When you're in the middle of exam certification prep, the biggest decision is often how to structure your study time. Do you need a live instructor, or can a structured book get you there? If you're in the second camp, Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep, the 2018 9th Edition, is designed to be a complete course in a single trade paperback. The real question is whether this format fits how you study.
Quick verdict: This is a dense, self-contained study guide that walks you through the PMP exam's key topics with the kind of depth that a classroom course might offer. For $17.99, you get a 624-page guide that you can read, underline, and work through at your own pace. It's not a skim-through primer; it expects you to put in the time.
Who it suits: If you already know you're a book learner, this is likely a strong fit. The book's size (roughly 8.5 by 10.8 inches) and weight (over 60 ounces) make it more of a desk companion than a portable study aid, so it suits someone with a dedicated study space. It also suits you if you want a single resource that covers the exam without needing to splice together multiple sources.
PMP Exam Prep by Rita Mulcahy (2018 9th Edition) Course for Passing Project Mgmt
What stands out: This is the 9th edition of Rita Mulcahy's "course in a book" approach, and the book is marked as Revised. Written in English and formatted as a trade paperback, it packs everything into one physical volume, which makes it easy to track your progress: work through the chapters, then go back to sections you need.
The most practical thing to know is the scale. At 624 pages, this isn't a light overview; it's a substantial study resource. The physical size and weight mean you'll likely keep it on a desk rather than in a backpack. For someone preparing for the PMP exam, the depth is the main draw. You get a guided path through the material, with the author's approach baked into every page.
The trade-off comes down to format. You're paying $17.99 for a book, not a live course, and you'll need to bring your own discipline to finish 624 pages. The physical book is large and heavy, so it's best used at a desk. If you prefer video or audio explanations, a print study guide may not hold your attention, but if reading and highlighting are your style, the trade paperback gives you a permanent reference to revisit up until exam day.
Bottom line: Rita Mulcahy's PMP Exam Prep (2018 9th Edition) is a solid choice for self-directed learners who want a comprehensive, affordable study guide in book form. It's heavy, both in page count and physical weight, but for the price it gives you a complete course-in-a-book that you can work through on your own schedule. If that matches your learning style, it's worth a spot on your study desk.
