Top 5 Best Agile Certifications for Project Managers

Agile project management is a popular methodology that has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. With the proliferation of Agile principles and methodologies, many project managers are now opting for Agile certifications to stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 best Agile certifications for project managers.

These certifications include the Scrum Master certification, Product Owner certification, and some others. By obtaining these best Agile certifications, project managers can enhance their knowledge and expertise in the domain whilst adding more value to their organisations. With the ongoing rise in adoption of Agile project management, these certifications will remain relevant even beyond 2023.

Here are the 5 best Agile certifications for project management in 2023

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is one of the most popular and widely recognised Agile certifications for professionals involved in project management and product development. This certification focuses on the Scrum framework, a popular Agile methodology that is extensively utilised in software development and other industries. Offered by the Scrum Alliance, the CSM certification serves as a benchmark for your understanding of Scrum principles and practices.

To obtain the CSM certification, candidates must attend a two-day training course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). This course covers essential Scrum concepts, roles, and processes, providing hands-on learning experiences to develop your ScrumMaster skills. Upon completing the course, candidates are required to pass an online exam to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Scrum.

While the CSM certification is a great starting point for Agile professionals, there are other certifications available to further your Agile education, such as the Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO),SAFe Agilist, ICAgile Certified Professional, and Certified Scrum Professional (CSP). Pursuing these additional certifications can help expand your expertise in Agile methodologies and leadership, making you an invaluable asset to any Agile team.

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification is a highly sought-after Agile certification for project managers and professionals involved in Agile teams. Offered by the prestigious Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification encompasses a wide range of Agile methodologies, such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Extreme Programming (XP). The PMI-ACP certification validates your knowledge and expertise across various Agile approaches, making you a versatile asset in the rapidly evolving Agile landscape.

To qualify for the PMI-ACP certification, candidates must possess at least 2,000 hours of general project experience and an additional 1,500 hours of working experience specifically on Agile projects. Furthermore, applicants must complete 21 hours of Agile training that covers Agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. After fulfilling these prerequisites, candidates are required to pass a comprehensive certification exam that assesses their understanding of Agile methodologies and their practical application.

Earning the PMI-ACP certification helps showcase your commitment to Agile principles and your ability to adapt to different Agile methodologies effectively. This certification not only enhances your credibility as an Agile professional but also demonstrates your proficiency in Agile leadership and project management. By obtaining the PMI-ACP certification, you can distinguish yourself from other project managers, increase your employability, and contribute more effectively to your organisation's Agile initiatives.

SAFe 4.0 Agilist (SA)

The SAFe 4.0 Agilist (SA) certification, available in 2023, is specifically designed for project managers, Scrum Masters, product owners, business analysts, and Agile coaches who aim to implement Agile practices at the enterprise level. Offered by Scaled Agile, Inc., this certification focuses on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), a widely recognised methodology for applying Agile practices in large organisations to enhance their agility and adaptability.

To obtain the SAFe 4.0 Agilist certification, candidates must have at least five years of experience in software development, testing, business analysis, or project management. This ensures that those who pursue the certification have a solid foundation in Agile project teams or working with Agile methodologies. Additionally, candidates must pass a comprehensive certification exam that assesses their understanding of the SAFe methodology and its practical implementation.

Earning the SAFe 4.0 Agilist certification demonstrates your ability to lead Agile transformations within large organisations, showcasing your expertise in applying Agile practices at the enterprise level. This certification not only enhances your professional credibility but also provides you with the knowledge and skills required to drive Agile adoption in complex environments, ultimately contributing to your organisation's overall success in today's competitive business landscape.

Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) certification

The Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) certification, offered by Scrum.org, validates your expertise in the Product Owner role within a Scrum team. This certification demonstrates your ability to maximise the value of software products and systems while working in an Agile environment.

There are two levels to the PSPO certification: PSPO I and PSPO II, both requiring you to pass an online multiple-choice exam. Scrum.org provides free self-study resources, such as the Scrum Guide, webinars, and blogs to help you learn at your own pace. Optionally, you can attend a two-day training course led by a Professional Scrum Trainer for hands-on experience and deeper understanding.

To earn the certification, you'll need to pass the respective online assessment. The PSPO I examfocuses on fundamental Product Owner knowledge, while the PSPO II exam covers advanced topics, such as product management, stakeholder management, and strategic decision-making.

By obtaining the PSPO certification, you showcase your in-depth understanding of the Product Owner role within a Scrum framework, demonstrating your expertise in managing product backlogs, planning releases, and aligning project goals with stakeholder requirements. This certification not only enhances your professional credibility but also increases your employability in Agile environments, where skilled Product Owners are highly sought after.

ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)

The ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP) certification, offered by the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile), is a foundational Agile certification that covers a broad range of Agile methodologies and frameworks, including Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). This certification is ideal for professionals who are new to Agile and want to build a strong foundation in Agile principles and practices.

To earn the ICP certification, candidates must attend an accredited ICAgile training course that covers the Agile mindset, values, and principles. Upon completion of the training, candidates are assessed on their understanding of Agile concepts and their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

The ICP certification serves as a stepping stone towards more advanced ICAgile certifications, such as the ICAgile Certified Expert (ICE) and the ICAgile Coaching Track, which focus on specific Agile disciplines and roles. By obtaining the ICP certification, you can demonstrate your foundational knowledge of Agile methodologies and kick-start your Agile learning journey, setting the stage for continued growth in the Agile domain.

As the business world continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Agile project management methodologies have become more important than ever. By pursuing one or more of the best Agile certifications mentioned above, you can enhance your knowledge, boost your credibility, and improve your career prospects in the competitive world of Agile project management. Earning an Agile certification demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation, making you an invaluable asset to any organisation looking to succeed in today's dynamic environment.