How is the (PMI-ACP)^® different from other AGILE/SCRUM Certifications?

If you are new to Agile, cPrime recommends first taking our Certified Scrum Master Course. For project managers in the IT industry, learning the fundamentals, terminology, practices and principles of the roles of the Scrum Master or Scrum Team Member is a great introduction to the larger Agile framework. Additionally, there is no experience prerequisite for the Certified Scrum Master exam, which consists of 25 questions and is administered on a “no fail” basis. By contrast, the (PMI-ACP)® is specifically designed for Project & Program Managers, Product Owners, Scrummasters, Scrum Product Owners, Agile Coaches, Agile Trainers, Sr. Developers, Business and IT Managers with extensive experience in multiple Agile methodologies (Scrum, kanban, XP, lean, DSDM, TDD, ATDD, etc.). General project experience is required in addition to Agile-specific experience and education. The exam is designed to test both the practitioner’s level of professionalism in Agile practices of project management and professional versatility in project management tools and techniques. 

What value does PMI-ACP bring to a practitioner?

One of the most important questions in this PMI-ACP FAQ is what value this certification offers. Basically, the certification validates your ability as a practitioner to have extensive knowledge of agile principles and the ability to apply them in your basic projects. The PMI-ACP adds value to a practitioner in the following ways:

• It demonstrates a professional understanding of agile project management. 
• It increases your versatility in the various agile techniques and tools.
• It shows that you have the ability to lead teams using the more efficient agile practices

What are the benefits of obtaining PMI-ACP?

Increasingly high demand – Over the last few years, agile certification requirements have increased significantly. More employers are seeking professionals who have proven skills in agile practices.

1. Broad coverage – PMI-ACP training is not just restricted to one agile method. Instead, it covers an extensive range of the major agile methods like Scrum, XP and Kanban and many others.
2. Better compensation – A person with more skills, especially after having successfully finished a PMI agile course, will earn more compared to those with just average skills. Getting the PMI-ACP is, therefore, a way to get better pay.
3. Allows professional growth – Besides the increase in compensation, PMI-ACP allows you to enhance your understanding all the major agile methods.
4. Increases job opportunities – When you have PMI-ACP certification you will instantly become more attractive to employers, which will help you advance your career.

What does it mean that PMI-ACP is a competency-based certification?

It means that PMI-ACP assesses the integrated set of knowledge, skills, and abilities that are gained from both practical and learned experience.

Is there any Agile Body of Knowledge (AgileBOK) similar to PMBOK from PMI?

The answer to this widely asked PMI-ACP FAQ is, unfortunately, NO. What is available instead is a list of exam reference books, which is why a PMI-ACP exam prep course is important if you are to pass this certification. Nevertheless, PMI is planning to create a comprehensive Agile Practice Guide in the near future. They will provide it on their PMI site as soon as it is available.