By Quick answer: How do I pass PMI-ACP?
- Plan — 8 weeks.
- Exam — 180 minutes, 120 questions.
- Fee — $435 PMI members / $495 non-members.
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
PMI-ACP rewards a structured plan. This 8-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)PMI | $435 PMI members / $495 non-members1 | 180 minutes, 120 questions | Free test |
| 2 | Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum.org | Check the official page2 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 3 | Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)Scrum Alliance | Included in a 2-day course price3 | 16-hour course, then a 50-question test | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- PMIPMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)The exam$435 PMI members / $495 non-members
- Scrum.orgProfessional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum basicsCheck the official page
- Scrum AllianceCertified ScrumMaster (CSM)Scrum basicsIncluded in a 2-day course price
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
- Cost
- $435 PMI members / $495 non-members1
- Format
- 180 minutes, 120 questions
- Entry
- 2+ years of experience and 21 hours of agile training
$435 PMI members / $495 non-members. Format: 180 minutes, 120 questions. 2+ years of experience and 21 hours of agile training. PMI's agile credential is a 180-minute, 120-question exam covering several agile approaches. It needs two or more years of experience and 21 hours of agile training and costs $435 for PMI members or $495.
Best forthe exam
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
- Cost
- Check the official page2
PSM I. Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Master I is exam-only, with no course required, and it doesn't expire. Study the free Scrum Guide and practise before booking; check Scrum.org's page for the current fee.
Best forScrum basics
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Cost
- Included in a 2-day course price3
- Format
- 16-hour course, then a 50-question test
CSM. Scrum Alliance's Certified ScrumMaster is earned through a 16-hour, trainer-led course and a 50-question test. The price is set by the trainer, it renews every two years, and it's widely named in Scrum Master posts.
Best forScrum basics
A 8-week study plan
- Week 1 — Download the official objectives and take a free baseline test.
- Weeks 2–6 — Study one domain at a time with official or trusted materials.
- Week 7 — Timed full-length practice tests; fix weak domains.
- Week 8 — Light review, rest, then sit the exam.
Tips that make the difference
- Objectives first — Map every study session to an exam objective.
- Active recall — Quiz yourself instead of rereading.
- Mistake log — Write down why each wrong answer was wrong.
- Timing — Practise full-length tests under time limits.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for PMI-ACP, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for PMI-ACP?
About 8 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does PMI-ACP cost?
$435 PMI members / $495 non-members.
What is the PMI-ACP exam format?
180 minutes, 120 questions.
Do I need agile training hours?
Yes, 21 hours.
Is there a free PMI-ACP practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- PMI — PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Scrum.org — Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Scrum Alliance — Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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