If you are hearing "AGILE" for the first time, think of it as a strategy that works effectively for project management and software development. It requires taking small steps to improve or finish big tasks. The projects are broken down into bits such that it is quite easy to accomplish in short stages usually referred to as sprints. When teams employ this method, it allows them to take on changes, gather feedback, and deliver improved value. 

For the lifecycle of a project to work and be completed, the agile methodology leans towards collaboration, adaptability, and customer interaction. The method is one that takes "a village" because it ensures proper communication among team members and business owners which makes it quick and effortless to fix adjustments within the project. However, this doesn't only break down the project, it also reduces the impact of errors, reduces the risks associated with the project, and most importantly, maintains a steady pace of progress. 

How did Agile come to be? 

The history of the concept is worth sharing as Agile methodology came to the limelight in 2001. Moving on after the publication, there have been a couple of Agile frameworks that followed suit and they include: 

• Scrum

• Kanban

• Extreme programming (XP)

• Dynamic systems development method (DSDM)

• Adaptive Software Development (ASD)

• Lean Software Development (LSD)

• Feature Driven Development (FSD)

• Crystal method

• Disciplined Agile 

The purpose of Agile frameworks is to eliminate traditional management methods by providing accurate, systematic, and less stressful solutions. The traditional project management methods were usually one-way, predictable, and really slow. Now that Agile frameworks are here, professionals are spending time to see how it works because it does the work much better. 

Becoming an Agile Pro

Becoming an Agile Pro means that you know your way around some or all of the Agile frameworks. Also, it requires understanding all the principles attached to the method and employing each of them to create good collaboration and improved value. Having a substantial knowledge of Agile frameworks helps you to guide your team flawlessly and deliver quality projects. How do you go about this? Read on. 

If you must become an Agile Pro, then first, you have to be sure of what it entails. Is it something you may be interested in? Does it amuse you? Do you think of it as a solution? Once you have been able to answer these questions, the next thing is to get yourself acquainted with some Agile courses that will help you become the pro that you desire. Check out these ones that will be listed: 

To begin your journey to becoming an Agile Pro, you have to start from the basics which can achieved by taking the following courses: 

The Complete Agile Scrum Fundamentals Course + Certification

This course introduces you to scrum and teaches you to apply it to your project. You also get to deliver projects faster with it and master the different scrum concepts, tools, values, and pillars. 

Course Provider: Udemy 

Features: 

• 6 hours on-demand video

• 2 practice tests

• 9 articles

• 80 downloadable resources

• Access on mobile and TV

• Full lifetime access

• Certificate of completion

Price: N3500

Introduction to Agile Development and Scrum

The course will help you to get familiar with skills such as Scrum methodology, Kanban, Kenhub, Sprint Planning, and more. 

Features:

• Shareable certificate

• Quizzes and assessments

• Flexible schedule

• 4 course modules

Course Provider: Coursera

Agile Project Management

You will get to learn about the Agile Project Management approach and philosophy. Also, you will be introduced to the pillars of scrum and how they support scrum values. 

Features: 

• Flexible schedule

• 25hours of learning

• 18 quizzes, assessments

• Shareable certificates

• Subtitles

Course Provider: Coursera but sponsored by Google. 

Price: Free

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Wondering if you can apply for this course - PMI-ACP? Check if you tick the box.

• Have a university degree.

• If you work with an organization looking to adopt Agile practices. 

• If you work on Agile teams.

• If you are looking to ease your project tasks. 

Course Provider: Project Management Institute

To participate, you will: 

• Write a 120 multiple choice certification examination. 

• Earn 30 professional development units. 

Requirement: 

• 21 hours of training

• 1 year of general project experience within the last 5 years

• 8 months of general project experience within the last 3 years

Exam Fee: 

Member: $305.00

Non-member: $347.00

Project Management Professional 

Who can apply for this course - Project Management Professional? 

• A university graduate

• 36 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years

• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM (Certified associate in project management) certification

alternatively: 

• High School or Secondary School Diploma

• 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years

• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification

Exam Fee: 

Member: $284

Non-member: $555

Several other courses can teach you all of the relevant skills you need to become a Pro. However, while taking courses and immersing yourself in learning does the bulk of the work, you must also consider the following: 

Commitment

Put your all into learning and sacrifice the required time for each lesson. Don't have lessons today and skip them tomorrow. You can only be a Pro when you are consistent with learning. 

Practice

Whatever it is you are learning, put it into practice. Try out the new approach, if you don't get it at once, try again. Keep practicing until you get better with whatever method you utilize. 

Proffer solutions

While you are taking your course(s) if you find a lot of answers that may help, proffer solutions. The more you use your newly acquired skills effectively, the better for you. More like, if you are helping out every time you can, you are practicing. And, practice makes you perfect and of course, a Pro! 

Apart from the courses listed above, you can also check for others that work for you. 

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