The PMI-ACP test evaluates the candidates’ skills and knowledge of Agile principles and techniques. Before starting the preparation process, you should observe the scope of the exam content. All in all, the professionals will encounter the following topics:

• Continuous Improvement (People, Process, Product)

  This is the last topic that has 6 tasks and makes up 9% of the content. The questions from this area validate your competence in improving the value, effectiveness, and quality of the team, process & product.

• Adaptive Planning

  This subject area consists of 3 subdomains and 10 tasks that present 12% of the overall content. The professionals should understand the processes of level planning, adaptation, and agile estimation & sizing. Additionally, they need to have the expertise in producing and maintaining the evolving plan according to the values, goals, risks, stakeholder feedback, constraints, and review findings.

• Value-Driven Delivery

  As for this domain, it contains 4 subdomains and 14 tasks that is about 20% of the exam content. The students need to have the skills in defining the positive value and avoiding the potential downsides as well as possess the knowledge of prioritization & incremental development. Besides that, they have to be good at delivering valuable results by providing high-value increments for review according to the stakeholder priorities and utilizing the stakeholders’ feedback to analyze & develop future increments.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  In the framework of this part, the learners will have 3 subdomains and 9 tasks that comprise 17% of the whole content. They should have an understanding of the stakeholder needs as well as the expertise in ensuring stakeholder involvement & managing the stakeholder expectations. Moreover, you should know the process of engaging the current and future interested companies by creating a trusting environment that adjusts their expectations & needs and coordinates their requests. The individuals should also have the competence in promoting collaboration & participation throughout the project lifecycle as well as providing the tools for informed and effective decision making.

• Problem Detection and Resolution

  This module contains 5 tasks and comprises about 10% of the exam questions. The students will be required to prove their ability to identify risks, impediments & problems, as well as analyze and determine on time. They also need to have the skills in monitoring and describing the problem resolving status as well as implementing the process changes to prevent them from appearing again.

• Team Performance

  There are 3 subtopics & 9 tasks in this objective that make up 16% of the entire content and are dedicated to evaluating one’s proficiency in team formation, empowerment, as well as commitment & collaboration. A potential candidate has to demonstrate his/her skills in creating an environment of learning, trust, conflict, and collaboration solution that supports team self-organization, improves relationships between team members, and develops a culture of high performance.

• Agile Principles and Mindset

  This subject area consists of 9 tasks that make up 16% of the exam questions. It measures the applicants’ ability to examine, enact, and use the Agile principles and mindset within the organization & project team context.

Certification Path

There is no prerequisite for this PMI PMI-ACP exam.

How to Prepare for PMI-ACP Exam Using Study Guides

The amount of material covered in the PMI-ACP is rather extensive. Thus, it can be overwhelming to new examinees but do not get overwhelmed as there are various methods to prepare for this test and get outstanding results. To prepare efficiently for the coming test, you can purchase one or more study guides from Amazon.com and sign up for an official course. As for the quality guides, some of the notable ones include:

• PMI-ACP Workbook by Mike Griffiths

  This hands-on spiral-bound workbook is the latest addition to the best PMI-ACP study guides. It reinforces critical topics you need to pass the official test, making it ideal for action-oriented & practical learners who are either new to agile methods or already experienced practitioners. In addition to over 200 exercises and situational quizzes, such a workbook also allows you to design your own study plan. This way, you can decrease the amount of time you need for studying by focusing on your weak points.

• PMI-ACP Exam Prep, 2nd Edition by Mike Griffiths

  This book is a comprehensive resource for rapid learning to pass the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner evaluation. Broken down into manageable chapters, you can easily find what you need to know. The agile terms and concepts are well-explained, and the exercises solidify them well. Written by Mike Griffiths, a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner and original member of the PMI-ACP Steering Committee, you will find that the book has an easy-to-read writing style and focuses on exam topics. And if you are already acquainted with the concepts, it can be an excellent addition to your study plan. You may also use it as a quick reference for specific techniques. Particularly, the features of this worldwide best-selling study guide include the following:

  • Over 100 practice exam questions and answers throughout the book;
  • Dozens of graphics and visuals to explain terms and concepts;
  • Identification of the importance of the exam for each Agile topic;
  • Focus on real-world Agile issues;
  • Exclusive exercises and exam tips to help you pass the official test on your first attempt.
• PMI-ACP Exam Study Guide by J. Ashley Hunt

  Such a book is an all-in-one package for comprehensive exam preparation, covering 100% of the PMI-ACP objectives. It has extended coverage of Agile concepts, such as value-driven delivery, stakeholder engagement, principles as well as mindset, team performance, problem detection & resolution, adaptive planning, continuous improvement, and more to align with the PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition. It also emphasizes agile, adaptive, and iterative practices. Moreover, the study guide combines in-depth discussions with hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios to give you a well-rounded review of essential exam concepts and help you ensure complete preparation for the big day. Inside the book, in particular, you will find:

  • A custom practice exam that covers 100 percent of the exact domains;
  • Electronic flashcards to reinforce learning and last-minute preparation before the actual test;
  • A comprehensive and searchable glossary.

Career Path for Certified Specialists

The PMI-ACP certification is the best tool you need to fit in the dynamic and ever-growing field of project management. The certificate shows your prospective employers that you have knowledge of the Agile principles and concepts for the project success. There is a variety of job roles that you can apply for with this certification, including such titles as a PMP Scrum Master, a Technical Business Analyst, an Agile Trainer, Project Manager, a Digital Channel Planner, a Deputy Project Manager, a Business Analyst, and an Agile Project Manager. The average salary for the above-mentioned titles is $123,000 per annum.

Reference: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/agile-acp