How To Use The PMI-ACP - Qaiglobalinstitute

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How to Use the PMI-ACP Handbook .1About PMI’s Certification Program .2Overview of the PMI-ACP Certification .3About the PMI-ACP Certification .3Timeline of the PMI-ACP Certification Process .4Agile Job Analysis .5PMI-ACP Eligibility Requirements .6PMI-ACP Application & Payment.7How to Complete the Online Application .7How to Record Your Experience on the Application.8How to Record Your Training on the Application .9Application Processing .10PMI-ACP Certification Fees .11How to Submit Payment .12PMI-ACP Refund Policy .13PMI Audit Process .14PMI Audit Process.14Exam Policies & Procedures .15PMI-ACP Exam Information .15PMI-ACP Exam Blueprint .16Examination Administration .17Special Accommodations for the Exam .18Legal Restrictions on Taking the Examination .19Exam Eligibility .20How to Schedule Your Examination .21Inside North America: .22Outside North America: .22Rescheduling/Cancellation Policy for CBT Exams .24Rescheduling/Cancellation Policy for PBT Exams .25Extenuating Circumstances .26No-Show Status .26PMI Examination Security & Confidentiality .27Examination Site Requirements & Instructions .28Examination Report.32Reexamination .33Certification Policies & Procedures .34

Certification Complaints Process .34Certification Appeals Procedure .34Use of Your PMI-ACP Certification .35CCR Program Overview .36PMI Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct .37PMI Certification Application/Renewal Agreement .38

How to Use the PMI-ACP HandbookThis handbook contains information on how you can apply for the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMIACP) certification. It applies to both computer-based and paper-based testing candidates.PMI requires that all certification applicants read the entire handbook. The purpose of this handbook is toprovide you with important information about the policies and procedures for obtaining and maintainingthe PMI-ACP certification.Some features of this handbook allow you to: Find information on each policy or procedure by clicking on a topic in the left navigation bar. Find tips and important information by reading NOTES throughout the handbook. Access the online application system and other information by clicking on links within this handbook.PMI CONTACT INFORMATIONFor general information about the Certification Program, contact theCustomer Care Service Center in your region. Find this information I Customer Care email:customercare@pmi.orgPMI Certification Complaints email:certcomplaints@pmi.orgUse the Online Certification system to apply:https://certification.pmi.orgUse the Online Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) systemfor certification maintenance:https://ccrs.pmi.org/PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Handbook last updated on 1 March 2017. 2011-2017 Project Management Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.Revised: 2016, 2017“PMI”, the PMI logo, “Making project management indispensable for business results”, “PMBOK”, “CAPM”, “Certified Associatein Project Management (CAPM)”, “PMP”, “Project Management Professional (PMP)”, “Project Management Professional”, thePMP logo, “PgMP”, “Program Management Professional (PgMP)”, “PMI-RMP”, “PMI Risk Management Professional (PMIRMP)”, “PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)”, “PMI-SP”, “PMI-ACP”, “PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)”, “PfMP”,“Portfolio Management Professional”, “PMI-PBA” and “PMI Professional in Business Analysis” are registered marks of ProjectManagement Institute, Inc.For a comprehensive list of PMI marks, contact the PMI Legal Department.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.1

About PMI’s Certification ProgramPMI offers a comprehensive certification program for practitioners with different levels of education andexperience. There are currently two certifications and four certifications which are developed and maintainedthrough a vigorous process.The certification program includes: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certificationPMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certificationPMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) certificationPMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) certificationPortfolio Management Professional (PfMP) certificationProgram Management Professional (PgMP) certificationProject Management Professional (PMP) certificationPMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) certificationPMI understands the importance of impartiality in carrying out its certification activities, manages conflictof interest and ensures the objectivity of its certification activities.PMI’s certifications are distinguished by their global development and application, which makes themtransferable across industries and geographic borders. The role and tasks of project professionals around theglobe are researched and documented to define each certification. The strength of PMI’s certifications is thatthey are portable and not tied to any single method, standard, or organization.PMI’s certification program is designed to ensure that all certification holders have demonstrated theircompetence through fair and valid measures. Steps are taken to ensure only the most reliable testingmeasures are used in the assessment of candidates. For example, interviews can be influenced by howdifficult the interviewer tends to be, how well the candidate is performing that day, and even how manyquestions the interviewer asks along the same line of questioning.PMI certifications are also developed by project management practitioners for practitioners. The certificationprogram is driven by the thousands of certification and certification holders who volunteer to spend timeconstructing and refining the exam questions. These volunteers represent the diversity of PMI’s market,coming from every region of the world, industry, job level, and experience level. The exam questions aremonitored through industry-standard statistical procedures, also overseen by volunteers.Finally, PMI’s certification program is supervised by the Certification Governance Council (CGC), a committeeof PMI certification holders who have a board mandate to oversee the program.Candidates are assessed by examining their competence using: Reviewing Education and Experience – A combination of education and/or experience in projectmanagement is required for each certification. For example, the PMP requires both trainingspecifically in project management and experience in the role of a project manager by leading anddirecting project teams, while delivering project results.Testing Competence – The candidate is required to apply project management concepts andexperience to potential on-the-job situations through a series of scenario-based questions.Ongoing Development – Maintenance of a PMI certification requires the accumulation of ongoingprofessional development and education or, in the case of the CAPM certification, re-certification.PMI Certification Department MissionInitiate, establish, evaluate, maintain and administer a professional certificationprogram to promote and support project management practitioners and the profession.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.2

Overview of the PMI-ACP CertificationAbout the PMI-ACP CertificationAgile is a topic of growing importance in project management. The marketplace reflects this importance,as project management practitioners increasingly embrace agile as a technique for managing successfulprojects. The PMI-ACP certification recognizes an individual’s expertise in using agile practices in theirprojects, while demonstrating their increased professional versatility through agile tools and techniques.In addition, the PMI-ACP certification carries a higher level of professional credibility as it requires acombination of agile training, experience working on agile projects, and examination on agile principles,practices, tools, and techniques. This global certification also supports individuals in meeting the needsof organizations that rely on project practitioners to apply a diversity of methods to their projectmanagement.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.3

Overview of the PMI-ACP CertificationTimeline of the PMI-ACP Certification Process5 daysPMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.4

Overview of the PMI-ACP CertificationAgile Job AnalysisPMI conducted a job analysis in the development of the certification in alignment to industry bestpractices. This job analysis determines the level of importance of each of the tasks, tools and techniques,and knowledge and skills required to use agile principles and practices in project management. It is thebasis for the creation of the examination. The examination for the PMI-ACP certification is a vital part ofthe activities leading to earning this certification, thus it is imperative that the examination reflectaccurately the agile practices, tools, and techniques being used by project management practitioners.This certification has been designed to: demonstrate to employers the practitioner’s level of professionalism in agile practices of projectmanagement; and, increase the practitioner’s professional versatility in both project management tools andtechniques.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.5

Overview of the PMI-ACP CertificationPMI-ACP Eligibility RequirementsTo be eligible for the PMI-ACP certification, you must meet the following educational and professionalexperience requirements.EducationalBackgroundSecondarydegree (highschooldiploma,associate’sdegree orglobalequivalent) General ProjectExperience*2,000 hours(12 months)working on projectteamsThis experiencemust have beenearned in the last5 years Agile ProjectExperience1,500 hours(8 months)working on projectteams using agilemethodologies Training in AgilePractices21 contact hoursHours must havebeen earned inagile practicesThis experiencemust have beenearned in the last3 yearsThese hours are inaddition to the2,000 hoursrequired in generalprojectexperience.*Note: for those who hold a PMP and/or PgMP certifications, PMI has already verified you have exceeded the projectexperience requirements. In other words, PMP and/or PgMP certification holders will be accepted as fulfilling the general projectexperience requirements.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.6

PMI-ACP Application & PaymentHow to Complete the Online ApplicationPMI encourages you to use the online certification system to apply for all certifications. A printableversion of the application is available on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Customer Care to submita request.Before you begin, check to make sure you meet the certification eligibility requirements and can recordthe necessary information on the application.Once you start an online application, you cannot cancel it. You can save it unfinished, come back to itlater, and edit any information you already entered. The application will remain open for 90 days duringwhich time PMI will send you an email reminder to complete the application.Please ensure that the application includes your valid, unique email address as this will be the primarymode of communication from PMI throughout the certification process. Although PMI will email youreminders during the process, you have the responsibility to schedule and sit for yourexamination within the one-year eligibility period (See the Exam Eligibility section of this handbookfor more details).NOTE: Electronic communications from PMI may inadvertently be blocked or forwarded to bulkmail folders by some spam filters. Please add customercare@pmi.org to the personal addressbook in your email program to help ensure that you don’t miss important CCR program updatesfrom PMI.Before you submit the application, you will be required to read and agree to the PMI Code of Ethicsand Professional Conduct and the Certification Application/Renewal Agreement, which can be found inthis handbook and on PMI.org.NOTE: Incomplete applications and faxed applications will not be processed or returned.You can also use the online certification system to: View your submitted applicationView your examination eligibility statusDownload PMI audit formsDownload your exam reports with pass/fail statusApply and submit payment to take or retake any PMI examination and/or evaluationSubmit payment for certification renewalDownload receiptsAccess your certification record and update your contact informationView your listing on the Certification RegistryPMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.7

PMI-ACP Application & PaymentHow to Record Your Experience on the ApplicationGeneral Project ExperienceUse the General Project Experience Worksheet in the application to record your general projectexperience. This includes time spent working on project teams regardless of the methodology. Recordeach project you worked on individually.You need a minimum of 2,000 hours (12 months) of unique, non-overlapping experience accrued withinthe last five years. This means that each month you worked on multiple, overlapping projects (projectsthat ran simultaneously) counts as one month toward the total requirement. Using this example below,the time spent working on Project 1 from January–April would count as four months toward the eligibilityrequirement while the time spent working on Project 2 during May–June would count as two monthstoward the eligibility requirement. However, you cannot count the time working on both projects duringFebruary–April twice. Therefore, Project 1 and Project 2 equal six months (January–June) of projectexperience toward your eligibility requirement.Agile Project ExperienceUse the Agile Project Experience Worksheet in the application to record your agile project experience.This includes time spent working on agile teams.Record each project you worked on individually. You need a minimum of 1,500 hours (eight months) ofunique, non-overlapping experience accrued within the last three years. This means that each month youworked on multiple, overlapping projects (projects that ran simultaneously) counts as one month towardthe total requirement (same as noted above).Further, your agile project experience must be unique and separate from your general projectexperience.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.8

PMI-ACP Application & PaymentHow to Record Your Training on the ApplicationRecord at least 21 contact hours of training on agile practices. Agile training can include topics coveringagile philosophy, methodologies, principles and practices.Record all training hours regardless of when they were accrued. The course work must be completedby the time you sit for the examination.NOTE: One hour of classroom instruction equals one contact hour. If you have completed auniversity or college course on project management that met for three hours per week for 15weeks, you would record 45 contact hours. If only a portion of a course dealt with agile practices,only the hours spent on agile practices can be applied toward the total.You can satisfy the training requirements by demonstrating the successful completion of courses,workshops and educational sessions offered by one or more of the following types of providers:A.B.C.D.E.F.PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s)*PMI chapters*Employer/company-sponsored programsTraining companies or consultants (e.g., training schools)Distance-learning companies, including an end-of-course assessmentUniversity/college academic and continuing education programsThe following education does not satisfy the training requirements: PMI chapter meetings*Self-directed learning (e.g., reading books, watching instructional videos or sessionswith coaches or mentors)*If at least one hour of a chapter meeting is spent conducting a learning activity, the hour(s)spent in that activity can be counted towards the training eligibility requirement.NOTE: While you may be able to record applicable classes that counted toward a degree, youcannot record the degree program in its entirety because some classes within the program willnot apply to the requirement.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.9

PMI-ACP Application & PaymentApplication ProcessingPMI strives to process applications in a timely manner. The application processing timeline depends onhow you submit your application—either online using the certification system, or on paper sent by postalmail to PMI. The following table details the application processing timeline.Application Processing TimelineApplication submitted:OnlineProcess time:10 calendar daysNOTE: This processing timeline does not apply if your application has been selected for PMI’saudit process (refer to the PMI Audit Process section in this handbook for more details).PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.10

PMI-ACP Application & PaymentPMI-ACP Certification FeesThe proper fees for payment are determined by your PMI membership status and the examinationdelivery type (computer-based versus paper-based) for your geographic location. Refer to theExamination Administration section in this handbook to see if you qualify for paper-based exam delivery.Otherwise, plan on taking a computer-based exam and submitting the associated fees. Use the followingchart to determine the certification fee.Exam Administration TypePMI Member StatusUS DollarsEurosComputer-based testing (CBT)Computer-based testing (CBTPaper-based testing (PBT)Paper-based testing (PBT)membernonmembermembernonmember 435 495 385 445 365 415 320 370Reexamination CBTReexamination CBTReexamination PBTReexamination PBTmembernonmembermembernonmember 335 395 285 345 280 330 240 290CCR certification renewalCCR certification renewalmembernonmember 60 150USD onlyUSD onlyThe PMI membership rate will apply only if you are a member of PMI in good standing at the time yousubmit payment for the certification. If you apply for membership right before you apply for thecertification, make sure you receive confirmation of your membership before you pay for the certification.If your membership has not been completely processed before you pay for the certification, you will becharged the nonmember rate.If PMI membership is obtained after you submit payment for the certification, PMI will not refund thedifference.Review all the benefits of PMI membership or Join Now!PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.11

PMI-ACP Application & PaymentHow to Submit PaymentOnce your online application has been processed and determined to be complete, PMI will sendelectronic notification to you requesting payment.This requires you to go back into the online certification system to complete the following steps:1. Select your examination delivery method(refer to the Examination Administration section in this handbook for more details)2. Request special accommodations for your examination at no extra cost, if necessary(refer to the Special Accommodations section in this handbook for more details)3. Submit payment(refer to the Certification Fees section of this handbook for more details)You can submit payment of the certification fees in any of the following ways:Payment typeMethod for sending paymentCredit cardOnline certification system or postal mail to PMICheckPostal mail to PMIMoney OrderPostal mail to PMIWire transferContact customercare@pmi.org for detailsIf you submit your application by postal mail, payment is expected to be received with yourapplication.If you submit your application online, you may submit payment by the following ways:1. Online—Use the online certification system to submit credit card payment. This will enable PMI toprocess your payment more quickly.OR2. By Postal Mail—Mail a check, money order, credit card information or wire payment informationto PMI. Include your PMI identification number and user name.NOTE: When certification payment is received, PMI will send electronic notification indicating oneof the following next steps: Examination scheduling instructions to help you schedule your examinationApplication has randomly been selected for PMI’s audit processPMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.12

PMI-ACP Application & PaymentPMI-ACP Refund PolicyTo obtain a refund for the PMIACP certification, you must make a request at least 30 days before theexam eligibility expiration date. A refund of US 200 will be made if you have not yet scheduled ortaken the examination.Also, you can receive a refund of US 200 if you fail to meet audit requirements (refer to the PMI AuditProcess section of this handbook for details on the audit process).PMI will NOT provide you with a refund in the following instances: If your one-year eligibility period has expired and you have not scheduled the exam, you will notreceive a refund. You will forfeit the entire fee. You will not be able to use the initial fees foranything else. If you still wish to obtain the certification, you will have to reapply and submit allassociated fees again. If you have scheduled the exam and did not take it, nor provided the necessarycancellation/rescheduling notification to PMI’s testing administration partner, Prometric, you willnot receive a refund. Again, you will forfeit the fee and not be able to apply it to anything else.NOTE: You can send a request for refund to customercare@pmi.org or by fax to 1 610 482 9971.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.13

PMI Audit ProcessPMI Audit ProcessThe submission of an application indicates your agreement to comply with the terms of the audit process.All applications are subject to an audit, although only a percentage of applications are selected for audit.The selection of an application for audit is random.If your application is selected for an audit, you will be notified by email after payment of the certificationfee is received. The electronic audit notification provides detailed information on how to comply with theterms of the audit.During an audit, you will be asked to submit supporting documentation such as: Copies of your diploma/global equivalentSignatures from your supervisor(s) or manager(s) from the project(s) recorded in the experienceverification section of the applicationCopies of certificates and/or letters of registration, from the training institute(s) for each courserecorded on the application to meet the required contact hours of training in agile practicesPMI provides you with 90 days to submit the requested documentation. If you are able to provide thenecessary documentation to meet the terms and requirements of the audit process, the audit should takeabout five to seven business days to complete.You can send your completed audit forms by regular postal mail or express courier service, to theaddress below. Please send all materials at one time, in one envelope. Sending audit documentsseparately can cause delay in the audit review timeframe.PMIAttn: Certification Audit14 Campus Blvd.Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299 USAYou may not continue with the certification process until you have complied with the audit requirements.Once you successfully complete the audit, your one-year examination eligibility period starts.If you fail to meet the audit requirements, you will receive a refund (refer to the Refund Policy sectionin this handbook for the certification you are pursuing for more details).Incomplete submissions will not be processed and will result in failure of the audit. If you choose notto comply with the audit, it will result in an audit failure and there is a one-year suspension period toapply for that certification again.NOTE: Please be advised that while the selection process for an audit is primarily random,PMI reserves the right to select any candidate to be audited at any time, includingafter the certification has been bestowed. If you fail to meet the audit requirements afterattaining the certification, your certification is revoked and you are not entitled to a refund.PMI-ACP Handbook – revised 1 March 2017 2011-2017 Project Management Institute Inc. All rights reserved.14

Exam Policies & ProceduresPMI-ACP Exam InformationThe PMI-ACP exam is comprised of 120 multiple-choice questions. Of the 120 questions, 20 areconsidered pretest questions. Pretest questions do not affect the score and are used in examinations asan effective and legitimate way to test the validity of future questions. All questions are randomly placedthroughout the exam.No. of Scored QuestionsNo. of Pretest (Unscored)QuestionsTotal ExaminationQuestions10020120Computer-based testing (CBT) is the standard method of administration for PMI examinations. Paperbased testing (PBT) is available under limited circumstances (refer to the Examination Administrationsection in this handbook for more details).The allotted time to complete the computer-based examination is three hours.Allotted Examination Time3 hoursIt may take some candidates less than the allotted three hours to complete the examination.There are no scheduled breaks during the exam, although you are allowed to take a break ifneeded. If you take a break during the exam, your exam clock continues to count down.The examination is preceded by a tutorial and followed by a survey, both of which are optionaland both of which can take up to 15 minutes to complete. The time used to complete the tutorial andsurvey is not included in the examination

projects. The PMI-ACP certification recognizes an individual's expertise in using agile practices in their projects, while demonstrating their increased professional versatility through agile tools and techniques. In addition, the PMI-ACP certification carries a higher level of professional credibility as it requires a