Does PMP include agile?

Does PMP include agile?

Learning Mudra, Category - PMP

Different questions people have related to agile

If you are a project manager you must have heard of PMP certification as well as PMI-ACP certification. For those of you who do not know, PMP is short for Project Management Professional and, on the other hand, PMI-ACP is short for Agile Certified Practitioner. Are you confused between the two? Are you confused which one to do first. And which one covers more topics? Or which one is more relevant? Does PMP include parts of agile or the other way around? If you fall under all or any of the above category of questions, this article is for you. We’ll try to explain both of these in simplest of languages and explain their similarities and difference.

Agile explained

They both need to refer to PMKOB guide but the difference lies in their functional tasks. Let’s start with ACP first. ACP, which stands for agile certified practitioner, is a new certification by PMI which focuses on modern principles of agile. They are obviously based on agile principles and not traditional. Having this certification means you know what you are doing in a project. You will be on the ground with your skin in the game, they are very dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of project and environment. Agile practitioners believe in adaptation and not rigidity. They show immense response to feedback.

PMP explained

Now coming on to PMP, which is project management professional, it is the highest certification in project management and to be eligible for it you will need 4500 hours or 7500 hours of project leading experience, which depends on having 4 year graduate degree or high school diploma, respectively. PMP is the highest certification, which essentially means that you are the leader of project and you follow the traditional approach. You set the big goals and overlook thing. You have the task of planning what to happen and monitor. You direct people what to do. You control from top and ensure things go according to plan. Agile practitioners often have to report to you.

Difference between PMP and ACP

The difference between the two is clear. But for those who are still unsure. PMP sets a standard of project management. They tell what minimum standard is during a project. Agile on the other hand is a framework of operations. It tells what to do. As PMP you see the results of what happens. While as an agile practitioner, you will make sure productivity rises. You are responsible for the team. PMP interacts with select few subordinates whereas agile practitioner is a mediator between team and PMP. They have to report to PMP and give them reports.

Complexities of PMP and PMI ACP

PMPs have a lot of teams working under them whereas a PMI-ACP will have 10-15 members under them and just handle one team. A PMI-ACP will be doing majority of the work. They are leaders in practice, not in name or position. That makes them very valuable. As mentioned PMPs operate with many teams. They are bulky when it comes to manpower. The PMI-ACPsworks on agile principles. They want lean and competitive team to ensure smooth flow of work. PMPs need to prepare complex reports that will go to higher management. Agile practitioners also have to prepare reports but aren’t really complex in nature as PMP’s report.

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PMP does not necessarily include agile

Now, coming onto the main question. Does PMP certification include agile? It may or may not. However, it is not that simple. If you are eligible to take PMP exam it means you have been performing leadership roles and doing tasks of an agile practitioner too. You are leading on ground here and there. No one starts leading when they enter but people eligible for PMP and you probably have experience of being dynamic and taking decisions like a PMI-ACP does. Both certifications require you to go through PMKOB only. The difference comes in your training. The PMPs andPMI-ACPs have different kinds of training.

What to do

PMP does include some principles of agile but not strictly. Moreover, PMI-ACP is easier to get as it close to entry level certification and you can get in in2000 hours of general project experience and 1500 hours of agile experience. This experience is easy to acquire than 4500-7500 of leadership experience for PMP. If you are beginning your project management career and are eligible, go for PMI-ACP. It can be a great boost to your career. And if you are a PMP, you have experienced the work that a PMI-ACP does in early part of your career. Your PMP does not directly include agile. It would not harm if you go for PMI-ACP after PMP.

Keep learning

Knowledge is the powerhouse based on which your futurewill become better and prosperous and one should single-mindedly aim at building their better future. Both certifications have their own value. If you don’t have PMI-ACP but have PMP, go for it. If you have PMI-ACP and working hard go for PMP certification as soon as you have enough experience. That is how growth happens. Never stop learning. Be better armed for the future. For any assistance related to PMP or agile, contact us at training@learningmudra.com