Agile Certified Professional
Are you looking to stand out in the competitive job market and enhance your project management skills? Look no further -- becoming an Agile Certified Professional (ACP) might be the perfect career move for you.
In this guide, we will learn about Agile methods, the importance of Agile certification, and how it can boost your career.
Whether you're experienced or new, learning Agile and getting certified is crucial for success.
What is Agile?
Agile methodology is a collaborative and iterative approach to project management, emphasizing flexibility, adaptability, and customer satisfaction. Teams can quickly adapt, work together, and deliver high-quality products or services.
Agile methodologies have gained immense popularity across various industries, including software development, marketing, and project management.
Agile offers several benefits, such as improved productivity, better risk management, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. By adopting Agile practices, teams can achieve successful project outcomes and deliver value to their clients with greater efficiency.
Agile Certification: Why is it Important?
Obtaining Agile certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to Agile principles and practices. It verifies your knowledge and skills in Agile methodologies, making you a valuable asset to any organization.
Let's look at some reasons why Agile certification is vital for career growth.
Recognition and credibility: Agile certification serves as a testament to your proficiency in Agile methodologies, earning you recognition and credibility in the industry. It validates your expertise and demonstrates your dedication to professional development.
Increased job opportunities: Agile certification opens doors to a wide array of job opportunities. Many companies now require Agile Certified Professionals to lead and manage projects effectively. It gives you a competitive edge over other candidates and increases your chances of landing your dream job.
Higher salary potential: Being an Agile Certified Professional can lead to increased earnings compared to non-certified professionals. Agile certification showcases your capabilities, allowing you to negotiate better compensation packages. Apply now
Agile Certified Professional (ACP) Exam Details
To become an Agile Certified Professional, you must pass the ACP exam conducted by recognized certification bodies. Here's what you need to know about the ACP certification process:
Eligibility criteria and prerequisites: Before taking the ACP exam, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria set by the certification body. Usually, this means having some hours of experience on Agile projects and finishing Agile training.
The ACP exam has multiple-choice questions about Agile methods, frameworks, and techniques to test your knowledge and understanding. It assesses your ability to apply Agile principles in real-world scenarios.
Familiarizing yourself with the exam structure and practicing sample questions is essential.
Tips for preparing and passing the ACP exam: To increase your chances of success, effective exam preparation is crucial. Utilize study resources, such as recommended books and online courses, to enhance your understanding of Agile methodologies. Additionally, taking practice exams and participating in study groups can help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence.
Agile Certified Professional vs. Certified Agile Business Analyst Professional
While pursuing Agile certification, you may come across different certifications, such as Agile Certified Professional (ACP) and Certified Agile Business Analyst Professional. Let's compare these certifications and understand their respective roles.
Agile Certified Professional (ACP): ACP certification validates your knowledge and skills in Agile methodologies. It emphasizes overall project management and the ability to lead Agile teams successfully.
ACP certification is ideal for professionals seeking to take on roles like Agile Project Manager or Scrum Master.
Certified Agile Business Analyst Professional: This certification focuses on the business analyst's role in Agile projects.
It equips you with the skills to bridge the gap between business stakeholders and development teams. Certified Agile Business Analyst Professionals play a crucial role in requirements gathering, scope definition, and communication within Agile projects.
Both certifications have their unique benefits and focus areas. Evaluating your career aspirations and aligning them with the right certification that suits your goals is essential.
How to Prepare for Agile Certification
Preparing for Agile certification requires a comprehensive study plan and a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Here are some strategies to help you effectively prepare for the certification:
Recommended study resources and materials: Start by exploring the recommended study resources provided by the certification body. This may include textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and official documentation. Ensure you have access to credible and up-to-date study materials.
Importance of hands-on experience: While theoretical knowledge is essential, practical experience is equally valuable. Gain hands-on experience working with Agile teams, implementing Agile methodologies, and conducting Agile ceremonies. Real-life exposure will enhance your understanding and ability to apply Agile practices in different scenarios.
Join study groups and forums to collaborate with other learners for Agile certification. Engaging in discussions, sharing experiences, and asking questions can deepen your understanding of Agile concepts and provide different perspectives.
Benefits of Agile Certification in Different Industries
Agile methodologies are applicable across various industries and not limited to software development. Let's explore how Agile certification can benefit professionals in different sectors:
IT and Software Development
Agile certification is highly valuable in the IT and software development industry. It helps professionals lead Agile teams, handle complex projects, and deliver good software products by teaching necessary skills.
Agile methods, such as Scrum and Kanban, have revolutionized software development. They have improved teamwork and allowed for faster delivery. As a result, Agile certification has become essential for IT experts.
Project Management
Agile project management has gained widespread recognition as an effective approach to managing projects of all sizes. Agile certification helps project managers adapt to changing requirements, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver projects in iterations.
Agile certification boosts project management skills and helps achieve successful outcomes in the construction, engineering, and marketing industries.
Marketing and Advertising
Marketing and advertising professionals can greatly benefit from Agile certification. Agile methodologies help marketing teams improve campaign management, enhance cross-department collaboration, and deliver results in shorter time frames.
Marketers can adapt and stay ahead by being flexible and responsive to market changes and customer feedback.
Real-Life Examples: Success Stories of Agile Certified Professionals
To understand the benefits of Agile certification, let's examine real-life examples of individuals who obtained certification and experienced career growth.
Emily Parker, a software developer, became an Agile Certified Professional and soon became the Agile Team Lead.
Her Agile skills and efficient project management helped the team deliver software releases early and with better quality.
Michael Johnson - Michael, a project manager in the construction industry, obtained Agile certification and successfully implemented Agile methodologies in his projects. As a result, his team achieved better coordination, reduced project delays, and increased client satisfaction.
Agile certification can boost your career and open doors to new opportunities in different industries.
Conclusion
Agile methodologies have emerged as a game-changer in project management, offering countless benefits and improving project success rates. By becoming Agile Certified, you can control your career growth and open many opportunities.
Agile certification boosts credibility, widens job opportunities, and equips you to lead Agile teams successfully.
To improve your career and have a lasting effect, don't wait -- start your Agile certification journey now.
Embrace Agile thinking, learn, and become an Agile Certified Pro who excels in the fast-paced business world.
Remember, Agile isn't just a methodology; it's a mindset that empowers professionals to adapt, collaborate, and achieve remarkable results. Become an Agile Certified Professional and witness the transformation in your career. Happy learning!
A SAFe Agilist (SA) strategically guides the adoption, success, and ongoing improvement of Lean-Agile culture in an enterprise. The Agilist helps define the organizational mission and vision, and communicates strategic decisions and the need for change to all stakeholders and teams. The SAFe Agilists motivate knowledge workers by helping them develop their skills and careers in a way that enhances their capabilities and increases their engagement and commitment to the mission and vision of the enterprise.
During this two-day course, they’ll learn the principles and practices of the Scaled Agile Framework®, how to execute and release value through Agile Release Trains, and what it means to lead a Lean-Agile transformation at enterprise scale.
Attendees will gain an understanding of the Lean-Agile mindset and why it’s so effective in today’s adapt-or-die marketplace. They’ll also get practical advice on supporting Agile teams and programs, empowering a Lean Portfolio, building a continuous delivery pipeline and DevOps culture, and coordinating large solutions.
Key features
Price of the course includes:
Delivery of two-day Leading SAFe training course conducted live online by a experienced trainer certified by Scaled Agile, Inc., provider of SAFe®
Preparation and eligibility to take the SAFe®65 Agilist (SA) certification exam (SAFe 6 Agilist Exam)
Modern online training platform
Attendee workbook licensed by Scaled Agile, Inc. (PDF)
One year membership to the SAFe Community Platform, with access to members-only resources such as webinars, workbooks, guidance presentations, and advance notice of upcoming SAFe products
One Certification exam attempt upon General Availability of the course
Course certificate of completion
SAFe® 5 Agilist certification upon passing of exam
Prerequisites:
All are welcome to attend the course, regardless of experience. However, the following prerequisites are highly recommended for those who intend to take the SAFe® 6 Agilist (SA) certification exam:
5+ years’ experience in software development, testing, business analysis, product, or project management
Experience in Scrum
Working methods:
Multimedia presentations, group exercises and discussion, practical workshops, case study and online practice tests.
Licensing of the SAFe® training course:
Leading SAFe training course offered by Advised Skills Ltd is provided under Scaled Agile, Inc. Partner Program Agreement and complies with the requirements for Scaled Agile, Inc. Courseware License Agreement.
Advised Skills Ltd is a Partner of Scaled Agile, Inc..
Who should attend?
The following individuals will benefit from this course:
Executives and Leaders, Managers, Directors, CIOs, and VPs
Development, QA, and Infrastructure Management
Program and Project Managers
Product and Product Line Management
Portfolio Managers, PMO, and Process Leads
Enterprise, System, and Solution Architects
Course Agenda
Learning Goals:
To perform the role of a SAFe Agilist, attendees should be able to:
Apply SAFe to scale Lean and Agile development in the enterprise
Recognize and apply a Lean-Agile Mindset and principles
Continuously explore, integrate, deploy, and release value
Empower with a Lean Portfolio
Coordinate the development of large solutions
Enhance their Lean-Agile leadership skills
Support a Lean-Agile transformation in their enterprise
Exam Details
Name: SAFe® 6 Agilist Exam
Format: Multiple Choice
Delivery: Web-based (single-browser), closed book, no outside assistance, timed
Access: Candidates can access the exam within the SAFe Community Platform upon completion of the Leading SAFe course
Duration: Once the exam begins, candidates have 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to complete the exam
Number of Questions: 45
Passing Score: 35 out of 45 (77% passing score)
Exam language – English
Exam cost: First exam attempt is included as part of the course registration fee if the exam is taken within 30 days of course completion. Each retake attempt costs 50 USD
Retake policy: Second attempt on exam (first retake) can be done immediately after first attempt. Third attempt requires a 10-day wait. Fourth attempt requires a 30-day wait
Professional Development Units
Professional Development Units (PDUs) and Scrum Education Units (SEUs)
Attendees may be eligible to apply for 15 PDUs toward their continuing education requirements with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for PMP, PgMP, and PMI-ACP certifications.
Course Identifier: ABOYTD2
Attendees may be eligible to apply for SEUs under Category C, toward earning or renewing their CSP through Scrum Alliance.
Build your skills as a high-performing team member of an Agile Release Train (ART)—and prepare to support the facilitation of team and program events— when you become a SAFe® 6 Scrum Master (SSM).
In this two-day certification workshop, you’ll gain an understanding of the role of Scrum Master in a SAFe® enterprise. Unlike traditional Scrum Master training that focuses on the fundamentals of team-level Scrum, the SAFe® Scrum Master course explores the role of the Scrum Master in the context of the entire enterprise, and prepares you to successfully plan and execute the Planning Interval (PI), the primary enabler of alignment throughout all levels of a SAFe® organization.
Audience
Intended for people new to the role of Scrum Master, or people wanting to better understand the role and how it fits in a SAFe® enterprise, attendees typically include:
New or existing Scrum Masters
Team Leads
Release Train Engineers.
Topics Covered
Introducing Scrum in SAFe®
Characterizing the role of the Scrum Master
Experiencing Program Increment planning
Facilitating Iteration execution
Finishing the Program Increment
Coaching the Agile team.
Learning Objectives
To perform the role of a SAFe® Scrum Master, you should be able to:
Describe Scrum in a SAFe® enterprise
Facilitate Scrum events
Facilitate effective Iteration execution
Support effective Program Increment execution
Support relentless improvement
Coach Agile teams for maximum business results
Support DevOps implementation.
Prerequisites
All are welcome to attend the certification workshop, regardless of experience. However, the following prerequisites are highly recommended for those who intend to take the SAFe® 6 Scrum Master (SSM) certification exam:
Familiarity with Agile concepts and principles
Awareness of Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP)
Working knowledge of software and hardware development processes.
Professional Development Units (PDUs) and Scrum Education Units (SEUs)
Professional Development Units (PDUs)
Attendees may be eligible to apply for 15 PDUs toward their continuing education requirements with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for PMP®, PgMP®, and PMI-ACP® certifications.
Scrum Education Units (SEUs)
Attendees may be eligible to apply for SEUs under category C, toward earning or renewing their CSP through Scrum Alliance.
What you get
Becoming a certified SAFe ® 5 Scrum Master requires an exceptional range of skills and is a career path for many Scrum Masters. Certification includes:
SAFe Scrum Master certificate
A SAFe 5 Scrum Master digital badge to promote your accomplishment online
A one-year certified membership as a SAFe Scrum Master, which includes access to the SSM Community of Practice
A SAFe Scrum Master certification usage guide with SSM certification marks
Access to Meetup groups and events that connect you with other SAFe certified professionals
A variety of learning resources to support you during your SAFe journey
Learn more about the benefits of SAFe community membership.
During this two-day course, attendees of SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager will gain an in-depth understanding of the Agile Release Train (ART), how it delivers value, and what they can do to effectively perform their role.
They will also learn how to apply Lean thinking to write Epics, break them down into Features and Stories, plan and execute Iterations, and plan Program Increments. Finally, attendees learn about the Continuous Delivery Pipeline and DevOps culture, how to effectively integrate as Product Owners and Product Managers, and what it takes to relentlessly improve the ART.
Attending the class prepares individuals to take the exam and become a certified SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM).
Key features
Price of the course includes:
Delivery of two-day SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager training course conducted live online by a experienced trainer certified by Scaled Agile, Inc., provider of SAFe®
Preparation and eligibility to take the SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification exam (SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager Exam)
Modern online training platform
Attendee workbook licensed by Scaled Agile, Inc. (PDF)
One year membership to the SAFe Community Platform, with access to members-only resources such as webinars, workbooks, guidance presentations, and advance notice of upcoming SAFe products
One Certification exam attempt upon General Availability of the course
Course certificate of completion
SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager certification upon passing of exam
Prerequisites:
All are welcome to attend the course, regardless of experience. However, the following prerequisites are highly recommended for those who intend to take the SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification exam:
Attend a Leading SAFe course
Experience working in a SAFe environment
Experience with Lean, Agile, or other relevant certifications
Working methods:
Multimedia presentations, group exercises and discussion, practical workshops, case study and online practice tests.
Licensing of the SAFe® training course:
SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager training course offered by Advised Skills Ltd is provided under Scaled Agile, Inc. Partner Program Agreement and complies with the requirements for Scaled Agile, Inc. Courseware License Agreement.
Advised Skills Ltd is a Partner of Scaled Agile, Inc..
Who should attend?
Target group:
The following individuals will benefit from this course:
Product Managers
Product Line Managers
Product Owners
Business Owners
Business Analysts
Solution Managers
Portfolio Managers
Program Managers
PMO personnel
Process Leads
Enterprise Architects
Solution Architects
System Architects
Course Agenda
Learning Goals:
To perform the role of a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, attendees should be able to:
Apply SAFe in the Lean enterprise
Connect SAFe Lean-Agile principles and values to the PO/PM roles
Collaborate with Lean Portfolio Management
Explore continuous value with Program Increment Planning
Execute the Program Increment and deliver continuous value
Articulate the Product Owner and Product Manager roles
Create a role action plan
Certification exam
A certified SAFe® Certified Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) is a SAFe professional who works with customers and development organizations to identify and write requirements.
Attending the class prepares you to take the exam and become a SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM).
Exam requirements:
The first step toward becoming a SAFe Certified Professional is to attend the SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager course. This is a requirement, because attending the course provides access to all the study materials and the exam. Note that attending the course does not guarantee passing the exam.
More detailed information about SAFe examination you can find at Scaled Agile website.
Exam Details
Exam name: SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager Exam
Exam format: Multiple choice , multiple response
Exam delivery: Web-based (single-browser), closed book, no outside assistance, timed
Exam access: Candidates can access to the exam within the SAFe Community Platform upon completion of your SAFe 5 Product Owner/Product Manager course.
Exam duration: Once the exam begins, candidates have 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to complete the exam.
Number of questions: 45
Passing score – 33 out of 45 (73%)
Language – English
Exam cost – First exam attempt is included as part of the course registration fee if the exam is taken within 30 days of course completion. Each retake attempt costs $50.
Retake policy – Second attempt on exam (first retake) can be done immediately after first attempt. Third attempt requires a 10-day wait. Fourth attempt requires a 30-day wait.
What you get
Becoming a SAFe 5 Product Owner/Product Manager requires an exceptional range of skills and is a career path for many servant leaders. Certification includes:
SAFe 5 Product Owner/Product Manager certificate
A SAFe 5 Product Owner/Product Manager digital badge to promote your accomplishment online
A one-year certified membership as a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, which includes access to the POPM Community of Practice
A SAFe 5 Product Owner/Product Manager certification usage guide with POPM certification marks
Access to Meetup groups and events that connect you with other SAFe certified professionals
A variety of learning resources to support you during your SAFe journey
Learn more about the benefits of SAFe community membership.
Professional Development Units
Professional Development Units (PDUs) and Scrum Education Units (SEUs)
Attendees may be eligible to apply for 20 PDUs toward their continuing education requirements with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for PMP, PgMP, and PMI-ACP certifications.
Attendees may be eligible to apply for SEUs under Category C, toward earning or renewing their CSP through the Scrum Alliance.
A Certified SAFe® 6 Lean Portfolio Manager is a SAFe professional who works with enterprise executives, Product and Solution Managers, Enterprise Architects, Agile PMO personnel and Agile teams to align strategy and execution by applying Lean and systems thinking approaches to strategy and investment funding, agile portfolio operations, and governance.
Participants in the course have the opportunity to capture the current and the future state of their portfolio with the Portfolio Canvas tool and identify important business initiatives for achieving the future state. Participants also explore methods to establish portfolio flow with the Portfolio Kanban and prioritize initiatives for maximum economic benefit. The course also provides insights on how to establish Value Stream Budgets and Lean Budget Guardrails and measure the Lean portfolio performance.
Attending the class prepares individuals to take the exam and become a certified SAFe® Lean Portfolio Manager (LPM).
Key features
Price of the course includes:
Delivery of two-day Lean Portfolio Management training course conducted live online by a experienced trainer certified by Scaled Agile, Inc., provider of SAFe®
Preparation and eligibility to take the SAFe® Lean Portfolio Manager (LPM) certification exam (SAFe® 5 Lean Portfolio Manager Exam)
Modern online training platform
Attendee workbook licensed by Scaled Agile, Inc. (PDF)
One year membership to the SAFe Community Platform, with access to members-only resources such as webinars, workbooks, guidance presentations, and advance notice of upcoming SAFe products
One Certification exam attempt upon General Availability of the course
Course certificate of completion
SAFe® Lean Portfolio Manager certification upon passing of exam
Prerequisites:
All are welcome to attend the course, regardless of experience. However, the following prerequisites are highly recommended:
Familiarity with Agile concepts and principles
Attended Leading SAFe or SAFe PM/PO course
Experience working in a SAFe environment
Working methods:
Multimedia presentations, group exercises and discussion, practical workshops, case study and online practice tests.
Licensing of the SAFe® training course:
Lean Portfolio Management training course offered by Advised Skills Ltd is provided under Scaled Agile, Inc. Partner Program Agreement and complies with the requirements for Scaled Agile, Inc. Courseware License Agreement.
Advised Skills Ltd is a Partner of Scaled Agile, Inc..
Who should attend?
The following individuals will benefit from this course:
Executives and leaders (CIOs, CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, and Vps)
Enterprise Architects
Project, Program or Portfolio Managers
Solution Managers
Business unit managers
Program office personnel
Enterprise Agile coaches
SAFe Program Consultants
Human resources
Epic Owners
Release Train Engineers
Consultants
Directors
Course agenda
Learning Goals:
To perform the role of a Lean Portfolio Manager attendees should be able to:
Describe Lean Portfolio Management (LPM)
Connect the portfolio to enterprise strategy
Establish the Portfolio Vision
Implement Lean Budgeting and Guardrails
Establish flow with the Portfolio Kanban
Support operational excellence with an Agile Program Management Office (PMO) and Communities of Practice (CoPs)
Coordinate Value Streams
Measure LPM performance
Build a plan for LPM implementation
Certification exam
Completion of this course gives you access to the exam and all related study materials as part of your Learning Plan in the SAFe Community Platform.
A Certified SAFe® Lean Portfolio Manager (LPM) understands how Strategy and Investment funding is established, how to apply Agile Portfolio operations and Lean governance, and how to build a plan for implementing the Lean Portfolio Management function.
Attending the class prepares you to take the exam and become a SAFe® Lean Portfolio Manager (LPM).
Exam requirements:
The first step toward becoming a Certified SAFe® Lean Portfolio Manager is to attend the Lean Portfolio Management course. This is a requirement, because attending the course provides access to all the study materials and the exam. Note that attending the course does not guarantee passing the exam.
Exam prerequisite skills or knowledge:
Basic to intermediate understanding of SAFe
Basic understanding of strategy
Basic understanding of funding models
Understanding how to organize value streams
Attendees must attend the two days of the course in order to be eligible for the exam.
More detailed information about SAFe examination you can find at Scaled Agile website.
Exam Details
Exam name: SAFe® 5 Lean Portfolio Manager Exam
Exam format: Multiple choice; Multiple select
Exam delivery: Web-based (single-browser), closed book, no outside assistance, timed
Exam access: Candidates can access the exam within the SAFe Community Platform upon completion of the Lean Portfolio Management course
Exam duration: Once the exam begins, candidates have 120 minutes (2.0 hours) to complete the exam
Number of Questions: 60
Passing Score: 32 out of 45 (71% passing score)
Exam language – English
Exam cost: First exam attempt is included as part of the course registration fee if the exam is taken within 30 days of course completion. Each retake attempt costs 50 USD
Retake policy: Second attempt on exam (first retake) can be done immediately after first attempt. Third attempt requires a 10-day wait. Fourth attempt requires a 30-day wait. Contact support@scaledagile.com for any retake questions.
Professional Development Units
Professional Development Units (PDUs) and Scrum Education Units (SEUs)
Attendees may be eligible to apply for 30 PDUs toward their continuing education requirements with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for PMP, PgMP, and PMI-ACP certifications
Attendees may be eligible to apply for SEUs under Category C, toward earning or renewing their CSP through Scrum Alliance.
“Continuous Coaching Method”, which includes weekly coaching calls, on-demand one and one sessions, and continuous support until you pass the exam.