PMI A Agile Certif fied M Pr ractitio oner (P ACP)SM PMI-A

Practitioner Frequent Aske Quest F tly ed tions (FA AQ)

Last Updat 8 September 2011 ted r

What is Agile? What is the PMI-AC SM? CP Why is PMI launchi this Certi P ing ification? Agile, PMBOK Guide and PMI Standards P I Eligibility Requirem ments Summa ary Experien Eligibilit Requirem nce ty ments Educatio Eligibility Requireme on y ents

Applic cation Proce and Fees ess Exam mination Expe ectations Certif fication Pilot Dates and I t Information Contin nuing Certif fication Requ uirements (CCR R)

What is Agi t ile?

Agile is a philosophy that uses organizationa models ba y o al ased on peop collaboration and sh ple, hared values. The Agile Manifesto outl T M lines tenets of agile philo o osophy. Agi uses rollin wave ile ng planning iterative an incremen delivery; rapid and f g; nd ntal ; flexible respo onse to chan and open nge; commun nication betw ween teams, stakeholders and custom s mers. There a many ag are gile methodo ologies that adhere to the tenets, su as Scrum XP, Lean and Test-dr a ese uch m, riven Develop pment (TDD), etc. Agile principles and practice are topics of growing importance in project m es management. ect ment oners can us agile princ se ciples and pr ractices to su uccessfully Proje managem practitio mana change, improve com age mmunication reduce cost, increase e n, efficiency an demonstr nd rate value to custome and stake e ers eholders. Here are basic de e efinitions for some comm terms a mon associated with agile prin nciples and pract tices: Term m Agile Manifesto Definition A pu ublic declarat tion of the p philosophy an principle of agile nd es softw develop ware pment, create in Februa 2001 in S ed ary Snowbird, Utah Visit http: h. ://www.Agil lemanifesto.org/ to learn more. n

2011 Project Managem Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. ment I 8 Sept tember 2011 IT.2011.009.5 12:00 P.M. P r A ns PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Question

Term

Definition Frameworks and processes whose practices support the Agile Manifesto principles. Examples include: Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Crystal, Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM Atern), Feature Driven Development (FDD). Activities that are the application of agile principles. Fundamental truths and shared values that drive behavior in agile methodologies. The approach of implementing a work product in successive pieces (increments), while also gradually refining the work product through targeted improvements (iterations).

Agile Methodologies

Agile Practices Agile Principles Iterative and Incremental

What are some examples of agile principles and practices? Agile principles and practices include: o Early, measurable return on investment through defined, iterative delivery of product increments. o High visibility of project progress allows early identification and resolution or monitoring of problems. o Continuous involvement of the customer throughout the product development cycle. o Empowerment of the business owner to make decisions needed to meet goals. o Adaptation to changing business needs, giving more influence over requirement changes. o Reduced product and process waste. How are agile principles and practices different from waterfall principles and practices? Agile principles and practices seek to manage change through flexibility, adaptation and direct communication. Waterfall principles and practices, often referred to simply as waterfall, are sequential, phase-driven project management approaches where each phase must be planned and completed before further work can progresso Agile principles and practices are suited to projects which require a nimble response to change and continual communication to customers. o Waterfall principles and practices are suited to projects where little to no change in requirements is expected, and where requirements are clear and well-understood by all team members. o Agile principles and practices can be adapted to suit organizations and industries that follow waterfall principles and practices. Agile and waterfall principles and practices are not mutually exclusive - some organizations apply elements of both principles and practices. However, it important to know that not all organizations lend themselves to agile principles and practices.

2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you learn more about agile? Visit the PMI Agile Community of Practice at http://agile.vc.pmi.org/

What is the PMI-ACPSM?

What value does the PMI-ACPSM bring to a practitioner? The PMI-ACPSM validates a practitioners ability to understand and apply agile principles and practices on basic projects. The PMI-ACPSM demonstrates that a practitioner can select agile principles and practices as a project management approach based on the needs and demands of a specific project. By earning the PMI-ACPSM, practitioners can: o Demonstrate to employers their level of professionalism in agile practices of project management. o Increase their professional versatility in project management tools and techniques. o Show they have the capacity to lead basic teams using agile principles and practices by holding a certification that is more credible than existing offerings based only on exams or training. What value does a practitioner with the PMI-ACPSM bring to an organization?

The PMI-ACPSM demonstrates a practitioners value to employers and level of professionalism:

o

The knowledge of both agile and waterfall practices gives the practitioner greater breadth and depth as a project manager. The certification shows the practitioners ability to lead basic teams using agile principles and practices. The certification appeals to a wide, rapidly growing audience as more organizations adopt agile principles and practices.

What value do agile principles and practices bring to an organization? Organizations who use agile principles and practices have documented the value they see from these techniques: o Adaptive to changing business needs, giving the organization more influence over adding, changing, or removing requirements. o Early and continuous customer feedback as the customer is involved throughout development, they will end up with an end-product that they want and will use. o Empowered business owner who can receive and review critical information necessary to make decisions to steer the project toward the goal continually throughout the development process. o Early measurable return on investment this allows for defined deliverables for each iteration, early in the process.
2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

o High visibility and influence over the project progress leading to early indications of problems. o Incremental deliveryrather than a single complete delivery at the end of the project. o Reduces product and process waste. o Agile principles and practices are disciplined and value driven. How is the PMI-ACPSM different from the PMP Credential? The PMI-ACPSM specifically validates a practitioners ability to understand and apply agile principles and practices. The PMP Credential recognizes demonstrated competence leading and directing project teams.

Why is PMI launching this Certification?

Why is PMI launching the PMI-ACPSM? Agile is a topic of growing importance in project management. PMI market research shows that project management practitioners are embracing agile principles and practices as a technique for successfully managing projects. Additionally, the following points show the increasing demand for an agile certification: o PMI members, credential holders, and individuals who embrace agile principles and practices are looking to PMI for certification, recognition and learning opportunities. o Many project professionals experienced in traditional techniques are seeing the demand for agile principles and practices in many industries and organizations. These practitioners are eager to add agile principles and practices to their project management toolbox. o Organizations that use project management to serve both internal and external clients are seeing value in agile principles and practices to deliver projects more quickly, with less waste and cost due to misunderstood or poorly defined requirements. Is a certification program sufficient to grow agile skills? PMI has helped grow the knowledge and skill of Agile practitioners over the last several years. With the introduction of this program, PMI now has a full suite of resources available to develop and recognize agile knowledge and skills: o Professional Development: Whether attending dedicated agile trainings at PMI SeminarsWorldSM and eSeminarsWorldSM, or Area of Focus presentations at Global Congress, PMI has been offering high-quality learning programs for those interested in Agile principles and practices. In addition, PMI chapters have been offering their own training opportunities. o Community: The Agile Community of Practice is a formal network of PMI members interested in sharing their questions, concerns and successes with agile principles and practices. Launched in the summer of 2009, the community has attracted over 8,000 subscribers submitting nearly 600 posts of knowledge sharing.
2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

Certification: The PMI-ACPSM recognizes practitioners for their understanding of agile principles and practices. The certification represents an important facet of a practitioners professional development. o Key Thought Leaders: Key thought leaders in project management and the Agile Community of Practice have advised PMI on the best way to offer an agile certification to serve practitioners and organizations.
o

Agile, PMBOK Guide and PMI Standards

What is the difference between A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) and agile principles and practices? The PMBOK GuideFourth Edition contains principles of project management and project management processes. These processes describe "what should be done during the management of a project." Agile methodologies are different in that they describe "how to do the things that should be done" in short, what versus how. The approaches defined in the PMBOK GuideFourth Edition and in agile are compatible. Agile can be used together with the PMBOK GuideFourth Edition because the how can be layered on top of the what. The PMBOK GuideFourth Edition is an American National Standard that is developed and approved by PMI under an ANSI-accredited standards process. There is no standardized collection of agile methodologies, principles or practices.

Do the best practices in the PMBOK GuideFourth Edition support agile principles and practices? The PMBOK GuideFourth Edition does not specifically mention agile or any specific agile methodologies. However, most all of the recommendations in the PMBOK Guide Fourth Edition can be applied to projects managed according to agile principles and practices, and do not contradict agile methodologies. It is up to the project manager to determine which principles and practices to apply to any specific project.

How do agile principles and practices compare to PMBOK GuideFourth Edition process groups? The project management principles recommended by the PMBOK GuideFourth Edition starts with processes associated with Initiating the project, followed by process groups for Planning, then a recursive cycle of processes for Executing and Controlling & Monitoring while revisiting Planning as necessary. At the end of the project are processes for Closing. Agile methodologies start with developing a Product Vision (which corresponds with Initiating); followed by development and prioritization of user stories (which correspond to Planning); followed by a series of sprint or iterative cycles and reviews (which corresponds to Executing, Control & Monitoring, and Planning); followed by Product Delivery (which corresponds to project Closing).

While the phases of the agile model correspond well to the PMBOK GuideFourth Edition process groups, the difference is that each agile sprint or iteration cycle includes the creation of a limited number of product features or components which are completed before proceeding to the next iteration. Therefore, a project managed according to agile principles 2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. 5
IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

and practices will have multiple iterations while a project based on the PMBOK Guide Fourth Edition has only one.

Eligibility Requirements Summary

What are the eligibility requirements for the PMI-ACPSM? Eligibility Requirement Educational Level Description Secondary degree (high school or equivalent) or higher 2,000 hours (minimum of 12 months) working on project teams. These hours must be earned within the last 5 years. Note: for those holding a PMP or PgMP credential, PMI has already verified that the candidate has met these requirements. A PMP or PgMP will not need to enter these requirements on the application. 1,500 hours (minimum of 8 months) working on agile project teams or in agile methodologies. These hours are in addition to the 2,000 hours required in general project management experience. These hours must be earned within the last 2 years. 21 contact hours; hours must be earned in agile project management topics Tests knowledge of agile fundamentals and ability to apply to basic projects 30 PDUs/3 CEUs every 3 years in agile principles and practices Note: these hours would count toward fulfilling PMP requirements, if the individual holds both certifications

General Project Management Experience

Agile Project Management Experience

Agile Project Management Education Examination

Maintenance

Experience Eligibility Requirements

What are some examples of work experience that applicants can claim for eligibility? Review the Examination Content Outline to learn about tasks that typify an agile practitioner. Is the two-year experience period affective from the date of my application? The two-year experience period is affective from the date you submit the application.

2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the experience requirement only cover a two-year period? The experience requirement is based on a study of agile practitioners and their skills, tools and techniques. Due to the fast pace of agile practices, the limit is in place to ensure practitioner knowledge is current.

Education Eligibility Requirements

How can I determine if an agile course that meets the education eligibility requirement? Review the Examination Content Outline and compare it to the content of the agile course. Only hours in agile project management education will meet the certification eligibility requirements. One hour of education equals one contact hour of education eligibility. Where can I find agile project management education courses to meet the training eligibility requirements? Visit CCRS (http://www.pmi.org/ccrs) to search for education activities in your location. Do Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) courses quality for the education eligibility requirement? Yes, Scrum Alliance courses qualify for the education eligibility requirements. Only hours in agile project management education will meet the certification eligibility requirements. One hour of education equals one contact hour of education eligibility. I teach agile methodologies and/or develop course work for agile education. How can I find out of the courses are applicable for the PMI-ACPSM? Review the Examination Content Outline to ensure that the course content is relevant for those seeking certification. You can also investigate becoming a PMI Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.). Are there any books that I can read to study for the agile certification exam? You can find a reference list of suggesting reading for agile principles and practices on http://www.pmi.org/en/Certification/New-PMI-Agile-Certification.aspx in the Resources list.

2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process and Fees

What is the application fee for the PMI-ACPSM?
Exam Administration Type PMI Member Status and Cost (US Dollars)

Computer-based testing (CBT) Reexamination CBT CCR credential renewal

Member $435 Nonmember $495 Member $335 Nonmember $395 Member $90 Nonmember $130

After completing the application, how much time do I have to complete the examination? A candidate has one year to pay the certification fee and take the examination after his or her application is approved. Once I apply for the certification, how long do I have to meet the eligibility requirements? Candidates must complete the education eligibility requirements before taking the exam.

Examination Expectations
When does the examination eligibility period begin?

The examination eligibility period for the pilot begins on the first day the examination is available to schedule during September 2011.After the pilot, the eligibility period for each candidate begins on the day his or her application is approved.

Where will PMI offer the certification examination? PMI will offer the PMI-ACPSM examination globally at computer-based testing centers. A candidate cannot schedule his or her examination appointment until eligibility notification is received and payment is submitted. If I am a pilot participant, and sit for the examination, when will I receive my score? Pilot participants will receive scores in December 2011, approximately 10-12 weeks after the launch of the pilot. Will the examination be available in translations? The examination will be available in English during the pilot. PMI will consider adding translations at a future date. Will special accommodations be available for the pilot exam? Special accommodations will be available for the pilot exam following the special accommodations policy stated in the certification handbook.
2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

Will paper-based testing (PBT) be available during the pilot? No, PMI will not offer a PBT exam option during the pilot. If I fail the examination, can I take it again? If so, when can I retake the examination? How many times can I retake the examination? You may only take the examination once during the pilot. The examination retake policies are the same as those followed for other PMI certifications. Candidates have three opportunities to take the examination within their one-year eligibility period. Each retake requires an additional payment. How many questions are in the examination? There are a total of 120 questions on the examination. Of the 120 questions, 20 are considered pretest questions. Pretest questions do not affect the score and are used in examinations as an effective and legitimate way to test the validity of future examination questions. All questions are randomly placed throughout the examination. How much time do I receive to complete the examination? The allotted time to complete the examination is three hours. Is the exam based primarily on any one agile methodology? For example, if I am knowledgeable about Scrum, will I to study XP or TDD to pass the exam? The exam is not based on a specific agile methodology. Review the Examination Content Outline to learn more about the contents of the exam. How can I find a list of testing centers before applying for the certification? There are several thousand computer-based testing centers located across the globe. A list of testing centers will be available when the PMI-ACPSM is launched. Customer Care agents can look up locations based on your location. Why do I still see Eligible to take the Exam on my certification status after completing the PMI-ACPSM exam? Your certification status will not change until PMI-ACPSM pilot exam results are communicated to all pilot participants during December 2011. During the PMI-ACPSM pilot, your certification status will not change immediately after completing the exam. Do not schedule a second exam until after you receive your results in December 2011.

Certification Pilot Schedule and Payment Information

Who may participate in the pilot? The PMI-ACPSM pilot is open to the public. An invitation is not necessary to participate. Any project management practitioner who meets the eligibility requirements may participate.

2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a project practitioner participate in the Agile Certification pilot? Participation in the pilot is an excellent way for a practitioner to demonstrate his or her knowledge and skills in the application of agile principles and practices. Pilot participants will be among the first to hold the PMI-ACPSM certification. Will pilot participants receive a discount? Pilot participants will receive a 20 percent rebate after taking the examination. The rebate will be issued as a credit to the participants method of payment within 60 days of the examination. Pilot participants will receive the rebate if they apply, are approved, pay and take the exam by or on 30 November 2011. What actions must I take to request the pilot participant rebate? No action is required to receive your rebate. PMI will automatically issue the rebate as a credit to your method of payment within 60 days of sitting for the examination. When will the examination be available for scheduling? PMI-ACPSM applicants may begin scheduling examinations on 21 July 2011. When may applicants take the exam? PMI-ACPSM applicants may take the examination beginning September 2011. Pilot participants will receive scores approximately December 2011. How many times can I take the exam during the pilot? Each applicant may only take the examination once during the pilot. For candidates that fail, there will be two opportunities to retake during the eligibility period. Will pilot applications be subject to review? PMI-ACPSM pilot applications are subject to current PMI application review and audit policies. .

Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR)

What are the Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) for this certification? PMI-ACPSM holders are required to earn 30 professional development units (PDUs) in agile topics during each three-year renewal cycle. Can PMI-ACPSM PDUs count toward the maintenance of other PMI credentials? The 30 PDUs in agile topics can also count towards the maintenance of the PMP or PgMP certification(s). If an agile practitioner is taking general project management classes, only the hours that pertain to agile topics can be applied towards the PMI-ACPSM.

2011 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. IT.2011.009.5 8 September 2011 12:00 P.M. PMI-ACPSM Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

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