AgilePM® v2 vs. AgilePM3®

What is AgilePM3?

AgilePM3 is the latest version of the Agile Project Management framework, created by the Agile Business Consortium and APMG International. It combines solid project management practices with the flexibility of Agile methods to help teams work more effectively.

This update keeps AgilePM in line with current trends in Agile and project management. Based on user feedback, it adds new features and removes outdated ones to ensure it remains useful and relevant in today’s fast-moving business environment.

 

Differences with AgilePM v2: What are the key changes in AgilePM3?

AgilePM Version 3 introduces major updates to better support modern project teams, with new learning modules and a stronger focus on leadership and value delivery.

• Enhanced Guidance – Improved learning experience with interactive simulations and better tools for more effective learning outcomes
• Focus on Real Value – Emphasizes delivering real business value rather than just project outputs, ensuring meaningful results
• Empowering Careers – Helps project managers shift from traditional management roles to inspiring leaders in their projects
• Integration with Scrum – Combines Scrum with AgilePM to improve project delivery, using Scrum as the main method for product development
• Scaling for Multi-Project Teams – Offers better strategies and guidance for managing projects with multiple teams, improving coordination and collaboration
• Practical Learning Experience – Interactive simulations in the practitioner course provide hands-on experience, making learning more engaging and applicable to real-world scenarios
• Handbook - The handbook has been updated and it is now called AgilePM: Agile Project Management: Reference Book v3

 

What did not change with AgilePM3?

In comparing AgilePM v3 with AgilePM v2, several core aspects of the methodology remain consistent between both versions. Here’s some aspects didn’t change between AgilePM Version 3 and v2:

• DSDM Atern – Both versions are still based on this as their underlying framework
• AgilePM principles – the eight principles, which serve as the foundation for the Agile Project Management, remain the same
• Phases of the lifecycle – the lifecycle structure remains unchanged
• Roles and responsibilities - the set of roles within AgilePM continues to be defined as in AgilePM v2
• MoSCoW Prioritization - The use of MoSCoW prioritization (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have) is still a core technique in managing the scope and requirements of AgilePM projects
• Risk and management control - The robust approach to risk management and project control mechanisms continues to be a strong element of both versions.
• Timeboxing - The concept of timeboxing continues to be emphasized as the standard way to deliver incremental progress in Agile projects
• Iterative and incremental delivery - The idea is to progressively refine the product based on feedback and evolving requirements while delivering working product increments throughout the project.
• Empowerment and collaboration - The focus on decision-making at the lowest appropriate level is still a crucial part of how AgilePM facilitates rapid responses to change
• Quality focus - AgilePM continues to advocate for “never compromise on quality” as one of its principles

 

AgilePM3 and Scrum

AgilePM3 incorporates Scrum as the main approach for product delivery. Scrum offers a structured but flexible framework that boosts project efficiency and improves team collaboration, helping ensure that project goals are achieved effectively and on time.

As a result, the Scrum Essentials module has been introduced as the first mandatory component in AgilePM3 Foundation courses. However, students who already hold a Scrum certification from other providers will be allowed to skip this module.

 

Have the AgilePM3 exams changed?

The AgilePM3 Foundation will keep the same characteristics of the AgilePM v2 Foundation exam.

Some changes have been introduced in AgilePM3 Practitioner exam:

• Less questions
• 30 minutes duration less
• Assertion/Reason question format no longer used
• The pass mark remains 50%

Learn more about the AgilePM3 Foundation certification and AgilePM3 Practitioner certification details.

 

Do I need to upgrade my certification if I am already AgilePM certified?

Existing AgilePM certifications will continue to be valid, and there is no requirement to upgrade. In any case, students may choose to attend upgrade courses or workshops offered by accredited training providers, such as iLEARN – Innovative Learning, to become familiar with the new features and improvements introduced in Version 3.

However, AgilePM v2 Foundation won’t be accepted as a prerequisite to sit for the AgilePM3 Practitioner exam.

 

AgilePM3 training: why to choose the updated framework

AgilePM3 provides a more engaging and interactive learning experience, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to deepen their Agile project management skills. With practical simulations, real-world scenarios, and storytelling, the updated framework transforms theory into actionable skills. This hands-on approach enhances your understanding and gives you the confidence to apply Agile principles in any project setting.

The AgilePM3 courses cover the latest Agile techniques, using interactive elements to ensure you gain both knowledge and practical experience. AgilePM3 is ideal for project professionals wanting to improve their Agile management skills, teams adopting Agile practices, and organizations seeking better project outcomes.

While AgilePM3 retains the core structure, roles, and practices of AgilePM v2, it offers key refinements and updates to align with modern trends like digital transformation, ensuring the framework stays relevant and effective.