PMI-ACP
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) validates broad expertise in agile methodologies including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP), and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). It is PMI's dedicated agile credential for experienced practitioners who lead or support agile teams, requiring project management experience and agile project work experience plus 21 contact hours of agile training.
PMI-ACP Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) |
| Governing Body | PMI |
| Number of Questions | 120 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | Not disclosed (proficiency scale) |
| Exam Fee | $435 (PMI members) / $495 (non-members) |
| Category | Professional Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | PMI official website ↗ |
PMI-ACP Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Agile Principles and Mindset | 16% |
| Value-Driven Delivery | 20% |
| Stakeholder Engagement | 17% |
| Team Performance | 16% |
| Adaptive Planning | 12% |
| Problem Detection and Resolution | 10% |
| Continuous Improvement | 9% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the PMI content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Agile Principles & Mindset — Agile Manifesto, 12 principles, agile vs traditional project management
- ✓ Value-Driven Delivery — MVP, backlog prioritization (MoSCoW, value vs risk), release planning
- ✓ Stakeholder Engagement — collaboration techniques, information radiators, stakeholder mapping
- ✓ Team Performance — self-organizing teams, servant leadership, team velocity and capacity
- ✓ Adaptive Planning — iteration planning, story mapping, estimation (Planning Poker, T-shirt sizing)
- ✓ Problem Detection & Resolution — daily standups, retrospectives, impediment removal, burn charts
- ✓ Continuous Improvement — kaizen, retrospective techniques, process metrics
How C3RT Helps You Pass the PMI-ACP
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the PMI-ACP is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real PMI-ACP format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
PMI-ACP Frequently Asked Questions
What does PMI-ACP stand for?
PMI-ACP stands for PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP). It is administered by PMI.
Who administers the PMI-ACP?
The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) (PMI-ACP) is administered by PMI. For official information, visit the PMI website.
How many questions is the PMI-ACP?
The PMI-ACP consists of 120 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the PMI-ACP?
The passing score for the PMI-ACP is Not disclosed (proficiency scale), as set by PMI. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the PMI-ACP exam cost?
The PMI-ACP exam fee is $435 (PMI members) / $495 (non-members). This fee is set by PMI and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
Should I get PMI-ACP or CSM (Certified ScrumMaster)?
CSM (Scrum Alliance) certifies Scrum specifically and is widely recognized. PMI-ACP covers multiple agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, SAFe) with a higher experience requirement, making it more comprehensive. PMI-ACP is better for practitioners who work across multiple agile frameworks or in large enterprises using hybrid approaches. CSM is better for dedicated Scrum practitioners.
What agile frameworks are tested on PMI-ACP?
PMI-ACP tests Scrum (sprints, ceremonies, roles), Kanban (flow, WIP limits, pull systems), Lean principles (waste elimination, value stream), Extreme Programming/XP (pair programming, TDD, continuous integration), and SAFe concepts (PI Planning, ARTs, portfolio management). The exam tests when each framework is appropriate and how to blend them in hybrid environments.
What are the PMI-ACP experience requirements?
PMI-ACP requires: (1) 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last 5 years (PMP holders are considered to have met this), (2) 1,500 hours of agile project or methodology experience within the last 3 years, and (3) 21 contact hours of agile training. All three must be documented and verified by PMI.
Is PMI-ACP worth getting if I already have PMP?
Yes — PMI-ACP complements PMP well. While PMP now covers agile content, PMI-ACP goes deeper into agile-specific tools and techniques across multiple frameworks. PMP holders satisfy the general project management experience requirement automatically, making PMI-ACP more accessible. For project managers working in agile environments, PMI-ACP demonstrates dedicated agile expertise.
How difficult is the PMI-ACP exam?
The PMI-ACP is considered moderately difficult, requiring knowledge across multiple agile frameworks including Scrum, Kanban, XP, SAFe, and Lean. Because it is framework-agnostic rather than tied to a single methodology, breadth of agile knowledge is essential. Estimated pass rates are in the 65–75% range.
What are the eligibility requirements for the PMI-ACP?
You need a secondary degree (high school or equivalent), 12 months of general project experience on an agile project team within the past five years, and 21 contact hours of agile-specific training. PMI removed the separate non-agile experience requirement in recent years.
How long should I study for the PMI-ACP?
Six to ten weeks of focused preparation is typical. Candidates should study all major agile frameworks and the PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline, using a combination of study guides and practice exams.
What is the career value of the PMI-ACP?
The PMI-ACP is valued by organizations adopting or scaling agile practices and is recognized globally. PMI salary surveys show ACP holders earning competitive salaries in agile coach, scrum master, and product management roles. It pairs well with the PMP for PMs working in hybrid environments.
What is the PMI-ACP retake policy?
You may attempt the PMI-ACP up to three times within your one-year eligibility window. Failing all three requires a one-year wait before reapplying.
How long does PMI-ACP certification last?
The PMI-ACP is valid for three years. Maintaining it requires earning 30 PDUs in agile topics per three-year cycle.
How does the PMI-ACP compare to the CSM (Certified ScrumMaster)?
The CSM (offered by Scrum Alliance) focuses specifically on the Scrum framework and is widely used for Scrum Masters and team-level roles. The PMI-ACP covers a much broader range of agile methodologies and is more oriented toward practitioners and project managers working across multiple frameworks. The CSM is often faster to obtain; the ACP demonstrates broader agile knowledge.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) (PMI-ACP), a Professional Certifications certification, administered by PMI. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by PMI. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the PMI official website ↗ .