PMI PMI-ACP Bundle

Certification Overview

It was in the 1990's that agile development processes began to be explored in contrast to plan driven management of projects. This change was motivated by the idea that a plan driven approach was more suitable for smaller projects that had a limited scope while for bigger and complex projects a more agile environment was required. An individual with an Agile certification is seen as flexible, nimble and adaptable by organizations. The certification allows projects to be taken as iterative rather than cyclic and more immune to risks and uncertainties. This basic nature of the certification makes it highly suitable for a global and a dynamic business environment. It evaluates a project manager's knowledge and understanding of principles and processes based on Agile methodology. The certification is highly sought for in software development projects.

Exam Information

As in the case of other certifications, the first step is to procure the application form, duly fill it and submit it. A candidate can opt for submitting the form and appearing for the test online or a paper based test. Paper- based tests are reserved for those that live 186.5 miles of greater away from the nearest testing center. The certification exam requires answering 120 multiple in a total of 180 minutes. Out of the 120 questions, 20 are pretest questions and 100 are for evaluation. Examination questions are equally divided over testing understanding of candidate for Agile tools and techniques and knowledge and skills related to the methodology. The knowledge and skills part is evaluated over three Planning Levels'.

Prerequisites

To be eligible for sitting for the certification exam a candidate, the prerequisites are:

• Ahigh school diploma, associate degree or a global equivalent and
• 2000 hours of professional project work experience earned in the last 5 years and
• 1500 hours of professional project work experience gained working on agile methodologies earned in the last 3 years
• 21 contact hours earned in agile practices

Aim

Agile methodologies are growing in importance in the field of project management. Organizations are increasingly opting for agile methodologies for successful management of projects. The certification aims at testing candidates capability regarding:

• Agile tools and techniques
• Agile knowledge and skills

Benefits

The certification is being highly preferred by professionals and in organizations. Popular in the software development sector it is being preferred over other sectors also. The certification is being preferred for it represents ability to change priorities. It leads to improved quality and increased production. The risks associated with the project can be effectively mitigated and resources better aligned. It brings increased returns on investments and improves visibility of projects.

Expert review

At present the job market is such that there is a great amount of competition. Professionals, experts, newcomers all competing at different levels. Pitching for a job change I was sure, I wanted to have an edge over the others. I did not want to get lost in all the cut throat competition. I decided to go in for Agile Certification. It is the new buzzword in the industry and with all the right reasons. Suddenly the number of jobs available for me have multiplied. It has opened new doors for me. I have been able to have a thorough professional perception towards project management and able to build better projects. I also feel that the certification has provided me with necessary capabilities to handle bigger projects.

Joseph M., Management Consultant, Velocity Project Management