Agile Certified Professional • FAQ

Why Becoming AGILE Certified?

Becoming Agile certified can have several potential benefits for professionals working in the fields of project management, software development, or other related areas. Here are some reasons why someone might want to become Agile certified:

• Demonstrate knowledge and expertise: Agile certification programs typically require participants to pass an exam or complete a rigorous training program. By earning a certification, individuals can demonstrate to potential employers or clients that they have a deep understanding of Agile principles and practices.
• Increase job opportunities: Many organizations are now adopting Agile methodologies, and as a result, demand for professionals with Agile experience is increasing. By becoming certified in Agile, individuals may be able to increase their job opportunities and earning potential.
• Improve team performance: Agile methodologies are designed to improve team performance, collaboration, and communication. By becoming certified in Agile, professionals can learn how to implement best practices that can improve their team’s efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stay current with industry trends: Agile methodologies are constantly evolving, and becoming certified can help professionals stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in Agile development.
• Network with other Agile professionals: By attending Agile certification courses and events, professionals can network with other individuals who are passionate about Agile methodologies. This can provide opportunities for learning, sharing knowledge and experience, and potentially finding new job opportunities or business partnerships.

Which Training to get Agile certified?

Agile certification training is a way for individuals to prepare for and getting Agile certified.  There are several different types of Agile certifications available, each with their own set of requirements and training options. Here are a few certification examples:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): The Scrum Alliance offers a two-day CSM course, which is a prerequisite for taking the CSM certification exam. The course covers the fundamentals of Scrum and prepares individuals for the role of ScrumMaster.
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO): The Scrum Alliance offers a two-day CSPO course, which is a prerequisite for taking the CSPO certification exam. The course covers the basics of Scrum and prepares individuals for the role of Product Owner.
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers an online course and study materials to prepare individuals for the PMI-ACP certification exam. The course covers Agile principles and practices across multiple frameworks.
• SAFe 4.0 Agilist: Scaled Agile offers an in-person or virtual course that prepares individuals for the SAFe 4.0 Agilist certification exam. The course covers the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and prepares individuals for leading a Lean-Agile enterprise.
• ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Project Management (ICP-APM): The International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile) offers a variety of courses to prepare individuals for the ICP-APM certification exam. The course covers Agile project management principles and practices.

Which Agile certification is best to have?

The “best” Agile certification to have depends on several factors, such as your career goals, your industry, your level of experience with Agile methodologies, and the specific Agile framework or methodology you want to specialize in. Here are some of the most popular certifications and their associated benefits to getting Agile certifed:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): This certification from the Scrum Alliance is a well-recognized and widely used credential that focuses on the Scrum framework. It’s a good option for individuals who want to focus on Agile project management and Scrum specifically.
• Professional Scrum Master (PSM): This certification from Scrum.org is similar to the CSM, but with a greater focus on technical practices and skills. It’s a good option for individuals who want to deepen their knowledge of Scrum and improve their ability to facilitate Scrum events.
• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP): This certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) covers a wide range of Agile frameworks, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. It’s a good option for individuals who want to demonstrate a broad knowledge of Agile principles and practices.
• SAFe® Agilist: This certification from Scaled Agile, Inc. is designed for individuals who want to specialize in scaling Agile methodologies across large organizations. It’s a good option for individuals who work in industries where Agile adoption is still in its early stages or for those looking to take on leadership roles in Agile transformation initiatives.

It’s important to keep in mind that the value of becoming Agile certified is ultimately based on the individual’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the certification to their work. The best certification for you will depend on your specific needs and goals, as well as the reputation and recognition of the certifying organization in your industry.

How much does it cost to become agile certified?

The cost of becoming Agile certified can vary depending on several factors, such as the certification level, the certification provider, and the training program or exam fees. Here are some examples of typical costs associated with Agile certification:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification from the Scrum Alliance: The cost of a CSM certification can range from $995 to $1,395, depending on the training provider and location.
• Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification from Scrum.org: The cost of a PSM certification exam ranges from $150 to $500, depending on the certification level.
• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI): The cost of an ACP certification exam is $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members.
• SAFe® Agilist certification from Scaled Agile, Inc.: The cost of a SAFe® Agilist certification exam is $295, and training courses can range from $1,000 to $2,500.

Reminder: These costs are subject to change and may not include additional expenses such as study materials, travel expenses, or retake fees if the certification exam is not passed on the first attempt. It’s also possible to find free or low-cost Agile certification options, such as open-source training materials or self-study options, but these may not provide the same level of recognition or credibility as a formal certification from a reputable organization.

How long does it take to become agile certified?

The time it takes to become Agile certified can vary depending on the type of certification, its level, the provider and the individual’s prior experience and knowledge. Here are some general guidelines for the amount of time it may take to become certified in Agile:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification from the Scrum Alliance: CSM certification typically requires attending a two-day training course, after which the participant can take the certification exam. The entire process can take 2-3 days.
• Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification from Scrum.org: PSM certification requires passing a certification exam, which can be done online. The amount of time it takes to prepare for the exam can vary depending on the individual’s prior knowledge and experience with Scrum.
• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI): ACP certification requires passing a certification exam, which can be done online. PMI recommends that individuals have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience and 1,500 hours of Agile project experience before taking the exam.
• SAFe® Agilist certification from Scaled Agile, Inc.: SAFe® Agilist certification requires passing a certification exam, which can be done online. Scaled Agile, Inc. recommends taking a 2-day training course before taking the exam.

In general, becoming certified in Agile can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the certification level and the individual’s prior knowledge and experience. Pleasse remember that certification is just one aspect of becoming proficient in Agile methodologies, and ongoing learning and practice is necessary to fully master the skills and techniques involved.

What is the average salary of an Agile certified professional?

The salary of an Agile certified professional can vary depending on several factors, including the specific certification, the individual’s level of experience, and the industry or location where they work. However, in general, Agile certified professionals tend to earn salaries that are higher than the industry average.
Here are some examples of average salaries for Agile certified professionals in the United States, based on data from the job site Indeed.com:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): $116,000 per year
• Professional Scrum Master (PSM): $116,000 per year
• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP): $114,000 per year
• SAFe® Agilist: $122,000 per year

These figures are averages and can vary depending on the size and type of the organization, the individual’s level of experience and the specific job role they hold. Additionally, salaries for Agile professionals can vary depending on the location and industry in which they work.

Eventually, Is it worth it to become agile certified?

The answer to this question may vary depending on your specific career goals, the industry in which you’re working and the specific requirements of the job. Here are some potential benefits of becoming Agile certified:

• Demonstrating expertise: Agile certifications demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the knowledge and skills required to effectively apply Agile methodologies in a professional setting.
• Advancing your career: Agile certifications can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within your organization.
• Increased earning potential: According to some studies, Agile professionals with certifications tend to earn higher salaries than those without certifications.
• Access to new job opportunities: Many organizations require or prefer Agile certification for positions related to Agile project management, such as Scrum Master, Agile Coach, or Product Owner.
• Enhancing your knowledge and skills: The process of becoming certified can help you deepen your understanding of Agile methodologies, improve your ability to apply them in practice, and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices.
• Professional development: Pursuing an Agile certification can help you stay current with the latest Agile practices and methodologies, which can be beneficial for your professional development.
• Joining a professional community: Many Agile certifications are offered by organizations that provide access to online communities, training materials, and networking opportunities that can help you grow your career and stay connected with other Agile professionals.

While Agile certifications can be valuable, they are not the only way to demonstrate your expertise or advance your career in Agile. Other factors such as experience, leadership skills, and effective communication can also play a significant role in your success as an Agile professional. Ultimately, whether or not becoming Agile certified is worth it will depend on your individual circumstances and career goals.