying for material that does not apply.
PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy (9th Edition)
Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep is a Very Good hardcover and the 9th Edition of this study guide. The title includes the phrase "Accelerated Learning to Pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam." It was published by RMC Publications, contains 673 pages, and includes illustrations. It also carries the revised feature attribute and focuses on business and economics. The limitation is that it is not brand new, and as a hardcover it may be bulkier to carry around than a paperback. If your focus is on the PMP credential and you want a comprehensive, lower-priced study guide, this is the one to consider.
Final Recommendation
Pick the Medical Coding Certification Exam Preparation Course if you want the more thorough, brand-new medical coding guide with a large bank of sample questions. Choose the Medical Coding Exam System if you like having a workbook and do not mind a used copy. Go with Katie Donnelly's Personal Trainer Certification Exam Prep Course if your target is a personal trainer credential and you want a practice-heavy resource. And if you are pursuing PMP certification on a tighter budget, Rita Mulcahy's 9th Edition offers a comprehensive, lower-priced study guide. Regardless of which you choose, make sure the exam target matches the career credential you are working toward.
