Agile is defining how businesses manage projects, particularly those in IT, software development and product delivery. As companies embrace the Agile way of working, certified professionals are increasingly in demand. The good thing is many online Agile certifications do not require any work experience. Here are the 10 top online Agile certifications you can use to advance career prospects, even if you are just starting.
1. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
The British Academy for Training and Development offers a Certified ScrumMaster course, designed to offer attendees professional skills and an effective learning process.
Great for Agile and Scrum Beginners
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is one of the most recognised names in Agile certification for beginners. This learning conducted through Scrum Alliance provides a fundamental understanding of Agile and Scrum practices, roles, and tools. Great for beginners in project management or Agile frameworks.
Train Fully Online with No Experience Required
The certification consists of 2 days of online training and an online exam. There is no need to have any prior knowledge of Scrum to undertake the course, making it easy for anyone to join. The people taking this certification are commonly using it as a gateway into an Agile role, often referring to positions such as Scrum Master or Product Owner.
2. Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Highly Respected and Vendor-Neutral
Another globally respected Agile certification is the PSM I by Scrum.org. Unlike CSM, there are no mandatory trainings; you can self-study and go straight to the online test.
Designed for Self-Learners
Perfect for highly self-motivated people who would like to assess their Agile knowledge, this is indeed the PSM I, with emphasis on the Scrum framework itself, team roles, events, and even artefacts. No experience is needed, although good preparation is what separates one from passing the exam.
3. AgilePM Foundation
AgilePM Foundation is essentially an entry-level course in Agile certification and focuses on project management using Agile practices. This course is suitable for all those who prefer to deliver a project systematically but want a flexible approach and do not want to touch coding or need to work with IT.
Clear Concepts and Simple Entry
Prior work experience is not a requirement. The online course clearly and practically explains the fundamental aspects of Agile principles, roles, and lifecycle management. Adopted widely beyond the industry of software, like marketing and HR, it is.
4. ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)
The ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP) is an introductory certification under the auspices of the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile). It is designed to introduce and encourage Agile values, principles, and mindset to newcomers in every field.
Flexible Learning Options
This certification is offered online through accredited training partners. It is interactive and practical, focusing on collaborative team roles and agile ways of thinking. It seems most suited for someone who is just beginning to explore Agile before venturing into something more specialised.
5. Certified SAFe® Agilist (SA)
If you want to know how Agile works with different levels of the organisation, you can check out the Certified SAFe Agilist (SA). It is based on SAFe, a practical framework meant for use within large organisations.
For Beginners and Structured
Eligibility is not a prerequisite to take this online course. It teaches about lean-agile principles, team roles, and product management along with scaling agile for the large organisational complexity. Thus, this course is perfect for those intending to settle in larger corporate environments.
6. Agile Scrum Foundation
Agile Scrum Foundation Certification of EXIN covers the idea of Agile by combining its principles along with Scrum practices for a well-rounded introduction to both, hence suitable for such people as team members, managers, or students coming into the Agile world.
Globally Recognised and Online
This certification is taken and tested online, at home. There are no prerequisites, and the materials are clear, structured, and developed for entry-level professionals. The test consists of multiple choices on Scrum roles, ceremonies, and Agile flow projects.
7. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – PMI
Although PMI-ACP is viewed as more of an advanced certification, it can still be attempted if you prep well, even without experience of any formal job setting. It covers several agile methods, such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP.
Self-Learning Path
The online preparatory course will fill any experience gap. While PMI does recommend experience, it is not strictly enforced on the exam application itself. It fits into the plans of ambitious beginners with a long-term career advancement path in Agile.
8. Agile Coach Certification
The competing Agile Coach Certification introduced by Simplilearn under the Skill up logo represents a free beginner's introduction to the fundamentals of Agile coaching. PMI or Scrum.org does not consider it to be an industry certification. However, this course provides a good foundation to step into the coaching roles.
Short, Free, and Fully Online
Great introductory course for people who want to feel the dynamics of Agile teams and coaching. It serves as a low-risk entry point into Agile methodologies, considering it is free and self-paced. It can serve as a resume booster early on.
9. Kanban for Software Development Teams
Kanban is simple yet powerful: it's another approach using visual task boards; it is taught as a beginner course on Coursera by the University of Virginia that introduces Kanban in such an open and easy way.
The online course is free to audit, or you can pay for a certificate, and it is completely online. Previous experience is not required, and those who prefer an agile flow over cumbersome ceremonies are welcome.
10. Introduction to Agile Development and Scrum
This edX course provides a beginner's introduction to Agile development and Scrum practices. It's perfect for non-technical students and professionals.
Easy, Adaptable Learning Model
There are no requirements, and it's self-paced. Although the course doesn't provide a professional certificate unless you pay, it's an excellent way to develop Agile knowledge from an academic perspective before going in-depth.
Benefits of Getting Agile Certified Online
Here are a few benefits of getting agile certified online:
Learn at Your Own Pace: Online Agile certifications are flexible, so you can learn part-time while working or studying. Most platforms provide lifetime access to course material, quizzes, and downloadable content.Affordable Options for All Budgets: There is a vast price range from free introduction courses to top-tier industry-recognised certifications. This allows for easier entry into the Agile sector for anyone, regardless of background.No Industry Experience Needed: All of these certifications are available for anyone. You don't require prior experience working in Agile teams. Instead, you learn through practice, working on exercises, videos, and case studies.How to Choose the Right Agile Certification?
If you wish to be a Scrum Master, CSM or PSM I are excellent choices. If you are targeting corporate Agile positions, consider SAFe or PMI-ACP. For academic or creative career options, opt for Coursera or edX courses.
Scrum Alliance, Scrum.org, or PMI certifications have more influence in the job market. Make sure that the provider of the course is accredited or well-backed in the industry.
Others call for live classes, and there are those which are 100% self-study. Select the one that best fits your learning process and schedule. Several online courses have community forums, job listings, or mentoring available.
Start Your Agile Journey Today
Years of experience aren't required to have a successful Agile career. These online certifications open up Agile for students, career changers, and anyone interested in new project management. From leading a Scrum team to learning Agile fundamentals for your existing role, there's a certification that suits you. Take the first step today and enrol at the British Academy for training and development for your better future Agile role might be just one course away.