Agile project management certification

Introduction

Agile project management has become increasingly important in modern business environments. A certification in Agile project management can significantly enhance your professional credentials and equip you with the tools required to lead successful projects within Agile environments.

This article outlines the two main Agile project management certifications, focusing on the value they add to professionals coming from different backgrounds.

Agile project management

Agile project management is an iterative approach that focuses on delivering value through collaborative efforts, flexible planning, and a mindset geared towards embracing change. It’s important to remember that while Agile encompasses a range of practices, not all are designed for project management.

For instance, Scrum, a widely implemented Agile methodology, is primarily a product delivery framework that adheres to Agile principles. Although some project managers use Scrum as part of their approach, Scrum on its own does not cater to the broader strategic aspects of project management.

AgilePM certification

AgilePM is a certification provided by the Agile Business Consortium that targets the integration of Agile principles into project management. It is particularly well-suited for individuals from a traditional project management background seeking to adopt Agile methodologies. AgilePM offers a structured and scalable approach to project management, while maintaining the flexibility and responsiveness of Agile.

AgilePM is based upon the Agile Project Framework which evolved from DSDM, the first Agile project management framework. The authors of DSDM were some of the fist signatories to the Agile Manifesto.

The AgilePM certification scheme is designed to address the entire lifecycle of a project, providing insight into managing projects in a way that is cooperative, adaptable, and always aligned with the business’s goals. It covers a wide array of topics such as prioritisation, timeboxing, and iterative development. AgilePM certification can thus serve as a bridge for project managers who wish to transition from conventional methods to Agile practices.

PRINCE2 Agile certification

PRINCE2 Agile is another leading certification blending the established project management framework of PRINCE2 with Agile delivery techniques. Offered by AXELOS, it is an extension of the PRINCE2 methodology, designed to accommodate the flexibility and responsiveness of Agile. PRINCE2 Agile is ideal for those who are familiar with the rigor and structure of PRINCE2 and are looking to incorporate Agile methods within this context.

The certification focuses on tailoring the PRINCE2 management controls with a broad range of Agile delivery mechanisms, ensuring a balance between governance and agility. It caters to project managers who require an understanding of how to manage and deliver projects in an Agile environment effectively.

The PRINCE2 Agile framework acknowledges the need for control and management of projects while enabling a fast-paced and change-embracing culture that Agile promotes.

Complementary Agile certifications

Scrum certifications

Scrum certifications, such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) by Scrum Alliance or Professional Scrum Master (PSM) by Scrum.org, are centred around mastering the Scrum framework. However, Scrum, being a delivery method, does not encompass all the competencies needed for project management. These certifications provide valuable insight into team collaboration and product development, making them beneficial for those in project management to understand Agile delivery.

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) certification

SAFe certifications target complex, large-scale Agile projects and provide a sophisticated understanding of Agile at scale. While SAFe includes aspects of project management, it is fundamentally a set of organisation and workflow patterns intended to guide enterprises in scaling lean and Agile practices. SAFe is recommended for professionals involved in enterprise-level development initiatives where multiple teams must coordinate and contribute to the successful delivery of products.

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

The Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) encompasses a broad understanding of Agile principles and practices across various methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. While this certification does not focus exclusively on project management, it can complement a project manager’s skill set by demonstrating a commitment to Agile thinking and a proficiency in applying Agile techniques to project work.

Choosing the right certification for your career path

For project managers with limited exposure to Agile, certifications such as Scrum or ACP can provide foundational knowledge of Agile principles and practices. These certifications can complement existing project management expertise by adding an Agile perspective to their toolkit.

Professionals with a solid grounding in Agile, who may already hold Scrum or Kanban certifications, should consider specialised Agile project management certifications like AgilePM or PRINCE2 Agile. These certifications offer a more concentrated focus on managing projects with an Agile mindset and are especially relevant for those aiming to lead Agile projects while maintaining a strategic outlook.

Summary

Agile project management certifications cater to a broad spectrum of professionals, from those seeking to integrate Agile thinking into their project management approach to seasoned Agile practitioners looking to formalise their expertise.

AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile are specifically designed for project management in an Agile context and offer structured methodologies that combine flexibility with control.

As the demand for Agile professionals continues to rise, obtaining a certification can be a catalyst for career growth, providing you with the credentials to lead and innovate in an ever-changing business environment.