The Agile methodology, once reserved for only the hippest software start-ups in Silicon Valley, has become mainstream and is now being utilized in organizations of all sizes. The popularity of Agile has increased demand for IT pros with skills and experience in the methodology. If you want to gain an edge in the Agile job market, certifications can help prove your skills, knowledge, and value to potential employers. To grow your career in Agile, consider these popular certifications.
Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
Professionals with project management experience should consider The Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMI-ACP offers “proof” of experience in many aspects of Agile. It also requires 30 professional development units every three years in order to maintain status.
International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile)
The International Consortium for Agile offers three certification levels: Professional, Expert and Master, and their programs help students develop and prove their skills in areas like Scrum, eXtreme Programming, Kanban and more. These certifications are relatively inexpensive and are ideal for people just starting out and looking to build their Agile resume with credentials.
Agile Certification Institute
The Agile Certification Institute offers tech pros a variety of certifications and credentials. Courses are around $99 each, covering areas like project management, talent management, talent development, process improvement, Lean, Scrum, Kanban and more.
APMG International
APMG International offers a host of Agile certifications including program management, project management, and the vendor-neutral Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM). The programs and certifications offered by APMG International are designed to benchmark project managers as they grow in their careers.
Strategyex Certificate in Agile
TwentyEighty Strategy Execution developed a partnership with George Washington University to offer both Associate and Master certificates in Agile practices. While the associate certification will help you develop skills, you can only use the credential behind your name if you complete the Master program.
Scaled Agile Academy
Agile isn’t just for small companies anymore, and as enterprises begin to adopt the methodology, they will require professionals who can help them scale the process. The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is for professionals who want to take their talents to these larger organizations.
Scrum Alliance
Scrum is the most popular framework within Agile software development and The Scrum Alliance is the most popular organization for Scrum professionals. They offer six certifications: Certified Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Product Owner, Certified Scrum Developer, Certified Scrum Trainer, Certified Scrum Coach and Certified Scrum Professional, all of which are highly-regarded in the job market.
Are You Looking For Career Opportunities in Agile?
If you want to give yourself an edge over the competition, certifications are important. To give yourself an even greater leg up, work with a professional IT recruiter who will connect you with positions that truly suit your experience and style, and who will do “advance” work, selling you to the hiring manager before your interview. If you are an IT professional in Buffalo looking to advance your career in Agile, contact the expert recruiters at Systems Personnel today.
