Is the PMI-ACP Certification Worth It?
As enterprises seek competitive advantage, many are implementing new and enhanced systems and operational projects. This is leading to a strong demand for project managers who are well-versed in agile methodologies. Hiring executives assess the capabilities of project manager candidates using certifications such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification, including the certification prerequisites, the PMI-ACP examination itself, the cost, and the potential career benefits should you become certified. In short, we’ll answer the question of whether it’s worthwhile to invest your time and money in earning PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification!
Why PMI-ACP is Growing in Demand
Agile project frameworks continue to be used by enterprises of all sizes for projects that transform the business, improve operational flexibility, speed time to market, and more! As a result, enterprises are looking for professionals who are certified as proficient in project management.
The Project Management Institute offers two of the most valuable project management certifications: the Project Management Professional (PMP) and the newer PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP). While the PMP is better known, it is primarily related to the traditional waterfall project methodology, while the PMI-ACP is known as an agile methodology certification. For that reason, demand is high for candidates holding the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification!
PMI-ACP Career Benefits: Salary, Job Opportunities, and Demand
A search of the Indeed job site returned over 700 positions nationwide for PMI-ACP-certified professionals. These PMI-ACP jobs are for various positions, such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, Head of Agile Delivery Management, Manager of Delivery Management, and Agile Product Coach, frequently with annual salaries starting at $100,000 or more.
On the plus side, positions for experienced professionals offered annual salaries up to $160,971 for a Senior Project Manager in Rochester, MN, $221,000 for a Staff Agile Coach in Roy, UT, $250,000 for a Senior Product Manager in New York, NY, and $260,590 for a Senior Manager of agile Practice Management in Blue Bell, PA.
PMI-ACP Certification Requirements
You will earn the PMI-ACP certification by passing the PMI-ACP Certification exam. But first, you’ll need to prove your eligibility! Before you apply to take the PMI-ACP certification exam, you’ll need to have:
A high school diploma, high school equivalency diploma (GED), or equivalent,
28 hours of approved training in agile frameworks, methodologies, and practices, and
One of:
24 months of Agile project experience within the last 5 years, or
12 months of Agile experience, plus a GAC accreditation degree, or
12 months of Agile experience, plus an active 3rd party Agile certification, or
An active PMP certification.
Once you’ve earned your PMI Agile Certified Practitioner certification, you’ll need to maintain it by taking 30 professional development units (PDUs) in each of the subsequent three years.
What Does the PMI-ACP Certification Exam Cover?
The PMI-ACP certification exam has 120 multiple-choice questions and will take three hours (180 minutes) to complete. You can take it at an approved Pearson VUE Testing Center or at your home or office, with offsite proctoring!
PMI-ACP exam questions are divided into four testing areas, as follows, with approximate breakdowns:
Mindset (28%): Understanding of agile principles and ability to use them in practice.
Leadership (25%): Possess skills and knowledge to lead an agile project team.
Product (19%): Understand the application of Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean.
Delivery (28%): Possess skills and knowledge to complete projects and products using agile approaches.
How Much Does the PMI-ACP Exam Cost?
Your total PMI-ACP certification cost will include preparation costs for training you undertake, plus the costs for any PMI-ACP practice exam, and then your actual PMI-ACP exam cost.
The PMI-ACP exam cost depends on whether you are a member of the Project Management Institute. If you are a PMI member, then the PMI-ACP exam cost will be $435.
If you are not a member of the Institute, then the PMI-ACP exam cost will be $495. Hopefully, you’ll pass on your first attempt, but if you do not pass the PMI-ACP certification exam, then taking it again will cost you $335 as a member or $395 as a non-member.
Who Should Get PMI-ACP?
If you are currently working as an entry-level or mid-level Agile practitioner, earning the PMI-ACP certification is a good option. It will formalize your Agile knowledge and skills and improve your marketability for more advanced Agile positions within your current organization or other employers.
PMI-ACP certification is also a good option for project professionals with experience with traditional project methodologies. PMI-ACP certification requirements are less stringent than those of the better-known Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, so if you don’t clear the barrier for the PMP, then PMI-ACP may be a good formal certification option.
Of course, if you’re in an industry that relies on traditional “waterfall” project methodologies, then PMI-ACP certification will not be of much value to you. If your long-term goal is to work on projects across diverse industries, then PMI-ACP certification is a good short-term option, but you’ll need to set your long-term sights on earning the PMP!
Final Verdict: Is PMI-ACP Certification Worth It?
Given the number of job openings for PMI-ACP-certified professionals and the reported salary ranges offered, it’s clear that earning PMI-ACP certification is undoubtedly worthwhile!
If you’re considering PMI-ACP certification, we recommend Simona Millham’s new CBT Nuggets Agile Project Management Online Training course. This training provides a strong foundation in agile principles and practices and will serve as a helpful stepping stone in your preparation for ongoing PMI-ACP certification.
Simona’s PMI-ACP training course includes a free study plan and access to PMI-ACP-approved practice tests. Try CBT Nuggets today and watch the first video for free!
delivered to your inbox.
By submitting this form you agree to receive marketing emails from CBT Nuggets and that you have read, understood and are able to consent to our privacy policy.