AgilePM® v2 vs. AgilePM® v3: The Key Updates You Need to Know

Table of Contents

1. What Is AgilePM® v3?
2. Why Was AgilePM® v3 Created?
3. Key Differences Between AgilePM® v2 and AgilePM® v3
4. What Hasn’t Changed in AgilePM® v3?
5. Changes to the AgilePM® v3 Exams
6. Do You Need to Upgrade to AgilePM® v3?
7. Why Choose AgilePM® v3 Training?
8. What AVC Offers for Agile:
9. Conclusion

In the fast-moving world of Agile Project Management, staying up-to-date with the latest frameworks is crucial for project success. AgilePM®, a leading Agile project management methodology developed by APMG International and the Agile Business Consortium, has been updated to AgilePM® v3. This update builds on the strong foundation of AgilePM® v2, introducing new features, improved guidance, and alignment with modern project management trends.

In this blog, we explore the key updates, the differences between AgilePM® v2 and AgilePM® v3, and why upgrading to AgilePM® v3 is a smart move for professionals, teams, and organizations.

What Is AgilePM® v3?

AgilePM® v3 is the latest version of the Agile Project Management framework. It combines the structure of traditional project management with the flexibility of Agile methods, helping teams deliver projects faster and with greater focus on business value.

AgilePM® v3 was developed to address the modern challenges faced by project teams. With input from practitioners worldwide, the update aligns AgilePM® with today’s trends, such as digital transformation, increasing demand for collaborative tools, and the rise of Agile methods like Scrum.

Why Was AgilePM® v3 Created?

The AgilePM® framework has been a trusted tool for project managers since its inception. However, the project landscape has evolved. Companies now require:

• A stronger focus on delivering value rather than outputs
• Tools to scale Agile practices across multiple teams
• Practical learning experiences to empower project managers and teams
• Integration with popular Agile delivery methods, like Scrum

AgilePM® v3 is the solution. It maintains the strengths of its predecessor while incorporating updates to better support modern project environments.

Key Differences Between AgilePM® v2 and AgilePM® v3

AgilePM Version 3 introduces significant updates designed to align with the evolving needs of modern project teams. These enhancements emphasize leadership, value delivery, and practical application, making AgilePM3 a robust upgrade from Version 2. Below are the key changes:

• Enhanced Guidance: AgilePM3 offers an improved learning experience through interactive simulations and advanced tools. These updates provide more effective and engaging learning outcomes, enabling practitioners to apply Agile principles with confidence.
• Focus on Real Value: The framework now places greater emphasis on delivering genuine business value rather than just project outputs. This shift ensures that projects yield meaningful and impactful results.
• Empowering Careers: AgilePM3 supports project managers in transitioning from traditional managerial roles to becoming inspiring leaders. This focus enhances leadership skills while fostering team empowerment and collaboration.
• Integration with Scrum: By integrating Scrum into AgilePM, Version 3 leverages Scrum as the primary method for product development. This combination enhances project delivery and strengthens AgilePM's applicability across diverse project types.
• Scaling for Multi-Project Teams: AgilePM3 introduces advanced strategies for managing projects with multiple teams, improving coordination, communication, and collaboration in large-scale initiatives.
• Practical Learning Experience: The practitioner course now includes interactive simulations, offering hands-on learning opportunities. This practical approach makes training more engaging and directly applicable to real-world project scenarios.
• Updated Handbook: The AgilePM handbook has been rebranded as the AgilePM: Agile Project Management Reference Book v3. This comprehensive guide reflects the latest methodologies and practices, serving as an essential resource for Agile professionals.

AgilePM3 builds on the strong foundation of its predecessor while introducing modernized tools and approaches that address the complexities of today’s project environments.

What Hasn’t Changed in AgilePM® v3?

While AgilePM Version 3 introduces a range of updates to support modern project teams, many core aspects of the methodology remain consistent with AgilePM Version 2. These elements continue to provide a solid foundation for successful Agile project management. Here’s what hasn’t changed:

• DSDM Atern Framework: Both versions are built on the DSDM Atern framework, which remains the backbone of AgilePM's methodology.
• AgilePM Principles: The eight guiding principles that form the foundation of Agile Project Management are unchanged, ensuring a familiar structure for practitioners.
• Phases of the Lifecycle: The lifecycle structure remains the same, providing a reliable and time-tested roadmap for managing Agile projects.
• Roles and Responsibilities: AgilePM retains the same clearly defined roles and responsibilities as in Version 2, ensuring continuity and clarity in team dynamics.
• MoSCoW Prioritization: The MoSCoW technique (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have) remains central for managing project scope and prioritizing requirements effectively.
• Risk Management and Control: The robust approach to risk management and project control mechanisms continues to be a core strength of AgilePM.
• Timeboxing: Timeboxing remains a key practice for delivering incremental progress and maintaining focus on deadlines in Agile projects.
• Iterative and Incremental Delivery: AgilePM still emphasizes refining products iteratively based on feedback and evolving requirements, ensuring continuous improvement through incremental deliveries.
• Empowerment and Collaboration: Decision-making at the lowest appropriate level remains a cornerstone of AgilePM, fostering team collaboration and enabling quick responses to change.
• Quality Focus: The principle of “never compromise on quality” continues to be a fundamental value, ensuring high standards in all Agile deliverables.

These enduring elements of AgilePM reflect its stability as a framework while allowing teams to leverage the updates introduced in AgilePM3.

Changes to the AgilePM® v3 Exams

Some changes have been introduced in AgilePM3 Practitioner exam:

• Shorter Duration: The Practitioner exam duration has been reduced by 30 minutes.
• Simplified Format: The Assertion/Reason question format has been removed, making the exam easier to navigate.
• Pass Mark: The pass mark remains at 50%.

The AgilePM® Foundation exam remains unchanged, providing a consistent experience for new learners.

Do You Need to Upgrade to AgilePM® v3?

If you’re already AgilePM® certified, your certification remains valid. There is no immediate requirement to upgrade. However, upgrading to AgilePM® v3 offers several benefits:

• Familiarize yourself with the latest updates in Agile project management
• Gain skills in Scrum integration and modern value-driven project delivery
• Learn practical techniques for scaling Agile across multi-team projects

It’s worth noting that AgilePM® v2 Foundation cannot be used as a prerequisite for the AgilePM® v3 Practitioner exam. If you plan to pursue Practitioner certification, upgrading is essential.

Why Choose AgilePM® v3 Training?

AgilePM® v3 is the ideal choice for project professionals, teams, and organizations aiming to improve their Agile practices. Here’s why:

• Stay Relevant: AgilePM® v3 aligns with modern trends like Scrum integration and digital transformation.
• Practical Learning: Interactive simulations and real-world scenarios provide actionable, hands-on experience.
• Improve Team Collaboration: Learn techniques to scale Agile practices across multiple teams for better coordination and results.
• Deliver Real Value: Focus on delivering meaningful business outcomes, not just project outputs.
• Empower Your Career: Transition from project manager to Agile leader with skills that are in high demand globally.

What AVC Offers for Agile:

At AVC, we provide a range of flexible and accredited AgilePM® certifications that cater to various skill levels and professional needs. Whether you're just starting with agile project management or looking to deepen your expertise, our courses offer robust training designed to help you succeed in dynamic work environments.

1. AgilePM® Agile Project Management Foundation & Practitioner - Classroom (exam included)

Price: €2,850.00

Duration: 4 days

Format: Live Virtual Classroom / In-House / In Company

This comprehensive 4-day course covers both AgilePM Foundation and Practitioner certifications. It’s designed for professionals who want to learn how to manage projects using agile methodologies effectively. The course focuses on the integration of stakeholder feedback, incremental deliveries, and managing evolving project requirements while keeping costs and deadlines fixed. This course is perfect for those who want to gain a competitive edge in the agile project management field.

2. AgilePM® Agile Project Management Foundation & Practitioner - eLearning (exam included)

Price: €1,250.00

Duration: 30 hours

Format: eLearning

Our eLearning course offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace while covering the same content as the classroom-based version. With more companies adopting agile methods, this course equips learners with the essential skills to apply agile principles across industries, making it ideal for professionals looking to improve their project management practices and stay competitive in the job market.

3. AgilePM® Agile Project Management Foundation - Classroom (exam included)

Price: €1,450.00

Duration: 2 days

Format: Live Virtual Classroom / In-House / In Company

The AgilePM Foundation course introduces participants to the principles of agile project management. In just 2 days, you'll learn how to manage projects more effectively by embracing flexibility and continuous stakeholder involvement. The course is perfect for those looking to gain foundational knowledge of agile methodologies and apply it in real-world project scenarios.

4. AgilePM® Agile Project Management Foundation - eLearning (exam included)

Price: €750.00

Duration: 21 hours

Format: eLearning

The AgilePM Foundation eLearning course is ideal for beginners or those looking to formalize their understanding of agile project management. Delivered entirely online, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to agile methods and best practices. Learn at your own pace and gain the foundational knowledge needed to contribute effectively to agile projects.

Conclusion

AgilePM® v3 is a significant step forward for Agile project management. It builds on the success of AgilePM® v2 while introducing updates that address the challenges of today’s project environments. Whether you’re a project manager, a team leader, or an organization adopting Agile practices, AgilePM® v3 equips you with the tools and skills needed to deliver value-driven projects effectively.

At Adding Value Consulting (AVC), we offer comprehensive AgilePM® v3 training programs designed to help you stay ahead. Our courses combine expert guidance, interactive learning, and practical tools to ensure you