PMP Agile Practices for the Exam
PMP Agile Practices for the Exam PMP testing is not a walk in the park, many feel overwhelmed when it comes to agile iteration deployment. If you are one of those aspiring PMP candidates, don’t worry! We dive deep into agile iterative deployment as well as PMP testing to understand agile framework in PMP
Understanding Agile in the PMP Context
To understand agile in the PMP context, let’s understand the broader context before diving into agile iteration deployment. Agile is about more than rushing things. It focuses on collaboration, stability and flexibility.
Based on the principles of the Agile Manifesto, the PMP exam will test your understanding of these fundamentals.
The importance of repetition
Simply put, an iteration is a time-box cycle in which specific tasks are designed and executed. Once the iteration is complete, you review what went well, what went wrong, and how to improve.
To understand agile framework in PMP
To understand the agile framework in PMP, this brings us to Scrum, which is one of the key agile frameworks of PMP testing.
Scrum: More than just a plan
Arguably, the most popular agile framework, Scrum, revolves around fixed-length iterations known as ‘sprints’. In these sprints, the teams aim to produce potentially exportable product growth.
Questions can focus around Scrum roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner, Development Team) or Key Scrum functions (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective)
Example Question: Which role in Scrum ensures the team has a conducive environment to deliver product increments?
Kanban
Unlike Kanban Scrum, Kanban doesn’t work in fixed-length iterations. It focuses on visualizing the workflow, limiting work in progress, and optimizing the flow.
Expect questions about the use of kanban boards, how to implement work-in-progress (WIP) limits, and the importance of continuous improvement. Example question: What is the primary purpose of a Kanban board?
Example Question: What is the primary purpose of a Kanban board?
The heart of agile lies in its mindset and principles. While the Agile Manifesto and its twelve principles form the backbone, the PMP exam can frame questions around applying these principles to real scenarios.
Example Question: Which Agile principle emphasizes the importance of working software over comprehensive documentation?
Agile Estimation Techniques
Agile Estimation Techniques Accurate estimation is important in agile projects. The PMP exam can incorporate agile estimation techniques such as planning poker, t-shirt shaping, and bucket systems.
Example Question: What does it mean if a team member plays a ‘question mark’ card in Planning Poker?
Agile Planning and Monitoring
In agile projects, planning and monitoring take on a dynamic form. Topics that might come up include release and iteration planning, backlog prioritization, and burndown charts.
Example Question: What tool is commonly used in Scrum to visualize the amount of work left to do versus time?
Agile Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of agile projects. The PMP exam may ask about information radiators, daily stand-ups, and agile metrics.
Example Question: What is the primary objective of a daily stand-up in Scrum?
Risk Management in Agile PMP
Risk is inherent in all projects. Agile has its own set of tools and techniques for risk management, such as risk-adjusted backlogs and risk burn graphs.
Example Question: How is a risk-adjusted backlog different from a product backlog?
Continuous Improvement in Agile Projects
One of the characteristics of agile projects is the emphasis on continuous improvement – which is done through exercises such as Scrum retrospectives or Kaizen in Kanban.
Example Question: What ceremony in Scrum discusses what went well and areas of improvement?
PMP exam agile framework
In conclusion, agile has become an essential part of the PMP exam. Not just knowing the terms but the philosophy behind them.
By immersing yourself in the agile mindset and getting a firm grasp on its practices, you will be well on your way to acing those agile questions in the PMP exam. Remember, it’s about adaptability, collaboration and delivering value – the very essence of agile.
