Agile Series Edition #2: Certified Agile training is vital, but certification alone won’t make you an expert

Certified training has become extremely popular within software development, as candidates are more willing than ever to learn and expand their knowledge. In addition, as technology evolves so quickly, training courses must adapt and evolve to accommodate these changes.

Some people feel that certified training is nothing more than a tick-box exercise and only has limited value. Whilst I don’t agree, I do feel that enrolling on a certified training course is not enough on its own if you’re serious about becoming a respected Agile practitioner.

I don’t want to devalue the importance of recognised and established certification programmes. Having a globally recognised certificate is important; it demonstrates not only your ability to learn, but your desire to educate yourself at the very highest standard.

The ideal scenario is to start with a brief Agile change plan, outlining what your roadmap is. Become certified with a suitable and relevant Agile training programme and then apply the knowledge you have learned from the classroom to some real case studies through workshops and activities. 

Consistent Agile coaching is encouraged throughout

The important element is having a coaching layer running throughout your Agile journey. This adds much needed consistency, and having the experience of a seasoned Agile veteran to help guide your transition can become invaluable. Agile places value in people over process, after all. 

You’ll likely have a slightly different change plan and roadmap, but if you take this proven approach as a guide, you’ll have a much better chance of making your Agile transition a successful one; not just for you, but for your team and your organisation.

Certified Agile training should be treated as your starting point – something to engage your brain with the fundamentals, before utilising workshops and the support of an Agile coach to apply your knowledge and add real value to real projects.

The bottom line is simple. Certified Agile training is an essential ingredient to your professional development and Agile journey. But as with any great dish, it’s only part of the recipe.

- James Harvey, Co-founder of Agile Snap

With a decade of Agile experience, James has at some point taken on every role within a Scrum team. Co-founder of Agile Snap, James’ main focus is around coaching project teams in becoming brilliant Scrum teams, along with providing formal, certified Agile training to all levels of an organisation.