we are here to discuss the differences between PMP and ACP Certification. Since the students get confused about which certification they should choose, I am here to tell you the 5 most important differences between PMP and ACP Certification, which will make it easy for you to decide which certification you should choose.
PMP (Project Management Professional) and ACP (Agile Certified Practitioners) are two certifications offered by PMI in two distinct areas: PMP is more oriented toward traditional project management with a larger horizon, whereas ACP is more oriented toward agile project management. Even though these are two distinct dimensions, aspirants are unsure which to choose.
When an aspirant asks which one to take, he or she is attempting to prioritize which one should be taken first. The reason I say this is very simple: combining both certifications works extremely well and completes the cycle of traditional and agile knowledge. Both should be done in the long run, so the question should be which one to do first.
Table of Contents
1 – Aspirations for the Future
Future aspirations and career goals are important motivators for any certification. For example, if a team leader wants to become a Project Manager in the future, he should get certified. Similarly, a developer wishes to advance to the role of scrum master.
It is critical to determine whether you want to be a Project Manager or an Agile practitioner. The Differences between PMP and ACP certification will make sense based on that first preference.
It does not imply that a Project Manager cannot use agile or vice versa; both are superior, but preference should be evaluated based on aspiration.
2 – Current Organizational Requirements
The current organization is always the first choice for anyone looking to grow because you already have a good track record to show and know people who have seen your work. Organizations, too, have requirements.
If your organization needs qualified project managers, PMP should be chosen because it provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to manage a project from start to finish.
However, if your organization has an agile environment and roles such as managers are either absent or being reduced, ACP should be chosen so that you can advance in the agile practitioner’s track.
3 – Horizons of Knowledge
PMP has a broader knowledge base because it covers all aspects of project management, whereas ACP focuses solely on agile. In a nutshell, ACP is a subset of PMP that discusses agile details.
Individual interest in these knowledge horizons will aid in selecting one over the other. It’s important to remember that if you do what you enjoy, you’ll be more efficient.
4 – Mindset Shifts
Traditional project management and agile methods of working require a shift in mindset from managing to leading/coaching. From command to self-organization.
Choosing the differences between PMP and ACP Certification will undoubtedly be influenced by the mindset of the organization you work for or want to work for, the customer, and yourself.
Few people believe that work cannot be completed without a central controlling body, whereas another group believes that when individuals are given more responsibility and accountability, they perform better.
Before deciding on a career path, one should examine his thought process toward one of these and make an informed decision.
5 – Market Trends
If the type of technical work you do requires quick changes from your customers and requires you to be flexible, knowing agile will benefit you more than a traditional way of working where change is difficult to accommodate.
Traditional methods of working will suffice if your project is of the type where the market is more or less stable and customer requirements are more or less defined. In that case, choosing PMP will assist you in preparing for your future growth.
Fulfillment of Eligibility
Both certifications, according to PMI, have different eligibility criteria, namely
PMP
- The candidate must have a total of 4500 hours of unique experience (in the case of a Bachelor’s/Equivalent University Degree) or 7500 hours (in the case of a High School Diploma/Equivalent Secondary School).
- The candidate must have 35 hours of education from a R.E.P (PMI® Registered Education Provider).
ACP
- 2,000 hours of general project teamwork experience This requirement can be met with a current PMP® or PgMP®, but it is not required to apply for the PMI-ACP.
- 1,500 hours spent on agile project teams or using agile methodologies This is in addition to the 2,000 hours of the general project experience requirement.
- Training in agile practices for 21 contact hours.
If you have not previously worked on agile projects, ACP cannot be targeted at this time and you may need to do PMP first. Similarly, if you have little project management experience and do not meet the eligibility requirements for PMP, you should pursue ACP.
Conclusion differences between PMP and ACP Certification
Several differences between PMP and ACP Certification will determine whether you should pursue PMP or ACP Certification.
The ideal practice is to aim for both so that the benefit can be maximized; however, prioritizing between the two above dimensions will help. The return on investment in certification will be realized only if all aspects are considered and all of that will be cleared in PMP and PMI ACP boot camps on Eduhubspot.
There is no point in pursuing a certification that is either not of interest to you or is irrelevant in light of various factors. The emphasis should be on obtaining conclusive thoughts on the best for the self-certificate.
