Agile certifications are one of the best investments you can make in your career in continuous improvement. The correct certification can significantly increase your job opportunities and earning potential, and there are plenty of certifications to choose from. So how do you decide which one is best for you?
Let’s discuss the most popular Agile certifications to help you select the right certification for your goals and experience level.
Overview of Agile Certification Types
Agile certifications signify your proficiency in agile project management, and Agile certifications show employers that you can execute Agile methodologies effectively. There are many organizations that offer Agile certifications, each with a slightly different focus within the broader Agile framework.
Earning an Agile certification can help you in several ways:
- More job opportunities
- Higher earning potential
- Credibility in the industry
- Better project management skills
- Access to a network of other Agile professionals
When selecting an Agile certification, you should think about your career goals. Your current position and experience level also play a role in the decision. The certification’s reputation in your industry is also important. From a more practical standpoint, consider the cost and time investment required.
I’ve personally observed the value of these certifications. They can make you more marketable and you’ll learn valuable information that you can apply to your job. The right choice for you will depend on your unique situation and goals.
Scrum Alliance Certifications
The Scrum Alliance has various certifications for Agile practitioners at different levels and in different roles on Scrum teams.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM):
- The basic certification for Scrum Masters
- Focuses on basic Scrum and facilitation
- Requires a two-day course and passing an exam
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM):
- Extensions of CSM content
- Focuses on advanced coaching
- Requires one year of experience as a Scrum Master
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO):
- Designed specifically for product owners and stakeholders
- Focuses on managing the product backlog and optimizing value
- Requires a two-day course with no exam
Certified Scrum Developer (CSD):
- Designed for software developers on Scrum teams
- Focuses on technical practices and collaboration
- Requires technical training and a course on Scrum
Certified Scrum Professional (CSP):
- An advanced certification for experienced Scrum practitioners
- Establishes that you have a deep understanding and application of all things Scrum
- Requires significant experience, plus you need to keep educating yourself to maintain it
These certifications create a clear path to progress as a Scrum expert. You start with a foundational certification and work your way up as you gain experience and expertise in Scrum.
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Certifications
SAFe certifications are all about applying Agile at scale, so these are the best Agile certifications if you are applying Agile at scale in the organization.
SAFe Agilist (SA):
- Basic SAFe certification for understanding SAFe principles
- Teaches Lean-Agile mindset and how to implement SAFe
- Requires a 2-day course and certification exam
SAFe Scrum Master (SSM):
- SAFe certification specifically for the Scrum Master role within SAFe
- Focuses on how to facilitate team and program events
- Requires a 2-day course and certification exam
SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM):
- SAFe certification tailored to the product manager and product owner roles within SAFe
- Teaches how to develop a product strategy and roadmap
- Requires a 2-day course and certification exam
SAFe Program Consultant (SPC):
- Advanced SAFe certification for leaders who implement SAFe across an organization
- Enables you to become certified to train others in SAFe
- Requires a 4-day bootcamp and certification exam
These certifications are most applicable when working through large scale Agile transformations as they offer a framework for scaling agile across the organization.
Project Management Institute (PMI) Agile Certifications
PMI offers Agile certifications that combine traditional project management with Agile. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP):
- Demonstrates proficiency in various Agile methodologies
- Requires 2,000 hours of project experience and 1,500 hours of Agile experience
- Requires passing a rigorous exam Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM):
- Focuses on the Disciplined Agile delivery framework
- Discusses various Agile and lean methodologies
- Requires completing a course and passing an exam Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM):
- An advanced certification designed for seasoned Agile practitioners
- Emphasizes scaling Agile to the enterprise
- Requires the DASM and extensive Agile experience Each of these certifications is highly reputable within the project management community. They take a more balanced view of Agile methodologies as part of a broader project management framework.
International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile) Certifications
ICAgile offers a full Agile certification program with various tracks and specializations.
ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP):
- An entry-level certification with the basic Agile knowledge
- Available in various knowledge domains
- Requires completion of an accredited course
ICAgile Certified Expert (ICE):
- An advanced certification to demonstrate expertise in a specific Agile discipline
- Requires completion of multiple courses and a peer reviewed competency assessment
- Available in disciplines like delivery coaching or enterprise coaching
ICAgile Certified Instructor (ICI):
- Certification designed for those who wish to teach ICAgile courses
- Requires deep Agile expertise and teaching experience
- Requires a thorough application and assessment process
ICAgile’s certification program also allows you to specialize in a specific Agile area. This is helpful if you want to carve out a niche within the Agile market.
Agile Certification Comparison
When comparing Agile certifications, consider the following:
Difficulty:
- Entry-level: CSM DASM ICP
- Intermediate: PMI-ACP A-CSM POPM
- Advanced: CSP ICE SPC
Cost:
- Low: $200 – $500 (CSM ICP)
- Medium: $500 – $1000 (PMI-ACP POPM)
- High: $1000+ (SPC ICE)
Career impact and earning potential:
- More job opportunities in all industries
- Higher earning potential for certification holders
- More credibility and authority in the industry
Project managers with Agile certifications earn an average of $103,000 per year, according to PayScale. This is more than project managers without certifications. This might differ depending on your experience level and industry.
Preparing for Agile Certifications
Like any other certification exam, success on an Agile certification exam requires preparation. Here are some common preparation strategies:
Study resources and materials:
- Official certification handbooks and guides
- Agile textbooks and other internet resources
- Agile blogs and forums for Agile advice
Training courses and workshops:
- Instructor led training (in person or virtually)
- Self-paced online courses
- Workshops and simulation exercises
Practice exams and sample questions:
- Official practice exams from certification providers
- Third party practice exams and question banks
- Creating or joining a study group to review exam questions
General tips to pass the exam:
- Create and follow a study schedule
- Understand concepts rather than memorizing answers
- Apply Agile frameworks to practice exercises and case studies
- Take breaks and care for your mental and physical health while preparing
Just like Agile principles iterate deliver small pieces of value, you don’t need to study for hours on end. Iterating and delivering small pieces of study value add up over time. Apply Agile concepts to your study process to pass the exam more efficiently.
Maintaining Agile Certifications
Most Agile certifications have ongoing maintenance requirements to keep them valid. This ensures that you continue to learn about the latest agile best practices.
Renewal requirements:
- Periodic recertification (typically every 1 – 3 years)
- Paying renewal fees
- Showing evidence of ongoing professional development
Continuing education units (CEUs):
- Attending Agile conferences and workshops
- Participating in online webinars and courses
- Contributing to Agile communities and open source projects
- Writing blog posts or speaking about Agile
Professional development activities:
- Mentoring or coaching other Agile professionals
- Participating in Agile meetups
- Earning higher-level certifications in your industry
- Conducting research or case studies in Agile
Many Agile certifications require renewal or ongoing education credits to keep your certification active. This highlights the idea of continuing education within the industry. Think of certification renewals as an opportunity to practice what you preach with the agile mindset.
Final Takeaways
Agile certifications are a great way to level up your skills and career in continuous improvement. Each certification has slightly different benefits and areas of focus. Keep in mind the best certification for you will depend on your goals and experience level. So choose wisely. Prepare diligently, dedicate yourself to continuous learning, and you’ll level up your potential in the Agile space. Your path to process improvement and success begins now.
