Agile Project Management Foundation: AgilePM^®

Introduction

The Agile Project Management foundation qualification is a must-have certification for professionals seeking to deliver successful agile projects. Designed to provide a robust understanding of the core principles and practices of Agile project management, this 3-day course equips participants with the tools to drive value, foster collaboration, and manage uncertainty in dynamic environments. With IPSO FACTO, you’ll gain expert-led training tailored to your learning needs, ensuring you are fully prepared to achieve your AgilePM Foundation certification.

Course Structure and Content

Day 1: Introduction to Scrum

Overview of Scrum methodology and its application within AgilePM. The fundamentals of Agile brought to life by Scrum. If you’ve previously completed a 1 day Scrum essentials course with APMG™ you do not have to join day 1 of this course. However, you will be tested on Scrum essentials as part of the foundation exam.

Days 2 & 3: Core principles that form the foundation of AgilePM

• Roles and responsibilities: Understand key project roles, including the project manager, business sponsor, and team members.
• MoSCoW Prioritization: Master the technique of prioritizing requirements effectively.
• Timeboxing: Discover the importance of iterative development and time management.
• Agile planning and control: Gain insights into adaptive planning, risk management, and progress tracking.
• Communication and collaboration: Explore strategies to foster effective stakeholder engagement and team collaboration.
• Practical application: Engage in case studies and simulation exercises to cement your learning.

Who should attend?

• Project managers: Transitioning from traditional PRINCE2 waterfall project management to an agile methodology.
• Scrum practitioners: Enhancing their skill sets with an AgilePM framework.
• Business leaders and executives: Looking to implement agile methodologies across their teams.
• Professionals in VUCA environments: Seeking a structured yet flexible approach to project management at foundation level.

Benefits of Agile project management foundation certification

• Enhanced career prospects: Gain a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates your expertise in Agile project management.
• Improved project outcomes: Apply structured Agile methodologies to deliver projects that meet business goals efficiently.
• Adaptability: Learn to thrive in environments characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA).
• Scalable framework: Use AgilePM to manage projects of varying sizes and complexities.
• Incorporates Scrum: Combine AgilePM and Scrum practices to maximize project success.

Why choose IPSO FACTO for Agile project management training?

• Experienced trainers: Our courses are delivered by certified professionals with extensive industry expertise.
• Interactive learning: Engage in hands-on exercises, case studies, and group discussions to enhance understanding.
• Flexible delivery: Participate from anywhere with our online training sessions via Microsoft Teams.
• Exceptional support: Enjoy continuous support from our team throughout your learning journey and exam preparation.
• Proven success: Our delegates consistently achieve high pass rates and report improved career outcomes.

Foundation exam

• 50 simple, multiple choice questions
• 40 minutes exam time
• Closed book
• Pass mark: 60% (30 out of 50)
• Sample paper available

Practitioner exam

• Objective testing exam format
• 60 questions per paper
• 4 main questions consisting of 15 sub questions
• Scenario and additional information
• Scenario based on the case study used during the course and is the same across all exam papers.
• All additional information has been moved into either the scenario or the relevant sub question stem.
• Duration 2 hours
• Open book – official guide
• Pass mark 50% (30 marks out of 60)
• Pre-requisites – AgilePM Foundation
• Sample paper provided

Agile Project Management foundation training options

• Agile Classroom public/open scheduled courses
• Agile In-house training where we come to you
• Agile Online learning and Agile distance learning

What’s included

• Enhanced course materials and exercises including a customizable course workbook
• Official AgilePM eReference guide
• Agile project management foundation exam fee
• APMG™ digital badge and certificate on successful completion

Enroll today

Set yourself apart in the competitive job market with the Agile project management foundation certification. IPSO FACTO’s expert-led training ensures you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in Agile project management. Join our 3-day course and take the first step toward agile excellence. Enroll now to transform your career potential!

Questions about Agile Project Management

1. Should you sit the AgilePM practitioner exam or is AgilePM foundation sufficient?

Whether to pursue the AgilePM practitioner exam after completing the foundation level depends on your career goals, the roles you aspire to, and your current responsibilities. Here are key considerations to help you decide:

When AgilePM foundation is sufficient:

• Entry-Level Roles: If you are just beginning your career in Agile Project Management or transitioning to an agile environment, the foundation qualification provides a robust understanding of AgilePM principles, methodologies, and tools. It demonstrates your ability to contribute effectively as part of an agile project team.
• Limited use of AgilePM practices: If your role focuses more on supporting projects rather than leading them, or if your organization uses only basic AgilePM frameworks, the Foundation certification may suffice.
• Testing the water: If you’re exploring AgilePM as a stepping stone or assessing its applicability to your work, the foundation level is a great starting point.

When to consider the AgilePM practitioner exam:

• Leadership and management roles: If you aim to take on roles such as Agile project manager, program manager, or team lead, the practitioner qualification equips you with the skills to apply AgilePM principles to real-world scenarios, lead teams, and adapt methodologies to complex projects.
• Comprehensive expertise: Practitioner certification validates not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply AgilePM concepts practically. It’s essential for managing challenging projects or leading change initiatives.
• Organizational expectations: If your organization or clients prioritize advanced AgilePM capabilities or require you to manage full project lifecycles, practitioner certification ensures you meet these expectations.
• Career Advancement: Practitioner-level qualifications are often viewed as a mark of mastery and can set you apart in competitive job markets, particularly in leadership and consultancy roles.

Decision-Making Tips:

• Assess your goals: Identify the skills and qualifications needed for your desired career trajectory.
• Consult your organization: Check if your employer or industry prioritizes practitioner-level certification.
• Consider future prospects: If you plan to expand your role in agile environments or move into leadership, the practitioner certification is highly recommended.

In summary, the AgilePM foundation certification is an excellent starting point for understanding AgilePM. However, pursuing the practitioner exam positions you as a skilled practitioner capable of managing complex, agile-driven projects and leading teams effectively.

2. How do you determine if a waterfall or agile approach is most suitable for a specific project?

Determining whether a waterfall or agile approach suits your project depends on its complexity, flexibility, and requirements. Choose waterfall (PRINCE2) for projects with clearly defined, unchanging requirements, a sequential process, and a fixed timeline, such as construction or compliance-focused initiatives. Opt for agile when requirements are evolving, stakeholder collaboration is high, and iterative development delivers incremental value, as for example, software or product development. Consider factors like team experience, stakeholder involvement, and project size. Agile is ideal for adaptability and continuous improvement, while waterfall ensures predictability and structure. A hybrid approach may also work if the project has mixed needs.

Link to Acknowledgements

Agile Project Management AgilePM^® is a registered trademark of The APM Group Ltd. All rights reserved. APMG™ APMG is a trade mark of the APM Group Limited. All rights reserved.