Are you tired of traditional project management methods that feel outdated and inflexible? Agile methodologies are often a fresh approach that emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement. By earning an Agile certification, you can learn the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field. In this blog, we will discuss the Agile Certifications that will help you to boost your career if you are new in the field of Project Management.
What is Agile?
Agile is a project management methodology that highlights interactive development, customer collaboration, and flexibility. It’s a popular approach in software development and other industries because of its ability to adapt to changing requirements and deliver value quickly. There are various core principles of Agile which are discussed below.
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change by following a plan
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Benefits of Agile Certifications
i) Enhanced Job Prospects
Agile certifications can make you more attractive to potential employers. Many organizations are adopting Agile methodologies, so having a certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills in this area.
ii) Career Advancement
Certifications can help you progress in your career by opening doors to new opportunities and higher-paying roles. Being certified will not only validate your skills but will also make your resume stronger.
iii) Increased Job Satisfaction
Understanding Agile principles can lead to more fulfilling work as you’ll be better equipped to contribute to successful projects. Employers prefer individuals who are certified rather than those who are not.
Learn more about: Comprehensive Guide of Top 16 Best Agile Leadership Certification
Top Agile Certifications for Beginners
1. PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
The PMI-ACP stands for Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner. This credential enhances your knowledge and skills in applying agile methodologies to project management. The PMI-ACP certification validates that you have prior knowledge and advanced skills in the following;
- Application of multiple agile approaches: Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Test-Driven Development.
- Engaging with stakeholders to gather the requirements and feedback and making sure of the success of projects.
- Employing agile metrics for making decisions and delivering value through iterative development cycles.
Exam Overview
Exam Name | PMI-ACP | |
Exam Format | Multiple-Choice | |
No. of Questions | 120 Questions | |
100 (Scored Questions) | 20 are Prestested Questions (Unscored Questions) | |
Time Required | 180 minutes | |
Language | English, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. | |
Vendor | PMI | |
Exam Cost
The cost of PMI-ACP certification depends on membership. The examination cost for OMI-ACP members is $305 and for non-members, it is $347.
Major Exam Domains
Exam Domains of the PMI-ACP Exam | |||||
Agile Principles and Mindset | 16% | Value-driven Delivery | 20% | ||
Stakeholder Engagement | 17% | ||||
Continuous Improvement (Product, 9%Process, People) | 9% | ||||
Adaptive Planning | 12% | Problem Detection and Resolution | 10% | Team Performance | 16% |
Prerequisites
To avail of this certification you need to meet the following requirements;
- 21 contact hours of Agile practice training
- Secondary Degree
- 12 months of general project experience within the last 5 years (a current PMP or PgMP satisfies this requirement but is not mandatory)
- Agile project experience of 8 months within the last 3 years
Salary Prospects
The average salary of a certified PMI-ACP is $46,961 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $16,500 to $118,500 with $23 per year in 2026.
Job Roles
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) | |||||
Project Manager, Information Technology (IT) | Agile Coach | ||||
Senior Project Manager, IT | Senior Program Manager, IT | ScrumMaster | |||
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | |||||
2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
A Certified Scrum Master is a leader who acts as a coach or a facilitator within a Scrum team. They are responsible for ensuring the team understands and performs the scrum framework, fostering a collaborative environment.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification offers various benefits to an individual or any firm including agile improvement and progressive administration. Firstly, getting a CSM certification validates experts with a strong understanding of the Scrum system, engaging them to lead Scrum groups.
Exam Overview
Exam Name | CSM |
Exam Format | Multiple-Choice |
No. of Questions | 50 Questions |
Language | English |
Vendor | ScrumAlliance |
Exam Cost
The certification exam and course ranges from $250-$2,495 in the United States. However, the price varies by region, format, and other market factors.
Prerequisites
There are no such prerequisites.
Salary Prospects
The salary of a certified CSM is $112,999 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $100,500 to $136,500 with $54 per hour in 2026.
Job Roles
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) | |||||
Project Manager, Information Technology (IT) | Senior Project Manager, IT | ||||
Software Engineer | Product Manager, Software | ScrumMaster | |||
Look further: CSM vs PSM: Which Certification Should You Choose?
3. Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
The Professional Scrum Master 1 is a certification offered by Scrum.org that validates your understanding of the Scrum framework and its application in concrete projects. It is considered the foundational certification for Scrum masters. Earning the PSM 1 certification demonstrates your commitment to Agile values. This credential is specially designed for those who are seeking a career in Agile and Scrum methodologies.
Exam Overview
Exam Name | PSM 1 |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice, Multiple Answer, True/False |
No. of Questions | 80 Questions |
Passing score | 85% |
Vendor | Scrum.org |
Time limit | 60 minutes |
Exam Cost
The certification exam cost is $200 per attempt in the United States. However, the price varies by region.
Prerequisites
There are no such prerequisites but it is required to have prior knowledge of courses: Applying Professional Scrum and/or Professional Scrum Master
Salary Prospects
The average salary of a certified Professional Scrum Master is $120,688 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $25,500 to $169,500 with $58 per hour in 2026.
Job Roles
Master Coach | Agile Scrum Coach | ||||
Lead Agile Coach | Agile Coach Contract | Agile Coach Scrum Master | |||
4. SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (SAFe POPM)
SAFe POPM is a role within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) that combines the responsibilities of a traditional product owner and product manager. This role is crucial in aligning product strategy with business objectives and ensuring the successful delivery of value to customers in large-scale Agile environments.
Exam Overview
Exam Name | POMP |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice, Single Select Format |
No. of Questions | 45 Questions |
Passing score | 80% |
Time limit | 90 minutes |
Language | Brazilian Portuguese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish |
Exam Cost
The certification exam cost is not mentioned but it is stated that the first attempt is included in the course registration fee if taken within 30 days of course completion. However, the retake fee is $50 to $250.
Major Exam Domains
Major Exam Domains of POPM | |||||
Product Owner/Product Management Roles and Responsibilities | 14-16% | ||||
PI Planning Preparation | 21-24% | Leadership for PI Planning | 14-16% | Iteration Execution | 30-32% |
PI Execution | 14-16% | ||||
Salary Prospects
The average salary of a certified POPM is $112,891 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $41,500 to $164,500 with $54 per hour in 2026.
Job Roles
Project Manager | |
Scrum Master | Business Analyst |
Product Owner | |
Explore Further: 8 best Product Owner Certifications to Rank Your Career
5. SAFe Scrum Master
SAFe Scrum Master is a certification that combines the knowledge of Scrum Master and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). It provides a comprehensive understanding of Agile at scale and equips professionals with the skills to lead and coach Agile teams within large organizations. This credential will guide you with the principles of servant leadership, so you can help develop high-performing, engaged, continuously improving teams in your firm.
Exam Overview
Exam Format | Multiple-choice, Single Select Format |
No. of Questions | 45 Questions |
Passing score | 73% |
Time limit | 90 minutes |
Language | Brazilian Portuguese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish |
Exam Cost
The certification exam cost is not mentioned but it is stated that the first attempt is included in the course registration fee if taken within 30 days of course completion. However, the retake fee is $50 to $250.
Major Exam Domains
Major Exam Domains of SAFe Scrum Master Exam | |||
Introducing Scrum in SAFe | 22-28% | ||
Defining the Scrum Master / Team Coach role | 26-30% | Supporting Team Events | 17-21% |
Supporting ART Events | 25-29% | ||
Salary Prospects
The average salary of a certified SAFe Scrum Master is $120,688 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $25,500 to $169,500 with $58 per hour in 2026.
Job Roles
Project Manager | |
Agile Coach | Business Analyst |
GIS Specialist | |
6. ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP): Agile Fundamentals
The ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP) Agile Fundamentals certification is a foundational-level certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of Agile principles, values, and practices. It is designed for individuals who are new to Agile or want to solidify their existing knowledge. It is a comprehensive certification that covers a wide range of Agile topics, including Scrum, Kanban, Extreme Programming, and Lean.
Exam Overview
To earn an ICAgile certification, you must attend an ICAgile-accredited class. Each training provider sets their prices and schedules so there is no exact price.
Prerequisites
The ICAgile does not have any prerequisites. However, a training provider may have their own.
Salary Prospects
The average salary of a certified Agile Fundamental is $139,505 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $30,500 to $208,500 with $67 per hour in 2026.
Job Roles
Programmer | |
Development team | Scrum Master |
Development lead | |
7. Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO 1) Certification
A Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO1) certification is offered by Scrum.org which enhances a professional’s knowledge and skills as a Scrum Product Owner. This certification is designed to provide individuals with the necessary understanding to effectively manage and deliver value-added products using Scrum. It consists of two other levels too: PSPO II and PSPO III. The key responsibilities of PSPO 1 certification are listed below;
- Product Backlog
- Stakeholder Management
- Scrum Implementation
- Continuous Improvement
Exam Overview
Exam Name | PSPO 1 |
Exam Format | Multiple-choice, Multiple Answer, True/False |
No. of Questions | 80 Questions |
Passing score | 85% |
Vendor | Scrum.org |
Time limit | 60 minutes |
Exam Cost
The certification exam cost is $200 per attempt in the United States. However, the price varies by region.
Prerequisites
There are no such prerequisites but it is required to have prior knowledge of the course: Professional Scrum Product Owner.
Salary Prospects
The average salary of a certified PSPO 1 is $138,710 per year. However, it ranges from $69,500 to $224,000 with $67 per hour in 2026.
Job Roles
Product Owner | |||||
Agile Coach | Business Analyst, IT | ||||
Senior Product Manager | Associate Product Manager | UX Researcher | |||
8. Certified Agile Project Manager
The Certified Agile Project Manager (IAPM) is a certification offered by the International Association of Project Management. It is designed to enhance an individual’s knowledge and skills in applying agile methodologies to project management. The IAPM certification consists of three levels: Basic (Certified Junior Project Manager), Intermediate (Certified Agile Project Manager), and Advanced (Certified Senior Agile Project Manager).
Exam Overview
Exam Format | Multiple-choice |
No. of Questions | 120 questions |
Passing score | 65% |
Vendor | IAPM |
Time limit | 80 minutes |
Exam Cost
The certification exam cost is $564,85 per attempt in the United States. However, the price varies by region.
Prerequisites
There are no such prerequisites required for this credential.
Salary Prospects
The average salary of a Certified Agile Project Manager (IAPM) is $118K per year. However, the range may vary from region to region.
Job Roles
Management Consultant | |
Senior Project Manager, IT | Project Manager, Information Technology (IT) |
Director of Program Management, Information Technology (IT) | |
Business Process / Management Consultant | Lead UX Designer |
9. ICAgile Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF)
ICP-ATF is a credential designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate Agile teams. This certification focuses on the role of a team facilitator in fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making within Agile environments.
Exam Overview
To earn an ICAgile Agile Team Facilitation certification, you must attend an ICAgile-accredited class. Each training provider sets their prices and schedules so there is no exact price.
Prerequisites
The ICAgile Agile Team Facilitation does not have any prerequisites. However, a training provider may have their own.
Salary Prospects
The average salary of an ICAgile Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) certified is $49,766 per year. However, it ranges from $22,500 to $85,500 with $24 per hour in 2026.
Job Roles
Scrum Master | |
Agile Coach | Business Analyst |
Team Lead | |
10. Agile Programme Management (AgilePgM)
Agile Programme Management (AgilePgM) is a methodology that extends Agile principles and practices to the management of multiple interrelated projects or initiatives within a larger program. It provides a framework for coordinating and delivering value across multiple teams and projects while maintaining flexibility and adaptability.
Exam Overview
Exam Format | Multiple-choice |
No. of Questions | 50 questions |
Passing score | 50% |
Vendor | APMG |
Time limit | 40 minutes |
Exam Cost
The certification exam cost is $365. However, the training fee is billed separately.
Prerequisites
There are no such prerequisites required for this certification
Salary Prospects
The average salary of an Agile Programme Management (AgilePgM) certified is $118,932 per year. However, it ranges from $29,000 to $179,500 with $57 per hour.
Job Roles
Product Owner | |||||
Agile Coach | Business Analyst, IT | ||||
Senior Product Manager | Associate Product Manager | Agile team Facilitator | |||
Conclusion
As a beginner in the Agile world, selecting the right certification can be a tough task. The certifications discussed in this blog, including Scrum Alliance’s CSM and CSPO, Scrum.org’s PSM I and PSPO I, and ICAgile’s ICP-ATF, offer valuable knowledge and skills to kickstart your Agile journey. Remember, the most important aspect is to gain practical experience applying Agile principles and methodologies. While certifications can provide a solid foundation, hands-on experience is invaluable for becoming a proficient Agile practitioner.
By carefully considering your goals, learning style, and budget, you can choose the Agile certification that best suits your needs and sets you on the path to a successful career in the Agile world.
FAQ's
What is the easiest Agile certification to get?
The easiest Agile certification is Certified Scrum Master. The advantage of the CSM is that it is easy to get. You can sign up for a class, and in two days, you are a “Certified Scrum Master.”
What is the first Agile certification?
The PMI-ACP certification is best for those with early-career project management experience who wish to cement their knowledge of agile principles and advance their careers.
Can I get Agile certified for free?
The Agile Scrum Essentials course is a Free certification course on Agile and Scrum basics.
Can a non-IT person learn agile?
Agile principles can be applied to various fields and industries and are not limited to technology alone. Agile can be used to manage marketing, product development, and project management projects, among others.
Is agile certification in demand?
Information technology professionals who understand the fundamentals of Agile and its project management applications can be in high demand in the software development industry.
