Guide to passing the PMI-ACP Exam: Study Notes

Published on 21 December 2023 at 15:32

Are you ready to take your Agile career to the next level? Becoming a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is an excellent way to validate your expertise in Agile methodologies and demonstrate your commitment to professional development in the field of project management. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam and succeed with flying colors. A list of topics you should know can be downloaded below.

Understanding the PMI-ACP Exam

The PMI-ACP exam is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of Agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques. It covers a wide range of topics related to Agile project management, including Agile framework and methodologies, Agile tools and techniques, Agile estimation and planning, Agile team dynamics, and more.

Exam Sections and Structure

The PMI-ACP exam consists of multiple-choice questions distributed across various domains. Here's an overview of the exam structure:

Agile Principles and Mindset: This section covers the fundamental principles and values of Agile, as well as the Agile mindset. It includes questions related to Agile Manifesto, Agile principles, and core Agile concepts.
Value-Driven Delivery: This section focuses on delivering value to customers through Agile practices. It includes questions on prioritization, stakeholder engagement, customer feedback, and incremental delivery.
Stakeholder Engagement: This section examines your ability to engage with stakeholders effectively in Agile projects. It includes questions on communication strategies, collaboration techniques, and stakeholder management.
Team Performance: This section assesses your understanding of Agile team dynamics and performance optimization. It includes questions on team roles and responsibilities, team building, motivation, and conflict resolution.
Adaptive Planning: This section covers Agile planning practices, including iterative planning, incremental delivery, and adaptive approaches to project planning. It includes questions on estimation techniques, release planning, and risk management.
Problem Detection and Resolution: This section focuses on identifying and addressing issues and impediments in Agile projects. It includes questions on problem-solving techniques, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis.
Continuous Improvement: This section examines your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in Agile projects. It includes questions on Agile retrospectives, process improvement, and knowledge sharing.

Exam Details

Total Number of Questions: The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions.
Time Allowed: Candidates have three hours to complete the exam.
Passing Grade: To pass the PMI-ACP exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 65%.

Preparing for Success

Preparing for the PMI-ACP exam requires a comprehensive study plan and dedication to mastering Agile principles and practices. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

Understand the Exam Content: Review the PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline provided by PMI to familiarize yourself with the topics and domains covered in the exam. Agile Certified Practitioner Exam Outline | PMI
Study Agile Frameworks and Methodologies: Gain a solid understanding of popular Agile frameworks and methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP.
Practice Agile Tools and Techniques: Familiarize yourself with Agile tools and techniques used in project management, such as user stories, burndown charts, Kanban boards, and retrospectives.
Take Practice Exams: Practice answering sample questions and taking simulated exams to assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement.
Join Study Groups: Participate in study groups or forums where you can collaborate with other aspiring PMI-ACP candidates, share study resources, and exchange insights.
Stay Updated: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in Agile project management by reading books, blogs, and articles written by industry experts.
Review Your Weak Areas: Focus your study efforts on areas where you feel less confident or have lower scores in practice exams.

By following these tips and dedicating sufficient time and effort to your exam preparation, you'll be well-equipped to ace the PMI-ACP exam and embark on a rewarding journey as a certified Agile practitioner.

Conclusion

The PMI-ACP certification is a valuable credential that can open doors to exciting career opportunities in Agile project management. With thorough preparation and a solid understanding of Agile principles and practices, you can confidently tackle the PMI-ACP exam and take your career to new heights. Start your preparation journey today and embark on the path to becoming a certified Agile professional!

The following is a list of items that I compiled while studying for the PMI-ACP. You may find the list helpful in studying for your PMI-ACP certification exam. I passed my certification exam on the first try.

I recommend taking as many practice exams as possible before taking the exam. Udemy.com has plenty of practice exams for reasonable prices. I also took the following course on Udemy.com.

Course: PMI-ACP Certification Exam Prep 21 PDU Course. FULL TRAINING | Udemy

Course: Practice the PMI ACP Exam: As per ACP exam content outline | Udemy

Course: PMI-ACP Practice Exams | Udemy

There are other practice exams on Udemy.com.