In a world full of e-diplomas and certificates, it's stressful to decide which course is the current market trend and which certification to opt for a bright future. 

Many EdTech companies are offering or encouraging students and corporate level members to take up a wide range of training courses beneficial for their career advancements such as PMP, Ethical Hacking, Lean Six Sigma belts, Six Sigma belts and many more.   

However, one certification that stands out of the crowd, not just in terms of effort and validity, but the supremacy it brings to those who have hands-on it - the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP). 

This blog will come across the term definition and its relation with PMP. Agility evolved from PMI, PMI-ACP Vs ScrumMaster, requirements to become PMI-ACP certified, and things required to pass the exam what to look for in the training and other related subjects.

Before jumping into the topic, let's solve the fundamental question, 'Why Now? Were there any Agile practices in the good old times? Or is it a recently hyped one?'

The practices seem to have a ground from the beginning, and it isn't a recently popularized one, though there wasn't much buzz about it. The Mid 90s was when the Agile development procedure evolved as an alternate option for standard plan-driven project management practices. 

Though these practices have proven success in small projects with limited work scope and variables, the project complexity drastically increased as the IT sector started transforming. 

Since, Agile accentuate adaptability, flexibility and nimbleness, it is continuing to be welcomed by project managers as the development process choice in different industry verticals.
 

What is PMI-ACP Certification?

PMI is an internationally recognized certification exam, and the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) provided by PMI is known to be PMI-ACP certification. The certification represents that you have deep insight into Agile principles and are skilled enough to execute Agile techniques in an efficient manner. It covers primary Agile methods, Kanban, Test-driven Development (TDD), Lean, Scrum and Extreme Programming (XP).

We have come across the term ‘Agile’ a few times now, but what exactly is Agile? 
 

What is Agile?

Agile is a tedious method to deliver software progressively from the initial phase of the project rather than providing the entire project at the end. This term is mainly applied in project management, and if the project is classing, then the Agile practice is a great approach to follow.

The practise focuses on the product delivery to the end customers in smaller sprints than delivering at a time. This makes it easier for them to verify and validate the project module and its quality.

Agile assigns to the principles of lean development, which accentuate efficacy to optimize the delivery of value to customers. The pillars of Agile methods are provided in the Agile Manifesto as follows:

• Operating software over comprehensive documentation.
• Responding to the business transformation by following a plan.
• Interactions and individuals over tools and procedures.
• Customer alliance over contract negotiation.
   

Relation Between PMP and PMI-ACP

Project Management Institute (PMI) is a foremost organization in the project management area and, more recently, in organizational agility. Though it is not known as an avant-garde organization; however, its change in the last few years has been a professional amaze. Its trajectory has brought significance and structure to a full of plain vanilla certifications and training courses of little effect and uncertain quality.

PMP and PMI-ACP, both offered by PMI, are two of the most desired certifications in the project management industry. However, there is a difference between the two.

PMP focuses on traditional project management and can be leveraged in a wide range of projects, while PMI-ACP focuses on agile practices for planning a project.

Hence, we could say that PMP is a superset of PMI-ACP as ACP is merely focused on the Agile methodology. We could also assume the PMP is the superset between PMP & PMI-ACP as PMP covers broader domain areas, including the Agile methods.
 

PMI-ACP Vs Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Earning a certification in the project management field is a plus point to set yourself apart from the rest and enhance your earning potential, but which is better - PMI-ACP or CSM?

PMI-ACP helps project managers to explain that they are proficient in the Agile Methodology. With the certification, you can elevate your earning potential and take a career in a wide variety of roles - from a project manager to a Scrum Master, consultant and more.

The CSM is sponsored by the Scrum Alliance and indicates that you have mastered all Scrum-related subjects. The certification only focuses on Scrum and managing Scrum-based projects.

Though these certifications linger on Agile-related topics, earning your CSM places total focus on the Scrum Approach to Agile and is one of the best-known choices. Still, the PMI-ACP certification can be implied to a wide range of Agile projects such as Scrum and Kanban and is not restricted to Scrum, unlike CSM.
 

Agility Evolution in PMI

1. PMI-ACP & Disciplined Agile

In August 2019, PMI publicized the purchase of Disciplined Agile (DA), where new opportunities eventually evolved - contribution to the profession and clear specialization path for expert management in agile organizations and sectors.

Once the announcement started attracting people, common questions regarding the relation of DA and PMI-ACP or whether PMI-ACP is being replaced began arising.

But these questions began suppressing once the Disciplined Agile Delivery toolkit book author - Scoot Ambler said PMI-ACP is not going anywhere or being replaced as it's a successful program. Moreover, DA and PMI-ACP are an excellent combination; hence it is not a worrying subject.
 

2. The Effect of PMI-ACP on PMBoK

Suppose you’re among those who have been paying close attention to PMI evolution and its connection with agility for many years. In that case, you must have noted how the Project Management Fundamentals Guide (PMBoK) had a drastic transition.

From version 4 to version 7 released last year, we can see how PMI-ACP and agile came as one to change the profession and for the best. Swift enhancements in the innovative technologies and the requirement for companies and proficient to adapt more quickly to marketplace transformation has resulted in the latest edition of PMBoK.

Practitioners were tasked with identifying the proper delivery method to get the work done and deliver value. To ensure the relevance of the v.7, it must reflect its flexibility and help them in project management to offer products that enable the intended results.
 

Goals of PMI-ACP Certification

The PMI-ACP certification will shape you to:

• Illustrate your potential to manage projects efficiently in a complex business sector
• Master Agile transformation in the company
• Validate your commitment to continued accomplishment in Agile and project management
• Demonstrate leadership qualities during company transformation
• Command higher pay-scale compared to other non-certified co-workers
   

What are the Skills Acquired After PMI-ACP Certification?

As a certified PMI-ACP professional, let’s look at some of the skills that you will possess after the certification. 

• Quality management
• Vendor management
• Initiate procedures to incorporate enhancements
• Agile risk and project management
• Agile analysis and design
• Shareholder management
• Removing conflicts via effective communication
• Earned value management
• Agile estimation
   

What are the Eligibility Prerequisites for PMI-ACP Exam?

Unlike other certifications, PMI-ACP has prerequisites, and they aren't negligible. Following are the eligibility criteria to know before attending the exam, they are:

1. General Project Experience

• 2,000 hours of general project management experience in the last 5 years.
• Requirement satisfied by Active PMP or Program Management Professional (PgMP).

2. Agile Project Experience

• Least experience of working 1,500 hours on Agile project teams during last 3 years.
• These are in addition to 2,000 hours of General Project Experience.

3. Training in Agile Practices

• 21 contact hours must be earned in Agile practices. 
   

Is PMI-ACP certification fruitful?

Ventures and organizations can achieve enhanced performance and a competitive head starts by employing experts holding the certification. It is valuable for professionals trying to advance their careers in project management.

The training also helps beginners acquire knowledge regarding team leadership, dynamics, and the potential to distribute the members' works, responsibilities, and roles.

The certification is highly valued among companies and leads your path to a wide variety of opportunities such as PMP Scrum Master, agile trainer, agile project manager and business analyst.

Agile project management is leveraged in numerous industrial sectors such as supply chain management, healthcare, engineering, finance, construction and aviation.

According to Glassdoor.com, project manager with PMI-ACP certification earns:

• India - INR 15lakhs
• US - $90,890
• UK - £50,943
• Canada – CA $82,968
   

Things to Pass the PMI-ACP Exam to be Agile Certified

Following are the 7 things you need to prepare for before giving an exam that will help you succeed with flying colours.

1. PMI-ACP Exam Study Plan and Schedule

As a project manager, you are enlightened about the significance of planning and scheduling for the PMI-ACP examination. To get an optimal result, one will have to create a proper study schedule for a 10-12 weeks period that fits hand-in-hand with the rest of your tasks. 

But this doesn’t mean you can’t have the leisure time of your own. To stay focused and fresh, one needs to carry out leisure activities and other commitments.

Depending on the type of work in the office or household, you will have to schedule time accordingly. You can take practice tests to determine where you lack and need more focus during periods.

Ensure that you create a realistic schedule and set weekly targets to track your performance progress.
 

2. PMI-ACP Handbook

Exam policies, procedures and other exam process-related details would be listed down on the PMI-ACP Handbook. The first two sections are a must-read if you’re planning for PMI-ACP certification. 

These portions cover the fundamental topics like exam eligibility prerequisites, completion of digital application, the payment policy and the exam blueprint. Understanding this little information will minimize your exam day stress.
 

3. PMI-ACP Sample Questions

Several free PMI-ACP sample examination questions are available from many internet sources. Free questions are always an excellent point to begin preparation from. To access top-notch quality sample questions, you will have to subscribe to a digital PMI-ACP Exam Simulator.

Your weekly target must include answering as many practice questions as possible and taking complete 120-question practice tests. This will help in evaluating your progress and prepare you accordingly. 

Since exam days are supposed to be filled with anxiety and fear, being familiar with formats and types will put a bit of ease into you and prepare you for better success.
 

4. PMI-ACP Books

Unlike PMP, PMI-ACP doesn't have a publication source for candidates to study; instead, PMI offers a list of reference materials available on their website for free.

The next book source is the PMI-ACP Examination Content Online. This document covers Agile methods, tools, knowledge and skills that will appear in the exam.
 

5. PMI-ACP Preparation Time

The material covered by the PMI-ACP examination is detailed, extensive and widespread throughout several reference materials. This is not a test you can overload for in a few weekends or simply rely on your experience and succeed.

Start spending 10-12 weeks studying before thinking about appearing for an exam. You will also need to create a flexible schedule to suit the rest of your commitments.
 

6. PMI-ACP Study Guide

A large number of exam prep books or study guides are now available. The guide explains the concepts seen in the test and can be a great advantage to the reference materials offered by the PMI. 

These guides will be locally available in your bookstore, and all you have to do is select the book that fits your learning preference and covers low to high topics.
 

7. PMI-ACP Training Course

With a broad range of materials covered by the PMI-ACP examination, another choice to enrol in is self-study training. The next-generation self-study methods come in the form of Videocasts or Agile Podcasts. 

You can download it on your PC, smartphone, tablets, or other portable devices, making it easier for you to listen or view whenever you want. Agile Podcasts will cover Agile techniques, skills, practices, tools, knowledge and approaches needed for the test. An added advantage is that taking the lesson in this way will count toward the 21 contact hours of specific training.
 

What to Look For in PMI-ACP Training?

If you are trying to get a PMI-ACP certificate from a training provider, make sure you choose one carefully. There are several training providers in your areas and on the digital platform. You must ensure that the training is beneficial and meets all criteria before jumping to conclusions.

One of the critical factors to look for in the trainer is their qualification and experience. A good trainer would possess practical Agile project experience than just being an average trainer.

The second one is to check the reviews of the trainer provided on their website. The student reviews prove the quality of their training and would eventually determine their training value.

Don't forget to find out the extension of the training. Good practitioner training must include practice questions, mock tests, and valuable materials for easy understanding of the topics.
 

Concluding Thoughts

Becoming certified is a procedure that requires dedication and commitment. A good certification that best displays your career potential and offers you a cutting-edge over others will certainly demand more from you. 

Keep in mind that if the certification was a piece of cake to get held off or did not have any professional challenges, then what is the exact reason limiting people from pursuing it? Choose wisely and conquer the certification course to stand out of the crowd in terms of economy and career.
 

Looking for a good certification training course company but not knowing whom to choose?

iCert Global is a one-stop solution offering certification training courses in a wide variety of techniques that will give you a head start in this competitive world. Visit our website to find out the different Agile & Scrum courses.

https://www.icertglobal.com/ 

About Us

Our company conducts both Instructor-led Live Online Training sessions and Instructor-led Classroom training workshops for learners across the globe.

We also provide Corporate Training for enterprise workforce development

Project Management Courses

• PMP Certification 
• CAPM Certification
• PMI-RMP Certification

Cloud Technology

• AWS Solution Architect Certification
• Google Cloud Certification
• Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions 70 532 Certification

Agile & Scrum

• PMI-ACP Certification
• CSPO Certification
•  SAFe Agilist Certification

Quality Management Training

•  Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (LSSYB) Certification Training Courses
•  Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) Certification Training Courses
•  Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) Certification Training Courses