All About Agile

This chapter provides an overview about agile and also covers "barely sufficient" details about PMI-ACP certification examination. Part I contains introduction and all about agile. Part II consists of 10 chapters related to agile tools and techniques. Part III consists of 3 chapters related to agile knowledge and skills. Part IV consists of agile domains and tasks to be used by agile trainers. Part V consists of a sample PMI-ACP certification examination. Part VI consists of agile terms, acronyms, appendix and other useful information.

This chapter covers the following:

* PMI-ACP Certification

* Exam Content Outline

* Introduction to Agile

* Agile Project

* Agile Manifesto

* Agile Practices

* Agile Principles

* Agile Methodologies

* Agile Project Management

* Agile References

Overall the PMI-ACP exam is divided into 2 broad categories. The first category is all about agile tools and techniques. The other category is all about agile knowledge and skills.

Looking at the PMI ACP certification examination content outline, it is clearly stated that 50% of the questions are based upon agile tools and techniques; so part II of this book consisting of 10 chapters will help you to prepare for those questions. You can expect anything from 6 to 60 questions from chapter 2 thru chapter 11.

Remaining 50% of the questions are based upon agile knowledge and skills; so part III of this book, consisting of 3 chapters will help you to prepare for those questions. You can expect anything from 6 to 60 questions from chapter 12 thru chapter 14.

PMI-ACP Certification

PMI-ACP is different from the PMP credential in that the PMI-ACP specifically validates a practitioner's ability to understand and apply agile principles and practice, whereas the PMP credential recognizes demonstrated competence leading and directing project teams.

The PMI-ACP certification recognizes practitioners for their understanding of agile principles and practices. The certification represents an important facet of a practitioner's professional development.

What are the eligibility requirements for the PMI-ACP?

Since PMI is the authority providing the final eligibility requirements for the PMI-ACP, it is strongly recommended that you should visit http://www.pmi.org/ for further details.

Please check the above website to obtain up-to-date details for PMI-ACP Certification examination about:

• Experience eligibility requirements

• Education eligibility requirements

• Application process and fees

• PMI-ACP certification examination expectations

• Certification schedule and payment information

• How to register to take PMI-ACP certification exam at centers administered by Prometrics.

• Continuing certification requirements (CCR)

Exam Content Outline

The PMI-ACP examination will consist of total 120 questions, to be answered in 3 hours. Out of 120 questions, 100 are scored and 20 are un-scored. The un-scored items will not be identified and will be randomly distributed throughout the exam. The allocation of questions will be as follows:

Content % of Exam

Agile tools and techniques 50%
Agile knowledge and skills (Level 1) 33%
Agile knowledge and skills (Level 2) 12%
Agile knowledge and skills (Level 3) 5%

The entire PMI-ACP exam is covered by 2 areas, T&T (Tools & Techniques) and K&S (Knowledge and Skills). It is imperative that the PMI-ACP exam accurately reflects the agile practices, tools, and techniques being used by project management practitioners.

Questions about T&T (Tools & Techniques) will comprise 50% of the examination and have been organized into the 10 areas.

Questions about K&S (Knowledge & Skills) will comprise 50% of the examination and have been organized into 43 areas under 3 levels.

Pay most attention to agile tools & techniques. Then pay attention to Level 1 K&S and then to Level 2 K&S, rather than sweating on Level 3 K&S which carries only 5% of weight.

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification has been designed to:

• Demonstrate to employers the practitioner's level of professionalism in Agile practices of project management.

• Increase the practitioner's versatility in project management tools and techniques.

• Show that the practitioner has the capacity to lead basic Agile project teams, and

• Provide a framework for Agile training and professional development initiatives.

Candidates are urged to use the PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline as a guide to the areas included on the examination, and to study current references in agile, such as those on the PMI-ACP examination preparation reference list.

This book is based on the PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline as well as extracts from numerous books listed under PMI reference list and agile related preparation content references available online. It will NOT be possible to list each and every reference used directly and/ or indirectly in the preparation of this book due to space constraints, however the author deeply extends his gratitude towards all those authors and publishers providing tons of valuable information everywhere.

Introduction to Agile

Agile Manifesto is a philosophy about software development – a way of thinking.

Agile Methods are processes that support agile philosophy. Method or process is – a way of working.

Agile software development is NOT a specific process you can follow. Practices are an expression of underlying agile principles. Understand those 12 agile principles to choose the right practices. Agile methods combine practices in unique way,...