PMI-ACP® Certification Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know to Pass on the First Try

Introduction

n 2025, Agile isn’t just popular—it’s essential. The, organizations across the US and Canada are under constant pressure to deliver faster, better, and with less waste. Agile methods make that possible, and PMI-ACP® Certification is proof you can lead that change.

According to PMI’s Pulse of the Profession, 71% of organizations report using Agile approaches “often” or “always.” And the job market is responding: Agile-related roles in North America have grown by over 23% in the past 2 years.

If you're a project manager ready to stand out, passing the PMI-ACP® exam on your first try gives you a clear career boost. This guide covers everything—from updated requirements to real-world preparation strategies—and shows how training with Gold Standard Certifications can propel you to success.

Visit Gold Standard Certifications for a full overview, or jump straight into your PMI-ACP training with us here: PMI-ACP® Training – Gold Standard Certifications.

For project managers aiming to stay competitive, the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP®) is more than a credential—it’s a career accelerator. And passing it on the first try? That’s not just skill, it’s strategy.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, you’ll learn:

• The latest PMI-ACP® requirements and changes for 2025

• Exact steps to apply and prepare for the exam

• Proven first-try pass strategies from experts

• How Gold Standard Certifications helps US and Canadian PMs succeed faster

What is the PMI-ACP® Certification?

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP®) is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is recognized globally as proof of Agile leadership skills.

Unlike single-method credentials such as ScrumMaster, the PMI-ACP® covers multiple Agile approaches:

• Scrum for iterative product delivery

• Kanban for workflow efficiency

• Lean for waste reduction

• Extreme Programming (XP) for software excellence

• Test-Driven Development (TDD) for quality control

It’s designed for real-world Agile practitioners—those who want to show they can adapt and apply Agile principles in any environment.

Why PMI-ACP® is Worth Pursuing in 2025

1. Career & Salary Boost

PMI-ACP® certified professionals in the US report average annual salaries of $123,000, with top earners making $150K+. In Canada, Agile-certified PMs average CAD $110,000/year—and both markets report salary uplifts of 20–28% post-certification.

2. Job Security in a Competitive Market

In a recent PMI survey, 86% of PMI-ACP® holders said the certification directly led to new career opportunities.

3. Global Recognition

PMI credentials are recognized in over 200 countries, making it easier to move across roles, industries, and geographies.

4. Versatility

Employers love that PMI-ACP® certified professionals can work with any Agile framework, not just one flavor of Agile.

PMI-ACP® Certification Requirements (2025 Update)

As of 2025, you must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply:

Education

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree, or equivalent).

Agile Project Experience

• 2 years in the last 5 years, OR

• 1 year + GAC-accredited degree, OR

• 1 year + 3rd-party Agile certification (>1 year old), OR

• Active PMP®.

Agile Training

• 28 contact hours in Agile practices (up from 21 hours; old rule applies only until March 31, 2025).

General Project Experience

• 12 months in the last 5 years.

PMI-ACP® Exam Structure and 2025 Changes

Exam Format:

• 120 questions (100 scored, 20 unscored pre-test)

• 3 hours total

• Optional 10-minute break after question 60

Domains (2025 ECO Update):

1. Agile Mindset – 28%

2. Agile Leadership – 25%

3. Product Delivery – 28%

4. Value-Driven Delivery – 19%

Delivery Options:

• Online proctored (at home or office)

• In-person at Pearson VUE centers

PMI-ACP® Certification Costs (US & Canada)