Agile certification is a low-cost career booster. I’ve done plenty of free certifications over my 15+ years in software development. You’ll find certifications from organizations like Scrum.org, ICAgile, and Scrum Alliance – all reputable entities. These free certifications teach the basics of Agile principles and framework. So here are the best places to start your Agile certification journey.
Free Agile Certification Options Overview
Agile certifications demonstrate that you understand Agile principles and are skilled in Agile methodologies. These certifications are now essential in the job market. As a software developer of more than 15 years, I’ve seen the impact Agile certifications can have on careers.
Free Agile certifications are:
- A cost effective way to learn Agile principles
- Flexible, allowing you to learn at your own pace
- An opportunity to join helpful communities and access resources
- A way to test your knowledge before investing in a paid certification
Free certifications will give you a basic understanding of Agile concepts. Paid certifications typically offer more advanced content and industry recognition. However, if you’re new to Agile or don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars today, free certifications are a great place to start.
You’ll also find that free certifications can help you achieve the next step in your career. They show employers that you’re proactive and willing to continuously learn. These are both excellent qualities that align with the agile culture of always improving.
Scrum.org Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
Scrum.org provides the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification. This certification specifically covers the Scrum framework, one of the most popular Agile methodologies. The PSM I curriculum teaches Scrum theory, principles, and real-world applications.
To earn the PSM I certification for free:
- Study the Scrum Guide
- Take the free Scrum.org open assessments
- Practice using sample questions
- Take the PSM I assessment (there’s a small fee)
The PSM I certification is widely regarded as one of the best certifications for a Scrum Master or Agile team member. I’ve personally worked with many professionals who are PSM I certified, and all of them have demonstrated a strong understanding of Scrum principles. It’s important to note that agile roles like Scrum Master play a crucial part in the success of Agile teams.
ICAgile Free Knowledge Base
ICAgile offers an excellent free knowledge base for Agile fans. It covers various Agile topics, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean principles. All of the content is created by industry experts and frequently updated.
To access ICAgile’s free content:
- Go to the ICAgile website.
- Navigate to the free resources section.
- Select the topics you’re interested in.
- Download the resources.
The free knowledge base is quite thorough, but it doesn’t offer a formal certification. ICAgile does offer paid certifications with more in-depth content and official certification. Still, the free resources are a great place to get started with Agile.
Scrum Alliance Open Assessments
Scrum Alliance offers open assessments for free to test your Agile knowledge. These assessments discuss different topics related to Scrum and Agile methodologies. They’re great resources to assess your knowledge and prepare for a certifications.
The process of taking a Scrum Alliance open assessment is simple:
- Sign up for a free account on the Scrum Alliance website.
- Go to the open assessments section.
- Select an assessment topic.
- Answer the questions and check your score.
These assessments are excellent resources for Agile practitioners. They help you identify gaps in knowledge and areas to improve. I frequently suggest these assessments to my team members as a do-it-yourself assessment.
Agile Education Program by Agile Alliance
The Agile Alliance Education Program provides various Agile resources and learning materials for free. The Education Program covers everything related to Agile, from the basics to advanced learnings.
To access the Agile Education Program:
- Visit the Agile Alliance website
- Go to the Education Program section
- Browse through the resources
- Download the materials or access them online
Completing the Education Program is excellent for Agile practitioners. It offers a comprehensive understanding of Agile principles and practices. All of the resources are curated by industry professionals, so you can be confident in the quality of the material.
PMI Agile Practice Guide
The Project Management Institute (PMI) has an Agile Practice Guide, which is one of the most comprehensive resources on Agile principles and how they apply to project management.
To access and study the PMI Agile Practice Guide:
- Go to the PMI website.
- Navigate to the Agile Practice Guide.
- Buy or download the guide (it’s free for PMI members).
- Develop a plan to study each section.
The PMI Agile Practice Guide is an excellent resource for aspiring Agile practitioners. It provides a helpful link between traditional project management and Agile methods. I’ve found this guide particularly helpful for professionals who are making the switch from traditional to agile vs traditional project management methods.
Free Agile Courses on Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Platforms
Most MOOC platforms offer a variety of free Agile courses. These platforms are great options if you prefer a more structured learning experience with video lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
The most popular platforms with free Agile courses include:
- Coursera
- edX
- FutureLearn
- Udacity
To sign up for a free Agile course on a MOOC platform:
- Create an account with the platform of your choice.
- Search for Agile courses.
- Enroll in a free course.
- Follow the course schedule and complete assignments.
Learning Agile through a MOOC is a great way to enjoy flexibility and structured content. The downside is you might not receive personalized feedback or hands-on experience. If you choose this option, simply combine it with practical application in the real world.
Tips for Successfully Completing Free Agile Certifications
Succeeding with free Agile certifications requires some combination of dedication and strategy. Here are a few tips I used to earn several Agile certifications for free:
- Create a study schedule and commit to it.
- Join Agile communities online to ask questions and talk through problems.
- Practice Agile principles in your daily work or a personal project.
- Use practice tests to check your progress.
Using Agile principles in practical work is key. You can:
- Execute Scrum in a personal project.
- Manage your tasks using kanban agile boards.
- Timebox your work.
Studying for the certification exam or assessment requires nothing more than consistent practice and a little bit of review. Just make sure to revisit core concepts and spend more time understanding them as opposed to memorizing them.
And keep in mind you’ll forever be working toward mastery of Agile. These free certifications are just the tip of the iceberg of your Agile certification journey. As you progress, you might want to explore more advanced topics like agile scaling frameworks to further enhance your Agile knowledge and skills.
Signing Off
Free Agile certifications are excellent options for advancing your career without paying anything. They offer a basic understanding of Agile methodologies. I’ve personally witnessed many professionals launch their careers and increase team performance using these resources. You now have a handful of options from Scrum.org PSM I to MOOC platforms. Just remember to develop a study plan, consistently practice, and use the concepts in real projects. So, your Agile journey begins here – use these free resources to level up your skills and career opportunities.
