What is Agile certification?
Agile certification recognises a professional’s knowledge and expertise in Agile methodology, Agile frameworks, and Agile Project Management. These certifications, awarded by recognised organisations such as Scrum Alliance, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and Scaled Agile, signal proficiency in roles like ScrumMaster, Product Owner, and Agile coach. Gaining certification validates your ability to deliver value using Agile practices, whether in Scrum, Kanban, or SAFe environments.
Why pursue Agile certification?
- Career advancement: Many organisations value certified Agile practitioners, with industry surveys revealing higher demand and salary prospects for certified professionals.
- Professional development: Stay current with best practices, new Agile frameworks, and tools.
- Organisational value: Certified staff often achieve improved project outcomes, enhanced collaboration, and faster delivery.
According to the Project Management Institute’s Talent Gap Report, Agile skills are among the most sought-after in project management and digital product development.
Major Agile certifications compared
The most recognised certifications in Agile include Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner), and SAFe Agilist. Each addresses different roles and Agile frameworks.
| Certification | Organisation | Primary Focus | Ideal For | Average Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | Scrum Alliance | Scrum, ScrumMaster role | Beginners, aspiring ScrumMasters | £850–£1,200 |
| PMI-ACP | Project Management Institute (PMI) | Agile methodology (Scrum, Kanban, XP) | Experienced project managers | £350–£500 (exam), plus training |
| SAFe Agilist | Scaled Agile | Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) | Leaders in large organisations | £800–£1,200 |
Certification bodies at a glance
- Scrum Alliance: Pioneers in Agile education, offering globally recognised Scrum and Agile Project Management certifications.
- Project Management Institute (PMI): Renowned for PMI-ACP and PMP qualifications, the PMI covers a range of Agile and hybrid methodologies.
- Scaled Agile: Focuses on SAFe certification, designed for scaling Agile practices across enterprises.
Pros and cons
- CSM: Excellent for newcomers but limited in advanced Agile concepts.
- PMI-ACP: Recognised across industries but requires documented project experience.
- SAFe: Ideal for enterprise teams; may be too niche for small organisations.
Which Agile certification should you choose?
Your choice depends on your role, experience, and organisational context. Use our Agile Certification Selector Tool below:
- New to Agile? Start with CSM for core Scrum knowledge.
- Experienced in project management or multiple Agile frameworks? PMI-ACP may be ideal.
- Leading large-scale transformation? SAFe Agilist is suited to leaders and change agents in bigger organisations.
Quick reference: top Agile certifications requirements & costs
| Certification | Prerequisites | Exam requirements | Training providers | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSM | None | Attend course, pass exam (50 MCQs) | Accredited Scrum Alliance partners, online & in-person | £850–£1,200 (includes training & exam) |
| PMI-ACP | 2,000 hrs project exp. 1,500 hrs Agile exp. |
120 MCQ exam | Authorised PMI training providers, online & in-person | £350–£500 (exam), training extra |
| SAFe | Some Agile experience recommended | Attend course, pass SAFe exam | Scaled Agile partners, online & in-person | £800–£1,200 (includes training & exam) |
How to obtain Agile certification: step by step
- Choose your certification — select based on career path, current role, and organisational goals.
- Ensure you meet prerequisites — check experience and education requirements above.
- Select training providers — compare leading providers for in-person and online certification training.
- Complete mandatory training — most certifications require attendance at approved courses.
- Register and book your exam — follow the certification body guidance for scheduling.
- Pass the exam — prepare with official study materials and sample questions.
- Maintain your certification — most bodies require continuing education or regular renewal (e.g., Scrum Alliance: every 2 years).
Online certification vs in-person training
Training can be taken online or in person. Online options offer greater flexibility and access to global providers, while in-person sessions enable networking and hands-on exercises.
FAQs
Are Agile certifications recognised internationally?
Yes, major Agile certifications from organisations such as Scrum Alliance, Project Management Institute (PMI), and Scaled Agile are recognised and valued by employers around the globe. These certifications demonstrate your understanding of Agile methodologies and your ability to apply them in practical settings.
Because Agile practices are now used worldwide, holding a respected certification can significantly enhance your global career mobility and professional credibility.
Can I get Agile certified for free?
No, you cannot get Agile certified for free. However, affordable options are available. For example, the Agile Scrum Essentials course offers an accessible way to learn the fundamentals of Agile and Scrum without high costs.
These entry-level certifications provide insight into the history, purpose, and practical use of Agile frameworks and can be an excellent starting point before progressing to advanced qualifications.
How difficult is Agile certification?
How difficult Agile certification is depends on the specific qualification and whether it has prerequisites. Many entry-level Agile certifications—such as Scrum Master certification, Scrum Product Owner certification, or Scrum Essentials—have no prerequisites and are therefore accessible to beginners.
More advanced certifications, such as the PMI®-ACP certification, are more challenging because they require 21 hours of Agile-specific training and 2,000 hours of project experience. Despite this, such demanding certifications carry significant professional value once achieved.
How long does Agile certification last?
Agile certifications vary in validity depending on the issuing organisation. Some are valid for life, while others require renewal through continuing education or periodic re-examination. For instance, Scrum Alliance certifications typically require renewal every two years, while others like AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile do not expire.
Regardless of renewal requirements, staying current with the latest Agile practices ensures continued professional growth and credibility.
How long does it take to get Agile certified?
How long it takes to become Agile certified depends on the specific qualification. Below are typical durations for popular Agile certifications, both in classroom and self-paced formats:
- Scrum Essentials: 8 hours self-paced learning
- AgilePM Foundation: 3 days or 37 hours online
- AgilePM Practitioner: 2 days or 31 hours online
- PRINCE2 Agile Foundation: 2 days or 12 hours online
- PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner: 2 days or 21 hours online
- Agile BA Foundation: 3 days or 37 hours online
- Agile BA Practitioner: 2 days or 31 hours online
- Scrum Master: 2 days
- Scrum Product Owner: 2 days
- Kanban: 2 days
How much do Agile certifications cost?
The cost of Agile certifications varies depending on the provider and qualification level. Prices typically range from £350 to £1,200.
Certifications like PMI-ACP may require separate payments for training and the exam, while others such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and SAFe® usually include both components in a single course fee. When choosing a course, consider the total cost including exam fees, study materials, and renewal costs.
Is Agile certification worth it?
Yes, obtaining an Agile certification is worth it for professionals seeking career advancement in project management or product delivery. Certified professionals often report higher salaries and stronger career progression. Industry research supports the positive impact of certification on employability.
Certification demonstrates commitment to best practice, enhances professional credibility, and helps individuals contribute more effectively to Agile teams.
What are the top Agile certification bodies?
The leading organisations offering Agile certifications worldwide include:
- Scrum Alliance – offers Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and Product Owner credentials.
- Project Management Institute (PMI) – awards the PMI-ACP certification for experienced practitioners.
- Scaled Agile – offers SAFe® certifications for large-scale Agile frameworks.
Each body has global recognition and rigorous standards, helping ensure certification quality and career relevance.
What is Agile Foundation certification?
There isn’t a single “Agile Foundation” qualification. Instead, several popular entry-level Agile certifications serve as foundations for Agile learning, including:
Each provides a structured introduction to Agile concepts, frameworks, and terminology.
What is an Agile Foundation course?
An Agile Foundation course provides an introduction to Agile concepts, methods, and frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, and PRINCE2 Agile. It is ideal for beginners and professionals wanting to build a strong foundation before pursuing Practitioner-level qualifications.
Common options include:
What is the best Agile certification for beginners?
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is widely regarded as the best entry-level Agile certification. It provides a hands-on introduction to Agile and Scrum principles and is ideal for those starting in Agile environments or project delivery roles.
For those seeking alternatives, the AgilePM Foundation and PRINCE2 Agile Foundation are also excellent starting points.
What is the best Agile certification in the UK?
The best Agile certification in the UK depends on your goals and job role. For software development roles, the Scrum Master certification or Scrum Product Owner certification are highly valued.
Project managers often pursue AgilePM certification or PRINCE2 Agile certification for dual Agile and project management expertise. For senior professionals or those working at scale, SAFe® certification offers advanced knowledge for enterprise-level Agile adoption.