Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Best agile project manager certifications
The best certifications for an agile project manager are Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).
Agile project manager certifications demonstrate your competency as an agile project manager to employers. However, not all agile project manager certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best agile project manager certifications. Obtaining an agile project manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for agile project managers
| Rank | Agile project manager certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 2 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
| 3 | Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 4 | Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 5 | Master Project Manager (MPM) | AAPM |
| 6 | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) | PMI |
6 best agile project manager certifications
1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
Certified Scrum Product Owner professionals have been taught the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that enable them to fulfill the role of Product Owner on a Scrum team. CSPOs are typically the individuals who are closest to the "business side" of the project. They are charged by the organization to "get the product out" and are expected to do the best possible job of satisfying all the stakeholders. CSPOs maintain the product backlog and ensure that everyone knows the priorities.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)
Certified Scrum Professionals have demonstrated experience, documented training, and proven knowledge in the art of Scrum. CSPs challenge their Scrum teams to improve the way Scrum and other Agile methods are implemented for every project.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
The PMI-ACP recognizes knowledge of agile principles, practices and tools and techniques across agile methodologies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for an agile project manager?
The best agile project manager certification is Certified Scrum Master (CSM). The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is awarded by the Scrum Alliance. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this agile project manager certification:
- To become a certified Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for agile project managers?
The most in-demand agile project manager certification is Certified Scrum Master based on all active job postings. Having this agile project manager certification will give you access to more agile project manager jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an agile project manager career and salary?
The Certified Scrum Master certification will help you to secure an scrum master position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An scrum master's average salary is $90,264 whereas agile project managers make an average salary of $99,959.
The most common combination of agile project manager certifications include: Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).
Online courses for agile project managers to earn certifications
1. Agile Crash Course: Agile Project Management; Agile Delivery
Agile Project Management Basics (Scrum) & Agile Project Management Essentials (Scrum). Plus Agile Certification (Scrum)...
2. Jira Crash Course: Agile Project Management;Bonus Confluence
Learn Jira Software and the Agile Framework including Scrum/Kanban - Bonus Confluence and Basecamp...
3. The Agile Methodology for Project Risk Managers
The Agile Project Management and Risk Management for Project Professionals Full Course...
4. Agile Project Management Certification Prep+Agile Scrum+Jira
Overview of Agile project management+Online Agile Certification+Agile crash course in Jira agile project management tool...
5. Mastering Agile Scrum Project Management
Review and master agile development & scrum methodologies for your career...
6. Agile Project Management Bootcamp: Agile Project Management
This Agile Project Management Bootcamp course will allow you to learn the Agile Way! Agile Project Management (Scrum)...
7. Jira Agile Project Management for Beginners-Bonus Confluence
Jira Agile Project Management including Scrum/Kanban:Bonus Confluence! Learn Agile and Jira Agile Project Management...
8. Product Management Certification+Agile Product Owner+Scrum
Overview of Agile product management+Online Certification PSPO I Certification Tips for Scrum Product Owner+User Stories...
9. Product Management+Agile Requirements using Product Backlog
Learn to manage requirements as professional scrum product owner using user stories ( Business Analysis ,Scrum Master)...
10. Agile Project Management: Agile, Scrum, Kanban & XP
Everything you need to know to get started with Agile Project Management, Scrum, Kanban & XP...
11. Introduction Agile & Scrum for Product Owners
[UNOFFICIAL] Learn about agility & Scrum. Prepare for your Project Manager or Product Owner certification in 2023!...
12. Product Design Management for Agile Practitioners
Application of product design management principles, concepts, tools and techniques in agile product management...
13. Agile and Scrum Course for Scrum Master and Product Owner
Complete Agile and Scrum Course with Expert Advice: Practice Agile and Scrum for Product Owner and Scrum Master...
14. Introduction to Agile: Scrum and Kanban
Introduction to Agile project management: Lean, Scrum, Kanban. Get familiar with Agile methodologies...
15. The Complete JIRA Agile Project Management Course
Learn how to quickly manage Scrum and Kanban Agile projects using JIRA Software Cloud and more!...
16. Agile Metrics for Agile Project Management
Learn about Agile Metrics that matter for successful project management...
17. Comparing Agile vs Waterfall Project Management
Which Project Management method is best between Agile and Waterfall?...
18. Agile Project Management Fundamentals: Scrum, OKR and Kanban
Learn everything about agile project management using Scrum, Kanban and OKR for modern agile work processes...
19. Agile Scrum for Beginners + Scrum Master Certification
Agile and Scrum Crash Course for Beginners - Pass the Scrum Master Certification PSM 1 - Master Agile Project Management...
20. Agile Project Management
Agile management crash course Everything you need to start an Agile project...