Agile Certifications & Training

FAQs related to Agile Certifications

• What is Agile Certification?

  Agile certification helps an individual to demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and understanding of the Agile framework and how to apply it in a real-world setting. Several organizations offer Agile certifications, each with its own specific requirements and process for certification.

• What are the top Agile Project Management certifications?

  Some of the top project management Agile certifications are:

  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

  • Certified Product Owner (CPO)

  • PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

  • Certified Agile Leadership (CAL I and II)

• What are the Best Agile Certifications for Project Managers to Consider in 2024?

  Top Agile Certifications in 2024

  1. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
  2. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
  3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
  4. Leading SAFe Agilist Certification
  5. Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM) Certification
  6. Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO)
  7. Professional Scrum Master (PSM) Certification

  1. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

   Required skills to become a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner

  Become a PMI Certified Agile Practitioner (PMI-ACP) with these essential skills. Some of the most essential skills are:

  • A thorough understanding of Agile methodologies and frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP. 

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills for effective stakeholder management and facilitating team dynamics. 

  • Proficiency in agile project planning, including creating and managing user stories, estimating effort, and prioritizing tasks. 

  • Knowledge of agile metrics and measurement techniques to track project progress and performance. 

  • Expertise in risk management, continuous improvement, and adapting to change. 

  Key skills taught

  The PMI-certified agile project manager (PMI-ACP) training focuses on equipping professionals with a comprehensive skill set in agile project management. The key skills taught in this certification include:

  • Agile practices and Mindset

  • Adaptive Planning

  • Working knowledge of Agile

  • Multi Iterative models

  • Delivering high-velocity stories

  • Agile practices and principles

  Key differentiators

  The PMI certified agile project manager (PMI-ACP) training offered by Simplilearn stands out for several key differentiators. 

  • Simplilearn's PMI-ACP training program is comprehensive and covers a wide range of Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and more. 

  • This training program ensures that professionals understand Agile principles and practices holistically. 

  • The training is delivered by industry experts with extensive Agile project management experience. Their practical insights and real-world examples enrich the learning experience.

  • Simplilearn provides a flexible learning approach, offering online self-paced courses and instructor-led virtual classes to cater to individual preferences and schedules.

  • The PMI-ACP certification preparation includes practice tests and interactive quizzes to enhance knowledge retention and prepare candidates for the actual exam.

  Duration of training and exam

  • The lPMI-ACP certification is a self-learning model wherein you can learn the curriculum at your own convenience. The curriculum includes 1 industry case study and 61 real-world examples, along with 102 end-of-chapter quizzes & 4 simulation exams.

  • After completing Agile training, you must appear for an online Agile certification exam and clear it to get certified in Agile by the Project Management Institute
    .

  Cost of training and exam

  On average, the cost of an Agile methodology certification ranges between $1,175 and $1,800. Please note that the course fee is not included in the PMI ACP exam fee. It must be paid by you directly to the Project Management Institute.

  2. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

  Required skills

  • To become a CSPO, there are several essential skills that one must possess. Some of the most in-demand are:

  • Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, development teams, and other members of the organization. The CSPO should be able to clearly convey the product vision, goals, and requirements to all parties involved. 

  • A deep understanding of agile practices and Scrum framework to facilitate effective product backlog management and prioritization. The CSPO should be adept at creating and refining user stories, defining acceptance criteria, and maximizing the value the development team delivers. 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve potential obstacles or conflicts that may arise during the product development process. 

  • Adaptability and flexibility are also important, as the CSPO should be able to embrace change and adjust priorities based on evolving customer needs and market conditions. 

  Key skills taught

  The CSPO certification provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the key skills required to excel in the role of a product owner within an Agile development environment. Some of the key skills discussed in Simplilearn’s program are:

  • Scrum and Agile Framework

  • Release management

  • Leadership skills to manage agile teams

  Key differentiators

  • The CSPO certification offered by Simplilearn stands out due to several key differences. 

  • Simplilearn's CSPO certification provides comprehensive training and knowledge on the role of a product owner in the Scrum framework. 

  • The course covers essential topics such as creating product visions, writing effective user stories, prioritizing product backlogs, and maximizing the product's value.

  • This CSPO certification incorporates practical hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, enabling participants to apply their learning in realistic scenarios. This practical approach enhances the understanding and application of Scrum principles and techniques. 

  • The certification offers flexible learning options, including self-paced online courses and instructor-led live virtual classrooms, allowing individuals to choose the learning format that best suits their needs and schedule.

   Duration of training and exam

  The duration of the course is 2 days. There is no evaluation or exam. You will be certified as a product owner upon completing the training.

  Cost of training and exam

  INDIA: The total cost of the training is INR 18999.

  USA: The certification cost in the United States varies between 500 and 1500 US Dollars.

  3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

  Required skills

  The CSM Certification is suitable for members of Scrum teams, Scrum managers, teams transitioning to Scrum, and professionals who are interested in pursuing a career as a professional Certified ScrumMaster. The key skills required are:

  • In-depth understanding of the terms, phrases, practices, and systems used to incorporate the agile methodologies safely. 

  • Strong training skills to guide the team on their work and help them work on their strengths and weaknesses. 

  • Knowledge of popular tools, Jira and Asana, is also recommended by organizations.

  Key skills taught

  The key skills covered in the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) are:

  • Scrum and Agile methodologies

  • Importance of Agile

  • Scrum lifecycle

  • Scrum terminologies

  • Daily scrum and review

  • Roles involved in Scrum

  • Distributed Scrum

  Key differentiators

  Here are some of the notable factors that differentiate Simplilearn’s CSM certification program:

  • It is an exhaustive, instructor-led CSM certification course that introduces all major concepts of the Scrum framework required for Agile Project Management. 

  • This CSM certification course is focused on improving the understanding of Scrum methodologies and their implementation.

  • It offers a 100% money-back guarantee in case of course discontinuation.

  • CSM® exam fee is included in the course fee, in addition to free exam retakes.

  • Globally acclaimed Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs) 

  • Two-year membership in Scrum Alliance

  • Complimentary access to 15 courses* worth INR 25,000

  Duration of training and exam

  The duration of the course is 2 days. The respective certification granting bodies provide study material and references for the Project Management Institute's Agile certification exam. Professionals seeking an Agile methodology certification must dedicate at least 10-12 weeks to studying the preparation material provided and then practice sample papers for adequate preparation.

  Cost of training and exam

  INDIA: The cost of the training program is Rs. 18,999 inclusive of the cost of this course, the costs of course materials and learning aids.

  USA: The CSM certification cost in the United States varies between 700 and 1000 US Dollars.

  4. Leading SAFe Agilist Certification

  Required skills

  The Leading SAFe Agilist Certification requires a range of essential skills to successfully navigate the complexities of leading and implementing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The most important skills required to complete the Leading SAFe Agilist Certification successfully are:

  • A deep understanding of agile practices and methodologies. This includes knowledge of Scrum, Kanban, and Lean practices and an ability to apply them in a scaled environment. 

  • Strong leadership skills to guide and inspire teams, promote collaboration, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. 

  • Effective communication and facilitation skills to coordinate and align multiple teams, stakeholders, and executives. 

  • Aptitude for strategic thinking and problem-solving enables SAFe Agilists to identify and address organizational challenges and facilitate the adoption of SAFe practices. 

  • Adaptability and flexibility are key to navigating changing circumstances and making informed decisions to drive successful Agile transformations.

  Key skills taught

  The key skills covered in Leading SAFe Agilist Certification are:

  • Application of SAFe

  • Execute Agile Release Trains

  • Coordinate value streams

  • Manage LeanAgile portfolio

  • Configure the framework

  • Unlock intrinsic motivation

  • Support LeanAgile

  Key differentiators

  What sets apart the Leading SAFe Agilist Certification offered by Simplilearn from others in the industry? Let’s learn on:

  • This industry-leading SAFe® certification and training is recognized globally. 

  • It’s the most popular approach for large-scale Agile projects, providing a valid, reliable, and consistent method of evaluating SAFe® skills, knowledge, and mindset.

  • SAFe Agilist Training Key Features with 100% Money Back Guarantee

  • The duration of the course is just two days.

  • The course fee includes the SAFe® Agilist exam fee.

  • You can obtain 15 PMI PDUs upon completion of the certification, in addition to one-year certified membership as SAFe® Agilist

  Duration of training and exam

  The duration of the course is just two days. 

  Cost of training and exam

   

  INDIA: The Leading SAFe Agilist Certification is INR 48500, inclusive of the SAFe® Agilist exam fee. 

  USA: The certification cost in the United States varies between 700 and 1000 US Dollars.

  5. Advanced Certified Scrumaster® (A-CSM) Certification

  Required skills

  The skills required to complete the Advanced Certified Scrum Master ® (A-CSM) certification successfully are:

  • A thorough understanding of Scrum principles and practices

  • Experience in facilitating Agile teams. 

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills to guide teams through complex projects and resolve conflicts. 

  • Ability to coach and mentor others

  • Deep commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

  Key skills taught

   

  Some of the key skills covered in this Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM) Certification are:

  • Scrum and Agile methodologies

  • Importance of Agile

  • Scrum lifecycle

  • Scrum terminologies

  • Daily scrum and review

  • Roles involved in Scrum

  • Distributed Scrum

  Key differentiators

  Here are the key factors that differentiate Simplilearn’s Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM) Certification from others in the industry:

  • The course duration is just 2 days

  • It is an exhaustive, instructor-led CSM course that introduces you to all major concepts of the Scrum framework required for Agile Project Management. 

  • It focuses on providing an improved understanding of Scrum methodologies and their implementation. 2 Days of Online Virtual Class

  • CSM® exam fee is included in the course fee, in addition to free exam retake.

  • Sessions are taken by globally acclaimed Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs). 

  • 20 PDUs and 16 SEUs, along with certification.

  • Two-year membership in Scrum Alliance

  • Complimentary access to 15 courses* worth INR 25,000

  Duration of training and exam

  The duration of the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM) Certification is of 2 days, in which virtual online classes will be taken. The CSM Certification exam can be taken online within 14 days from the day of completion of the training course. The links to the online exam will be shared by Simplilearn. 

  Cost of training and exam

   

  The cost of the training, inclusive of the exam fee, is INR18999.

  6. Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO)

  Required skills

  To obtain a PSPO certification, several key skills are essential. Some of the most widely demanded are:

  • A strong understanding of agile practices and the Scrum framework.

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills

  • Deep understanding of product management techniques, such as product backlog management and prioritization.

  • Technical knowledge and a background in mathematics is helpful but optional.

  Key skills taught

  The key skills covered in this PSPO certification training include:

  • Foundation of Scrum

  • Core Scrum methodologies

  • The scope of PSPO

  Key differentiators

  The factors that differentiate Simplilearn’s Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) include:

  • It offers the foundational knowledge.

  • The PSPO training is designed to help learners clear both PSPO-1 & PSPO-2 certifications. 

  • It teaches potential product owners cost reduction tricks and in turn, reap profits for their organization. 

  • You’ll also learn about the mechanics of Scrum and how the product owner fits into Scrum methodology.

  Duration of training and exam

  The Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) duration is 2 days, including live virtual classes.

  Cost of training and exam

  INDIA: The cost of the training is INR 24199, inclusive of the exam fee.

  USA: The PSPO I test is priced at $200 USD per attempt, and the assessment passwords retain their validity until utilized, without any expiration.

  7. Professional Scrum Master (PSM) Certification

  Required skills

  The skills required to obtain a PSM certification are related to Agile methodologies, Scrum framework, and project management. Here are some of the key skills required:

  • Deep understanding of Scrum Framework and familiarity with Scrum roles like CSM, Product Owner, Development Team, Sprint Planning, test-driven development, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective and Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment.

  • Familiarity with Agile principles and values in addition to Agile Manifesto and its guiding principles, such as prioritizing customer collaboration, responding to change, and promoting self-organizing teams.

  • Proficiency in Scrum practices, including facilitating Scrum events effectively, coaching and guiding the Scrum Team, promoting collaboration and transparency, and ensuring adherence to Scrum values.

  • Servant leadership skills to facilitate the team's progress, remove impediments, foster a productive and collaborative environment, and support the team's self-organization.

  • Agile Coaching and Facilitation.

  • Strong communication and collaboration to effectively interact with stakeholders, team members, and the product owner.

  • Technical knowledge (optional)

  Key skills taught

  The Key skills covered in Simplilearn’s PSM Certification Training are:

  • Scrum framework

  • Risk management

   Key differentiators

  These are the points that differentiate Simplilearn’s PSM Certification Training from others:

  • This PSM Certification covers the principles and process theory underpinning the Scrum framework.

  • The training period is just 2 days.

  • Real-world examples and case studies to clarify core concepts are included in the curriculum.

  • Intensive and interactive workshop training conducted by industry experts, in addition to comprehensive courseware and exam prep support.

  Duration of training and exam

  
  The training duration is 2 days.
   

  Cost of training and exam

  
  INDIA: The cost of the training is INR 24199. 

  USA: The PSM I test is priced at $150 USD per attempt, and the assessment passwords do not have an expiration date, remaining valid until they are used.

  Some other Agile Certifications:

  • Certified Scrum Developer(CSD) Certification Training

  • Kanban Management Professional-1 (KMP-1) Kanban System Design Certification Course

  • ICP-ACC (ICAgile Certified Agile Coaching) Certification Training Course

  • SAFe® 6 Scrum Master (SSM) Certification Training

  • SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) Certification Training

• How do I become agile certified?

  To become agile certified, you will need to meet the specific requirements and pass the certification exam for the particular Agile certification you are pursuing. This often involves completing a certain amount of Agile training or education in methodologies of Agile, as well as having practical experience working on Agile teams.

• Is Agile certification worth it?

  Whether or not Agile certification is worth it will depend on your personal goals and circumstances. For some individuals, Agile certifications can be valuable additions to their resume and can demonstrate a commitment to professional development. For others, practical experience and skills may be more important than certification. It's a good idea to consider your own needs and career goals before deciding whether or not to pursue Agile certifications.

• How long does Agile certification last?

  The length of time that an Agile certification is valid will depend on the specific certification and the issuing organization. Some Agile certifications are valid for a set number of years, while others have no expiration date. To maintain an Agile certification, you may need to meet certain requirements, such as completing a certain amount of continuing education or professional development.

• Can I get a job with just an Agile certification?

  Obtaining an Agile certification will not only add value to your resume but also help you get jobs offering higher salaries than the non-certified ones.

• Is Agile certification required to work in an Agile environment?

  Since Agile certifications are in high demand these days, it is always recommended for prospective Agile professionals to work hard to get Agile certified. It will not only help them to showcase their in-depth Agile skills and knowledge but also help them to manage projects effectively and grab the attention of top Agile recruiters.

• Is there an Agile certification for beginners?

  Yes, beginners can too go for an agile certification. Some of the top Agile certifications for beginners are:

  • Scrum Alliance – Certified Scrum Master
  • Scrum.Org – Professional Scrum Master
  • Project Management Institute – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

• How much does Agile certification cost?

  On average, the cost of an Agile certification ranges between $1,175 and $1,800.

• Is Agile certification recognized internationally?

  Most of the Agile certifications available in the market are internationally recognized. Some of the top Agile certifications that most prospective Agile professionals seek are:

  • Agile Programme Management (AgilePgM)

  • Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

  • Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO)

  • SAFe Agilist

  • SAFe Scrum Master

  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

  • ICAgile Agile Fundamentals (ICP)

  • ICAgile Business Agility Foundations (ICP-BAF)

  • Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

• Can I get Agile certified online?

  Yes, all Agile certifications can be availed both online and offline mode.

• Is there an Agile certification exam?

  After completing Agile training, you must appear for an online Agile certification exam and clear it to get certified in Agile.

• How can I prepare for the Agile certification exam?

  The study material and references for the Agile certification exam are provided by the respective certification granting bodies. Professionals seeking an Agile certification must dedicate at least 10-12 weeks to studying the preparation material provided and then practice sample papers for adequate preparation.

• Is Agile certification only for project managers?

  Professionals belonging to the software development field can benefit hugely from Agile certification. This certification is ideal for scrum masters, project managers, software developers, software architects, product owners, team leads, and QA managers.

• Can I get Agile certified if I have no prior experience with Agile?

  Yes, you can get Agile certified in project management even with no prior experience. However, it will be highly beneficial for you if you have some understanding of the principles and have a working knowledge of Agile.

• Can I get Agile certified from the Project Management Institute without attending a training course?

  In no way is it possible to earn an Agile certification without attending an Agile training course. This is because an Agile training course prepares you to understand the core values of Agile and Scrum and qualify for Agile certifications with ease.

• How long does it take to get Agile certified?

  It takes 1-2 years to get Agile certified, depending on your preparation level and your performance in the Agile certification exam. Moreover, there are multiple Agile certifications, each of which will take different durations for preparation.

• What is the average salary for agile professionals?

  On average, Agile professionals earn around $95,906 annually.

• What is Agile?

  Agile is primarily an iterative process leading to project management and software development that facilitates teams to deliver value to their customers faster without any hassle. An agile team handles a project through small and constant developments.

• What are the best beginner courses in Agile?

  Some of the best Agile courses for beginners are as follows:

  • Agile Scrum Foundation - Learn the basics of Agile Scrum with an EXIN-accredited Agile Scrum Foundation course. You will get to practice project development and deliveries, apportioning stages of them into incremental pieces. After course completion, you will be able to develop high-quality products. 

  • Certified Scrum Developer (CSD®) - This is a certification virtual training course conducted/hosted/delivered by Scrum Alliance. Professionals who complete this course will master the ability to serve as effective developers for scrum teams.

  • Kanban Management Professional (KMP)-1 Kanban System Design - Become a KMP professional by mastering the Kanban System Design. This course provides in-depth training practices of Kanban methodologies. 

• What are the best intermediate courses for Agile?

  Simplilearn offers several intermediate-level courses on Agile methodologies, including:

  • SAFe Product Owner - This Agile scrum certification focuses on understanding the role of a SAFe-certified scrum product owner in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) enterprise. It is a two-day virtual training, and get prepared for the SAFe® Scrum Master exam for your certification.

  • Leading SAFe® 5.1 Training with SAFe Agilist Certification - SAFe® certification and training is an industry lead global program that helps you learn how to lead large-scale Agile projects. You will learn useful, reliable, and consistent techniques to process SAFe®. 

  • Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) Certification Training - This PSPO certification course allows you to master scrum skills. Unlock new career possibilities by signing up for Simplilearn's Agile and Scrum course for product owners!

  These are some of the best intermediate courses for Agile at Simplilearn; you can also check our website for more information and other related courses.

• What are the advanced-level agile certification courses in project management?

  Simplilearn offers some of the best Agile project management certification courses for experienced Agile professionals. Here is the list of top Agile certifications for your career - 

  • Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) Certification Training Course: This Agile methodology certification course will help you prepare for the CSM certification through 2-day CSM training. 

  • ASM Certification Training Course: This course covers the principles and practices of Agile project management, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean.

  • CSPO Certification Training: This course covers the role and responsibilities of the Product Owner in an Agile environment, including product backlog management and stakeholder engagement. 

  • PMI-ACP Certification: This course empowers you to become a skilled Agile professional with knowledge of a broad range of Agile methodologies. ACP is PMI’s fastest-growing certification, and recently, the ACP exam has been updated with the addition of the Agile Practice Guide.

• What does the Agile job market forecast look like?

  The Agile job market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for Agile methodologies in software development and project management. The need for Agile professionals, such as Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and Product Owners, is expected to remain high, especially in technology-driven industries. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of Agile practices, leading to further job opportunities in this field.

• What are the top job titles in the field of Agile?

  The top job titles in the Agile field are:

  • Scrum Master
  • Agile Coach
  • Product Owner
  • Agile Project Manager
  • Agile Consultant
  • Agile Developer
  • Agile Tester
  • Agile Business Analyst
  • Agile Product Manager
  • Agile Technical Lead

  You can enroll for Agile certification courses to get your desired job role! 

• What is the recommended path for professionals pursuing an Agile career?

  To pursue an Agile career, the recommended path is as follows:

  • Gain a solid understanding of agile practices and methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban.

  • Get certified in Agile practices, such as Scrum Master or Product Owner.

  • Gain practical experience by participating in Agile projects and continuously learning and evolving practices.

  • Network with other professionals in the Agile community to stay current on best practices.

  • Consider pursuing advanced Agile certifications or continuing education to demonstrate expertise.

• What are the major Agile roles?

  The best Agile roles are subjective and can vary based on the specific Agile methodology and the needs of the project or organization. However, these are the commonly recognized essential roles handled by a PMI agile certified practitioner:

  • Product Owner: responsible for defining and prioritizing the product backlog.

  • Scrum Master: facilitates the Agile process and removes obstacles for the development team.

  • Development Team: responsible for delivering functional and high-quality increments of the product through test-driven development.

  • Stakeholder(s): includes anyone who is impacted by the product being developed, such as customers, end-users, and business sponsors.

  All of these roles play a crucial part in ensuring the success of an Agile project, and each role must be fulfilled effectively for the process to work well.

• Who is eligible for Agile certification?

  Agile certification is typically open to everyone interested in becoming agile project managers, regardless of their profession or job role. However, there are some requirements that individuals need to meet to be eligible for certification, such as:

  • Experience working in an Agile environment: most Agile methodology certification programs require candidates to have hands-on experience working in Agile teams, using Agile methodologies and practices.

  • Training: some certification programs require candidates to complete a certain amount of training or attend workshops before they can take the certification exam.

  • Exam: most Agile certifications require candidates to pass a written or practical exam to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Agile principles and practices.

  It's essential to check with the specific certification program for their eligibility requirements.

• Does the Scrum certificate expire?

  Yes, Scrum certificates do expire. The expiration date depends on the certification type and the issuing organization. Some common certifications, such as Scrum Master or Product Owner, have a two-year validity period, while others, like Certified Scrum Master, may be valid for three years.

• Is coding required for Agile?

  No, coding is not required for Agile. Agile is a project management framework for software development that values collaboration, flexibility, and delivering working software incrementally. Although coding is a critical part of software development, Agile can be applied to various projects, including those that don't involve coding. Agile principles focus on how to manage and deliver a project effectively, not on a specific set of technical skills.