Key takeaways
Choose an Agile qualification that matches your role, experience, and the framework most used in your sector.
- Agile skills are in high demand across industries, and certification can help candidates stand out in a growing job market.
- AgilePM suits those wanting practical, project focused tools based on DSDM that can be applied quickly.
- PRINCE2 Agile fits candidates who use PRINCE2 and need a controlled approach that still allows Agile flexibility.Copied!
- PSM I is a strong Scrum credential with a challenging exam and lifetime validity, often valued in IT contexts.Key takeaways
- PMI-ACP targets experienced practitioners and has strict eligibility requirements, but carries strong PMI credibility.The Five Case Model tests an investment proposal from five connected angles to support robust public value decisions.

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Agile helps foster successful business practices:Better Business Cases Practitioner (with Foundation) self-paced online
- QSM assessed the performance of Agile development projects in three key areas: productivity, time-to-market and quality. Findings show Agile projects were significantly faster and more productive than traditional projects [5]£1,199 +vat.
With the number of Agile project management roles increasing, candidates holding an Agile project management certification will be at an advantage compared to those without.Self-paced
Choosing the right Agile project management certificationEconomic dimension
There is a wide variety of The certifications for Agileeconomic dimension available on the market. Given the complexity and scope of many of these, it may be difficult knowing where to start. Here’s a very basic breakdown of which courses are available and their specific niche in Agile practice. of the 5 Case Business Model plays a crucial role in analysing and evaluating proposals. It is driven by the SMART objectives and business needs identified in the strategic dimension and estimates the social value of different options. This dimension involves detailed option development and selection through appraisal, with a focus on considering the potential impact on the UK or overseas and considering any unintended consequences.
- If you’d like to learn a general-purpose, widely applicable Agile methodology, an AppraisalAgile project management certificationThe longlist appraisal and selection of the shortlist options are critical steps in the process, and the preferred option is selected based on a thorough analysis using social cost-benefit analysis or social cost-effectiveness analysis. The selection considers factors such as the net social value of the option, the costs of risk and optimism bias, the whole life cost of the public resources employed, and the unquantifiable benefits of key objectives. The overall risk to the public and the public sector is also considered. (Agile PM) will teach you practical Agile tools and methods you can apply to the management of projects right away!It’s important to remember that all dimensions of the 5 Case Business Model are interdependent and must be considered in an integrated way, with the involvement of key stakeholders. Following the supplementary guidance on
- If you’d like a general education in the various Agile ‘flavours’ like Scrum, DSDM, XP and become an all-round Agile expert, you should consider an Agile Certified Practitionerbusiness cases® is essential to ensure that the proposal is developed in a holistic and collaborative manner. Commercial dimensionPMI-ACPThe qualification.commercial dimension
- If you’d like to become a certified Scrum Master Professional, the of a proposal focuses on the commercial strategy and procurement of services and assets needed. It is informed by the strategic and economic dimensions, and the procurement specifications are derived from them.Professional Scrum Master I (PSMAs the procurement process progresses, the commercial dimension provides updated information on costs, ®risk management I) and timing, which is then incorporated back into the economic and financial aspects of the proposal. from Scrum.org was developed and endorsed by Ken Schwaber, the founder of Scrum himself.This continuous feedback loop helps to develop the proposal into a fully-fledged business case.
- If you’d like to become a certified Scrum Master Professional, Scrum.org’s Financial dimensionProfessional Scrum Master I (PSMThe ®financial dimension I) focuses on the overall cost to the public sector of implementing a proposal, considering all financial implications and benefits. It evaluates affordability and the financial impact on the public sector, while the economic dimension evaluates the social value of the proposal. is developed and endorsed by Ken Schwaber, the founder of Scrum himself!Management dimension
- If you’re familiar with, or already make use of, the The PRINCE2 methodmanagement dimension and would like to learn how to adapt this popular framework to better suit Agile practices, a of a proposal focuses on the practical implementation plans. It ensures that the chosen option can be executed effectively and covers the resources required, budget management, and responsible organisations. It outlines the timeline for reaching agreed milestones and completing the proposal.PRINCE2 Agile courseThe management dimension includes the risk register, benefit register, monitoring and evaluation plans, and any necessary data collection before implementation. The details of the management aspect are developed further as the proposal matures into a full is perfect for you!business case
- If you would like to apply Agile methods on an enterprise level, a SAFe, influencing the economic, commercial, and financial dimensions.®Enhance your skills with our expert-led courses Agilist certification will be a better choice.
Entry-level certifications
The Agile project management qualifications listed below have no formal prerequisites. Candidates do not require any previous experience in a project management roleInstructor-led to qualify, some prior knowledge of project management may prove useful, however.Better Business Cases Practitioner (with Foundation) course
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation
PRINCE2 Agile£2,400 +vat is a refinement of the PSee all datesroject IN C ontrolled ESelf-pacednvironments (PRINCE2) project management methodology. While traditionally, Better Business Cases Practitioner (with Foundation) self-paced onlinePRINCE2 has a focus on top-down strategy and decision-making, PRINCE2 Agile modifies this framework with Agile practices to improve responsiveness, autonomy and flexibility.£1,199 +vat
While these two styles of management seem incompatible at first, PRINCE2 has always emphasized flexibility and scalability, key features also present in Agile frameworks.
PRINCE2 Agile seamlessly combines the PRINCE2 framework with compatible Agile practices, allowing for both control and flexibility.Self-paced
Important to note however, is that while Better Business Cases Foundation self-paced onlinePRINCE2 Agile Foundation certification has no prerequisites, a £699 +vatPRINCE2 Agile FoundationBenefits of using the Five Case Model course does not provide as comprehensive an overview of either
Real-world examples of the Five Case ModelprojectsThe 5 Case Model has been successfully applied in a variety of industries and business situations to analyse and solve complex problems. Here are a few real-world examples:. Unlike other, more general, qualifications such as the PMI-ACPHealthcare®
References
[1] https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/thought-leadership/pulse/pulse-of-the-profession-2017.pdf
[2] https://i.forbesimg.com/forbesinsights/pmi/achieving_greater_agility.pdf
[3] https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/nl/pdf/2017/advisory/agile-project-delivery-survey.pdfPRINCE2 vs the PMBOK
[4] https://www.liquidplanner.com/blog/stats-2017-project-management-manufacturing-report/®
[5] https://www.deltamatrix.com/why-is-agile-time-to-market-ttm-felivery-50-faster/ Guide: A comparison
