Introduction

Overview

Have you ever sat back and wondered how the pyramids were built? Or the Eiffel Tower? Or the Golden Gate Bridge? How did someone have the organizational skills to put all those people together and create such magnificent structures? Coming forward to recent times-how is Microsoft capable of putting together the literally millions of lines of code that become Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP? The answer to all of these: project management.

The CompTIA Project +will test your knowledge of the extraordinarily large world of project management. The basics of project management are simple and elegant, but there are many different opinions about how project management should be done. Some project management experts suggest project management methodologies that are rigorous , others more casual ones. It's left up to you to decide which you'll use and how you'll use them.

Fortunately, the Project +test wasn't written with any one project management methodology in mind. Instead, it's written from the perspective of understanding good project management principles and techniques-something that all project management methodologies embrace. That being said, this edition of the CompTIA Project+ Study Guide reflects CompTIA's commitment to the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its associated project management practices. These project management practices are detailed in PMI's standards document, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge ( Guide to the PMBOK). The four domains measured in CompTIA's 2003 version of the Project+ exam map to the five process groups that are the foundation of the Guide to the PMBOK : Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling, and Closing.

Note  

CompTIA recently changed the name of this exam from IT Project+ to Project+. According to CompTIA, the change was a result of feedback they got from members who felt the exam was more in line with PMI. The exam, they feel, is designed for anybody whose main job is project management, not just those in IT. "Individuals managing any type of project for their company -- whether or not it has an IT component to it -- can benefit enormously from using the certification as a means of validating project management competency," they proclaimed in a statement released to announce the name change.

In Project + Study Guide , you'll find plenty of discussion of these project management concepts, such as requirements definition; the concept, charter, and scope documents; the project planning process itself; risk assessment and management; and closing out the project. Also, you'll find that the exam quizzes you on categories that are hard to objectively test on, such as team building and people management, and we give you the skinny on these as well.

Additionally, you'll find that this study guide is a good starter for your journey to the 'Holy Grail' of project management certifications, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification as offered through PMI.

If you have a modicum of practical, hands-on project management experience from your work background, you'll find that the test is much more project management-oriented than IToriented. We've included more IT-centric material than you'll see on the test. We did this because there's an interesting quagmire in the project management industry today. Almost all new projects, regardless of their nature, use information systems in one way or another. So you'll find that your project management career will always involve some sort of IT-and IT presents many interesting twists in the road, in terms of project tasks . For example, suppose that you work for a large manufacturing concern. In the past, the machinery that ran the manufacturing line didn't have any semblance of electronics or IT gear in it, anywhere . But today, manufacturing gear is full of electronics, along with servers and software that run the various manufacturing components . Manufacturing segments may even include lasers and robotics . Regardless of your background, it is likely some segment of IT software and hardware directly affects your business.

Where should you go beyond taking your Project +test? If you haven't already, and you find that you're interested in all things project management, you should enroll in a good universitylevel class that takes you through the heavier stages of project management. This book and this test only touch the surface of what's really out there. You'll find that there is so much more to learn that you could make a career out of managing projects. After all, that's what a project manager does, isn't it?

Note  

Don't just study the questions and answers in this book; the questions on the actual exam will be different from the practice ones included in the book and on the CD-ROM. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of a concept or objective, so use this book to learn the objective behind the question.

What Is the Project+ Certification?

CompTIA is a pretty cool outfit because its mission is to create tests and certifications that aren't company specific. For example, you can take a server test that deals with the elements of servers and server operation, but doesn't ask you specifics about, say, Dell, HP, IBM, or Compaq. CompTIA got its start with what is now almost a standard in the industry, the A +exam-a test designed to quiz you on your understanding of the guts of a PC and its associated connection to a network. But there are other tests as well: Network +, Linux +, and others.

Why Become Project+ Certified?

With Project +, CompTIA has given people who are affiliated with the IT industry the capability of proving their project management prowess. You'll find that this test will help you fill in some blanks you may have had regarding project management. You'll also find, if you're like us, that it whets your appetite for more information about project management. This exam and subsequent certification make a nice addition to any IT person's certification repertoire , and it is a great starting place for those interested in project management but not necessarily in heavy-duty IT.

Here are some reasons to consider the Project +test and this study guide:

Demonstrates Proof of Professional Achievement You can put Project +beside your name on your business cards, proving passed a test that shows you know something about project management. You'll also get a certificate of achievement from CompTIA that you can frame, as well as a wallet card certifying you as Project +.

Increases Your Marketability With a certification in IT project management, you may find that some positions open up to you a little easier than they did before. You should augment any IT career with a technical understanding relative to your interests (servers, databases, networks, software development, etc.), but the IT Project +certification takes you a step beyond. It says that you understand not only the tech talk behind an IT project, you also understand how the project should go together.

Provides Opportunity for Advancement You may find that your Project +certification is just what you need to get that next step up the ladder. People who study hard and pass certification tests prove, if nothing else, that they have the tenacity to get through a difficult subject and to prove their understanding by testing out on the subject.

Provides a Prerequisite for Advanced Project Management Training Above all else, if you're considering a project management career, the Project +exam is a great way to start. It uses an agnostic technique that doesn't preach about any one project management methodology and thus gives you a background on what project management is really all about, not simply what one company or organization thinks it's about. You'll find that the dialog on the Web is tremendous regarding this subject, and there are lots of experts-some of whom disagree with one another! To find your own way in the project management world, start by getting a handle on the basics of IT without any predilection toward one methodology or another.

Raises Customer Confidence Because It Raises Your Confidence Customers who know you're certified in project management and who hear you speak and act with confidence are more confident in the company you represent. If you're able, for example, to identify and describe the four categories of risks to prepare for in a project, you might well validate to your customer that you know what you're talking about. Being able to talk intelligently about project management techniques has worked for us, and we are sure it will for you too.

How to Become Project+ Certified

Simply go to the CompTIA website ( www.comptia.com ) to visit the list of testing sites where the exam is currently conducted . We took ours at a VUE center (U.S. telephone number, 1-877-551-PLUS), but you can also take your test at Prometric (1-877-287-6872). The test has a varying range of prices for members of CompTIA ($155 for 1-50 members, $134 for 51-250 and $108 for 250+). The exam fee for nonmembers is $207.See the website for more details.

Note  

Prices are subject to change at anytime . Please visit CompTIA's website for the most up-to-date pricing information at http://www.comptia.org. Note that the prices quoted are for the United States. Prices may vary for other countries .

You're allowed 90 minutes to take the test and a minimum score of 63 percent is required to pass. There are 84 questions on the test, which are simple multiple choice.

You'll need a driver's license and one other form of ID (doesn't have to have a picture on it, but must have a signature). No calculators , computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices are allowed. You'll be notified of your grade as soon as you finish the test.

You cannot take this test online.

Note  

In addition to reading the book, you might consider visiting the major project management websites : www.gantthead.com , www.techrepublic.com , www.4pm.com , and www.pmi.org.

Who Should Buy This Book?

You should buy this book if you're interested in project management and want to see what it's all about. Your IT background doesn't have to be very in-depth to take the Project +test. Project managers aren't typically subject matter experts in the IT area they're working in; they utilize the people around them who are experts to get the job done. Project management is about putting the right people (with the right attitudes) together in order to achieve the project's objectives-to create its deliverables.

We would advise you to not be afraid of this test. If you've never taken a certification test before (we've taken dozens), you'll find that this is a very pleasant way to get your feet wet. The test isn't complicated or riddled with trick questions-just good old meat-and-potatoes questions about the basics of project management. We find that CompTIA creates an excellent test and is able to thoroughly test an individual on a given subject.

This book will also be a good basic IT primer for those who are immersed in conventional project management but who have now entered into the arena of IT projects.

How to Use This Book and CD

We've included several testing features, found in both the book and on the CD-ROM bound at the back of the book. At the beginning of the book (right after this introduction, in fact) is an assessment test that you can use to check your readiness for the actual exam. Take this exam before you start reading the book; it will help you determine the areas you may need to brush up on. The answers to the assessment test appear on a separate page after the last question of the test. Each answer also includes an explanation and a note telling you in which chapter this material appears.

To test your knowledge as you progress through the book, there are review questions at the end of each chapter. As you finish each chapter, answer the review questions and then check your work-the correct answers appear on the page following the last review question. You can reread the section that deals with each question you got wrong to ensure that you get the correct answer the next time you are tested on the material.

Note  

Every question on the IT Project+ exam will be multiple choice. We used this question format for this study guide to ensure that you were tested as comprehensively as possible.

In addition to the assessment test and chapter review questions, you'll find two bonus exams on the book's companion CD-ROM. Take these exams just as if you were actually taking the exams (i.e., without any reference material). When you have finished the first exam, move on to solidify your test-taking skills with the second exam.

Also on the CD, you'll also find over 150 flashcard questions for on-the-go review. Download them right onto your Palm OS device for quick and convenient reviewing.

Additionally, if you are going to travel but still need to study for the Project +exam, and you have a laptop with a CD-ROM drive, you can take this entire book with you just by taking the CD. This book is in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format so it can be easily read on any computer.

Tips for Taking the Project+ Exam

Here are some general tips for taking your exam successfully:

Bring two forms of ID with you. One must be a photo ID, such as a driver's license. The other can be a major credit card or a passport. Both forms must have a signature.

Arrive early at the exam center so you can relax and review your study materials, particularly tables and lists of exam- related information.

Read the questions carefully . Don't be tempted to jump to an early conclusion. Make sure you know exactly what the question is asking.

Don't leave any unanswered questions. Unanswered questions are scored against you.

There will be questions with multiple correct responses. When there is more than one correct answer, a message at the bottom of the screen will prompt you to 'Choose all that apply.' Be sure to read the messages displayed.

When answering multiple-choice questions you're not sure about, use a process of elimination to get rid of the obviously incorrect questions first. This will improve your odds if you need to make an educated guess.

For the latest pricing on the exam and updates to the registration procedures, refer to the CompTIA site at www.comptia.com.

The Exam Objectives

Behind every computer industry exam, you can be sure to find exam objectives-the broad topics in which the exam developers want to ensure your competency. Exam objectives are subject to change at any time without prior notice and at CompTIA's sole discretion. This study guide includes, at the start of each chapter, the test objectives covered in that chapter. But please visit the Certification page of CompTIA's website ( www.comptia.com ) for the most current listing of Project +exam objectives.

Warning  

Be careful about the test objectives (for any test, not just CompTIA's). Our experience has been that exam objectives are sometimes hastily written and might contain misspellings and grammar errors, or might be missing information that would help you study for the test. Additionally, they might be out of order. Read the objectives carefully to make sure you understand what the objective authors were really getting at.

The Project+ exam will test you on four domains, or topics and each domain is worth a certain percentage of the exam. Following is a breakdown of the domains and their representation in the exam.

Domain	% of Examination
1.0) Project Initiation and Scope Definition	20%
2.0) Project Planning	30%
3.0) Project Execution, Control and Coordination	43%
4.0) Project Closure, Acceptance and Support	7%
Total	100%

You can find information on each exam objective of the Project+ exam in the Project+ Study Guide. Each is represented in the following table along with the chapter where the objective is covered.