Introduction

The Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in Agile methodologies, project management, and leadership in Agile environments. This 5-day intensive training course covers key Agile practices, principles, and tools used to successfully manage projects in dynamic environments. Participants will learn how to implement Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP (Extreme Programming), and develop the skills necessary to lead Agile teams and organizations. The course prepares participants for the ACP exam and provides practical knowledge for Agile project management.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will:

1. Gain a deep understanding of Agile principles and methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP.
2. Learn how to apply Agile practices to manage projects effectively in a fast-paced environment.
3. Develop leadership skills to lead and support Agile teams, ensuring collaboration and high performance.
4. Understand Agile tools and techniques, including iteration planning, backlog management, and user stories.
5. Master how to manage stakeholder expectations, create deliverables, and drive continuous improvement.
6. Be fully prepared to take the ACP certification exam and apply Agile practices to real-world projects.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Project managers, team leads, and professionals who want to transition to or strengthen their Agile capabilities.
• Agile team members, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Agile coaches looking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
• Professionals working in project-based environments who are looking to adopt Agile practices and methodologies.
• Individuals preparing for the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification exam.

Day 1: Introduction to Agile and Agile Frameworks

• Session 1: Overview of Agile and the ACP Certification

  • Introduction to Agile methodologies: Key principles and values
  • Benefits of Agile project management and why it’s successful in dynamic environments
  • Overview of the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) exam and eligibility requirements
  • Agile Manifesto and its core values

• Session 2: Agile Frameworks: Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP

  • Scrum framework: Roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner, Development Team), ceremonies, and artifacts
  • Kanban: Principles, workflow management, and visualization of work
  • Lean: Principles, waste reduction, and value stream mapping
  • Extreme Programming (XP): Best practices and techniques for Agile software development
  • When to use each framework and how they complement each other

Day 2: Agile Principles, Practices, and Planning

• Session 3: Agile Principles and Practices

  • Agile principles: Collaboration, flexibility, customer focus, and iterative development
  • Practices for creating high-performing teams: Self-organization, cross-functionality, and accountability
  • Agile planning techniques: Estimation, story points, and planning poker
  • Managing change and uncertainty in Agile environments

• Session 4: Agile Project Planning and Execution

  • Creating a product backlog and prioritizing user stories
  • Writing effective user stories: INVEST criteria (Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, Testable)
  • Sprint planning: Setting goals, determining sprint backlog, and defining success criteria
  • Iteration planning: Timeboxes, sprint cycles, and progress tracking

Day 3: Managing Agile Teams and Stakeholder Communication

• Session 5: Agile Team Dynamics and Leadership

  • Characteristics of high-performing Agile teams
  • Scrum Master role: Facilitating and coaching teams, removing obstacles
  • Agile leadership: Empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and promoting continuous improvement
  • Conflict resolution and fostering a culture of trust and transparency

• Session 6: Managing Stakeholder Expectations

  • Building and managing stakeholder relationships
  • Communicating project progress with stakeholders through Agile reporting (burndown charts, velocity)
  • Managing client and customer feedback during iterations
  • Involving stakeholders in the development process for faster delivery and better product outcomes

Day 4: Agile Tools, Metrics, and Continuous Improvement

• Session 7: Agile Tools and Techniques

  • Tools for Agile project management: JIRA, Trello, Asana, and others
  • Using Agile boards and task boards to visualize work
  • Agile estimation techniques: Planning Poker, T-shirt sizing, and affinity mapping
  • Tracking progress with burndown charts, velocity charts, and cumulative flow diagrams

• Session 8: Agile Metrics and Performance Measurement

  • Key Agile metrics: Lead time, cycle time, and throughput
  • Tracking and improving team velocity
  • Measuring customer satisfaction and delivering value continuously
  • Conducting sprint retrospectives: Identifying opportunities for improvement
  • Continuous improvement through feedback loops

Day 5: Exam Preparation and Real-World Applications

• Session 9: Applying Agile in Real-World Projects

  • Best practices for implementing Agile in organizations
  • Scaling Agile across large organizations using frameworks like SAFe, LeSS, and Nexus
  • Managing multi-team projects with Agile coordination techniques
  • Case studies: Successful implementation of Agile methodologies in various industries

• Session 10: ACP Exam Review and Preparation

  • Review of key concepts covered throughout the course
  • Practice exam questions and mock tests for ACP exam
  • Tips and strategies for taking the ACP exam: Time management, understanding question formats
  • Final Q&A session: Addressing participant queries and ensuring exam readiness