What is the best Agile project management certification?An
Key takeawaysbusiness analysis
Choose an Agile qualification that matches your role, experience, and the framework most used in your sector., this qualification should be a goal for every dedicated business analyst!
- Agile skills are in high demand across industries, and certification can help candidates stand out in a growing job market.Enhance your skills with our expert-led courses
- 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.
- PSM I is a strong Scrum credential with a challenging exam and lifetime validity, often valued in IT contexts.
- PMI-ACP targets experienced practitioners and has strict eligibility requirements, but carries strong PMI credibility.Self-paced

Introduction
Agile project managementRelated articles is a highly collaborative approach to project management that uses short, iterative development cycles. The popularity of Agile owes a lot to its ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of business today.
That’s why Agile , originally developed for use in the software development industry has been adopted by a wide variety of industries today, from financial services to transportation.
If you want a competitive edge in the project manager job market, a good place to start is with an certification in Agile . With so many options available however, it can be difficult to find which is best for you.
We’ve created a list of Agile qualifications , so you can easily pick the one most relevant to your industry, role and level of experience.
Why get an Agile project management certification
There has been a marked increase in the use of Agile methodologies in all sectors:Using fishbone diagrams effectively in your projects
- 3 of every 4 businesses report using Agile approaches on a regular basis [1]Simon Buehring.19 Feb 2026
- Forbes reports that of 500 senior executives interviewed, 92% believed Agile practices to be critical to business success [2]Discover how fishbone diagrams can help identify root causes of complex issues. Read on to gain insights and practical tips for using this essential problem-solving tool effectively..
- In a 2017 survey, KPMG reported that 76% of business owners in the EU believe Agile projects will outnumber waterfall, or traditional, projects by 2021 [3] .
Businesses make regular use of Agile methodologies depending on the nature of projects :
- 1 of every 4 manufacturing businesses rely solely on Agile methodologies, while over half use a combination of traditional and Agile practices Uncovering the benefits of PESTLE analysis for informed decision-making[4] .Simon Buehring
Agile helps foster successful business practices:19 Feb 2026
- 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]Discover the impact of PESTLE analysis on strategic planning. Scroll down to see how this tool can guide your business decisions and enhance your competitive edge..
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.
Choosing the right Agile project management certification
There is a wide variety of certifications for Agile 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.
- If you’d like to learn a general-purpose, widely applicable Agile methodology, an Ultimate guide to business analysis careersAgile project management certification (Agile PM) will teach you practical Agile tools and methods you can apply to the management of projects right away!Simon Buehring
- 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 Practitioner19 Feb 2026® Explore the various career paths in business analysis, from entry-level to senior roles. Understand salary prospects and job roles by reading further.PMI-ACP qualification.
- If you’d like to become a certified Scrum Master Professional, the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM ® I) from Scrum.org was developed and endorsed by Ken Schwaber, the founder of Scrum himself.
- If you’d like to become a certified Scrum Master Professional, Scrum.org’s Business analyst certification: What it is and how to get certifiedProfessional Scrum Master I (PSM ®Simon Buehring I)30 Apr 2026 is developed and endorsed by Ken Schwaber, the founder of Scrum himself!
- If you’re familiar with, or already make use of, the Discover the essentials of business analyst certification, from leading qualification types to preparation, costs, and career benefits. Start your path to professional recognition and new business analysis opportunities.PRINCE2 method and would like to learn how to adapt this popular framework to better suit Agile practices, a PRINCE2 Agile course is perfect for you!
- If you would like to apply Agile methods on an enterprise level, a SAFe® 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 roleUnlocking potential with SMART goals in goal setting to qualify, some prior knowledge of project management may prove useful, however.
PRINCE2 Agile FoundationSimon Buehring
PRINCE2 Agile19 Feb 2026 is a refinement of the PExplore the power of SMART goals to boost productivity and success. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice and tips. Scroll down to start transforming your goal-setting process today.roject IN C ontrolled E nvironments (PRINCE2) project management methodology. While traditionally, PRINCE2 has a focus on top-down strategy and decision-making, PRINCE2 Agile modifies this framework with Agile practices to improve responsiveness, autonomy and flexibility.
While these two styles of management seem incompatible at first, PRINCE2 has always emphasized flexibility and scalability, key features also present in Agile frameworks.ISEB Business Analysis
PRINCE2 Agile seamlessly combines the PRINCE2 frameworkSimon Buehring with compatible Agile practices, allowing for both control and flexibility.19 Feb 2026
Important to note however, is that while PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certificationLearn about the ISEB Business Analysis, a suite of professional qualifications that enhance BA skills. Scroll down for more information. has no prerequisites, a PRINCE2 Agile Foundation course does not provide as comprehensive an overview of either PRINCE2 or Agile practices as say, a PRINCE2 Foundation course or AgilePM Foundation course.
This course is better suited to those who already have a general understanding of PRINCE2 and Agile and want to learn how to improve the PRINCE2 method with the addition of contemporary Agile practices.Unlock your creative and organisational potential with mind maps
AgilePM Foundation
The APMG Agile PM qualifications equip candidates with the tools and knowledge required to apply the AgilePM method to working Simon Buehringprojects19 Feb 2026. Unlike other, more general, qualifications such as the PMI-ACP ®Explore the potential of mind maps to enhance your creativity and organisational skills. Scroll down to learn practical tips and techniques that you can start using today., the Agile PM course trains you in the use and application of practical project management tools and roles.
AgilePM is based on the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) and has guidance in the form of the AgilePM handbook from the Agile Business Consortium.
AgilePM training cover all vital aspects of DSDM product development including the project lifecycle, development roles, quality assurance, KPI’s and much more!
AgilePM is an iterative approach to product development that focuses on setting short-term goals interspersed with regular assessment points.Techniques for business analysts
There are no prerequisites for an Agile PM FoundationSimon Buehring course.
PSM I19 Feb 2026
Professional Scrum Master I courses are the entry-level Scrum certificationDiscover essential business analysis techniques that enhance project outcomes. Scroll down for a list of top techniques. offered by Scrum.org. Scrum is an Agile development process framework used to manage complex projects in the early 90’s. Developed by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, Schwaber left to create his own Scrum certification in 2001. Although Scrum is not actually an Agile project management method, the qualifications are here because people often seek Scrum qualifications when seeking to enhance their Agile project management skillset.
The Professional Scrum Master course benefits from its foundation in a universal body of knowledge. This makes it much easier to attain successive certifications such as PSM II and III.
While either Scrum certifications, such as those offered by Scrum Alliance, take a broader view, Scrum.org certifications focus almost exclusively on the application of Scrum in complex projects, particularly those in the IT industry.
PSM exams are not as easy to pass as other certifications (requiring a significant 85% to pass), it does have a reputation for producing knowledge and competent practitioners. Furthermore, Scrum.org certifications are valid for life and do not require maintenance, saving you money in the long run.
Intermediate qualifications+44 (0)207 148 5985
Intermediate qualifications are those that require candidates to first attain entry-level certifications or otherwise have stringent prerequisites.
PRINCE2 Agile PractitionerOr chat with us using the link at the bottom of the screen.
To be eligible for a Contact us with questions about the courses on this page, or about which project management certification or training is best for you.PRINCE2 Agile PractitionerFinance FAQs examination, candidates must hold either ContactPRINCE2 FoundationCookies, PrivacyPRINCE2 Agile FoundationTerms, PMICustomer Support® Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)[email protected]®Join Our Team or an equivalent qualification.
PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner courses elaborate on those topics covered by the PRINCE Agile Foundation course.[email protected]
This course explores the practical application of the Copyright © 2005-2026 Knowledge Train Limited. PRINCE2 method Registered in UK: 5566983. to working projects. Registered VAT: GB872413526.
Agile PM Practitioner Knowledge Train
To be eligible for the Agile PM Practitioner examination, candidates are required to have first passed the Agile PM Foundation exam or have an equivalent certification in Agile.®
The AgilePM Practitioner qualification aims to build upon the concepts first taught in the AgilePM Foundation course with a greater emphasis placed on your ability to apply and tailor the method to any given scenario. is a registered trademark of Knowledge Train Limited.
Earning this qualification allows you to demonstrate your competence in DSDM management and your ability to begin work as an 20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN, England, United Kingdom.Agile project manager Knowledge Train are experts in project management, PRINCE2, agile and change management training and certification. Choose from a full range of instructor-led and self-paced to potential employers.project management courses
Upon completion, candidates will be equipped with the confidence and in-depth knowledge necessary to implement the AgilePM framework and manage the daily tasks of a professional project manager., a
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)PRINCE2 course®, or an
The PMI-ACPagile project management course® to boost your career. is PMI’s answer to the growing need for experienced Agile project managers. Whilst not itself an PRINCE2Agile project management certification®, the ACP is PMI’s fastest growing certification with an increasing number of , MSPproject managers® electing to acquire this qualification each year., ITIL
PMI-ACP®®, P3O qualifications recognize practitioners’ ability to work as an ®Agile practitioner, PRINCE2, rather than simply having knowledge of the subject. The ®PMI Agile, RESILIA brand carries weight and credibility owing to the difficulty of its certification exam, guaranteeing that only those who have a good grasp of course material go on to earn their qualifications.®
To be eligible for the PMI-ACP examination, candidates require 2000 hours of project management experience, and 30 contact-hours of training making it mandatory for candidates to first attend a PMI training course provided by select training service providers. It is possible however to earn this experience through other , and the Swirl logo are registered trademarks of the PeopleCert group. Used under licence from PeopleCert. All rights reserved. AgilePMAgile courses® such as a PSM I or Agile PM training course. and AgileBA
Which Agile project management qualification is best for me?®
Below we’re going to give a quick rundown of which are registered trademarks of Agile Business Consortium Limited. All rights reserved. The APMG International AgilePM and Swirl Device logo, APMG International AgileBA and Swirl Device Logo, APMG International Change Management and APMG International Better Business Cases and Swirl Device logo are trademarks of The APM Group Limited, used under permission of The APM Group Limited. All rights reserved. Better Business Cases™ is a trademark of Her Majesty’s Treasury. All rights reserved. DevOps FoundationAgile project management certification® might be best from you based on current experience, industry or role: is a registered mark of the DevOps Institute. “PMI”, “PMBOK
PRINCE2 Agile PractitionerPRINCE2 Agile Foundation or equivalentProject managers, senior suppliers, team managers, change advisors, quality assurance supervisors, project analysts.PRINCE2 Agile is most popular in the UK and EU.®
| Qualification Guide”, “PMP” and “CAPM” are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc. Knowledge Train Scrum Essentials™, Business Learning Library (BLL)™, Business Analysis Learning Library (BALL)™, Agile Learning Library (ALL)™, IT Learning Library (ITLL)™, and Compliance Learning Library (CLL)™ are trademarks of Knowledge Train Limited. All rights reserved. | PrerequisitesKnowledge Train Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of NewDay Cards Ltd for the Newpay finance product provided by NewDay Ltd. NewDay Cards Ltd acts as a credit broker, not a lender. We will introduce you exclusively to Newpay finance products provided by NewDay Limited under this Introducer Appointed Representative arrangement. Finance available from other lenders is not covered by this arrangement. NewDay Ltd and Newday Cards Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (ref nos 690292 and 682417 respectively). | Best suited for? | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCE2 Agile Foundation | None | Project managers, programme managers, team managers, change advisors, quality assurance supervisors, project analysts. | PRINCE2 Agile is most popular in the UK and EU.Search |
| PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner | PRINCE2 Agile Foundation or equivalent | Project managers, programme managers, team managers, change advisors, quality assurance supervisors, project analysts. | PRINCE2 Agile is most popular in the UK and EU. |
| AgilePM Foundation | None | Project managers, programme managers, project team members. | DSDM/AgilePM is recognized and used internationally. |
| AgilePM Practitioner | AgilePM Foundation or equivalentRequest a quote | Project managers, programme managers, systems analysts, portfolio managers, business analysts, solution developers. | DSDM/AgilePM is recognized and used internationally. |
| PSM I | None | Scrum masters, Agile project managers, systems engineer, user researcher. | US and UK. |
| PMI-ACP® | None**Manage Consent | Project managers, portfolio managers, technical supervisors, project analysts. | USTo provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. |
*Certifications in Agile are universally applicable. This list simply illustrates the most notable industries to make use of each respective framework.
**Candidates require 21 hours of project management training to be eligible for the exam. This can be attained through a PMI-ACP ® training course.
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.pdf
[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/The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
