Top 11 Agile Coach Certifications

Certifications for an agile coach are important in the job market because it demonstrates to potential employers that the individual has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to work as an agile coach. Certification also provides a measure of assurance that the individual has been trained in specific areas of agile methodology, such as Scrum or Kanban. Certifications also demonstrate commitment and dedication to professional development, which can be attractive to potential employers. Ultimately, certifications provide evidence of competency and allow employers to easily differentiate between qualified and unqualified candidates.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Agile Coaches and how they can help advance their careers.

What are Agile Coach Certifications?

Agile Coach Certification is a professional credential designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coach and mentor agile teams. The certification is offered by several organizations, including the Scrum Alliance, International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile), and Project Management Institute (PMI).

The benefits of an Agile Coach Certification include developing core competencies in coaching, mentoring, and facilitating agile teams. It also provides recognition from peers, employers, and clients that you have the expertise needed to lead successful agile projects. Additionally, it can provide a platform for further professional development as well as access to resources such as conferences, workshops, books, and other materials related to agile methodology.

By obtaining an Agile Coach Certification, coaches are able to demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and improvement while building credibility within their field. This certification can help open up new opportunities within the industry as well as increase job security. Furthermore, it provides coaches with the tools they need to successfully coach teams on how to use agile methodologies effectively and efficiently.

Pro Tip: When considering an agile coach certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and their requirements. Look for certifications that focus on coaching techniques, best practices, and frameworks that can help you as an agile coach. Additionally, look into the reputation of the certification provider to ensure it is well-respected in the industry.

Related: What does an Agile Coach do?

Top 11 Agile Coach Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Agile Coachs today.

1. Certified Agile Coach (CAC)

Certified Agile Coach (CAC) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in applying agile principles and practices to help organizations achieve their desired outcomes. The CAC designation is awarded by the International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of agile.

The CAC certification requires candidates to complete a two-day training course and pass an exam. The training course covers topics such as agile values, principles, frameworks, and techniques; coaching approaches; team dynamics; change management; and organizational design. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in practice through case studies and role plays.

The cost of the CAC certification varies depending on the provider. Generally, it costs between $1,500 and $2,500 USD for the two-day training course and exam fee.

In order to become a Certified Agile Coach, candidates must first complete the two-day training course and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their CAC certificate from ICAgile within 4-6 weeks.

2. Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

Professional Scrum Master (PSM) is a certification offered by Scrum.org, the official training and certification organization of the Scrum framework. It is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework, as well as their ability to apply it in practice.

The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification is divided into two levels: PSM I and PSM II. The PSM I exam focuses on foundational knowledge of the Scrum framework and its application in practice, while the PSM II exam covers more advanced topics such as servant leadership, facilitation techniques, and organizational change management.

The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification typically takes around 8 hours to complete. This includes both studying for the exams and taking them online. The cost of the PSM I exam is $150 USD and the cost of the PSM II exam is $250 USD.

To obtain a Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification, individuals must first take an online assessment which tests their fundamental knowledge of the Scrum framework. Once they have passed this assessment, they can then register for either or both of the exams mentioned above. After passing both exams with a score of 85% or higher, individuals will receive their Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification from Scrum.org.

3. Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)

Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) is a certification offered by the Scrum Alliance to professionals who have demonstrated a high level of understanding and expertise in the Scrum framework. The CSP certification is designed to recognize experienced practitioners who have achieved a deep understanding of Scrum and its applications.

To become a Certified Scrum Professional, an individual must:

1. Have at least two years of experience working with Scrum as either a Product Owner, ScrumMaster, or Developer;

2. Attend an approved two-day CSP training course;

3. Pass the CSP exam; and

4. Agree to uphold the values and ethics of the Scrum Alliance Code of Conduct.

The CSP training course typically takes two days to complete and can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 depending on the provider. After completing the training course, individuals must pass an online exam which consists of 60 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their CSP certification from the Scrum Alliance.

4. Certified Scrum Trainer (CST)

Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) is a certification program for individuals who want to teach and promote the Scrum framework. This certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, which is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and educating people on the Scrum framework.

The CST certification requires candidates to have a deep understanding of the principles and practices of Scrum, as well as experience in teaching it. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate and train others in using Scrum.

In order to become a Certified Scrum Trainer, candidates must first complete a two-day training program. The cost of this program varies depending on the location, but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD. After completing the training program, candidates must pass an assessment given by the Scrum Alliance. The assessment consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Once a candidate has passed the assessment, they will be eligible for CST certification. The cost of becoming certified is $1,500 USD for members of the Scrum Alliance or $2,000 USD for non-members. Upon successful completion of all requirements, candidates will receive their CST certificate from the Scrum Alliance and be officially recognized as Certified Scrum Trainers.

5. Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC)

Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of enterprise coaching. The CEC certification is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved the highest standards of excellence in enterprise coaching, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of business strategy, leadership development, organizational change, and team dynamics.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CEC certification process. During this time, candidates must complete an online application form and submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in enterprise coaching. Candidates must also pass an online exam covering topics such as business strategy, leadership development, organizational change management, and team dynamics.

To get the CEC certification, you must first meet all eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of experience in enterprise coaching or related fields; holding a master’s degree or higher; and passing the CEC exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once you meet these requirements, you will be eligible to apply for the CEC certification.

The cost for obtaining the CEC certification varies depending on where you are located and how quickly you would like to obtain your certificate. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 USD to become certified as an Enterprise Coach.

6. International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile)

International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile) is an international non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and applying agile principles, practices, and values. ICAgile was founded in 2012 by a group of experienced agile practitioners from the software development industry. The organization's mission is to promote the use of agile principles and practices in all areas of business, including software development, project management, product design, customer experience, human resources, and more.

It takes approximately three months to complete the certification process for ICAgile. To get certified, you must first apply for membership on the ICAgile website. Once approved as a member, you can then choose which course or courses you would like to take. After completing the course(s), you will need to pass an exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of ICAgile certification depends on which courses you take and how many exams you need to pass. Generally speaking, individual courses range from $500-$1000 USD per person while full certifications can cost up to $3000 USD per person.

7. Agile Coaching Institute (ACI)

The Agile Coaching Institute (ACI) is a global organization that provides training and certification for agile coaches. It was founded in 2007 by Lyssa Adkins, a leading expert on agile coaching. ACI offers two levels of certification: Professional Scrum Master (PSM) and Professional Agile Coach (PAC).

The PSM certification is designed to help Scrum Masters learn the basics of agile coaching, including how to facilitate conversations, create an environment where teams can be successful, and lead effective retrospectives. The PAC certification is designed for experienced coaches who are looking to deepen their understanding of agile coaching principles and practices.

The PSM certification takes approximately three days to complete while the PAC certification can take up to five days. Both certifications require participants to take an online assessment prior to attending the course. Upon completion of the assessment, participants will receive a certificate from ACI confirming their achievement.

To get certified through ACI, you must first register for one of their courses or workshops. You can find out more information about these courses on their website or by contacting them directly. The cost of the courses varies depending on which one you choose but typically range from $1,500-$2,000 USD per person.

8. Agile Project Management Certification (APMC)

Agile Project Management Certification (APMC) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage agile projects. It is designed to help project managers and other stakeholders understand the principles of agile project management, as well as how to apply them in their own work. The certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is the world's leading professional association for project management.

The APMC certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of training and study, including a two-day workshop, before taking the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a score of at least 70%.

To get certified, individuals must first register with PMI and pay the applicable fee. After registering, they can then take the two-day workshop and complete the required study materials. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their APMC certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether or not you are already a PMI member. For non-members, it costs $495 for registration and $395 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $395 for registration and $295 for the exam fee.

9. SAFe® 4 Agilist Certification

SAFe® 4 Agilist Certification is a professional certification program designed to help organizations and individuals learn the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and apply them in their own context. The SAFe 4 Agilist Certification is offered by Scaled Agile, Inc., the creators of the SAFe framework.

The SAFe 4 Agilist Certification is a two-day course that provides an understanding of how to implement and execute Lean-Agile principles, practices, and values at scale. It covers topics such as Lean-Agile leadership, DevOps, program execution, and scaling Lean and Agile development in the enterprise. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to lead successful Lean-Agile transformations in their organization.

To receive SAFe 4 Agilist certification, candidates must complete both a two-day course and pass an exam with a score of 85% or higher. The cost for the two-day course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD. The exam fee is $250 USD.

In order to become certified as a SAFe 4 Agilist, you must first register for the course online at ScaledAgileAcademy.com or through an authorized training partner. After completing the course and passing the exam you will receive your official SAFe 4 Agilist certification from Scaled Agile Inc., which is valid for two years from date of issue.

10. Disciplined Agile Delivery Practitioner Certification

Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) Practitioner Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have attained a level of competency in the Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) framework. The certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the DAD framework, as well as their ability to apply it in practice.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience working with agile software delivery projects, including direct experience with the DAD framework.

To get the certification, applicants must first register for the exam through the Disciplined Agile website. After registering, applicants will receive an email from Pearson VUE with instructions on how to schedule and take the exam. Once they have completed the exam, they will receive their results within five business days.

The cost for taking the DAD Practitioner Certification Exam is $200 USD.

11. Lean-Agile Leadership Certification

Lean-Agile Leadership Certification is a certification program designed to equip leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead their teams in an agile environment. The program focuses on the principles of Lean, Agile, and DevOps, and provides participants with the tools to create high performing teams that can quickly respond to changing customer needs.

The certification program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and a one-day workshop. The online course covers topics such as Lean Principles, Agile Practices, DevOps Practices, and Agile Leadership. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the online course. The one-day workshop focuses on applying the concepts learned in the online course in a real world setting.

To get certified you must first complete the online course and then attend the one-day workshop. Upon successful completion of both components you will receive your Lean-Agile Leadership Certification.

The cost for the certification program is $1,495 USD which includes access to all materials for both components as well as a certificate upon completion.

Do You Really Need a Agile Coach Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need an Agile Coach Certificate to become an effective Agile coach. However, it can be beneficial to have one if you are looking to add credibility to your credentials.

An Agile Coach Certificate is a credential that demonstrates that you have undergone formal training in the Agile methodology and have a thorough understanding of how it works and how to apply it effectively. It also shows that you are up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry and can provide valuable insights into best practices for successful agile implementations. While having an Agile Coach Certificate is not required for success as an Agile coach, it can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

In addition, having a certificate may make it easier for potential employers or clients to trust you with their projects. It shows them that you have taken the time and effort to learn about Agile principles and techniques, which gives them confidence that they will be working with someone who understands the methodology well enough to help them achieve their desired outcomes.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue an Agile Coach Certificate depends on your specific goals as an agile coach. If gaining additional credibility is important to you, then obtaining a certificate may be worth considering. But if your primary goal is simply becoming an effective agile coach, then there are plenty of other ways—such as attending conferences or taking courses—that can help you achieve that without needing a certificate.

Related: Agile Coach Resume Examples

FAQs About Agile Coach Certifications

1. What is an Agile Coach Certification?

Answer: An Agile Coach Certification is a professional certification which recognizes expertise in the field of agile coaching and provides a credential for coaches to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this area.

2. What are the benefits of becoming an Agile Coach Certified?

Answer: Benefits of becoming an Agile Coach Certified include increased credibility, improved job prospects, access to exclusive resources and networks, greater understanding of the principles and best practices of agile coaching, and recognition from peers and customers for your knowledge and experience.

3. How long does it take to get certified as an Agile Coach?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as an Agile Coach varies depending on the specific certification program you choose, but typically requires at least 12-18 months of study, preparation, and examination.

4. What type of organizations offer Agile Coach Certifications?

Answer: Many organizations offer Agile Coach Certifications including Scrum Alliance, International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile), Project Management Institute (PMI) -Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Program Consultant (SPC), Lean Kanban University (LKU), PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) ,and ICAgile Certified Professional – Coaching & Facilitation (ICP-CFC).

5. How much does it cost to become an Agile Coach Certified?

Answer: The cost to become certified as an Agile coach can vary significantly depending on the certifying organization you choose and whether or not you opt for additional courses or materials that are offered with some certification programs. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2500 USD for a basic certification program with all fees included.