9 Agile Certifications That Can Advance Your Career

Updated 30 September 2022

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With the rapid growth of the information technology (IT) industry, the requirement for nimble and efficient software development methods has expanded. This has resulted in the establishment of the agile software development process, which focuses on producing high-quality programs in a short time through the use of small iterations. If you are considering working with agile, exploring various available certifications can help you determine which one is best for your career growth. In this article, we define agile certifications, list nine different types and explore their benefits.

What Are Agile Certifications?

Organisations offer Agile certifications to prepare and certify professionals in agile methodology. These certificates can assist individuals in obtaining better jobs and enhancing their professional opportunities. Agile is highly effective for IT projects with fluctuating needs and rapid development. Hiring managers often prefer to recruit professionals with such certifications. Many professionals also acquire these certifications to remain competitive.

9 Agile Certifications To Advance Your Career

Agile is a methodology that enables organisations to create goods and services rapidly and effectively. It is an approach built on the principles of collaboration, adaptability and customer-centricity. You can pursue several agile credentials to demonstrate your skill and experience. Here are nine examples of such certifications:

1. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

The Project Management Institute offers the ACP certification that validates an individual's knowledge of agile. You require working experience with agile teams and knowledge of its principles to become an ACP. Candidates also require a secondary degree, 2,000 hours of general project experience, 21 hours of agile training and 1,500 hours of agile project experience. Often, professionals with this certification earn more than those without it.

2. Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

Scrum.org offers a PSM certification that verifies a professional's ability to successfully supervise and train Scrum teams. PSM certification holders can also comprehend the Scrum values, methods and applications. Passing an online exam on Scrum knowledge can get you this certification.

If you have a basic understanding of Scrum, you can apply and take the PSM I assessment. If you are unfamiliar with Scrum, first complete its online course and then take the PSM I assessment. These credentials may help you advance in your job and increase your productivity.

3. Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC)

CEC is a certification offered by Scrum Alliance and is ideal for those who wish to assist organisations with their transition to Scrum and who want to transfer into coaching or consulting positions. A CEC can train Scrum teams and facilitate the adoption of Scrum throughout the firm. You may require knowledge of the Scrum framework and working experience on Scrum projects to become an enterprise coach. Executives, consultants and business leaders often acquire such credentials. Employers often prefer CEC candidates who have experience in leadership roles and knowledge of agile methods.

4. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

CSPO is a certification offered by Scrum Alliance that verifies a professional's ability to manage the Scrum product process, prioritise features and interact with stakeholders successfully. Product owner certification holders have a solid understanding of Scrum's core values, processes and applications. Two years of Scrum Alliance participation is a criterion for CSPO certification. A 16-hour course is also available. This certification is ideal for those who wish to work as a product owner for a Scrum project or want to enhance their product management skills.

5. SAFe Agilist (SA)

Scaled Agile offers SA accreditation, which facilitates the enterprise-level use of the Scrum framework. Scrum masters, product managers, Agile coaches, software engineers and project managers are the right candidates for this certification. It is necessary for a candidate to complete both the course and the online exam to become a SA. An online exam follows the two-day training that assesses your understanding of the Scrum framework and SAFe techniques and helps you develop the capacity to implement them at scale. This certification can help you effectively lead and transition an organisation to agile.

6. Agile Project Management (APM)

APM certification verifies a professional's ability to effectively apply agile concepts and practices to project management. The APM certification enables project managers to progress projects successfully while utilising agile techniques. This certification is available to those with expertise working with agile teams and knowledge of agile principles. Businesses who wish to embrace Agile project management techniques often look for APM-certified professionals to lead improved project implementation, increase client satisfaction and decrease risk.

7. Certified Disciplined Agilest (CDA)

Disciplined Agile offers CDA certification, which verifies an individual's capacity to implement disciplined Agile principles and practices effectively within an enterprise. CDA-certified professionals have a solid grasp of the Disciplined Agile Manifesto, concepts and practices. They can implement them in software engineering, IT and project management organisations. This is an entry-level certification that requires no prior experience. The CDA certification is helpful for people who wish to understand disciplined agile and use it in their workplaces.

8. Certified Professional in Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC)

International Consortium of Agile (ICAgile) offers ICP-ACC credentials to those who wish to become an agile coach. The training covers agile principles and methods and an agile coach's duties and obligations. There is no required exam for this certification. Candidates who successfully complete the three-day training course obtain this certification.

9. ICAgile Certified Professional

The ICAgile offers this course and serves as a prerequisite for other similar certifications. This certification is more suitable for individuals starting with agile because of the required training. Curricula include cross-functional team techniques, ongoing feedback and cultural inspection and adaptation. It enables participants to recognise the value of the agile approach to learning.

Benefits Of Earning Agile Certifications

Agile certificates assist professionals in validating their Agile knowledge and skills. Certifications may offer the following advantages:

Enhanced project delivery

The agile approach emphasises incremental project delivery, which helps reduce risk. Besides increasing customer happiness, it provides customers with functional software at regular milestones. Certifications enable project managers to properly deploy agile principles and successfully deliver client projects.

Improved communication

Agile methodologies enhance the communication between clients and the engineering team. The strategy also improves communication among the development group. This results in a better understanding of customer requirements and an increase in software quality.

Increased client satisfaction

Agile approaches increase customer satisfaction by delivering the project parts to clients at regular intervals. It also helps to receive feedback frequently, which can improve the quality of the product. Improvement in customer satisfaction leads to a rise in revenue by acquiring new clients and keeping existing ones.

Advanced career

Acquiring credentials can help professionals grow in their careers. It distinguishes them from the competition and demonstrates their commitment to lifelong learning. Hiring employers often prefer candidates with the demonstrated knowledge and skills to help their business achieve its objectives.

Reduced risk

By delivering projects in stages, agile methodologies help reduce risk. This helps to detect and resolve difficulties early on, reducing the overall risk of the project. It also encourages receiving consumer feedback, which in turn helps improve product quality. The agile framework also facilitates effective change management, which further decreases risk.

Increased knowledge

These certificates help individuals remain updated with recent advancements. It also enhances their knowledge of agile methodologies. This is helpful for both the employee and the organisation, as it increases a candidate's reputation and trustworthiness.

Improved cost management

Agile approaches contribute to cost management by including minor objectives into projects that a team can complete in a shorter amount of time. This reduces the requirement for overtime, which results in increased costs. Agile methodologies also allow for faster and more frequent feedback, reducing the revision and decreasing the cost.

Expanded employability

Employers are continuously seeking professionals with the necessary expertise to assist their firm in achieving its objectives. Agile credentials enhance the employability of individuals by verifying their knowledge and skills. It also demonstrates their commitment to lifelong learning.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.