If you’re a project manager, software developer, or business analyst interested in pursuing a career in agile, you may be wondering what the best way to do so is. One option is to earn an agile certification. But what are agile certifications, and what do they entail? In this post, we’ll look at what agile certifications are and provide an overview of some of the most popular ones. We’ll also discuss the benefits of earning an agile certification.
What Is Agile?
Agile software development, in which a team delivers value to its clients more quickly and with less stress, is an iterative technique. You don’t have to put all of your eggs in one basket if you’re using an agile team. Teams have a built-in mechanism for reacting promptly to changes in needs, plans, and results.
In contrast to the classic “waterfall” approach, an agile method seeks cross-functional teams to collaborate rather than “throwing stuff over the wall” from one person to another.
Agile is all about having open channels of communication and collaboration, adaptability, and trust among team members. Instead of depending on the project manager or product owner to prioritize the work, team members take responsibility for choosing how the work gets done, focusing on small tasks and responsibilities.
What distinguishes agile from all other methods is not a set of rituals or operating procedures. Although agile emphasizes fast feedback loops and continuous improvement, it is not a single method for resolving issues.
Moreover, there was no specification for an ideal team size in the original Agile Manifesto. It only included a set of principles focused on individuals. Regardless of how you use Scrum, kanban, or XP, the principles you and your team hold dear today are entirely up to you.
What are agile certifications?Why Go For agile?
To put it another way, if you invest a year’s worth of effort into something, is it worthwhile? Organizations choose agile because it allows them to react quickly and effectively to market or customer feedback. If you plan and deploy your project in small, frequent chunks, your staff will be able to receive input and incorporate it into plans.
It’s all about the people in it. According to the Agile Manifesto, human connections are more important than following specific guidelines and procedures. Customers and team members are more essential than preconceived plans allow for. If you can’t solve a customer’s problem, you’re not doing your job.
Agile development requires collaboration because it allows people to work together toward a common goal. They create their quality and usability standards for each team.
The speed at which a project is completed depends on their “definition of done.” Trusting an agile team may be somewhat frightening initially, but it can lead to better overall results for the business in the long run.
Agile Certifications
Scrum (the most popular agile method) certifications are among the many Agile accreditations and certifications for integrating Agile in large businesses.
1. ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)
The ICAgile Certified Professional is the most advanced credential available through the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile). It is a gateway to more specialized ICAgile credentials, focusing on Agile ideas and principles rather than particular methodologies like Scrum or XP.
This course is helpful for people who are seeking to understand the fundamentals of Agile. The ICAgile badge program includes the ICP-ATF certification, which can be beneficial if you wish to work as an Agile Coach in the future. To obtain the ICP certificate, you must first complete a course from a certified training provider.
2. PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP®)
The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the PMI-ACP® credential to those working in organizations that use agile methodologies. However, the PMI-ACP® certification covers lean, kanban, Scrum, test-driven development (TDD), and extreme programming (XP). Since the Agile Project Experience Requirement is at least eight months of Agile project experience in the previous three years and 21 hours of training.
What are agile certifications3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
There are several different Agile methodologies, and becoming a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is one of the most acceptable ways to understand them and implement them. By finishing the course and passing the certification exam, you will be able to become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). Since professionals in various fields, such as Scrum Masters, business analysts, and new Scrum team members, should all obtain the CSM credential.
4. Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
The PSM I is a certification that demonstrates a thorough grasp of Scrum’s fundamentals and procedures and how to put them into practice in teams. The exam is not required, although it is encouraged. The examination focuses on interpreting and applying Scrum principles, which may be downloaded in thirty languages at publication.
5. SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (SAFe POPM)
The most popular Agile method-scaling framework in 2020 was the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Scaled Agile offers the SAFe POPM, a certification that aids in consolidating your SAFe knowledge. Project managers, scrum masters, and others in leadership positions will enjoy the most important benefit.
You’ll have tests on many fronts, including the Lean-Agile mentality, SAFe principles, understanding consumer needs, and assigning work to a firm. Before calling yourself SAFe, you must first pass a certification exam and get certified.
However, one of the thirteen certifications available through Scaled Agile is a SAFe POPM accreditation, which ranges from beginner to expert. The SAFe framework includes Agile Product Manager, Scrum Master, Program Consultant and Software Engineer.
6. AgilePM Foundation – APMG
The AgilePM Foundation credential is managed by APMG International, responsible for validating candidates. The AgilePM Practitioner certification is designed for current project managers, Agile team members who wish to advance their careers as project managers, and anyone else interested in obtaining an AgilePM certificate.
You’ll be quizzed on Agile concepts and principles and the particular techniques, roles, and responsibilities associated with an Agile project. You must pass an exam; however, additional coursework is optional and incur extra costs.