Are you planning on taking the certification exam which will help you chase and open the new doors for implementing Agile techniques? If yes the cost is implemented in opting for different certifications to help you grow in your desired field. If your answer is still yes. Then I would like to tell you that we are going to discuss the PMI–recommended PMI-ACP Certification. This certification will help organizations and professionals to complete more complex projects while ensuring the smooth implementation of agile practitioners’ techniques. The professional who opts for this certification will be able to explore more career opportunities.
Here in this blog, I am going to share detailed information regarding the overview of the PMI-ACP Exam, the PMI-ACP costs, and what are the factors that need to be considered while opting for this certification.
Overview of PMI-ACP
The Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification is among the well-recognized certifications that are specially designed with the help of a team of the Project Management Institute (PMI). The main motive of this certification is to upgrade the industrial expertise and proper understanding of how to implement advanced agile techniques and methodologies. The professionals who want to become highly qualified agile managers will get a chance to complete a diverse range of agile projects. After taking this exam, the practitioner will get the chance to enter the market with complete knowledge of principles and tools.
Learn More: Agile Certification for Beginners
Exam Outline
Below-mentioned are the table of the Agile Certified Practitioner Exam (PMI-ACP).
Exam Name | Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification | |
Vendor | Project Management Institute (PMI) | |
No of Questions | 120 MCQ’s | |
No. of Pretest (Unscored) Questions | No. of Scored Questions | |
20 | 100 | |
Question Types | Multiple-Choice Questions | |
Time Allocation | 180 Minutes | |
Eligibility Period | One-year | |
Delivery Type | Pearson VUE: Center-Based Test (CBT) + Online Proctored Test Delivery | |
Languages | Arabic, English, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, & Spanish | |
Domain Syllabus
The domain of the ACP Certification exam is mentioned below in detail.
Syllabus Topics | Associated Exam Weightage |
Domain 1: Agile Principles and Mindset | 16% |
Domain 2: Value-driven Delivery | 20% |
Domain 3: Stakeholder Engagement | 17% |
Domain 4: Team Performance | 16% |
Domain 5: Adaptive Planning | 12% |
Domain 6: Problem Detection & Resolution | 10% |
Domain 7: Continuous Improvement (Product, Process, People) | 9% |
Target Audience
The professionals who want to start their career in directing all the project management operations or want to shift their focus from the proper application of waterfall model methodology to advanced agile methodology. The practitioners will hold below-mentioned diverse departments:
- Project & Program Management
- Scrum Mastering Position
- Senior Level of Product Management
Eligibility Requirement of PMI-ACP Certification
A professional needs to follow the following mentioned eligibility criteria for qualifying for the PMI-ACP Certification. The estimated basic eligibility period is around one year and you have a chance to get three times.
Requirements for PMI-ACP Certification | |||
Educational Background | General Project Experience | Agile Project Experience | Training in Agile Practices |
Secondary Degree from a well-known institute(High School Diploma, Associate’s degree orGlobal equivalent) | 12 months working on project teams (Experience must have been earned in the last 5 years) | 8 months practical experience with project management teams who are able to use agile methodologies. The experience must have been earned in the last 3 years | 21 contact hours (Hours must have been earned in agile practices) |
OR | |||
Bachelor's or post-graduate degree from a GAC accredited program | N/A | Need to show 8 months of agile team experience | 35 contact hours of formal education |
Requirements for PMI-ACP Certification Exam = Educational Background + General Project Experience + Agile Project Experience + Training in Agile Practices
Moreover, if you are not eligible and do not fall in the above-mentioned table category then you can go for Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification.
Explore More: PMP VS CAPM: What Sets Them Apart?
Retake Policy
Once a professional fails the Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification Exam, he has three chances to retake the exam in one year. Moreover, there is a specific waiting period between retaking the exam, and for each exam some additional fees will be applied.
Cost of PMI-ACP Certification
Exam Cost
The specific exam cost required for PMI-ACP Certification is defined below mentioned table.
Exam Cost of PMI-ACP Certification | |
Membership | Non-Membership |
$435 | $495 |
This Exam cost for PMI-ACP Certification will be changed according to the membership offer you accept. A professional needs to spend almost $435 (USD) if you are a member of this platform but if you are non-membership, you need to invest almost $495 (USD).
Delve Into: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PMP: Exam, Cost, Requirements, Worth etc
According to Location
Following is the table associated with ACP certification according to the different countries.
Location | Membership | Non-Membership |
United Kingdom | £235 | £270 |
China | ¥2,170 | ¥2,465 |
India | ₹25,620 | ₹29,145 |
Japan | ¥43,760 | ¥49,790 |
Turkey | ₺10,372 | ₺11,800 |
Germany | €275 | €315 |
Korea | ₩407,285 | ₩463,370 |
Russia | ₽27,530 | ₽31,320 |
PMI-ACP Exam Training Cost
The PMI-ACP Exam is one of the most globally renowned certifications where a professional will be able to demonstrate advanced agile practices, techniques, and methodologies. This has encouraged professionals to get themselves enrolled in tailored and specially designed training programs so that they can easily ace the exam. This cost significantly varies from location and quality of training provided by their specific design training providers.
Below we are going to share the detailed overview for the professionals so they can make an informed decision regarding their investment for preparing the certification.
BootCamp Classes
The PMI has arranged boot camp classes for professionals who want to learn advanced knowledge and develop mastering proficiencies by qualifying for the PMI-ACP Certification Exam. The cost incurred for boot camp classes varies from $898(USD) to $1,098(USD). Moreover, they have announced the discounted price.
Class Schedule | BootCamp Classes Cost for PMI-ACP Exam |
Six Weeks | $998 (USD) (Save almost $500) |
Two Weeks | $1098 (USD) (Save almost $400) |
Five Weeks | $1298 (USD) (Save almost $200) |
PMI-ACP Cost Exam Preparation
The cost required for PMI-ACP Exam Preparation is almost $898 (USD).
Exam Renewal Cost for PMI-ACP Certification
The renewal cost paid by members for the PMI-ACP Exam is nearly around $60(USD) while for non-PMI members, you need to invest almost $150(USD).
What is PMI-ACP's importance?
The PMI is a real supplier of ACP certification and is the one who upgrades expertise in project management among professionals. They facilitate the new set of standards, techniques, and practices that will help professionals grow in the field. This specific certification opens professionals’ mindsets regarding how to implement advanced project management techniques. This will act as a ladder for career development and professional growth.
The professionals who have this particular credential in their hand act as a real asset for organizations and they have knowledge about how to implement advanced project management tools. Most organizations empower those who can complete agile projects while conquering PMI-ACP certification. This will ensure a clear understanding and expertise in the proper implementation of agile methodology across different industries.
Below mentioned are the list of benefits of PMI-ACP Certification;
- Proper understanding and execution of a diverse range of agile concepts and techniques, including test-driven development processes, scrum, and lean practices.
- It acts as an important platform where stakeholders get connected to address industry requirements while collecting appropriate feedback for ensuring success in the smooth completion of projects.
- Set a standard to render value to the end user by proper implementation of agile metrics and iterative development cycles.
- Once you get the proper training and practical implementation to direct and deal with the complex challenges of modern projects.
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What are the factors a professional needs to consider while making effective investment choices
Earning the PMI-ACP Certification is a wise decision a professional has made for having a career path in the organization as an agile trainer and coach. So for that, you need to decide how much you are going to pay for acing the PMI-ACP certification. Here are some practical tips that a professional will consider for investing in acquiring the PMI-ACP Certification.
1. Leveraging Associated Resources for Self-Paced Exam Preparation
Once a professional decides to take the PMI-ACP exam, they should move towards additional training material and recommended resources. Project Management Institution (PMI) offers valuable resources to all audiences. Their website provides valuable resources, including sample questions, preparation tips, and research-based reports.
Moreover, many websites offer practice questions and dumps that are aligned with PMI-ACP exam content. You can use these resources and additional paid study material to upgrade your knowledge base and develop mastering resources.
Not only this, a professional will get Agile Resources in which you will be able to explore more relevant articles, podcasts, and other associated courses, that will give you more grip regarding advanced agile practices.
2. PMI-ACP Exam Tailored Practice Test
The PMI facilitates tailored ACP practice tests that are created in such a way that a professional will experience a real exam environment. They tried to deliver the original exam format and related content. Through this, a professional will be able to determine their area of improvement and boost their morale while taking exams.
3. PMI-ACP Certification Exam Preparation Dumps
There are a lot of websites, such as Dumpsgate and others, that offer advanced and tailored preparation dumps for professionals. In this, they include detailed knowledge regarding standards practices or techniques, comprehensive explanation of exam topics, study tips, and complete insights into agile project management. Moreover, they have real-life scenarios for professionals so they can get ideas about how to implement the techniques in practical life.
4. Online Training Video Resources
A professional will be able to ace the PMI-ACP Exam by attaining the 21 contract hours of professional development units. For completing this, there are many online websites available that provide online training videos so any professional can easily cram the whole syllabus. Although in-person classes are most suitable for taking the exam. But in this fast-moving career environment, taking on-site classes is not possible, so for them, candidates prefer to take online classes so they have a strong grip on each topic. The quizzes and practice questions are mentioned at the end of each video, and when you solve them they give you quicker solutions to each question.
5. Amplified your Industry Knowledge and Mastering Proficiencies
After taking the PMI-ACP certification, a professional can increase his understanding of agile, and their relevant techniques, and get effective solutions regarding any scenarios happening in the industry. Most of the time, many candidates get the knowledge about different and updated Agile Tools and Scrum Software to manage all complex projects, deploy Kanban to increase the efficiency of workflow and apply advanced lean principles to ensure smooth delivery.
When a professional has this PMI-ACP credential in their hand, they can supervise a large agile team. Not only this, they can improve their interpersonal expertise, including team collaboration, implement a customer-centric approach to monitor all agile development procedures, and assure continuous feedback and improvement culture.
6. Gain Competitive Edge in the IT Market
A professional who holds this certification opens the door to a bright future for them. When they enter the market, they get the job as project managers who have knowledge about updated Agile techniques and practices. These professionals can showcase their expertise in creating a high-performing project completion environment. In the market, a professional not only operates in the project management field but also gets the desired job position where a professional will be able to perform all the operations of agile practices. This will help them to acquire career advancement in project management.
Following is the list of job competitive job opportunities, a professional will gain after attaining this certification;
- PMP Scrum Mastering Position
- Technical Business Analysis
- Agile Coaching & Training Position
- Deputy Project Management
- Digital Channel Planning Position
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7. Possible Earning Potentials for PMI-ACP Certification Holders
A professional who wants to have PMI-ACP certification will be able to demonstrate mastering proficiencies and industry understanding to convert the agile key practices to enjoy financial perks. It has been seen that a professional who has tailored certification can experience the highest salary opportunities than the other non-certified professionals. There are many roles a professional will attain after having professional agile coaching, project management, and Scrum Mastering positions able to implement agile practice in diverse industries.
The average annual basic salary of a PMI-ACP certifier is $121,000 (USD) while they are getting around $60(USD) per hour.
- Senior Project Management Position will be able to $122,000 (USD).
- Agile Coaching Position will get around $138,000 (USD) per year.
- Scrum Mastering Position will be able to have $98,000 (USD).
- Senior Program Management Position will earn annual pay of almost $147,000 (USD).
When a professional who qualifies for the PMI-ACP certification will be able to gain the above-mentioned salary. So make your genuine opinion while choosing the tailored mentioned certification.
8. Deliver Business Value to Organization
A professional who holds this certification will be able to deliver exceptional services to the organization. When they have complete knowledge and expertise in implementing advanced agile techniques, they will help them attain significant benefits while improving workplace efficiency. These candidates collaborate with a team to complete diverse projects.
Below mentioned is the list of advantages, a professional will experience after attaining this certification:
- They can complete diverse and complex projects in compliance with the smooth execution of advanced agile methodologies.
- A professional can alter and modify project requirements without delaying and improving productivity efficiency.
- You can improve productivity by coordinating with diverse team members which results in project outcomes.
- Professionals will hold a position like change agents which helps them meet the market change and fulfill customer requirements.
PMI-ACP certification can showcase the potential expertise to complete a diverse range of projects while improving the overall aura of organizational performance.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, PMI-ACP is a gateway towards project management, agile coaching, and scrum master positions. And to get enrolled in it, you need to spend a certain cost for the PMI-ACP exam. Moreover, in this blog, we have shared all the factors that will be considered by a professional while investing a certain amount in getting enrolled. Do you guys have an idea of what aspects will impact getting registered with the desired PMI-ACP Certification?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PMI-ACP Certification all about?
The PMI-ACP is known as one of the prestigious certifications and is also well known as the Agile Certified Practitioner Certification. This particular exam is developed to improve industry-related expertise and knowledge regarding how one can apply agile techniques and methodologies. After taking this exam, you can complete diverse agile and scrum-related complex projects.
How much a professional will spend on the PMI-ACP Exam Cost?
The professionals who are members will pay almost $435 while those who are non-members will pay the cost for the PMI-ACP exam of almost $495. Moreover, if you are not a member, you need to spend around $159 to purchase your membership card.
Is getting PMI-ACP Certification worthy enough to take?
Qualifying for the PMI-ACP Exam will open the doors for gaining a successful career as a project manager or agile trainer. However, after taking this exam, you will be able to chase the positions that will be flexible and provide a pace to demonstrate mastering proficiency in solving the complexities of diverse projects.
How much time is required for taking the PMI-ACP certification?
Students who do not have any knowledge regarding PMI-ACP certification will need almost 3-5 months but a professional who has a little bit of industry knowledge regarding this particular exam needs almost 2-3 months at least.
Is the PMI-ACP Exam more difficult than acing the PMP Exam?
If you want to check out the difficulty level of any certification exam, you need to examine your previous experience, prior educational level, and the methods you are opting for starting your exam preparation. The PMI-ACP is considered the easier one than the PMP. The total question, the domain covered in the exam, and the duration a professional will take after opting for this exam.
