Where to Find the Best Online Agile Courses, Classes, and Training

Seamless project management is an essential part of any organization. Employers hire candidates who can deliver projects on time, ensuring every aspect of the project is up to par from start to finish. If you are looking to become a project manager, you can polish up on Agile project management methodologies.

One of the easiest ways to gain foundational knowledge of Agile concepts is by completing online courses, classes, or training programs. A wide range of bootcamps, traditional schools, and online providers offer high-quality programs for beginners and advanced professionals. Read below to see our top picks for the best online Agile courses in 2021.

What Is Agile?

Agile is an iterative approach to project management that helps organizations deliver value to their customers. It is mainly used in software development, and teams apply Agile methodologies to identify uncertainties and adapt to changes throughout a project’s lifecycle. Agile project management focuses on teamwork, flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction as part of the 12 Agile principles.

Part of the Agile process involves breaking down the project into smaller parts that allow shorter development cycles, leading to quicker delivery. Popular Agile methodologies include Scrum, extreme programming, Kanban, Dynamic Systems Development, and Feature Driven Development. Each of the methodologies plays a significant role in a project’s lifecycle. When making a decision between Agile vs Scrum vs Kanban, compare each methodologies pros and cons.

Why Online Agile Courses Are Important for Professional Development

Agile skills are in high demand because organizations want to deliver value and well-developed projects to their customers. Adding Agile training to your resume suggests that you are familiar with the methodologies and you understand the importance of experimentation, teamwork, and flexibility. This allows you to apply for high-ranking careers in project management.

In addition, you can earn a lucrative salary based on your skills. According to PayScale, the average salary for an Agile project manager is $92,139. Keep in mind that this figure can go up, depending on the organization and your negotiating skills. When you can save your employer money through strategic planning, you become a more valuable employee.

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Agile?

Yes, a coding bootcamp is a great place to learn Agile. A significant part of Agile involves programming, development, and analytics, which are all taught in a coding bootcamp. You will explore programming languages, data analytics, and software development as well as organization and management skills.

You can also enroll in a project management bootcamp to gain more insight. The best project management bootcamps include Thinkful, Kenzie Academy, and Springboard. Moreover, bootcamps are short-term programs, meaning you will gain Agile management skills in a few weeks or months. Bootcamps also offer career services to help Agile practitioners get a job after graduating.

Overview: The Best Online Agile Courses, Classes, or Training

As mentioned above, there’s a wide range of resources to help you learn Agile project management as a beginner or experienced professional. They range from bootcamps to Agile certification organizations. Read below to check out some of the best Agile project management courses, classes, and bootcamp programs.

In Detail: The Best Online Agile Classes, Courses, or Training

Agile Coach Certification | The Agile Company

• Learning Format: Online certification class
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Building capacity in teams, Agile coach as a mentor, team coaching, professional coaching skills fundamentals

This unique class focuses on professionals seeking to become Agile coaches and earn the ICP-ACC certification. You will learn what it takes to become a role model, create safe spaces for mutual learning, and identify and address resistance to change. Students attend seven three-hour classes over three to five weeks before earning the certification.

The course has no prerequisites and is open to aspiring Agile coaches, Scrum masters, LEAN masters, and project managers. You will participate in interactive sessions on the education platform and learn from industry experts with a solid understanding of Agile concepts.

Key Takeaway: Even after all of the training, you’ll have access to career coaching to help you find a job in project management.

Immersive Agile Bootcamp | Agile by Design

• Learning Format: Online bootcamp
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Managing backlogs through story mapping, workflow visualization, optimizing customer value

Agile by Design prides itself in 15 years of Agile consulting services in the United States and beyond. You will learn Agile under the guidance of highly qualified industry experts. The coursework covers Lean-Agile concepts and implementing meaningful productivity improvements using Agile to review and communicate team progress.

You will also explore Agile planning and estimation, facilitating interactive sessions, and producing less while delivering more value. Agile by Design maintains a small class size to ensure all students receive one-on-one attention. You will receive additional consulting advice that helps promote organizational agility in your business.

Key Takeaway: This two-day bootcamp is the perfect choice for quick Agile development training.

Agile Course Online | BrainStation

• Learning Format: Online certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Agile principles, Kanban and Scrum methodology, sprint simulations

This course explores Agile fundamentals and helps you develop the ability to identify a project’s efficacy. You will also learn how to create sprints, implement iterative processes, and maintain successful Agile project delivery. In addition, BrainStation invites leading Agile experts as instructors and guest speakers to motivate and mentor students.

Key Takeaway: You will earn a BrainStation Agile certificate, which is shareable on LinkedIn and can help you get a job.

Introduction to Agile for Software Projects | Cloud Academy

• Learning Format: Online self-paced class
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Intro to Agile, Agile principles

This 37-minute class is part of two learning paths: Applying Agile Techniques to Build DevOps Practice and DevOps Playbook: Moving to a DevOps Culture. It is good for beginners without Agile experience because it covers all Agile principles, methodologies, and roles. This class provides a good overview if you want to learn how Agile is used in software development. 

Key Takeaway: Cloud Academy is a great choice for a quick, self-paced introduction to Agile development.

Agile Project Management | Coursera

• Learning Format: Online course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Implementing Scrum, applying Agile in the organization, Scrum 101, fundamentals of Agile

This class offered by Google is among the best performing Coursera courses. It is part of the wider Google Project Management course that features six classes. In this part of the course, you will learn how to explain the Agile approach, discuss pillars of Scrum, and coach an Agile team through challenges. It is a reliable course that also prepares you for Agile certifications.

Key Takeaway: This beginner course offers a taste of the official Google Project Management certificate program.

Agile with Atlassian Jira | Coursera

• Learning Format: Online course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Agile overview, configuring Jira

Atlassian University offers this comprehensive course through Coursera. You will discover foundational Agile principles and practices, Kanban and Scrum methodologies, and more. Students receive four video lectures, six articles, and one practice exam to complete this class. It is a self-paced course that takes approximately 13 hours.

Key Takeaway: This course from Coursera ends with a shareable certificate to prove your skills with Agile development and Jira.

Agile Boot Camp: ICP Fundamentals Certification | Cprime

• Learning Format: Online bootcamp
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Plan and run a Sprint, release a product increment, adapt to change

Cprime is a world-renowned consulting firm that offers regular bootcamps to tech professionals. This Agile course covers the basics behind Agile techniques and how to apply them to your work. The course instructor divides the class into Agile teams and guides each team through the project lifecycle from planning to execution.

You will also explore a case study that aligns your skills to real-world experience. During the course, you will learn how to structure a team, deliver customer value, create Agile release plans, and much more. At the end of the program, you must complete an exam, which makes you eligible for the ICAgile Certified Professional Certification (ICP)

Key Takeaway: If you complete this course, you will receive ICP certification, which proves you are a qualified Agile professional.

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Professional Certificate in Agile Project Management | edX

• Learning Format: Online certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Scrum for Agile project management, sprint planning, Agile innovation, problem-solving skills, Agile leadership

This course is a collaborative initiative between edX, the University System of Maryland, and the University of Maryland. Students learn Scrum mechanics, reducing risks of project failure, using LEAN to increase project speed, and other crucial topics. The course is a self-paced learning path facilitated by experts from USMx and UMD.

You will need to commit two to three hours every week to complete the course within five months. Upon completion, you’ll receive 50 professional development unit credits, which the Project Management Institute recognizes. You can leverage the PMI-recognized PDU credits to gain certification as a Project Management Professional.

Key Takeaway: This long-term certificate course gives you the flexibility to learn while working full-time.

Agile Project Management Certification Course | Purdue University

• Learning Format: Online certificate course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Agile mindset, managing Agile, measuring Agile projects

In five weeks, students in this online training course will gain the necessary Agile skills and become well-versed in several Agile approaches. In addition, the program covers topics that align with the global industry standards set by the Project Management Institute and other subject matter experts.

You will explore the meaning of Agile PM and its benefits, effective Agile implementation, Agile project measurement methods, and more. Upon completion, you can access the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) exam. This course is a great choice for business analysts, development team members, and anyone who works on software development projects.

Key Takeaway: You can use your certificate of completion to apply for advanced education courses at the university, as well as an Agile management certification exam.

Agile Scrum Master (ASM®) Certification Training Course | Simplilearn

• Learning Format: Online certificate course
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Agile way of thinking, Scrum roles, Agile estimation, complex projects, daily Scrum synchronization

This course is powered by EXIN and the Atlassian Jira Software, meaning it provides world-class programs. It features one live project, two case studies, and several project development units. Self-paced learners complete 19 professional development units, whereas online learners complete 24.

This Agile project management course has no prerequisites, but it is suitable for team leaders, project managers, and members of Scrum teams or teams transitioning to Scrum. Upon graduation, you can get a job at Netflix, Amazon, IBM, Cisco, and any other company that uses project management often.

Key Takeaway: When you finish this course from Simplilearn, you will be awarded an Agile Scrum Master Certificate from EXIN, a global accreditation body for Agile Scrum Masters.

Agile Principles and Methodologies | Skillsoft

• Learning Format: Online class
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Understanding Agile, adopting Agile approaches, Agile contracts, Scrum framework, Agile project management model

This short-term class covers the 12 Agile principles, eight Agile values, and the five phases of the Agile project management model. You will learn to distinguish between primary and secondary Agile values, recognize the project charter elements, identify and utilize contract types and other fundamentals. This course can help you get a PMI-ACP certification.

Key Takeaway: You will receive a digital badge from Skillsoft that can be shared on business platforms or social networks to help you get a job.

Agile Software Development Nanodegree | Udacity

• Learning Format: Online nanodegree course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Foundations of Agile and Agile frameworks, delivering value with Agile planning and prioritization, progress, communication, and organizational agility

This nanodegree program has no prerequisites and is open to anyone looking to explore the Agile framework. The course features real-world Agile projects, technical support, and career services to prepare students for the work environment. You will also receive real-time feedback on your projects and practical industry tips from world-class industry experts.

Key Takeaway: You can take advantage of the career services at Udacity to improve your resume and optimize your LinkedIn profile.

The Complete Agile Scrum Fundamentals Course + Certification | Udemy

• Learning Format: Online course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Intro to Scrum, the Scrum culture, managing projects with Scrum, Scrum artifacts, Scrum rituals

This in-depth course covers all Scrum fundamentals, including Scrum concepts, Agile Scrum tools, and project management methodology. You will also learn to apply Scrum to your projects and how doing so will bring more value to your business. The course includes 82 downloadable resources, 12 articles, and 15 hours of high-quality video lectures.

You must also complete a test at the end of the class. The only prerequisites for this course include a laptop and headphones. You don’t need experience in Scrum to qualify, and you will get a certificate of completion to help you stand out in the job market. It will also prepare you for any Agile certification exam.

Key Takeaway: Udemy is one of the best places to learn Agile and Scrum because of its flexibility and affordable pricing.

Agile Crash Course: Agile Project Management; Agile Delivery | Udemy

• Learning Format: Online course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Agile definition, Agile principles, key Agile concepts, the Agile team, Agile tools

This is a crash course for people with little or no experience in Agile project management. You learn all Agile concepts from scratch to help you create, plan, and deliver successful projects. The class covers the meaning of user stories, Kanban boards, differences between Agile and traditional project management, learning from your mistakes, and more.

From this Udemy course, you will receive downloadable handouts, high-quality video lectures, quizzes, unlimited access to the course, and one-on-one expert support on the day of purchase. Upon passing the Agile exam, you will receive an Agile Project Management certificate.

Key Takeaway: This course is perfect for beginners who want to learn Agile development in a comprehensive, hands-on setting.

Agile Certificate | University of Minnesota

• Learning Format: Online course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Agile fundamentals, Agile user stories, Agile testing, Agile coaching, Agile teams and metrics

This 36-hour course features five classes that each take six to 12 hours to complete. Students gain a solid understanding of the Agile philosophy and its benefits in project management and leadership. In addition, the coursework focuses on the Agile mindset and the role of an Agile coach. You will also receive contract training and attend Agile webinars mediated by industry experts.

Key Takeaway: You will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Minnesota, which is highly recognized by employers.

Online Agile Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

There’s no right option when selecting between courses, classes, and training because each option serves a different purpose. Typically, classes are short lectures that last anywhere from one hour to 24 hours and are perfect for mid-level or experienced Agile professionals. They can be taken as part of an extensive course or as a one-off lecture or seminar. 

Training programs are also unique because they feature a lot of hands-on projects. Students develop Agile projects by applying the methodologies and implementing practical Agile practices. Therefore, training programs and bootcamps are perfect for beginners who need to gain basic skills within a short time.

Lastly, courses are extensive online programs that focus on theoretical and hands-on knowledge. These can last weeks or months, and they combine classes and training programs. Students explore Agile concepts through well-curated modules or classes. Courses are also excellent for beginners and professionals seeking to develop a new skill.

How to Choose the Right Online Agile Course, Class, or Training Program

Program Length

It is crucial to consider the length of the online program because it factors into your availability. Some programs last a few days or weeks, and some run for over three months. If you want to jog your memory on essential concepts, an Agile class would be perfect. Classes take a few hours, which is convenient for Agile professionals who can’t pursue a full-on course.

However, if you want to gain an advanced or intermediate level understanding of Agile project management methodologies, you can enroll in a course. Courses and training programs focus on the fundamentals of Agile and the practical steps that lead to project success. You will also explore software development approaches, Agile philosophy, and customer collaboration.

Program Cost

Learning Agile online isn’t as expensive as traditional education, but you still need to consider the cost. Research various options and select one that matches your budget. Alternatively, you can research providers who provide financial aid, scholarships, and other financing options to ensure affordable courses.

Generally, you can pay for a coding bootcamp or training program with various financing options. However, you can also land on free Agile courses with enough research. Most online course providers, such as Udemy and Coursera, offer free courses and regular sales and discounts on paid courses. 

Learning Format

Online courses include self-paced and instructor-led options. Instructor-led classes involve scheduled online classes that an industry expert or lecturer moderates. Upon admission, you will receive a schedule that details the time and length of each class.

However, self-paced learning is different and relies on your own motivation. You are in charge of the learning process, and you have to make time every week to move further into the curriculum. Once you are enrolled in the program, you will receive elearning material, including video content, theoretical material, and unlimited program access. 

Course Provider

Finding the right course provider is vital because it can influence the validity of your certificate of completion. Find a provider that is accredited or recognized by employers for their high-quality courses. For example, learning Agile in a bootcamp might hold more weight than pursuing an online class because bootcamps are more intensive and career-oriented.

However, you can still acquire a shareable certificate from online providers like edX and Coursera. In addition, if you are pursuing an Agile certification course, you can check if the provider is a government-recognized certification body.

Agile Course Certificates vs Certifications

Agile certificates and certifications may sound similar, but they don’t refer to the same thing. Agile course certificates are offered as an academic achievement at the end of the program. You will receive a certificate of completion, which can be presented to employers and added to your resume as part of your academic achievements.

However, an Agile certification is a high-level achievement attesting that you are an experienced Agile professional. Certifications indicate that you have met the requirements of the Agile project management industry. Furthermore, professional certifications are offered by independent organizations, and most include an exam that you have to study for and pass.

Importance of Agile Certifications

Part of becoming a project manager, software developer, or other Agile professional is gaining relevant certifications. An Agile project management certification not only boosts your resume but also gives you enough leverage to bargain for a higher salary. In addition, earning a certification proves that you meet all the industry requirements.

Agile certifications also prove your ability to adapt to Agile technologies that enhance flexibility and productivity. Employers prioritize a certification holder due to the high demand for Agile project management professionals. You can gain certifications like PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) and Scrum Alliance Certified Product Owner.

Why You Should Take Online Agile Courses or Classes

Learning Agile online gives you the flexibility to gain Agile knowledge and continue working a full-time job. You can also study remotely from anywhere in the world without worrying about class attendance. Project management is a fast-growing field with thousands of new job opportunities annually.For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that management occupations have a nine percent growth rate between 2020 and 2030, which is slightly higher than average. There will be many jobs for Agile project managers in the coming years. Pursuing online Agile courses enhances your skill level, boosts your resume, and offers career security.