The PMI-ACP Certification–A Hot Topic!

The Chapter is giving a PMI-ACP Exam Prep Course this April. This article provides more information to help raise awareness about the PMI-ACP certification.

 

Background

Due to the growing relevance of Agile methodology, PMI announced the new Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification in May 2011. Developed by the PMI-ACP Steering Committee, it addresses a significant weakness in competing certifications because it provides the kind of validation of knowledge, education, and experience that employers are seeking. Agile Project Management is a hot topic in our profession and many employers want to hire people with agile certification and experience.

 

Agile Methodology

Agile methodology is a general approach to project management and product development.  Agile methodology is more adaptive, people-oriented and focused on constant input and empirical processes. It opens the door for more continuous improvement during the project, as opposed to the more traditional or predictive approach to project management as defined by the PMBOK® Guide.

Gartner has predicted that by the end of 2012 agile methods would be used on 80% of all software development projects. Further, research suggests that using agile methodologies decreases product defects, improves team productivity, and increases delivery of business value.

If you already use agile practices or your organization is planning to adopt an agile approach, demonstrate to employers your level of professionalism and commitment in agile principles, practices, tools and techniques by obtaining the PMI- ACP Certification. The PMI-ACP is not limited to project managers or PMPs, you can apply if you have experience working on agile project teams!

 

The Portland Chapter PMI-ACP Exam Prep Course

The course consists of three Saturday classes (April 5, 12, and 19). It includes 21 hours of instruction qualifying for 21 PDUs and satisfying the ACP requirement for 21 contact hours of training in Agile practices. The course includes an exam prep book with exercises which will be sent out 1-2 weeks before the first class. The course helps you prepare for the exam, but it is also intended to provide solid, real world guidance. We are fortunate to have an excellent team of instructors – Brian Kronstad, John Gugel, and Nickolas J. Borders.  Click here for more information.

 

Information from PMI

PMI.org also has good information about the PMI-ACP, including access to the PMI-ACP Handbook, the PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline, and the PMI-ACP Reference List. The certification is based on knowledge of a range of techniques and does not represent a single approach or framework such as Scrum or XP. The ACP has been designed to demonstrate professionalism in Agile practices of project management and increase the practitioner’s versatility in project management tools and techniques. The examination Reference list has eleven recognized books representing approaches and practices that are well established.

 

Practice Domains

The exam itself covers two areas: Agile tools & techniques, and Agile knowledge & skills. These are based on the following domains of practice:

  1. Value-Driven Delivery
  2. Stakeholder Engagement
  3. Boosting Team Performance Practices
  4. Adaptive Planning
  5. Problem Detection and Resolution
  6. Continuous Improvement (Product, Process, People)