Introduction
Over the past few decades, the adoption of Agile development methodologies by product teams has skyrocketed. Agile, born in 2001 when 17 software developers created the Agile Manifesto at a Utah ski lodge, has revolutionized how we develop software.
Initially, Agile took time to gain traction as it matured into a set of methodologies that could be replicated and optimized. However, just from 2020 to 2021, the percentage of businesses that had adopted Agile at least once, more than doubled, from 37% to 78%. Today, 71% of businesses consistently use Agile, not just for software but also for hardware, physical goods, and more. Agile has expanded across various disciplines, including marketing, education, finance, and human resources.
Why is Agile so widely used? Its popularity is driven by the ability to deliver incremental value faster and more efficiently. Agile allows organizations to experiment quickly, learn what customers need, and meet those needs swiftly. To dive deeper into Agile’s growth, explore Agile Statistics: How Many Companies Use Agile in 2023?.
Product Manager or Product Owner?
As Agile has evolved, two distinct roles have emerged: Product Manager and Product Owner. While these roles complement each other, they have different focuses.
Product Managers prioritize discovery—gaining deep insights into customer needs and market dynamics to create a business model that provides customer value while achieving corporate profit and revenue goals.
On the other hand, Product Owners focus on delivery—ensuring the development team works on the most critical features and understands customer requirements in detail.
In many organizations, Product Managers are also expected to serve as Product Owners. Proficiency in both roles increases effectiveness, making certification in Agile crucial. Learn more about the roles in this Product Manager vs. Product Owner comparison:
Unfortunately, less than 42% of Product Managers have received any form of training, and even fewer understand how to thrive in an Agile environment.
Why the Certification?
To address this gap, the Association of International Product Management and Marketing (AIPMM), in partnership with Productside, has developed the Agile Certified Product Manager and Product Owner Credential.
Achieving this certification demonstrates deep understanding of strategic Product Management and leadership in Agile-driven companies. Unlike traditional Product Owner certifications, this credential covers both Product Management and Product Ownership, setting you apart as a true product leader.
The table below shows why this course is the best choice for:
- Product Managers who work closely with Product Owners or act as Product Owners
- Product Owners who also want to learn Agile Product Management and team leadership skills
- Product Managers who work in an Agile development environment
| Agile Excellence for Product Managers and Product Owners Course and Certification | Other “Product Owner” only Certifications and Courses | |
| Covers all foundational concepts found in the most popular Product Owner Certifications? | Yes | Yes |
| Teaches Strategic and Business Foundations? | Yes | No |
| Teaches how to lead, influence and align teams? | Yes | No |
| Clarifies role of Product Manager as primary strategic driver critical for overall product success? | Yes | No |
| Exam administered by independent and highly-credible third party? | Yes | Varies – many training companies deliver the exam themselves, and some require no exam at all for certification |
| Written and taught by active practitioners and experts in Agile and Product Management? | Yes | Varies |
| Available Worldwide? | Yes | Varies |
| Small courses to ensure extensive instructor attention and allow for deep discussion and highly-valuable hands-on exercises? | Yes | Varies |
How to Earn the Certification
You can earn this certification by taking our Agile for Product Managers and Product Owners two-day or 16 hour course. Afterward, you have one year to study and pass the online certification exam. The course can also be customized and delivered privately to Product Management teams.
Alternatively, you can enroll in the Agile Certified Product Manager and Product Owner – Online Course and Exam, a self study online course which allows you to study at your own pace.
Earning this credential can help you get hired or promoted at many companies who need an agile skillset. Mastery of agile could be one of the most important career moves you’ll ever make.