Agile certification is a credential that validates an individuals knowledge and skills in Agile frameworks and practices. It demonstrates that the individual has successfully completed a rigorous Agile training program and passed an exam that tests their understanding of Agile concepts and ability to apply them to real-world projects. Agile certifications can level up ones career in project management and signal to employers that they have taken the time to study and earn a credential. There are several Agile certifications available, including broad ones that cover the Agile philosophy as a whole, certifications specific to Scrum (the most common Agile methodology), and a certification for scaling Agile in organizations. Some of the most popular Agile certifications include:

• PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): This certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is aimed at individuals who lead or participate in Agile project teams and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Agile frameworks and practices.

• ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP): This is the International Consortium for Agiles (ICAgile) broadest certification offering, which focuses on Agile concepts and principles without targeting any specific methodology like Scrum or XP. It serves as a gateway to other certifications administered by the organization.

• AgilePM Foundation: This certification is administered by APMG International and is designed for current project managers, Agile team members who want to become Agile project managers, and those who want to go on to get the AgilePM Practitioner certification. It tests ones knowledge of the broad philosophies and principles of Agile, as well as more specific techniques, roles, and responsibilities with an Agile project.

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM): This certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance and is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Scrum, the most common Agile methodology. It is designed for Scrum Masters, project managers, product owners, and team members who want to learn how to use Scrum to manage projects.

Agile certifications can help employees gain the skills necessary for higher-level roles and often equate to higher salaries. However, it is important to note that Agile is only one approach to project management, and there are several other types of project management.