Agile methodology has become increasingly popular over the years, and with good reason. Agile emphasises flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This approach has revolutionised project management, software development, and other business areas. 

Agile is not just a buzzword but a methodology implemented across industries and companies, big and small.

Agile Certifications have gained tremendous importance as they validate your knowledge and understanding of Agile principles, techniques, and frameworks. They demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and expertise to implement Agile practices effectively. 

This article will discuss six popular Agile Certifications in 2023, listed below.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is one of the most popular Agile certifications. It validates your knowledge of Scrum principles and practices. To become a CSM, you must attend a two-day training course conducted by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). After completing the course, you must pass an online exam.

The CSM certification is ideal for those new to Agile and Scrum or those who want to enhance their knowledge of Scrum. The CSM certification is recognised globally and offered by the Scrum Alliance, a nonprofit organisation that promotes Agile practices and provides certification programs.

Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

Professional Scrum Master (PSM) is another popular Agile certification focusing on Scrum. The PSM certification is offered by Scrum.org, a global organisation that provides training, certification, and resources for Agile practitioners.

The PSM certification is available in three levels: I, II, and III. PSM I is an entry-level certification that validates your knowledge of Scrum principles and practices. PSM II and PSM III are advanced-level certifications focusing on advanced Scrum techniques, such as scaling Scrum, coaching, and leadership.

To become a PSM, you must pass an online exam that tests your knowledge of Scrum. The PSM certification is recognised globally and is ideal for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in Scrum.

Certified Agile Leadership (CAL)

Certified Agile Leadership (CAL) is a certification that focuses on Agile leadership. Agile leadership is about creating an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. The Scrum Alliance offers the CAL certification designed for leaders who want to enhance their Agile leadership skills.

The CAL certification is recognised globally and is ideal for leaders who want to create an Agile culture within their organisation. To become a CAL, you must attend a two-day training course that covers Agile leadership principles and practices. After completing the course, you must pass an online exam to receive your certification.

SAFe 5.0 Certification

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is famous for scaling Agile practices across large organisations. Scaled Agile, Inc. offers the SAFe 5.0 Certification, a global organisation providing training, certification, and resources for Agile practitioners.

The SAFe 5.0 Certification is available in four levels: SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe Practitioner (SP), SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM), and SAFe Scrum Master (SSM). The SA certification is an entry-level certification that validates your knowledge of SAFe principles and practices. The SP certification focuses on Agile team practices, and the POPM certification focuses on product management in an Agile environment. The SSM certification focuses on Scrum in a SAFe environment.

To become a SAFe-certified professional, you must pass an online exam that tests your knowledge of SAFe principles and practices. The SAFe 5.0 Certification is recognised globally and is ideal for those who want to scale Agile practices across their organisation.

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a globally recognised organisation that provides training, certification, and resources for project management professionals. The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification validates your knowledge of Agile principles and practices.

To become a PMI-ACP certified professional, you must have at least 2,000 hours of project management experience and 1,500 hours of experience working on Agile projects or with Agile methodologies. You must also have completed at least 21 hours of Agile training.

After meeting these requirements, you must pass an online exam that tests your knowledge of Agile principles and practices. The PMI-ACP certification is recognised globally and is ideal for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in Agile project management.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that combines Lean and Six Sigma principles and practices. Lean focuses on eliminating waste, while Six Sigma focuses on reducing defects and improving quality. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is ideal for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in Lean Six Sigma.

To become a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt professional, you must complete a training program covering Lean Six Sigma principles and practices. You must also pass an online exam that tests your knowledge of Lean Six Sigma.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is recognised globally and is ideal for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in process improvement.

Agile methodology has become increasingly popular over the years, and Agile certifications have gained tremendous importance as they validate your knowledge and understanding of Agile principles, techniques, and frameworks. In this article, we discussed six popular Agile certifications in 2023.

Each certification has its requirements, benefits, and recognition. Therefore, it is essential to understand your career goals and choose the certificate that aligns with your aspirations. 

With an Agile certification, you can enhance your knowledge and skills in Agile and demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and expertise to implement Agile practices effectively.

6 Popular Agile Certifications in 2023: FAQs

What is Agile methodology?

Agile methodology is a project management approach that emphasises flexibility, collaboration, and rapid iteration. It involves breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable chunks called sprints and using a framework like Scrum or Kanban to manage the project.

Why are Agile certifications necessary?

Agile certifications are necessary because they demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills required to implement Agile practices effectively. They are recognised globally and can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

What is the difference between CSM and PSM?

CSM and PSM are certifications for Scrum Masters, but different organisations offer them. CSM is provided by the Scrum Alliance, while Scrum.org offers PSM. The main difference is that CSM requires you to attend a two-day training course, while PSM only requires you to pass an online exam.

What is the difference between SAFe and Scrum?

SAFe and Scrum are both Agile frameworks, but they are designed for different purposes. Scrum is primarily used for managing small, self-organising teams, while SAFe is designed to scale Agile practices across large organisations.

Can I get an Agile certification without any prior experience?

Most Agile certifications require prior experience in Agile practices or project management. However, some entry-level certifications like Certified Agile Essentials (CAE) do not have any experience requirements.