The Integrated PMP® Study Guide

Subtitle: A First-Principles Approach to Project Value Delivery, Exam Readiness, and Professional Application

Learning Journey Overview

This guide offers a comprehensive learning journey structured for PMP® success, moving from foundational understanding to practical application and exam readiness.

  • Phase 1: Orientation: Understand the exam landscape, the shift in PMBOK 7, and the mindset required for success.

  • Phase 2: Foundation: Learn the core Principles that guide project management and the Performance Domains where work happens. Includes understanding how domains interact.

  • Phase 3: Application: Apply concepts through tailoring, understanding key tools, and developing essential leadership skills, including deep dives into critical areas.

  • Phase 4: Exam Strategy: Build confidence by understanding the PMP exam structure, question types, and effective test‑taking strategies.

(Table of Contents - For Reference)

Phase 1: Orientation – Understanding the PMP Landscape for Exam and Practice
  • 1.1 Welcome & How This Guide Supports Exam Success and Professional Growth
  • 1.2 The PMP Mindset: Focus on Value Delivery and Ethical Conduct
  • 1.3 Core Concepts Preview (Principles, Domains, Value, Tailoring)
  • 1.4 Reflection Checkpoint: Connecting Concepts to Your Experience
Phase 2: Foundation – The PMBOK® 7 Framework in Theory and Action
  • 2.1 The 12 Principles of Project Management (Guiding Your Actions)
    • 2.1.1 Principles 1-3: Stewardship, Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement
    • 2.1.2 Principles 4-6: Value, Systems Thinking, Leadership
    • 2.1.3 Principles 7-9: Tailoring, Quality, Complexity
    • 2.1.4 Principles 10-12: Risk, Adaptability, Change Enablement
  • 2.2 The 8 Project Performance Domains (Where the Work Happens)
    • 2.2.1 Domains: Stakeholder and Team
    • 2.2.2 Domain: Development Approach & Life Cycle
    • 2.2.3 Domains: Planning and Project Work
    • 2.2.4 Domains: Delivery and Measurement
    • 2.2.5 Domain: Uncertainty
  • 2.3 Connecting the Dots: How Domains Interact Holistically
    • 2.3.1 Domain Interactions: Initiation and Planning
    • 2.3.2 Domain Interactions: Execution and Closing
  • 2.4 Reflection Checkpoint: Applying the Framework to Your Context
Phase 3: Application – Principles and Domains Driving Professional Results
  • 3.1 Tailoring: Adapting PMBOK® with Principles for Your Project
  • 3.2 The Project Manager's Toolkit: Key Models, Methods & Artifacts
    • 3.2.1 Key Models in Project Management
    • 3.2.2 Common Methods and Techniques: Part 1
    • 3.2.3 Common Methods and Techniques: Part 2
    • 3.2.4 Common Methods and Techniques: Part 3
    • 3.2.5 Key Project Artifacts: Part 1
    • 3.2.6 Key Project Artifacts: Part 2
    • 3.2.7 Key Project Artifacts: Part 3
  • 3.3 Deep Dive: Leadership & Soft Skills in Action
  • 3.4 Deep Dive: Critical Tools & Techniques in Practice
    • 3.4.1 Agile Estimation Techniques
    • 3.4.2 Risk Analysis and Response
    • 3.4.3 Earned Value Management (EVM) Basics
  • 3.5 Real-World Examples & Scenario Insights (Conceptual)
  • 3.6 Reflection Checkpoint: Improving Your Professional Practice
Phase 4: Exam Readiness & Continued Professional Growth
  • 4.1 Mastering the Exam: Strategy & PMI Mindset (Ethics & Professional Conduct)
  • 4.2 Tackling PMP Scenario Questions (Exam Technique and Practical Problem-Solving)
  • 4.3 Memory Boosters & Advanced Study Techniques
  • 4.4 Final Checklist: Ready for the Exam and Ready for Practice
  • 4.5 Glossary (Exam Definitions and Professional Context)
    • 4.5.1 Glossary (Acceptance Criteria - Assumption Log)
    • 4.5.2 Glossary (AUP - Bidder Conference)
    • 4.5.3 Glossary (Burndown Chart - Complexity)
    • 4.5.4 Glossary (Configuration Management - Critical Path Method)
    • 4.5.5 Glossary (Crystal - Definition of Ready)
    • 4.5.6 Glossary (Deliverable - Epic)
    • 4.5.7 Glossary (Escaped Defects - Five Whys)
    • 4.5.8 Glossary (Flow-based - Iteration Plan)
    • 4.5.9 Glossary (Iterative Life Cycle - LeSS)
    • 4.5.10 Glossary (Lessons Learned - Performance Domain)
    • 4.5.11 Glossary (Planning Poker - Product Breakdown Structure)
    • 4.5.12 Glossary (Product Owner - Requirements Management Plan)
    • 4.5.13 Glossary (Retrospective - Rolling Wave Planning)
    • 4.5.14 Glossary (Root Cause Analysis - Spike)
    • 4.5.15 Glossary (Sprint/Iteration - Status Reports)
    • 4.5.16 Glossary (Story Mapping - Team Charter)
    • 4.5.17 Glossary (Technical Debt - User Story Creation)
    • 4.5.18 Glossary (Value Stream Mapping - WIP Limits)
  • 4.6 Sample Questions & Explanations (Conceptual - Linking Exam Answers to Practical Reasoning)
    • 4.6.1 Sample Scenario: Team Conflict
    • 4.6.2 Sample Scenarios: EVM and Lifecycle Selection