You need to earn 21 contact hours of training in Agile practices to become eligible for the PMI-ACP exam. This is one of the four requirements for the PMI-ACP exam.
In today’s blog post, I will explain the PMI-ACP requirement, but before that, I will explain the PMI-ACP certification and its requirements.
What is the PMI-ACP Certification?
The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) certification, which focuses on Agile project management principles. Agile is a flexible approach to project management used in software development that helps teams deliver products more efficiently and adapt to changes quickly.
Benefits of the PMI-ACP Certification
- Increased Knowledge: The certification ensures that you have a strong understanding of Agile principles, tools, and techniques.
- Career Opportunities: Many companies prefer hiring professionals with Agile skills. The PMI-ACP can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
- Higher Salary: Certified professionals often earn higher salaries than non-certified ones. It shows employers that you have specialized skills in Agile.
- Global Recognition: PMI certifications are recognized worldwide, making finding opportunities in various countries easier.
- Better Project Delivery: Learning skills will help you manage projects more efficiently, improving productivity and client satisfaction.
Eligibility Requirements for PMI-ACP
- Educational Background: You need a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate degree, or global equivalent).
- General Project Experience: You must have 2,000 hours of general project experience working on teams. This requirement is fulfilled if you already have a PMP or PgMP certification.
- Agile Project Experience: You need 1,500 hours of experience working on Agile project teams or with Agile methodologies, in addition to general project experience.
- Training: You must complete 21 Agile-related training contact hours before applying.
How To Earn PMI-ACP Contact Hours?
You can earn the 21 PMI-ACP contact hours through various methods. These methods are as follows:
1. Online Courses
Many PMI Registered Education Providers, Authorized Training Partners (REPs & ATPs), and other institutions offer online courses focused on Agile methodologies. These flexible courses allow you to complete the hours at your own pace. For example, programs like Agile PrepCast provide all 21 required hours.
2. In-Person Workshops
Some training centers offer in-person Agile workshops or seminars that provide the required contact hours. These are great for hands-on learning and networking.
3. University Courses
Some universities and colleges offer Agile-related courses as part of their curriculum. These can be used to meet the contact hour requirements if they align with Agile principles.
4. PMI Local Chapters
Your local PMI chapter may offer Agile training programs or workshops. This can be a great way to meet local professionals and gain your contact hours.
5. Self-Paced Training Programs
Some programs offer downloadable or on-demand video lessons. These self-paced programs allow you to study on your own time and still meet the PMI-ACP requirements. For example, Agile PrepCast.
Whichever method you choose, ensure it is renowned and provides a certificate of completion to verify your contact hours when applying for the exam.
Agile PrepCast
If you are looking for PMI-ACP training, I recommend completing your 21 PMI-ACP contact hours using an online program. These courses are affordable, accessible from anywhere, and allow you to study at your own pace.
One such popular program is Agile PrepCast, developed by renowned PMP trainer Cornelius Fichtner, which offers 21 contact hours of training for the PMI-ACP certification exam. In addition to the video lessons, you will receive a ten-part email course and access to a discussion forum for exam-related topics.
You can download the short, engaging video sessions on any device and watch them at your convenience. The course also includes interviews and lessons from successful exam takers, providing valuable insights.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, high-quality online training program for PMI-ACP, Agile PrepCast is available for just 229 USD.
For more details and to enroll, click here.
PMP Holders: By taking this course, you can also claim 37 PDUs toward maintaining your PMP certification. This makes the program a great option to meet your PMI-ACP exam requirements while earning your PMP PDUs.
For a comprehensive option, consider Agile PrepCast Plus, which includes the Agile PrepCast Basic and PMI-ACP Simulator.
For more details and to enroll, click here.
Summary
Earning the 21 PMI-ACP contact hours is a key step in achieving your Agile Certified Practitioner certification. These contact hours give you a foundation in Agile methodologies and prepare you for the exam. With various affordable and flexible online programs, you can complete the training at your own pace.
Whether you are new to Agile or want to enhance your Agile skills, investing in the right training will boost your knowledge and improve your chances of passing the PMI-ACP exam.
Further Readings:
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I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.
