Are you planning to take the PMI-ACP exam? Do you want to pass it on the first try? In this article, we will guide you through the process of preparing for and passing the PMI-ACP exam. We will provide you with tips and tricks to help you succeed and pass the exam on your first attempt.
Table of Contents
Understanding the PMI-ACP Exam
Before we dive into the tips and tricks, let’s first understand what the PMI-ACP exam is all about. The PMI-ACP exam is a certification exam that measures a candidate’s knowledge and skills in Agile methodologies and techniques. It is designed to test your ability to apply Agile principles and practices in real-world scenarios.
The exam itself is 180 minutes long and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. PMI does not publish the passing score, but it is assumed to be in the range of 70% which means at least 84 out of 120 questions answered correctly to pass.
Tips to Pass the PMI-ACP Exam on the First Try
Now that you understand the basics of the PMI-ACP exam, let’s dive into the tips and tricks to help you pass the exam on your first try.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Content
The first step in preparing for the PMI-ACP exam is to familiarize yourself with the exam content. The PMI website provides an exam content outline that lists the topics and subtopics covered in the exam. Make sure to review the outline and understand the topics and subtopics.
2. Use Multiple Study Materials
To increase your chances of passing the PMI-ACP exam, it is important to use multiple study materials. Use a combination of study guides, practice exams, and online courses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the exam content.
3. Join a Study Group
Joining a study group can be helpful in preparing for the PMI-ACP exam. A study group can provide you with support, motivation, and different perspectives on the exam content.
4. Practice Time Management
Time management is crucial when taking the PMI-ACP exam. You have three hours to answer 120 questions, which means you have less than a minute to answer each question. Practice time management by taking practice exams and timing yourself.
5. Understand Agile Principles and Practices
The PMI-ACP exam is designed to test your understanding of Agile principles and practices. Make sure to understand the Agile Manifesto, its principles, and the various Agile methodologies and practices such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean.
6. Take Practice Exams
Taking practice exams is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. Practice exams simulate the actual exam environment and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Consider using a variety of practice exams and resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the exam content.
Agile Certified Practitioner PMI-ACP™ Exam Prep is an excellent resource to aid in your exam preparation. This course provides comprehensive practice exams and helpful resources to help you succeed on your first attempt. The practice exams offered in this course are designed to closely resemble the actual exam, providing a realistic testing environment that will help you build confidence and identify areas for improvement.
7. Focus on Your Weaknesses
Once you have identified your weaknesses through practice exams, focus on improving them. Review the exam content related to your weaknesses and use different study materials to gain a better understanding.
8. Stay Calm and Confident
On the day of the exam, it is important to stay calm and confident. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you have prepared well.
9. Read the Questions Carefully
When taking the exam, read the questions carefully and understand what is being asked. Don’t rush through the questions and make sure to read all the answer choices before selecting the correct one.
10. Eliminate the Wrong Answers
If you are unsure of the correct answer, eliminate the wrong ones. This will increase your chances of selecting the right answer.
11. Don’t Overthink the Questions
Avoid overthinking the questions and second-guessing your answers. Trust your instincts and go with the answer that comes to mind first.
12. Manage Your Stress
Managing stress is crucial when taking the PMI-ACP exam. Take breaks during the exam if needed, and practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
13. Review Your Answers
Once you have completed the exam, review your answers. Make sure to check for any mistakes or errors.
14. Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Agile Practices
Agile practices are constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest practices and trends. This will help you stay relevant and improve your chances of passing the PMI-ACP exam.
15. Keep Practicing
Even after passing the exam, keep practicing Agile methodologies and techniques. This will help you retain the knowledge and skills you have gained, and stay relevant in your field.
Conclusion
Passing the PMI-ACP exam on the first try requires careful planning, preparation, and practice. Use the tips and tricks outlined in this article to increase your chances of success. Remember to stay calm, confident, and focused on the exam day, and trust in the knowledge and skills you have gained through your preparation. Consider using Agile Certified Practitioner PMI-ACP™ Exam Prep for comprehensive practice exams and other helpful resources to aid in your exam preparation. Good luck on your PMI-ACP journey!
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner) PMI-ACP assessment evaluates your understanding of Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, and their applications in real-world situations. Those who hold the PMI-ACP certification have proven their knowledge of approaches to agile such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, extreme programming (XP) and test-driven development (TDD.)
The passing score for the PMI-ACP assessment is determined by a psychometric analysis and may vary.
Official PMI-ACP™ exam details:
- Passing score: PMI does not publish the passing score, but it is assumed to be in the range of 70%
- Time limit: 180 minutes
- Number of Questions: 120
- Format: Multiple Choice
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Language: English, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish
- Fee: PMI members $305.00; non-PMI members $347.00
- Prepare And Stick To A Good Routine Plan For Study.
- Read PMI-ACP Handbook Before You Start Preparation.
- Use PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline To Guide You Throughout.
- Attend 21 Hours PMI-ACP Training.
- Refer To PMI-ACP Exam Prep Books.
- Join PMI-ACP Study Group On Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Take ScrumPrep’s Agile Certified Practitioner PMI-ACP™ Exam Prep practices questions until you consistently score 90-100%.
The amount of time it takes to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam varies depending on individual factors such as prior knowledge and experience with Agile methodologies and techniques. Generally, it is recommended to spend at least 1-2 months preparing for the exam, dedicating several hours per week to studying and practice exams. However, this can vary and some individuals may require more or less time to prepare.
The PMI-ACP exam content is reviewed and updated periodically to ensure that it remains relevant and reflects current Agile practices and methodologies. The updates are typically made every 1-2 years. However, minor updates may also be made as needed to reflect changes in Agile practices and techniques.
The PMI-ACP certification is focused on Agile methodologies and techniques, measuring a candidate’s knowledge and skills in applying Agile principles and practices in real-world scenarios. The certification is designed for professionals who work in Agile environments or have experience with Agile methods.
On the other hand, the PMP certification is focused on traditional project management methodologies and measures a candidate’s knowledge and skills in leading and directing project teams. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing projects within the constraints of scope, time, budget, and quality.
You can take the PMI-ACP exam multiple times. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can take the exam up to three times within a year. If you want to retake the exam, the fee is $335 if you are a PMI member and $395 if you are not a PMI member.
Passing the PMI-ACP assessment demonstrates your ability to apply Agile principles and practices to a variety of project management contexts, and to deliver value to customers.
Benefits of passing the PMI-ACP assessment include demonstrating your ability to apply Agile principles and practices to a variety of project management contexts and to deliver value to customers, which can lead to career advancement opportunities and a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, passing the PMI-ACP assessment can increase your earning potential and provide a foundation for further PMI Agile certifications, such as the Disciplined Agile™ Coach (DAC™) or Disciplined Agile™ Senior Scrum Master (DASSM™) certifications.
Attending training is not required. The only prerequisites are listed below and can be entered when applying for the exam:
- High school diploma or Bachelor’s degree.
- 21 contact hours of training in agile practices.
- 12 months of general project experience within the last 5 years.
- 8 months of agile project experience within the last 3 years.
The PMI-ACP certification is valid for 3 years from the date it is awarded. To maintain the certification, a certified professional must earn and report at least 30 professional development units (PDUs) related to Agile methodologies and techniques every three years. PDUs can be earned through various activities such as attending Agile training courses, participating in Agile conferences, or contributing to Agile communities.
- PMI members pay $60 US renewal fee
- Non-PMI-members pay $150 US renewal fee
