Ever since PMI published the PMBOK Guide 7th Edition, my students have been asking one question more than any other: Which PMBOK Guide should I read for the PMP exam?
This post provides an updated answer for 2025. If you're just getting started with your PMP studies and want to make sure you're focusing on the right materials, read on.
Which PMBOK Guide Should I Read for the PMP Exam in 2025?
When students ask this, what they’re really wondering is: “What materials do I actually need to study to pass?” It’s a valid question, but it starts from the wrong place. The PMP exam isn’t based on just one book. Instead, it follows the structure of the PMP Exam Content Outline (ECO), and PMI draws from a range of sources to develop the questions. So rather than focusing on which PMBOK Guide to read, the better focus is understanding what the exam is really testing.
PMBOK Guides Are Reference Books, Not the Exam Blueprint
The PMBOK Guide (both 6th and 7th editions) is part of the official reference list, but the PMP exam is not a test of either guide. PMI clearly states that the exam is built on the ECO and supported by multiple reference publications. These include the PMBOK Guide 6th Edition, the 7th Edition, The Process Groups: A Practice Guide, the Agile Practice Guide, and several others. No single guide will give you everything you need.
PMI's Shift to a Modular Content Ecosystem
Since publishing the 7th Edition, PMI has moved away from a single comprehensive guide and toward a modular set of resources. The 6th Edition focuses on processes and tools. The 7th Edition focuses on principles and performance domains. The Process Groups: A Practice Guide was introduced to bridge the two and bring process structure back into focus. Meanwhile, PMI Standards+ continues to expand with examples and guidance. Think of it as a toolkit rather than a textbook.
A Practical Study Strategy for 2025
Start with the PMP Exam Content Outline. This is the roadmap. Then read across the PMBOK Guide 6th Edition for the process-driven structure. Add the 7th Edition to understand the principles behind good project management. (Optionally, use The Process Groups: A Practice Guide as a bridge between the two but the 6th edition covers most of this already.) Definitely include the Agile Practice Guide, The Scrum Guide, and the Agile Manifesto to cover the agile components. Finally, and probably most importantly, apply your knowledge using a high-quality exam simulator to close the gap between theory and exam-style questions.
Common Misunderstandings to Avoid
It’s not true that the exam is now “based only on agile” or “only on PMBOK 7.” These are common myths. The reality is that PMI has blended its sources to reflect the evolving nature of project management. The 6th Edition still matters. The 7th Edition adds context. Agile is a component, not the whole story. The most successful students approach their preparation with a balanced, integrated strategy.
Where The PM PrepCast (Course and Simulator) Stands
We continuously update our PrepCast course and PMP Exam Simulator based on what the exam actually tests, not just what PMI says in theory. Our content is aligned with the ECO, draws from all relevant PMI publications, and is shaped by lessons learned from thousands of students. If you follow our structured path, you’ll study the right materials in the right order, and walk into the exam with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The PMP exam is evolving, but your approach to studying doesn’t have to be confusing. Focus on the ECO. Use both editions of the PMBOK Guide plus supporting materials. And trust tools that are updated, structured, and proven to work. If you have questions or want to share your own lessons learned, I’d love to hear from you below.
