Best Agile certification
Learn which is the best Agile certification for your career goals and needs.
Introduction
In today’s competitive jobs market, the ability to manage projects and deliver value incrementally is more crucial than ever.
Agile methodology has become the go-to framework for fostering adaptability and driving efficient project delivery. Consequently, Agile certification is now highly sought after by professionals looking to validate their expertise and advance their careers.
This article explores the best Agile certifications available, aiming to guide aspiring Agile practitioners towards the credential that best aligns with their career trajectory.
Importance of Agile certification
An Agile certification not only bolsters a professional’s skills but also enhances their career prospects. It’s a testament to their commitment to embracing the principles of Agile methodologies and to their proficiency in applying these principles to real-world scenarios.
With many different certifications available, choosing the best one can propel individuals to new professional heights.
Scrum certification
Scrum certification is tailored to those involved in the iterative and incremental delivery of products, particularly in the software industry. Scrum Master certification hones leadership skills necessary for effective team facilitation, while Product Owner certification focuses on maximising product value through detailed backlog management and stakeholder engagement.
These certifications validate an individual’s ability to apply Scrum values and practices to drive successful project outcomes.
Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM)
Ideal for team leaders, this certification imparts Scrum values and practices, focusing on team facilitation and productivity.
Who is it for?
The Certified ScrumMaster® is ideal for project managers, team leaders, or any professional aspiring to facilitate and improve team workflow within a Scrum environment.
What will you learn?
CSM candidates learn about Scrum values, practices, and applications. They gain the skills needed to help Scrum teams perform at their highest level, including servant-leadership, team dynamics, and the ability to shield the team from external distractions.
Accreditation body
The certification is provided by Scrum Alliance, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting Scrum practices worldwide.
Training
Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM)
Tailored for depth in Scrum processes, it prepares leaders to guide Agile teams effectively.
Who is it for?
This certification is tailored for those who want to gain a deep understanding of Scrum principles and the role of a Scrum Master. It’s suited for team leaders, project managers, and team members transitioning to Scrum practices.
What will you learn?
The PSM certification covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including its framework, roles, and processes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Scrum Master role and the ability to apply Scrum in the workplace.
Accreditation body
Scrum.org is the body that accredits this certification, with a commitment to improving professionalism in software delivery.
Training
Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM)
SAFe® Scrum Master
For professionals in large organisations to master Scrum implementation at scale and facilitate SAFe environments.
Who is it for?
The SAFe® Scrum Master certification is designed for individuals who will be part of SAFe implementation in large organisations and are responsible for integrating Scrum principles at scale.
What will you learn?
You’ll learn about the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master in a SAFe environment and how to effectively plan and execute the Program Increment (PI), a core element of the SAFe framework.
Accreditation body
The accreditation is offered by Scaled Agile, Inc., the certifying body of the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe).
Training
Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO)
Product managers learn to manage backlogs and craft visions, focusing on value delivery through Scrum.
Who is it for?
The CSPO certification is suitable for product managers, business analysts, and any professional responsible for delivering the product in the Scrum framework.
What will you learn?
CSPOs understand how to manage a product backlog, craft product vision, and ensure stakeholder engagement. This certification emphasises delivering valuable product increments.
Accreditation body
Scrum Alliance oversees the CSPO certification and ensures adherence to high-quality standards in Agile practices.
Training
Professional Scrum Product Owner™ (PSPO)
Explores product ownership in Scrum, teaching how to maximise product value and manage backlogs.
Who is it for?
Product managers, Product Owners, and organisation leaders who wish to deepen their understanding of the Scrum framework and maximise product value will find the PSPO certification especially beneficial.
What will you learn?
This certification focuses on all aspects of product ownership within Scrum, including the management of product backlogs, budget, and optimising the value of product increments.
Accreditation body
Provided by Scrum.org, the PSPO certification demands rigorous assessment and is widely respected for its emphasis on competency and practice.
Training
Professional Scrum Product Owner™ (PSPO)
SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager
Teaches how to deliver value and perform dual roles in SAFe’s Lean enterprise system.
Who is it for?
Professionals who function as Product Owners or Product Managers in organisations practicing the SAFe framework will find this certification crucial for their role.
What will you learn?
Participants learn how to deliver value in a Lean enterprise and gain an in-depth understanding of how to effectively perform the roles of a SAFe Product Owner and Product Manager.
Accreditation body
The SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager certification is certified by Scaled Agile, Inc.
Training
SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager
Scrum Essentials™
Broad coverage of Scrum suitable for professionals seeking a broad understanding of Scrum.
Who is it for?
The Scrum Essentials™ is for those seeking a broad understanding of Scrum processes and the roles within.
What will you learn?
The certification covers the full Scrum process, including its values, roles, artifacts, and events.
Accreditation body
The Scrum Essentials™ is accredited by Knowledge Train, a leader in project management consulting and training in the UK.
Training
Agile project management certification
Agile project management certification blends traditional project management techniques with the flexibility of Agile. They provide a structured yet adaptive approach to project delivery, ensuring that practitioners can manage projects efficiently in an Agile environment.
These credentials are designed for project managers who seek to incorporate Agile methods into their management practices, offering a hybrid framework that suits a variety of project environments.
AgilePM® Foundation
Project managers gain a foundational understanding of Agile project management for flexible, yet controlled delivery.
Who is it for?
The AgilePM Foundation is aimed at project managers and aspiring professionals seeking to integrate Agile project management into their skill set.
What will you learn?
The certification covers the fundamentals of the Agile PM framework, focusing on an approach that is flexible yet controlled, delivering not only projects in an Agile manner but also enabling a consistent project management approach.
Accreditation body
APMG International is the accreditation body responsible for the AgilePM certifications, ensuring global benchmarking.
Training
AgilePM® Practitioner
Builds on Foundation concepts with practical application of Agile PM in complex scenarios.
Who is it for?
The AgilePM Practitioner is designed for those with some experience in managing projects who wish to implement a practical and repeatable methodology that blends flexibility with proven process for successful Agile project delivery.
What will you learn?
Building on the Foundation level, it provides the ability to apply and tailor the Agile PM framework within a given scenario.
Accreditation body
This certification is also accredited by APMG International.
Training
PRINCE2 Agile® Foundation
Introduces blending PRINCE2 structure with Agile’s adaptability, focusing on flexible project management.
Who is it for?
The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation targets professionals who operate in a project management environment and are looking to apply Agile methods within the PRINCE2 framework.
What will you learn?
This certification provides a comprehensive overview of how to blend the structure of PRINCE2 with the flexibility and responsiveness of Agile.
Accreditation body
AXELOS is the accrediting body for PRINCE2 Agile certifications, ensuring a blend of governance with Agile delivery techniques.
Training
PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner
Emphasises practical application of PRINCE2 Agile for proficient project governance and delivery.
Who is it for?
It is suitable for those with governance responsibilities for projects using Agile delivery approaches and those involved with program and project support functions.
What will you learn?
The Practitioner level emphasises on the application of the PRINCE2 Agile method to real-life project scenarios, equipping professionals with practical tools and techniques.
Accreditation body
AXELOS also accredits the Practitioner level, setting the standard for Agile project management excellence.
Training
Other Agile certifications
Other Agile certifications cater to broader Agile methodologies beyond Scrum. These qualifications acknowledge a comprehensive understanding of Agile principles and various frameworks such as Kanban and Lean.
They are suitable for professionals seeking to demonstrate their Agile knowledge across multiple practices and adapt to various project types within their organisations.
PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®
Broad coverage of Agile methodologies suitable for experienced Agile professionals in diverse environments.
Who is it for?
The PMI-ACP® appeals to those with experience in Agile project management and who work in organisations using Agile practices.
What will you learn?
The certification covers a broad range of Agile methodologies, not just Scrum or XP, providing a comprehensive understanding of Agile philosophies and principles.
Accreditation body
The PMI-ACP® is accredited by the Project Management Institute, a leader in project management certifications.
Training
ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)
Fosters an Agile mindset and principles, suitable for any role in software development and IT.
Who is it for?
This certification is appropriate for anyone involved in software development and IT project management, including developers, testers, and project managers.
What will you learn?
The ICP focuses on the mindset, values, and principles of Agile, rather than any specific methodology, fostering an environment conducive to Agile adoption and transformation.
Accreditation body
The International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile) is responsible for providing the ICAgile Certified Professional certification.
Training
ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)
SAFe® Agilist
For leaders driving Lean-Agile transformation, focusing on SAFe principles to enhance organisation-wide productivity and quality.
Who is it for?
Leaders and influencers in organisations adopting the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe) will find the SAFe® Agilist certification indispensable.
What will you learn?
It imparts knowledge on how to lead a Lean-Agile enterprise, leveraging the SAFe principles to boost productivity, employee engagement, time-to-market, and quality.
Accreditation body
Scaled Agile, Inc. grants this certification as well, supporting roles in the Lean-Agile transformation of complex organisations.
Training
Preparing for Agile certification
Choosing the right certification for your career
Selecting the best Agile certification for you requires a careful evaluation of your career goals, current job role, and the practices utilised in your workplace or industry. Analyse where you want to be in the short and long term and choose a certification that will best aid you in your journey.
Training and study resources
After you’ve pinpointed your certification, prepare by taking part in the appropriate Agile training courses, study guides, and practice exams. Engage with the Agile community through forums, meet-ups, and social platforms for shared experiences and tips.
Professional development through networking
Networking plays a pivotal role in professional growth. Attend Agile conferences, participate in workshops, and join local user groups to remain abreast of the latest trends and make connections that can lead to career opportunities.
Summary
The evolving nature of project delivery demands a solid grasp of Agile methodologies. Earning an Agile certification is a significant step in mastering these methodologies and proving your expertise.
Whether you’re a budding Scrum Master, a seasoned Project Manager, or a Product Owner looking to elevate your product’s journey, there is a certification that will enrich your professional path.
By selecting the right certification, preparing diligently, and engaging with the Agile community, you can elevate your career and contribute to your organisation’s success in an ever-changing landscape.