Agile has changed the way industries are handling software development without the use of traditional software development methodologies. Companies are now able to build better products that evolve through specification adjustments, customer feedback, and continuous testing methods. To add to this, Agile introduces value and problem-solving. Let’s take a look at some of the top Agile certifications in this blog.
What is Agile certification?
Agile has changed the way industries are handling software development without the use of traditional software development methodologies. Companies are now able to build better products that evolve through specification adjustments, customer feedback, and continuous testing methods. To add to this, Agile introduces value and problem-solving.
Agile certification courses will train you to optimize project performance through the implementation of various concepts. To clarify all typical misunderstandings about the different Agile implementation methods, one can comprehensively complete the certification training and gain the level of expertise to bring about an Agile transformation in an organization as a professional.
Here is a quick tutorial on the Agile methodology:
Reasons to Take up Agile Certification Training
Adopting Agile has benefited organizations through effective software delivery on time, lowered project costs, and enhanced IT/Business alignment, which all account for the demand for strong Agile competencies.
Recruiters are always on the lookout for profiles with the right Agile certifications. So, it is a good way to strengthen your resume. Over the years, the proficiency and experience in Agile, coupled with strong certification, have the potential to make your profile valuable and add value when applying and negotiating compensation for future opportunities. Acquiring an Agile certification will surely deliver expertise whenever you are trying to meet the dynamic requirements that arise due to business and client demands.
Who should sign up for the Agile training?
Agile certification training will benefit the following professionals:
- Project Managers
- Team Leaders
- Scrum Masters
- Product Owners
- Iteration Managers
- Leadership roles in Agile projects
- Aspiring or working Agile coaches
Top Agile Certifications
PMI – Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
Certification: PMI Agile Certificate Practitioner
Accreditation:Project Management Institute (PMI)
Eligible Candidates: Any professional who works in an Agile team
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Prerequisites:
- A secondary degree
- 21 hours of Agile training
- 2,000 hours of experience in a project team
- 1,500 hours of experience working with Agile methodologies or an Agile project team
Career Path:
- Agile Project Manager
- Project Manager
- Business Analyst
- Technical Business Analyst
- PMP Scrum Master
- Digital Channel Planner
- Agile Trainer
Average Salary: Ranges from about US$86,000 (Program Managers) to US$109,700 (Product Owners) annually
The PMI-ACP certification is very rigorous, and it is the quintessential recognition of a developer’s Agile proficiency, especially in Scrum, Lean management and Kanban, Agile Manifesto, extreme programming (XP), Crystal, DSDM, TDD, etc. It has continuously proved its worth and will continue to be in high demand.
ICAgile – Agile Certified Coach (ICP-ACC)
Certification: ICP-ACC Training (Three certification levels: Professional, Expert, and Master)
Accreditation: ICAgile
Eligible Candidates: Agile Coaches and aspirants
Prerequisites:
- Basic knowledge of Agile methodologies
- Experience as an Agile practitioner
Career Path: Agile Coach
Average Salary: US$136,000 p.a.
ICP-ACC by the International Consortium for Agile is one of the two knowledge-based Agile Coach certifications. If you are interested in learning all the skills required to become an Agile Coach, this certification is for you.
The training is primarily through study materials, along with classroom exercises, discussions, and case studies. You will gain proficiency in handling collaborations and resolving conflicts within the inclusive environment of an Agile team.
SAFe® Agilist
Certification: Leading SAFe Training Course
Accreditation: Scaled Agile Academy
Eligible Candidates: Individuals who want to learn transformational skills
Prerequisites:
- At least 5 years of experience in software development and testing
- Agile Project management or business analysis experience in Scrum
Career Path:
- Release Train Engineer
- Program Consultant
- Agile Coach
Average Salary: US$107,500 p.a.
As a certified SAFe Agilist, you will be adept at lean budgeting to shape a portfolio, implementing program increments, making use of Release Trains to deliver business value, etc. SAFe-certified professionals are widely recognized for their ability to successfully see through organizational transformations into a Lean-Agile enterprise.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM®)
Certification: Advanced Scrum Master Certification
Accreditation: Scrum Alliance
Eligible Candidates: Anyone who wants to be skilled in Scrum and is running different Agile projects
Prerequisite: A 5-year experience working as a Scrum Master
Career Path:
- Scrum Master
- Manager
- Product Owner
- Mentor
- Coach
Average Salary: US$ 91,000 p.a.
Certified Scrum Master is the recommended Agile certification for beginners who are just starting out. It is the starter kit and will help you build your foundation for Scrum, backlog refinement, sprint planning, sprint demo, product backlog, and many more. Acquiring true Scrum Master skills takes years of practice and commitment.
Agile Scrum Master (ASM®)
Certification: Agile Scrum Master
Accreditation: EXIN
Eligible Candidates: Managerial professionals
Prerequisites: None
Career Path:
- Mentor
- Product Owner
- Manager
Average Salary: US$108,600 p.a.
The Agile Scrum Master certification comprises a combination of practices in Scrum and the methodologies used in Agile with hands-on assignments that make it unique. This certification will test the skills of a Scrum Master who coaches, facilitates, and enables a cross-functional team.
Check out this Agile Scrum Master tutorial by Intellipaat:
Certified Scrum Professional
Certification: Certified Scrum Professional
Accreditation: Scrum Alliance
Eligible Candidates: Professionals who want to acquire advanced skills in artifacts, roles, and procedures of the Scrum framework
Prerequisites:
- An active A-CSM certification
- A basic understanding of Scrum
- 2-year experience as a Scrum Master
Career Path:
- Scrum Master
- Mentor
- Coach Manager
Average Salary: US$121,261 p.a.
A Certified Scrum Professional can improve the way Scrum and Agile are implemented by the team. Documented training and strong competencies in Scrum are the key capabilities of these experienced professionals.
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO®)
Certification: Certified Scrum Product Owner
Accreditation: Scrum Alliance
Eligible Candidates: Anyone with a knack to deal with the business end of software projects
Prerequisites: None
Career Path:
- Product Analyst
- Software Development Manager
- Senior Software Project Manager
- Scrum or Agile Coach
- Release Engineer
- Technical Program Manager
- Product Manager
- Business Analyst
- Project Manager
Average Salary: Ranges from US$86,000 p.a. to US$130,000 p.a.
As a certified CSPO, one is expected to work on the product backlog, and product visions, maximizing the ROI, delivering the customer with valuable features/user stories, etc.
Choosing the Right Agile Certification
An Agile certification in your repertoire will be a valuable addition in the long run. However, choosing the right one can be confusing. Here is a quick and easy guide to deciding which certification is suitable for you:
- Priorities: Before you even consider a course, it is important that you define your goals to avoid looking up unnecessary information. Your priorities could be anything from practical expertise to earning PDUs. Consider them before beginning your search.
- Project environment: This could mean a project environment that you are currently in or the one that you are hoping to work in in the future. Would you be willing to work in a smaller self-led team? Are you in a leadership capacity in a project team? The questions are crucial to point you toward the best Agile certification. For example, you could consider a Scrum Master Certification to support a Scrum team.
- Practical knowledge: Effectively implementing Agile requires quite a lot of practice and experience, and most courses will include practical work. However, make it a point to bring it up with your trainer beforehand.
- Credible certification: A certification is a testament to your knowledge, capability, and skills. So, choosing a credible one is as important as the training itself. Go for the one that can open up many more opportunities and enable you to climb up higher on the career ladder.
- Reputed trainer: This goes without saying that it is important that you choose a reputed training provider for certification training. A good Agile certification institute will:
- Have experienced SMEs mentor you
- Focus on developing your practical skills through case studies and projects
- Be readily available to guide you through the training 24/7
- Offer you lifetime support so that you can always have access to the course
- Offer free upgrades to the training and course materials
Intellipaat is one among them that provides its Agile certification online with all of the above key features. In addition to the certification, it also has a placement assistance program that will prepare you to apply for various job interviews in top MNCs.