Deep dive into the PMI-ACP guide for agile practitioners: explore the PMI-ACP exam, content outline, eligibility, and top study resources to master agile certification.
The PMI-ACP certification is one of the most recognized agile certifications worldwide, highly valued by agile practitioners seeking to validate their expertise in agile project management. This PMI-ACP guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the PMI-ACP exam, eligibility, content outline, and the best study resources to help you achieve agile certification success.
What Is PMI-ACP?
The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) credential, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), demonstrates your ability to apply agile principles and methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and TDD in real-world projects. The PMI-ACP certification proves you can lead agile teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and deliver value-driven results using agile tools and techniques1110.
Why Pursue the PMI-ACP Certification?
Agile certification is a powerful asset for project managers, scrum masters, developers, and anyone involved in agile environments. The PMI-ACP guide highlights several benefits:
- Global recognition of agile expertise
- Enhanced career prospects and earning potential
- Validation of hands-on agile experience
- Versatility across multiple agile frameworks1110
PMI-ACP Guide: Exam Eligibility and Requirements
To apply for the PMI-ACP exam, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Education: Secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent)
- General Project Experience: 2,000 hours (12 months) on project teams in the last 5 years (if you hold PMP or PgMP, this is waived)
- Agile Project Experience: 1,500 hours (8 months) on agile teams in the last 3 years
- Agile Training: 21 contact hours in agile practices, typically through an agile certification course11109.
PMI-ACP Guide: Application Process
Transitioning to the application is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Create a PMI Account: Register on the PMI website.
- Submit Your Application: Enter your education, project experience, and training details.
- PMI Review: PMI reviews your application for completeness.
- Audit (Random Selection): Some applications are randomly selected for audit, requiring supporting documentation.
- Payment: Pay the exam fee after approval.
- Schedule the Exam: Choose a PMI-approved testing center or online proctored exam8910.
PMI-ACP Guide: Exam Content Outline
The PMI-ACP exam is a three-hour test with 120 multiple-choice questions. It covers seven domains:
- Agile Principles and Mindset
- Value-Driven Delivery
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Performance
- Adaptive Planning
- Problem Detection and Resolution
- Continuous Improvement (Product, Process, People)1011
You’ll need a solid understanding of agile frameworks, principles, and real-world application to succeed.
PMI-ACP Guide: Study Resources and Preparation
Tips To ace your agile certification, use a mix of these PMI-ACP guide resources:
- PMI-ACP Exam Content Outline: Download from the PMI website for the latest topics.
- PMI-ACP Prep Books: Popular titles include “PMI-ACP Exam Prep” by Mike Griffiths and “The PMI-ACP Exam: How To Pass On Your First Try” by Andy Crowe.
- Online Courses: Look for PMI-registered education providers offering 21 contact hours, such as RMC, PM PrepCast, or Simplilearn.
- Practice Exams: Take simulated tests to assess your readiness and identify weak areas.
- Study Groups: Join online forums or local agile communities for peer support910.
Transitioning between resources and consistent study is key to passing the PMI-ACP exam on your first attempt.
PMI-ACP Guide: Maintaining Your Certification
After passing the PMI-ACP exam, your certification is valid for three years. To renew, you must earn 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in agile topics during each three-year cycle11.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam?
Most agile practitioners spend 2–3 months preparing, depending on their experience and study habits8.
- Is PMI-ACP certification only relevant for software development?
No, the PMI-ACP guide emphasizes its value across all industries where agile principles are applied11.
- Can I take the PMI-ACP exam online?
Yes, PMI offers both in-person and online proctored exam options10.
- What is the cost of the PMI-ACP exam?
The exam fee varies: PMI members pay less than non-members. Check the PMI website for current rates9.
- What happens if my application is selected for audit?
You’ll need to provide supporting documents for your education, experience, and training. If you pass the audit, you can proceed to schedule your exam89.
By following this PMI-ACP guide, agile practitioners can confidently pursue agile certification and advance their careers in agile project management.