PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) Course – April 2015
PMI’s Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification has been around since 2011 and there has been a fair amount of buzz around it. Now you are wondering if it makes sense for you.
Here are a few facts for you to consider:
1. What makes the ACP different from PMI’s other certifications (like the PgMP and CAPM) which sort of fizzled? In a single phrase, the difference is PMI member response!
Consider these facts:
- PgMP, RMP, & SP certifications were 1,507 (as of Dec. 2010).
- CAPM reached 6,000 certifications after 5 years (in Dec. 2008).
- ACP reached 6,000 exam inquiries in the first 60 days! (May and June, 2011)
Also, over 1,100 applications were completed and 650 were approved to sit for the exam pilot that started in September. During the 90-day pilot over 200 sat for the exam. Because employers are seeking new hires with agile certification, every leading indicator shows that the ACP will be an overwhelming success!
2. What’s the rush to do it now? If job opportunity does not matter to you (remember, PMI’s own research shows 67% of organizations are using Agile) then consider this possible downside.
The PMBOK® Guide went from a whitepaper to 176 pages for the 1st edition, then increased in size by almost 100% between the 2nd and 3rd editions, and we all know the exam got dramatically more difficult! No one is saying the “ramp up” for the ACP will be steeper…but it does seem likely don’t you think? Do you really want to risk that?
3. InfoWorld published the 2014’s hottest IT certifications in August of 2014 from Foote Partners. In this report it was stated “The PMI-ACP tied for number three on the highest paying IT certifications. It’s currently receiving an 11 to 15 percent skills premium pay, and according to Foote’s prediction, that is likely to increase as demand for everything agile increases, not just agile project management.”
The PMI Portland Chapter ACP Exam Prep course will be held on Saturdays, April 4-18, and is a great way to accelerate your professional growth. You get 21 hours of agile instruction from knowledgeable, experienced agile professionals with clear guidelines for what to study to pass the exam the first time.
ACT NOW FOR THE BEST DEAL offered yet by PMI Portland Chapter for members. But you want to hurry because the Early Bird registration price expires on Monday, March 16…or when sold out.
The PMI Portland Chapter Board is working hard to help you have every career advantage. You can get more info at our website. We hope you'll join us for these great courses!
Diane Brady
Director of ACP Certification and Past President
PMI Portland Chapter
Information and registration available at:
http://www.pmi-portland.org or email acp_certification@pmi-portland.org
February 2015
Agile Project Management is the hottest topic in our field today because so many employers are looking for new hires with agile certification and experience. PMI’s newest certification – the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) – is “setting the bar” for agile project management professionals. Unlike the better known Scrum Master certification which focuses on only 1 agile framework, only requires a 2-day class with a no-fail assessment, and has no work experience, the ACP covers multiple frameworks and has standards that employers respect for education, experience and a real examination!
I am very pleased to announce that we have arranged to offer PMI-ACP Exam Preparation courses to our Chapter at reduced rates for PMI Portland Chapter members.
You do not have to be a PMP or a Scrum Master to get great value out of this class. This class is designed to help you clear the two hurdles standing in front of you – completing the application and passing the exam. This course also helps you go to the next level with solid, real world practices because after you have passed the exam your boss, co-workers, and customers will have raised expectations about you as an agile expert!
The 3-day course provides 21 hours of instruction and 21 PDUs but homework is required! It will be delivered on three Saturdays, starting April 4. That means you can get great career-enhancing training and 21 PDUs in just 3 days!
The PMI Portland Chapter Board feels a key responsibility to bring high-quality training at a great price to our Chapter. We hope you agree and will join us for this terrific course! You can get more info and sign up on our Chapter web site.
I hope you'll join us for this course. And I really hope you'll let us know how the Chapter can serve you better… and then come grow with us!
Diane Brady
Director of ACP Certification and Past President
PMI Portland Chapter
Information and registration available at:
http://www.pmi-portland.org or email acp_certification@pmi-portland.org