Preparing for the PMP exam means deciding which course-in-a-book will actually get you through the material. In the exam certification prep space, two Rita Mulcahy books stand out: the 2018 9th Edition and the 7th Edition. Both follow the same single-guide approach to studying for the PMP exam, but their listed prices sit at different points, and the details that matter go beyond the price tag. In short, the decision is whether a newer edition is worth the higher price, or whether the 7th Edition's lower price is the more important factor. Here is how to choose between them.
Quick Verdict
Here is the short version: if you want the newer course book, the 2018 9th Edition is the pick. If you want the specific 7th Edition, that book is the one. The table below fills in the details.
Comparison Table
Here is a side-by-side look at the basics:
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Format | Condition | Standout Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy (2018 9th Edition) | USD 17.99 | Trade Paperback | Very Good | Revised, Exam Preparation | |
| Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep: Rita's Course in a Book (7th Edition) | USD 8.99 | Trade Paperback | Good | Edition 7 |
The listed price spread is USD 9.00.
Where Each Product Wins
The 2018 9th Edition wins on edition recency and content volume: it is the newer release and its material totals 624 pages. For a learner who wants a study guide that leans toward the most recent course structure, this is the direction to look.
The 7th Edition wins on price and authorship: it is the lower-priced option, and Laurie Diethelm is named alongside Rita Mulcahy. That makes it an interesting pick if you want the specific 7th Edition and value the co-author credit.
Product Notes
PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy (2018 9th Edition)
This is the newer release of the two course books. It is a 624-page trade paperback in Very Good condition, and the genre is Exam Preparation. The title carries the 9th Edition label, so there is no mistaking which version you are getting. The book measures 1.5 inches high, 8.5 inches long, 10.8 inches wide, and weighs 60.9 ounces, which gives a sense of the physical heft you will be carrying. If your study plan centers on a more recent edition and a cleaner condition, this one is the stronger match. The trade-off is the higher price, so if the numbers matter most to you, the other book will look more appealing.
Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep: Rita's Course in a Book (7th Edition)
This is Edition 7, with ISBN 9781932735413. Laurie Diethelm is credited alongside Rita Mulcahy, giving this version a different author lineup from the 9th Edition. Condition is Good, and the book measures about 8.5 by 10.8 inches and weighs about 3.4 pounds, so it fits the same course-in-a-book format as its newer counterpart. If you want that exact edition and are comfortable with Good condition, this is the one to start with. The limitation is that it's the earlier edition, so you are not getting the more recent release in this comparison.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you want the 2018 9th Edition, choose PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy (2018 9th Edition) at USD 17.99.
If you want Edition 7, choose Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep: Rita's Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam at USD 8.99.
