Guide to passing the PMI-ACP Exam: Study Notes

Exam Sections and Structure

The PMI-ACP exam consists of multiple-choice questions distributed across various domains. Here's an overview of the exam structure:

Agile Principles and Mindset (16%):

This section covers the fundamental principles and values of Agile, as well as the Agile mindset. It includes questions related to Agile Manifesto, Agile principles, and core Agile concepts.

Adaptive/situational leadership
Agile Constraints (Scope, Schedule, Cost)
Agile Hierarchy (Epic > Feature > Story > Task)
Agile manifesto and 12 principles
Agile Tailoring
Agile Triangle (Value, Quality, Constraints)
Continuous learning mindset
Definition of Agile frameworks (Scrum, XP, Crystal, FDD, etc.)
Double-loop learning
Empirical vs. Defined processes
Empowerment and trust
Respect for people and culture
Responding to change over following a plan
Servant leadership
Servant leadership traits
Shu-Ha-Ri model
Value-driven delivery

Value-Driven Delivery (20%):

This section focuses on delivering value to customers through Agile practices. It includes questions on prioritization, stakeholder engagement, customer feedback, and incremental delivery.

Acceptance criteria
Agile budgeting and forecasting
Agile chartering
Barely sufficient and just-in-time documentation
Cost of change curve
Customer feedback integration
Definition of Done / Definition of Ready
Dynamic scope contracts
Escaped defects
EVM (limitations in Agile)
Fixed-price increment contracts
Frequent delivery of working product
Increment
Incremental delivery
MoSCoW, Kano, WSJF
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
MVP and fast failure
NPV, IRR, ROI
Prioritization techniques (e.g., MoSCoW, Kano, WSJF)
Risk-adjusted backlog

Stakeholder Engagement (17%):

This section examines your ability to engage with stakeholders effectively in Agile projects. It includes questions on communication strategies, collaboration techniques, and stakeholder management.

Active listening and feedback loops
Agile communication styles (e.g., information radiators)
Collaboration and communication tools
Collaboration games
Communication effectiveness (richness, density)
ESVP technique for retrospectives
Exploratory testing (stakeholder feedback loop)
Fishbowl windows
Personas
Product demos and reviews
Project charters
Stakeholder involvement and satisfaction
Stakeholder meetings
Stakeholder personas
User stories and acceptance criteria
Workshops

Team Performance (16%):

This section assesses your understanding of Agile team dynamics and performance optimization. It includes questions on team roles and responsibilities, team building, motivation, and conflict resolution.

Agile roles and responsibilities
Coaching and mentoring teams
Cockburn success factors
Collective code ownership
Conflict resolution methods (withdraw, accommodate, force, etc.)
Conflict resolution strategies
Cross-functional teams
Emotional intelligence concepts (implied in behavior-focused leadership)
Generalizing specialists (T-shaped skills)
Health checks
I-shaped vs. T-shaped vs. broken comb
Levels of conflict (World War to Disagreement)
Psychological safety and team dynamics
Team norms and ground rules
Team-building strategies
Tuckman’s team development stages
Velocity and capacity management
Working agreements

Adaptive Planning (12%):

This section covers Agile planning practices, including iterative planning, incremental delivery, and adaptive approaches to project planning. It includes questions on estimation techniques, release planning, and risk management.

Affinity estimation
Backlog grooming
Forecasting using historical metrics
Kanban WIP limits as planning constraint
Planning in uncertainty and forecasting models
Planning levels (strategic, release, iteration, daily)
Planning poker
Progressive elaboration
Relative estimation techniques (e.g., Planning Poker, T-shirt sizing)
Release planning and iteration planning
Roadmapping
Rolling wave planning
Story mapping and roadmaps
User stories (INVEST, DEEP)
Velocity, throughput, and cycle time as planning inputs

Problem Detection and Resolution (10%):

This section focuses on identifying and addressing issues and impediments in Agile projects. It includes questions on problem-solving techniques, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis.

Agile metrics (e.g., defect density, lead time, cycle time)
Bottleneck analysis
Cumulative Flow Diagrams (CFDs)
Escalation paths
Issue logs and resolution strategies
Kaizen boards
Lead time vs. cycle time
Process Cycle Efficiency
Red, Green, Refactor (XP testing concept)
Retrospectives and process improvement
Risk registers and identification techniques
Risk-adjusted backlog
Root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone)
Root cause analysis (Fishbone, 5 Whys)Task switching/multitasking awareness

Continuous Improvement (9%): 

This section examines your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in Agile projects. It includes questions on Agile retrospectives, process improvement, and knowledge sharing.

Agile maturity models
Double-loop learning (also in Mindset, but fits here too)
Feedback loops
Innovation and collaboration games
Innovation games and creativity techniques
Inspect and adapt practices
Kaizen and continuous feedback loops
Kanban's six practices
Learning and knowledge sharing (e.g., Communities of Practice)
Lessons learned
Metrics review (trend analysis, burnup/burndown charts)
Metrics-driven improvement
Process tailoring and customization
Retrospectives (Mad/Sad/Glad, Sailboat, Triple Nickel, etc.)
Systems thinking

Exam Details

Total Number of Questions: The PMI-ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions.

Time Allowed: Candidates have three hours to complete the exam.

Passing Grade: To pass the PMI-ACP exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 65%.

Preparing for Success

Preparing for the PMI-ACP exam requires a comprehensive study plan and dedication to mastering Agile principles and practices. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Understand the Exam Content: Review the PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline provided by PMI to familiarize yourself with the topics and domains covered in the exam.   Agile Certified Practitioner Exam Outline | PMI

2. Study Agile Frameworks and Methodologies: Gain a solid understanding of popular Agile frameworks and methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP.

3. Practice Agile Tools and Techniques: Familiarize yourself with Agile tools and techniques used in project management, such as user stories, burndown charts, Kanban boards, and retrospectives.

4. Take Practice Exams: Practice answering sample questions and taking simulated exams to assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement.

5. Join Study Groups: Participate in study groups or forums where you can collaborate with other aspiring PMI-ACP candidates, share study resources, and exchange insights.

6. Stay Updated: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in Agile project management by reading books, blogs, and articles written by industry experts.

7. Review Your Weak Areas: Focus your study efforts on areas where you feel less confident or have lower scores in practice exams.

By following these tips and dedicating sufficient time and effort to your exam preparation, you'll be well-equipped to ace the PMI-ACP exam and embark on a rewarding journey as a certified Agile practitioner.

Conclusion

The PMI-ACP certification is a valuable credential that can open doors to exciting career opportunities in Agile project management. With thorough preparation and a solid understanding of Agile principles and practices, you can confidently tackle the PMI-ACP exam and take your career to new heights. Start your preparation journey today and embark on the path to becoming a certified Agile professional!

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Author: Kimberly Wiethoff

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