Introduction

Have you ever wondered how the pyramids were built? Or the Eiffel Tower? 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 millions of lines of code for its latest operating system? The answer to all of these is project management.

The CompTIA Project+ exam will test your knowledge of the concepts and processes involved in project management. There are several project management methodologies you can follow, each with their own processes and procedures, but at the foundation of each one are sound project management principles and techniques. CompTIA Project+ is vendor neutral. It acknowledges other methodologies such as those published by the Project Management Institute® and PRINCE2® but doesn't follow them precisely.

In this edition of CompTIA Project+ Study Guide, you'll find plenty of discussion of project management concepts such as defining the requirements, creating the project charter document, creating the scope document, planning the project, assessing and managing risk, and closing out the project. You'll also find exam questions in categories such as information technology fundamentals, agile processes, team building and personnel management, quality management, status reporting, and more, and these are discussed as well.

The Project+ certification is centered on information technology (IT) projects. My job-related experience is in IT, and many of the examples in this book are drawn from real-life situations, but the names and scenarios have been changed to protect the guilty.

Where should you go beyond taking your Project+ test? If you find you're interested in all things project management, you should enroll in a good university-level class that takes you through the meatier stages of project management. This book and this test only touch the surface of project management techniques. You'll find there is much more to learn and that it's possible to make a career of managing projects.

Make certain to study all the questions and answers in the assessment test and at the end of each chapter. Then head over to the online test bank at www.wiley.com/go/sybextestprep and take the two practice exams included with your purchase of this book. The Project+ exam is designed to test your knowledge of a concept or idea, so use this book to learn the objective behind the question.

What Is the Project+ Certification?

CompTIA's 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 Dell, HP, or IBM equipment. CompTIA got its start with what is now an industry standard, the A+ exam. This test is designed to examine your understanding of the workings of a PC and its associated connection to a network. There are other tests as well: Network+, Linux+, Cloud+, CySA+, and many others.

Why Become Project+ Certified?

Certification in project management has increasingly become a requirement for those interested in full-time careers in this field. It improves your credibility with stakeholders and customers. Becoming certified demonstrates your intent to learn the processes associated with project management and provides you with opportunities for positions and advancements that may not otherwise be possible.

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

• Demonstrates Proof of Professional Achievement    Certification demonstrates to current and potential employers that you are knowledgeable and well-grounded in project management practices and have taken the initiative to prove your knowledge in this area.
• Increases Your Marketability    If you take a moment to browse job postings for project management positions, you'll often find that certification is either highly desirable or required. The CompTIA Project+ certification will help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to fulfill the duties required of a project manager.
• 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 and pass certification tests prove, if nothing else, that they have the tenacity to get through a difficult subject and to demonstrate their understanding by testing on the subject.
• Provides a Prerequisite for Advanced Project Management Training    If you're considering a project management career, the Project+ exam is a great way to start. Studying for this exam gives you a foundation in project management. After passing the exam, you should consider obtaining the Certified Associate Project Management (CAPM®) or Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI). This study guide follows the principles and processes outlined by PMI and is a great introduction to its certifications.
• 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 on a project, your customer gains confidence in you.

How to Become Project+ Certified

First, study the topics and processes outlined in this book, make certain to answer all the end-of-chapter questions, and then take the bonus exams found here: www.wiley.com/go/sybextestprep.

Then go to the CompTIA website (www.comptia.org) to find the list of testing sites where the exam is currently conducted.

Prices and testing centers are subject to change at any time. Please visit CompTIA's website for the most up-to-date information: www.comptia.org.

If you take the test in person, you'll need a driver's license and one other form of ID when you arrive at the testing center. No calculators, computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices are allowed in the testing area. CompTIA also offers an online test option. You're allowed 90 minutes to take the exam, and there are a maximum of 95 multiple-choice and drag-and-drop questions. You must score a 710 (on a scale of 100-900) to pass. There are no prerequisites for this exam. You'll be notified of your grade as soon as you finish the test.

Who Should Buy This Book?

You should buy this book if you're interested in project management and want to learn more about the topic. The Project+ exam is an ideal way to introduce yourself to project management concepts and techniques, and this book will immerse you in the basics of those techniques.

If you've never taken a certification test before, you'll find that the Project+ exam is a pleasant way to get your feet wet. The test isn't overly complicated or riddled with trick questions; it simply covers the basics of project management. Once you pass the exam and gain confidence in your project management knowledge and skills, you'll be ready to progress to other certifications and be eager to learn the more in-depth topics involved in project management.

What Does This Book Cover?

This book follows the CompTIA Project+ exam blueprint and is divided into chapters that cover major topic areas. Each section is explained in sufficient detail to become a Project+ certified professional. Certain areas have been expanded upon, which are important concepts to know. However, they do not map directly to an exam objective.

You will learn the following information in this book:

• Chapter 1: Introducing the Project provides a high-level overview of project management, introducing the basic terminology of project management, an understanding of the project phases, and how the Discovery/Concept phase is conducted.
• Chapter 2: Understanding IT Fundamentals outlines information technology concepts, including understanding the basic concepts of infrastructure, cloud models, and software; understanding development life cycles; using project selection criteria; and understanding project team roles.
• Chapter 3: Creating the Project Charter begins with a discussion of the Initiating phase. It then examines the elements of the project charter, how to identify and assess stakeholders, creating a records management system, and developing information security procedures, and concludes with an overview of the kickoff meeting.
• Chapter 4: Planning the Project moves into project planning, beginning with documenting the project scope statement, understanding project influences and constraints, documenting the requirements, and defining requirements on an agile project.
• Chapter 5: Creating the Project Schedule extends planning to creation of a detailed project schedule. It starts with an explanation of the work breakdown structure and how that is developed, then covers the...