DSDM Agile Professional Candidate Guidelines October 2016 I do it right
1 INTRODUCTION 3 2 DSDM AGILE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION I do it right 3 2.1 General 3 2.2 DSDM Version and Examinable Topics 3 2.3 The process for achieving DSDM Agile Professional certification 4 2.3 DSDM Agile Professional Certification Step by Step Details 4 2.4 The Synopsis 2.5 Demonstrate - the Oral Exam 2.6 DSDM Agile Professional Registration 3 FURTHER INFORMATION 10 APPENDIX A DSDM AGILE PROFESSIONAL - EXAM FOCUS VERSION : AGILE PROJECT FRAMEWORK 11 A.1 Objective 11 A.2 Focus for the Exam 11 A.2.1 Detailed Knowledge 11 A.2.2 Demonstrate an Understanding 12 APPENDIX B DSDM AGILE PROFESSIONAL - EXAM FOCUS VERSION : ATERN 13 B.1 Objective 13 B.2 Focus for the Exam 13 B.2.1 DSDM Knowledge 13 B.2.2 Demonstrate an Understanding 14 DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 2 of 14 Dec-16
1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Objective The DSDM training, coaching, accreditation and certification process aims to provide the industry with high calibre professional staff, trained and qualified to perform effectively on DSDM projects. DSDM, as used in this guide, applies to - the current version of DSDM June 2014 onwards - the previous version of DSDM The following provide a role-specific focus of DSDM - Focusing on DSDM from the perspective of the Project Manager Agile Project Management (AgilePM) is based on DSDM - Focusing on DSDM from the perspective of the Business Analyst Agile Business Analysis (AgileBA) is based on DSDM Please note: The basis for DSDM Agile Professional exam is the DSDM Handbook either the DSDM Agile Project Framework or DSDM Atern both of these handbooks are available to purchase via the DSDM webshop, or can be viewed online at www.agilebusiness.org. The Agile Business Consortium maintains a list of accredited training organisations (ATOs), accredited DSDM/AgilePM Implementation Partners (AIPs), accredited DSDM training courses, and certified DSDM Agile individuals: Professionals, Trainer-Coaches, Examiners and Consultants. APMG-International accredits training organisations to deliver AgilePM, AgileBA and AgilePgM accredited training courses and awards certificates to successful ATOs APMG-International manages AgilePM, AgileBA and AgilePgM written exams (Foundation and Practitioner) and issues certificates to successful candidates The Agile Business Consortium accredits DSDM/AgilePM Accredited Implementation Partners (AIPs) APMG-International has endorsed the Agile Business Consortium accreditation procedures 2 DSDM AGILE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION I do it right 2.1 General The DSDM Agile Professional certification is experience-based. It is aimed at anyone who is actively involved with DSDM or other Agile approaches and who believes that using DSDM can help address some existing project issues or Agile issues. 2.2 DSDM Version and Examinable Topics You can choose to be examined based on DSDM Agile Project Framework (current version of DSDM, June 2014) or DSDM Atern (previous version of DSDM) The base for the DSDM Agile Professional oral exam is DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 3 of 14 Dec-16
Outlined in Appendices A and B in this document - the subject areas for each version Detailed in full in the Handbook for your chosen DSDM version Some examples of active involvement are: On a DSDM project (typically the roles of Solution Developer, Team Leader, Project Manager, Business Ambassador, Solution Tester, Business Analyst, Technical Coordinator) On an Agile (non-dsdm) project (typically Team Member, Product Owner, Scrum Master) At an organisational or decision-making level within a company (for example, selecting DSDM and rolling it out company-wide, or integrating DSDM into corporate quality standards). Promoting and selling DSDM (for example, putting together formal DSDM proposals) Candidates who come from non-it backgrounds or anyone who is unsure whether they are eligible should in the first instance contact the Agile Business Consortium (email info@agilebusiness.org ) to discuss their eligibility. An example of DSDM project experience in a non-it project could be as a process or change consultant or a DSDM Champion. 2.3 The process for achieving DSDM Agile Professional certification There are four steps towards achieving certification Gain practical experience Submit an application form to Agile Business Consortium Demonstrate your experience and understanding of DSDM Prove your DSDM knowledge Although not mandated as part of the certification process, attending DSDM Training, delivered by a certified DSDM Agile Trainer-Coach, and/or getting on-project support provided by certified DSDM Agile Trainer-Coaches is strongly recommended for all but the most experienced DSDM/Agile practitioners. However, it is also possible to gain an understanding of DSDM by studying the DSDM Handbook (Agile Project Framework or Atern). The Handbook contains sufficient information to support candidates studying for DSDM Agile Professional accreditation. DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 4 of 14 Dec-16
The DSDM Agile Professional Certification Process Step 1 Gain practical experience Before submitting an application, you must have gained a minimum of 6 months practical experience on DSDM/ Agile projects. If DSDM was used, this would be advantageous If the practical experience is based on a different Agile approach (e.g. Scrum), you will be expected to compare DSDM to the Agile approach used throughout your synopsis and explain where using DSDM would have made a difference. NB. Since Agile Project Management v2 (AgilePM) and Agile Business Analysis (AgileBA) are fully based on DSDM, use of AgilePM or AgileBA counts as DSDM experience. Therefore throughout this guide AgilePM or AgileBA project experience is treated as DSDM project experience. Step 2 Submit an application form to Agile Business Consortium Application forms are available to download from the DSDM website, and once complete, should be submitted electronically to info@agilebusiness.org. The information given on this form will determine whether or not you meet the criteria to proceed to the next stage of the process, so should contain as much relevant information as possible. You will be informed by email within five working days if you have progressed to the next stage (or the reasons why not), and the timescale for submitting your synopsis. DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 5 of 14 Dec-16
Step 3 Submit a Synopsis Demonstrate your experience and understanding of how DSDM helps deliver successful projects by submitting a synopsis about your experience. This should be either based on a project which used DSDM, or comparing and contrasting your experience on an Agile project to DSDM Step 4 Prove your DSDM knowledge Attend an oral exam to answer questions both on your synopsis and on pure DSDM theory, using the DSDM Handbook (Agile Project Framework or Atern) as the basis for your revision. 2.4 The Synopsis The synopsis should comprise a document of approximately 3000-7500 words (absolute maximum 7500 words, please). It should be sent to info@agilebusiness.org in either Word or PDF format within the timescale notified to you. The project synopsis must be written solely by the candidate. Co-authoring is not allowed even if several candidates are describing the same project. The qualification is awarded to the individual candidate on the basis of the individual s knowledge and personal experience. The project described in the synopsis must have taken place within the last 5 years. The main objective of the project synopsis is to show the examiners that you have a thorough understanding of DSDM and can relate this to practical DSDM / Agile project or method experience. It helps the examiners if the synopsis describes briefly the project background and context. However, the bulk of the synopsis must focus on the project itself and its relationship to DSDM (or comparison to DSDM), and not on general organisational information. All synopses are treated in confidence. Please do not cut and paste whole sections or paragraphs copied word for word from the DSDM Handbook. In your synopsis, the examiners are looking for your own understanding and how DSDM was applied (or could have been applied) to your project. There is a useful guide to the Synopsis and what should be included in it (L3 Writing a Good Synopsis), as well as samples synopses, available to download from the DSDM website. The examiners expect you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of DSDM in your synopsis even if the project described in the synopsis followed general Agile principles rather than being run specifically as a DSDM project. If your practical experience is based on a different Agile approach (e.g. Scrum), you will be expected to compare DSDM to the Agile approach used throughout your synopsis and explain what difference using DSDM would have made. 2.4.2 Initial Synopsis Assessment - Basic focus The DSDM Examiners initially will assess whether the project or case study put forward follows basic Agile principles and processes. As a minimum, the synopsis must include: User Involvement Timeboxing (Sprints/Iterations) Iterative Development Prioritisation Empowered teams DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 6 of 14 Dec-16
In other words, did this initiative follow a recognisably Agile process? This initial assessment will apply regardless of whether your synopsis is based on a project or a more complex case study such as selecting and rolling-out DSDM, or wrapping AgilePM around Scrum. If DSDM was not the chosen Agile approach, then you should compare and contrast the Agile approach you used to DSDM, illustrating this throughout by example and reference to the project. For example If we had managed the early work following DSDM s Foundation phase 2.4.3 Full Synopsis Assessment When assessing the synopsis, the DSDM Examiners look for the following: A description of project initiation and why DSDM (or Agile) was used Your role on the project (this will be taken into account by the DSDM Examiners) Thorough understanding of the DSDM Principles Knowledge of the DSDM Process covering the full lifecycle (even if you were not involved at every lifecycle phase) The DSDM Products The People aspects The DSDM Practices Lessons learned on the DSDM (or Agile) project Some mention of other topics covered by DSDM (typically the later chapters in the published Handbook) is encouraged. All DSDM topics are assessed according to the categories listed in Appendix A (Agile Project Framework) or Appendix B (Atern), and based on the information published in the relevant DSDM Handbook. Your synopsis will be assessed and moderated by two independent DSDM Examiners. The Agile Business Consortium will send you the result of your synopsis assessment, including feedback where appropriate, no later than one week before the oral examination. The possible Synopsis Assessment results are Pass/Borderline/Defer. Synopsis Pass, Progress to Oral Exam - If your synopsis has reached the required standard, you will be invited for an oral examination. You may also be sent feedback at this stage on any specific areas where your synopsis is seen as weak or needing further clarification. These will be followed up during the oral exam, but this gives you an opportunity for further focused study. Synopsis Borderline, Progress to Oral Exam -If your synopsis is a borderline pass, you will be invited to the oral examination, but will also receive feedback at this stage on areas where your synopsis is seen as weak or needing further clarification. These areas will be followed up during the oral exam, but this gives you an opportunity for further focused study. However if, later on, your oral exam result is Defer, the examiners may ask you to rework and resubmit your synopsis, prior to attending an oral exam re-sit. Any exam re-sit incurs an additional charge. Synopsis Defer, Resubmit Synopsis - If your synopsis fails to meet required standard, you will receive comments on the synopsis and will be invited to re-apply at a later date, using a revised synopsis. Any resubmission incurs an additional charge. DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 7 of 14 Dec-16
2.5 The Oral Exam The purpose of the oral exam is to confirm your knowledge and experience of DSDM, both the theory and the practical application. Part of the exam is based around questions related specifically to your synopsis topic and your practical application of DSDM. The other part of the exams involves questions to prove your thorough understanding of DSDM theory and how to apply it. Please note - The DSDM Agile Professional certificate is a DSDM qualification and not a general Agile qualification, so you should expect the examiners to test your detailed knowledge of DSDM in the oral examination. Your knowledge must be related to practical examples and personal experience whenever possible. In the oral exam, you should be prepared to describe the DSDM theory as per the appropriate Appendix and demonstrate a practical understanding and application of these aspects. If your role means that you have only been involved during part of the lifecycle, you will still be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the whole lifecycle during the oral exam. For example : I wasn t involved at Pre-Project, but what took place was During the oral exam, You are not allowed to consult the DSDM Handbook or any other materials (e.g. no access to your written synopsis) You will have access to pen and paper, so you can draw diagrams to explain your answers, where appropriate During the oral examination, you will be given every opportunity to demonstrate your detailed knowledge of DSDM. You will be asked questions relating to your project experience, as well as questions relating to DSDM theory. Since the DSDM Agile Professional exam is Examiner led, you will be given opportunities to go back to questions you were unable to answer fully earlier in the exam and to correct incorrect answers, if you realise you have got something wrong. 2.5.1 The Oral Examination Process The oral examination lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, and is carried out by two independent DSDM Examiners. All oral examinations are digitally recorded as part of the standard DSDM quality procedures. The Agile Business Consortium reserves the right to place an observer at the oral examination. However please note, the observer s role is to assess the examiners, NOT to assess you. At the end of the oral examination, you will be asked to wait outside the examination room, for a short time, whilst the examiners make their decision. You will then be informed of the outcome and get a signed form confirming the result. The possible results following the Oral exam are Pass/Defer/Fail. Pass, Successful DSDM Agile Professional - If you have met the required standard, the Agile Business Consortium will send you your DSDM Agile Professional certificate. You can also ask for your name to be added to the DSDM website list of certified DSDM Professionals. Time permitting, you will also have an opportunity to get feedback from the examiners. DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 8 of 14 Dec-16
Defer, Unsuccessful this time - If you have not met the required standard on this occasion, you will be offered the option to get verbal feedback on the exam. All deferred candidates receive a copy of the feedback in written form, regardless of whether it has been given verbally. You will also be given one more opportunity to re-apply, to re-sit only the oral exam. However if you are deferred and your synopsis was a borderline pass, the examiners may ask you to resubmit a revised synopsis, prior to attending a second oral exam. Any exam re-sit incurs an additional charge. Fail, Unsuccessful - If you have not met the required standard on the second attempt, after a previous oral exam Defer, you should reapply from the start of the exam process i.e. resubmitting the application form. An oral exam resit incurs an additional fee (see DSDM web site for details of exam charges). In the event of a candidate cancelling the examination, the full examination fee is payable. 2.6 DSDM Agile Professional Registration The Agile Business Consortium will enrol successful DSDM Agile Professional candidates on the DSDM List of Certified Agile Professionals. Certified Agile Professionals may also choose to have their name published on the Consortium website DSDM Certified Agile Professionals Page. Successful candidates will also be entitled to use the official DSDM Agile Professional ebadge. DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 9 of 14 Dec-16
FURTHER INFORMATION Please contact the Agile Business Consortium for any further information on DSDM personal Certification. For information on Accredited Training and Accredited Training Organisations, either contact the Agile Business Consortium (for DSDM) or the APM Group (for AgilePM and AgileBA). All queries and applications can be made to the following addresses: Agile Business Consortium International House Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU tel: +44 (0)1233 611162 web : http://www.agilebusiness.org email: info@agilebusiness.org The APM Group Limited Sword House Totteridge Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 6DG tel: +44 (0) 1494 452 450 fax: +44 (0) 1494 459 559 web: www.apmgroup.co.uk email: servicedesk@apmgroup.co.uk DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 10 of 14 Dec-16
APPENDIX A DSDM AGILE PROFESSIONAL - EXAM FOCUS Version: Agile Project Framework A.1 Objective The DSDM Agile Professional certification confirms that an individual has demonstrated the appropriate level of knowledge of DSDM, both the theory and the practical application of the theory, so that they can take an active and effective role on a DSDM project. Successful candidates have demonstrated a detailed understanding of all the component parts of DSDM and how they work together to support DSDM as a whole, together with practical experience of DSDM. A.2 Focus for the Exam Candidates are not expected to learn the whole Agile Project Framework Handbook but should be able to demonstrate that they understand DSDM and how it works. A.2.1 Detailed Knowledge Candidates should be able to explain accurately the following topics The Philosophy and Fundamentals of DSDM The DSDM Philosophy The composition of DSDM Project Variables Positioning of DSDM within Agile The DSDM Principles Preparing for DSDM Success The Instrumental Success Factors The DSDM Process The Lifecycle Phases The DSDM People DSDM Roles and Responsibilities DSDM Team Model DSDM Roles Categories DSDM Roles Areas of Interest The DSDM Products DSDM Products through the Lifecycle Evolutionary, Milestone and Governance products DSDM Practice Workshops Benefits Roles Activities DSDM Practice - MoSCoW Prioritisation MoSCoW Rules Effective Prioritisation Balancing Priorities DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 11 of 14 Dec-16
DSDM Practice - Iterative Development Planning Iterative Development Requirement / Solution Focus Control and Quality DSDM Practice Modelling Why model? Modelling perspectives DSDM Practice Timeboxing DSDM Structured Timebox, steps and effort Free Format Timebox Daily Stand-up Timeboxes the wider context A.2.2 Demonstrate an Understanding Candidates are also expected to demonstrate an understanding of how DSDM works with: People, Teams and Interactions Understanding of making this effective Requirements and User Stories Understanding of User Stories Project Planning and Control Planning Handling change Quality Testing Concepts Tailoring the DSDM Approach General Understanding of how Project Approach Questionnaire impacts the application of DSDM to a project DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 12 of 14 Dec-16
APPENDIX B DSDM AGILE PROFESSIONAL - EXAM FOCUS Version : Atern B.1 Objective The DSDM Agile Professional certification confirms that an individual has demonstrated the appropriate level of knowledge of DSDM, both the theory and the practical application of the theory, so that they can take an active and effective role on a DSDM project. Successful candidates have demonstrated a detailed understanding of all the component parts of DSDM and how they work together to support DSDM as a whole, together with practical experience of DSDM. B.2 Focus for the Exam Candidates are not expected to learn the whole Atern Handbook but should be able to demonstrate that they understand DSDM and how it works. B.2.1 DSDM Knowledge Candidates should be able to explain accurately the following topics The Philosophy and Fundamentals of DSDM The DSDM Philosophy The composition of DSDM Project Variables Positioning of DSDM within Agile The Purpose of DSDM What is DSDM? Positioning of DSDM within Agile Why use DSDM? The Benefits of DSDM The Philosophy of DSDM The Principles of DSDM The DSDM Process The Framework and Life Cycle When to use DSDM? (and the consequences of choosing DSDM) The Products The People The Team Structure Roles and Responsibilities (including empowerment and essential skills) DSDM Core Practices (Techniques) Facilitated workshops Timeboxing MoSCoW prioritisation Modelling and Prototyping Iterative Development) DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 13 of 14 Dec-16
Other Areas Agile requirements Testing, Quality and Maintainability Project Management and Control (including Risk, Estimating and Measurement, Configuration Management) B.2.2 Demonstrate an Understanding Candidates are also expected to demonstrate an understanding of how DSDM works with: People, Teams and Interactions Understanding of making this effective Requirements and User Stories Understanding of User Stories Project Planning and Control Planning Handling change Quality Testing Concepts Tailoring the DSDM Approach General Understanding of how Project Approach Questionnaire impacts the application of DSDM to a project DSDM Agile Professional Guidelines Page 14 of 14 Dec-16