PMI-ACP Certification: Effective Tips to Become Agile Certified Practitioner!

Meghna Arora
4 min readApr 22, 2023

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If your organization is adopting Agile practices or if you are part of an Agile team, the PMI-ACP certification is an ideal choice for you. The PMI-ACP certification is a testament to your practical experience and expertise as an Agile team member.

How to Keep the PMI-ACP Certification Updated?

To earn the PMI-ACP certification, candidates must pass a 120 multiple-choice question exam within three hours. To maintain the certification, professionals must make 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in Agile topics every three years.

To be eligible for the certification, candidates must have a secondary degree, complete 21 Agile practices training contact hours, and have 12 months of general project experience within the last five years. While not required to apply for the PMI-ACP, a current PMP or PgMP can fulfill the general project experience requirement. Additionally, candidates must have eight months of Agile project experience within the last three years.

Top Tips to Prepare for the PMI-ACP Certification:

Preparing for the PMI-ACP certification could be challenging, but with the right approach, one can prepare for the exam quickly. Therefore, study hard, include practice tests in preparation, and earn the PMI-ACP certification.

Know the PMI-ACP Exam Structure:

The PMI-ACP certification exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions you must answer within three hours. The exam tests your knowledge of Agile principles and practices and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. The preparation process for multiple-choice exams is entirely different, therefore, learn about the exam structure from the beginning and prepare well for it.

Review Agile Methodologies:

Agile methodologies are a set of principles that guide software development processes. These methodologies emphasize collaboration, flexibility, and rapid iteration. The PMI-ACP exam covers Agile frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP. Therefore, it is essential to review these methodologies and understand their differences, advantages, and disadvantages.

Study the PMI-ACP Exam Content Outline:

The PMI-ACP exam content outline provides a comprehensive guide to what’s tested in the exam. It outlines the tasks, knowledge, and skills required for Agile project management. Review the content outline and understand the concepts and topics listed.

Use PMI-ACP Exam Study Materials:

Numerous study materials are available for the PMI-ACP exam, including books, online courses, practice tests, and study guides. Use these materials to help you understand the exam content, concepts, and topics. They also help you identify your knowledge gaps and areas that need improvement.

Preparing for the PMI-ACP Certification Gets Easy with Practice Tests:

Learning with practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. They help you familiarize yourself with the exam format, identify your weaknesses, and improve your time management skills. Practice tests also give you an idea of the type and level of questions asked in the exam.

Join a Study Group with the PMI-ACP Certification:

Joining a study group is a great way to stay motivated and accountable during your PMI-ACP exam preparation. Study groups offer support, encouragement, and feedback from other candidates. You can share study tips, discuss concepts, and ask questions. Joining a study group can also help you identify your knowledge gaps and areas that need improvement.

Gain Hands-on Experience:

Hands-on experience is essential for PMI-ACP certification. Practical experience enables you to apply Agile principles and practices in real-world scenarios. It also helps you understand the challenges and limitations of Agile project management. Gain hands-on experience by working on Agile projects, attending Agile events, and participating in Agile communities.

Focus on Your Weaknesses During the PMI-ACP Certification Preparation:

Identify your knowledge gaps regarding the PMI-ACP exam and areas that need improvement and focus on them. Don’t waste time on topics you’re already familiar with. Spend more time on challenging topics that require more attention. Make sure to review your weaknesses regularly and track your progress.

Manage Your Time Effectively:

Time management is crucial during the PMI-ACP exam. Make sure to allocate enough time for each question and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. Answer the easy questions first and come back to the difficult ones later. Manage your time effectively to ensure that you answer all the questions within the given time.

Stay Motivated and Confident During the PMI-ACP Certification:

Preparing for the PMI-ACP exam can be challenging, but staying motivated and confident is the key to your success. Believe in yourself, stay positive, and focus on your goals. Celebrate your small achievements and milestones, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember, success comes from hard work, dedication, and persistence.

Is It Beneficial to Earn the PMI-ACP Certification?

  • Yes, obtaining the PMI-ACP certification can be highly beneficial for your career. The certification is recognized globally and is highly regarded in the Agile community. It proves your practical experience and knowledge in Agile methodologies, making you stand out to potential employers.
  • With the increasing adoption of Agile practices in organizations, having the PMI-ACP certification can give you a competitive edge in the job market. It can also lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities as organizations look for professionals with a strong understanding of Agile principles and practices.
  • Moreover, the PMI-ACP certification can help you develop highly valued skills, such as leadership, communication, and collaboration. These skills can benefit you not only in your current role but also in future career opportunities.

Bottom Line:

Earning the PMI-ACP certification could prove an aspirant’s Agile skills. Certification gives you the skills to get a better job and earn a lucrative salary. Therefore, study hard and earn the PMI-ACP certification.

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Meghna Arora

I am aspiring for Senior Program & Project, Customer/Client, Operations Management assignments as I am a seasoned PRINCE2 Certified Professional.