PMI-ACP: qualifying on agile experience, the 21 training hours and the exam

By Alexander Shick · Updated November 5, 2026

Who PMI writes the ACP for

PMI names its audience directly: agile practitioners "such as product owners, scrum masters, and agile project managers". The current outline also tests enterprise agility, meaning how agile teams line up with organizational priorities and coordinate across teams, not only practices inside one team. PMI says it spans "multiple agile frameworks and methodologies", so it suits people who move between methods rather than working inside one.

Eligibility, then the exam

Eligibility is the formal gate PMI checks when you apply. Recommended experience is a different thing, and PMI's outline does not add any beyond the eligibility rule below.

The 21 hours. They must be finished before you submit the application, with proof of completion. PMI says qualifying courses align to the exam content outline, include experiential exercises and practice exams, and end with an assessment and a certificate of completion.

The exam. 120 items (multiple choice, multiple response, drag-and-drop and exhibits), of which 100 count, in 3 hours. There is one 10-minute break after item 60, and you cannot go back to the first section once you take it. You can test at a Pearson VUE center or online through OnVUE. The current outline is dated March 2026 and has four domains:

Getting the 21 hours and preparing

PMI's own materials. PMI's outline points candidates to its Authorized PMI-ACP Exam Prep, offered on demand and instructor-led, plus PMI-ACP practice exams, PMI Study Hall and the Agile Practice Guide. PMI Authorized Training Partners must use PMI's authorized instructor and student materials. PMI's shop pages did not load for us, so we have not listed PMI's own course price.

Self-paced courses. A self-paced course suits people with agile experience who mainly need the hours and some exam practice; Florida Atlantic University's online course gives a three-month window.

Live classes. A three-day live class suits people who want the hours done in one block, or whose employer pays. Whichever route you pick, add a set of scenario-style practice exams; PMI's outline asks qualifying courses to include them.

Prep course prices for the 21 hours

These are course prices only. None of the three pages says the PMI exam fee is included, and PMI collects it directly.

Costs to add. The PMI exam fee; PMI membership, if a member rate on the exam makes joining worthwhile; a reexamination fee for a second or third attempt; and a renewal fee when you report your PDUs. Check each amount on pmi.org.

Comparing PMI-ACP course providers

• A completion certificate for 21 hours. All three courses in the table state 21 hours or 21 PDUs. For any other course, confirm it ends with an assessment and a certificate, since PMI asks for both.
• PMI Authorized Training Partner status. New Horizons and Project Management Academy say they are PMI Authorized Training Partners. Florida Atlantic University's page shows the Authorized Training Partner mark and describes itself as a PMI Registered Education Provider. Confirm any provider in PMI's directory.
• Which outline the course follows. None of the three pages names the March 2026 outline; Project Management Academy markets its classes as a "2027 Exam Boot Camp" without naming an outline version. Ask that the course covers the four domains above.
• Refund terms. New Horizons and Project Management Academy both say they refund tuition if you fail three attempts within 120 days of the course, provided you attended the whole course and completed a practice exam. Read the full terms.

Renewing PMI-ACP

PMI-ACP runs on a three-year cycle. You keep it by earning 30 professional development units in each cycle under PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements program, then completing PMI's renewal.

PMI-ACP questions

Do I need the PMP before the PMI-ACP?

No. An active PMP is one of four ways to meet the experience rule; the others rely on one or two years of agile work.

Does a Scrum or SAFe certification count?

Yes, toward experience. PMI credits a third-party agile certification held for more than a year as 12 of the 24 months of agile experience; you still need the 21 training hours.

How long is the exam?

3 hours for 120 items, with one 10-minute break after item 60.

How many times can I take it?

Up to three times within the one-year eligibility period. After a third failed attempt, you wait a year before reapplying.

Next step

If you are unsure which experience route you meet, or whether a self-paced course is enough, send us your background and timeline.

Ask for help choosing PMI-ACP training