PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The PMI-ACP recognizes knowledge of agile principles, practices and tools and techniques across agile methodologies. If you use agile practices in your projects, or your organization is adopting agile approaches to project management, the PMI-ACP certification may be right for you.

The use of agile as an approach to managing projects has been increasing dramatically over the last several years. Gartner predicts that by the end of 2012, agile development methods will be used on 80% of all software development projects. PMI’s research has shown that the use of agile has tripled from December 2008 to May 2011. Furthermore, research demonstrates the value that agile can have in decreasing product defects, improving team productivity, and increasing delivery of business value. The PMI-ACP is positioned to recognize and validate knowledge of this important approach.

If you are working in organizations using agile to manage projects, the PMI-ACP can provide an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of agile practices. The PMI-ACP is not limited to project managers or Project Management Professional (PMP)^® credential holders; individuals with experience working on agile project teams can apply.

Practitioners who are seeking to:

• Demonstrate to employers their level of professionalism in agile practices of project management.
• Increase their professional versatility in both Waterfall and agile techniques.
• Hold a certification that is more credible than existing entry-level, training or exam-only based offerings.

To apply for the PMI-ACP, you need to meet the following requirements:

PMI Agile Certification Eligibility Requirements
Requirement	Description
General Project Experience	2,000 hours working on project teams These hours must be earned within the last 5 years Active PMP® or PgMP® will satisfy this requirement
Agile Project Experience	1500 hours working on agile project teams or with agile methodologies These hours are in addition to the 2,000 hours required in “general project experience” These hours must be earned within the last 3 years
Training in Agile Practices	21 contact hours Hours must be earned in agile practices
Examination	Tests knowledge of agile fundamentals

To apply for the PMI-ACP, register and log in to get started. A printable PMI-ACP printable application form is also available.

As part of PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program, a PMI-ACP credential holder will need to earn 30 PDUs in agile project management per three-year cycle. To learn more about the program, what are PDUs, how to earn and claim them, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to renew your certification, watch the CCR video. You can also reference the latest PMI-ACP Handbook found on PMI.org

Source: Project Management Institute (PMI)