The Agile Certificate
Consciously choosing agile
The use of ‘agile' methods in system development is a fact. A continuously growing number of organizations applies methods such as SCRUM, DSDM/Atern, EVO the Rational Unified Process (RUP) and Extreme Programming (XP). If implemented appropriately, these methods guarantee a product that will be completed within the specified requirements regarding budget, quality and time-to-market.
In practice however, the agile promise isn't always being fulfilled. For instance, look at those situations where an eagerly started agile project clogs up after a while, and turns into an unbending waterfall. The delusion of the day gets the upper hand and all principles of working agile are thrown overboard, including all its benefits. Without reason, agile practices are often put aside due to a lack of understanding and experience. Adding value by working agile appears to be a much practiced routine for sure, but it is not controlled by everyone. That must change.
Therefore, the Agile Consortium Benelux is pledging for certification in the agile body of thought. This way, the Consortium defines an independent and objective quality standard for working the agile way organization-wide.
Inspire
Currently, a special task force within the ACB is developing version 0.3 of the Agile Master Certificate. The force studies proven certification methods, such as DSDM and IPMA, and collaborates with several partners in providing training. The demands on the certificate content are heavy. Not only will they examine knowledge and skills regarding agile methods. Other important components of the content are the ability to determine the best method for an organization and to combine agile methods for a specific situation.
Well considered behavior is necessary in making the agile working method successful, which will be fully discussed during the examination. Accordingly, the certificate is generally based on experience with the agile practice.
The most important decision regarding the examination is that it should inspire to learn even more. Examinees take home a profile for them to use in their future development. So whether you pass the test or not, there is always a benefit.
The ACB is looking for member support in continuing the certification development. Individuals, both employed by organizations and contractors, are encouraged to apply. The task force is looking for professionals who would like to participate in the iterative development of the examination and the accompanying standards, for instance as examinee, examiner, reviewer or editor of the standard. But also organizations interested in providing training, administering exams or thinking along with the task force, are welcome to respond. Please contact Patrick Verheij or send an e-mail to info@agileconsortium.nl.