Introduction
An agile project management course addresses the needs of those working under a traditional-project management framework who want to be Agile, and those working in an agile environment who desire a better understanding of agile frameworks, principles, and values.
There is also the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)® qualification which is loosely related to project management and provides a general overview of agile methodologies. However, PMI-ACP is not popular in the UK.
Our agile project management courses provide accessible and practical training for all project development team members, including supporting roles. Qualifications range from entry-level certifications (those that have no prerequisites) to advanced-level certifications (those that require prior experience of project management, or an entry-level certification).
Regardless of your own experience or knowledge of Agile practices, our courses offer an opportunity for career growth and advancement. Read on to find out which certification is most applicable to your industry, profession, or country of residence.
PRINCE2 Agile
A PRINCE2 Agile course and certification is aimed at project management professionals who work within an established PRINCE2 environment. PRINCE2 Agile is a modification of the PRINCE2 framework which integrates PRINCE2 project management with agile product delivery.
An understanding of Agile concepts as taught in this course will also benefit those with governance responsibilities in agile projects and those involved in either programme or project support roles.
PRINCE2 Agile syllabus
The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation course covers the following topics:
- PRINCE2 Agile principles.
- PRINCE2 Agile themes.
- PRINCE2 Agile processes.
- Governance requirements.
- Agile concepts and techniques including Scrum, Kanban, Lean Start-up, and Cynefin.
- PRINCE2 and agile ways of working.
The PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner course covers the following topics:
- Tailoring PRINCE2 themes and processes in agile ways.
- The fix and flex hexagon.
- Prioritization of user requirements with user stories.
- The feedback loop.
- The servant leader.
- The Agilometer.
- Estimation in agile.
- Burn charts and info radiators for progress control.
- Rich communication and workshops.
- Kanban, Scrum, Lean start-up.
- Health checks.
- Transition tips.
Prerequisites
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation has no prerequisites. An understanding of either the PRINCE2 framework or agile practices will be beneficial.
PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner certification requires that candidates first pass either a PRINCE2 Foundation or PRINCE2 Agile Foundation exam.
Is this agile project management course right for me?
PRINCE2 is employed in almost every industry, in over 100 countries worldwide. It is one of the few truly universal project manager qualifications and is seen as an industry-standard of competence in my businesses around the globe.
PRINCE2 is particularly popular in the UK and is widely employed in the public sector.
If you intend to work as a project manager or in a project development support role, within an agile environment in the UK or EU, a PRINCE2 Agile qualification might be just right for you!
AgilePM
An Agile PM course is based heavily on DSDM (Dynamic System Development Method) popularized since the 1990s.
AgilePM refines the DSDM approach for application in contemporary agile environments while adhering the DSDM principle that projects must be aligned to clearly defined strategic goals and focus upon early delivery of real benefits to the business.
Agile PM was developed to address common problems faced by projects such as late delivery, cost overruns, or the final product not being fit for purpose. It addresses these problems by creating an agile environment that is collaborative and flexible, yet still focused on hitting deadlines and maintaining the appropriate level of quality.
AgilePM syllabus
The Agile PM Foundation course covers the following topics:
- The DSDM agile approach.
- DSDM philosophy and fundamentals.
- DSDM principles.
- Success factors.
- The DSDM process.
- Roles and responsibilities.
- DSDM Products.
- Planning and control.
- DSDM Practice – MoSCoW prioritization.
- DSDM Practice – timeboxing.
- Other DSDM practices.
The Agile PM Practitioner course includes the following topics:
- Practical application of DSDM principles.
- Roles and responsibilities.
- Project management through the lifecycle.
- Effective use of DSDM products.
- Deliver on time.
- People, teams, and interactions.
- Requirements and user stories.
- Estimating.
- Planning.
- Quality.
- Risk management.
- Tailoring the DSDM approach.
Prerequisites
The AgilePM Foundation course has no prerequisites, but an understanding of agile practices and agile roles will be beneficial.
AgilePM Practitioner courses require that candidates first pass the AgilePM Foundation examination.
Is this agile project management course right for me?
AgilePM (and DSDM) have been agile’s best-kept secret for almost 20 years and has grown into maturity with the increasing popularity of agile practices and demand for agile certified practitioner.
AgilePM principles and tools can be applied to any industry but is still most widely used in the IT industry for which it was developed.
The benefit of taking this course over others in that AgilePM is a practical and applicable agile methodology. AgilePM courses will teach you the ideas, tools, and strategies required for you to begin work immediately on your own projects.
PMI-ACP
The PMI-ACP® is the fastest growing certification from the Project Management Institute. This certification was developed in response to the growing demand for agile practitioners. As a certification, the PMI-ACP® allows employers to determine whether a project manager is knowledgeable on agile principles, techniques, and tools, as such it covers a wide range of agile frameworks and practices including Scrum, Kanban, XP, FDD, Crystal, DSDM and more.
PMI-ACP syllabus
The PMI-ACP® syllabus is designed to supplement the years of project management experience candidates bring and prepare them for the PMI-ACP® certification examination. The range of topics covered is wide but can be summarized in the following modules:
- Agile values and principles.
- Project life cycles.
- Agile approaches and methods.
- Creating an agile environment.
- Delivering in an agile environment.
- Organizational considerations for project agility.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the PMI-ACP® course. To take the PMI-ACP® examination however, candidates require a secondary degree, at least 2,000 hours of experience as part of a project team as well as 1,500 hours as part of an agile project team or with agile methodologies.
Is this agile project management course right for me?
If you want to prove you’re the best-of-the-best, there are few agile certifications as respected as those offered by PMI.
PMI qualifications are used most widely in the U.S. but are recognized internationally and broadly applicable to any industry.
Scrum
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)® courses cover the following topics:
- Scrum theory and principles.
- The Scrum framework.
- The definition of ‘done’.
- Running a Scrum project.
- Working with people and teams.
- Scrum in your organization.
- The role of the Scrum Master.
Prerequisites
As PSM I is an entry-level scrum certification, there are no prerequisites, however, an understanding of other agile frameworks and project management, in general, will be beneficial.
Is this agile project management course right for me?
Scrum utilizes roles, tools, and practices, many of which are unique to scrum. That means you should consider this course if you intend to work as a scrum master or other dedicated scrum role within a scrum development team. If not, you might be better served by choosing another agile certification.
