Those interested in the training conducted at our Educational Academy, as well as visitors to our website, will notice that we offer two accredited courses enabling participants to learn the basics of the AgilePM methodology. What differentiates them, and which training is better? One can familiarize themselves with the plans of these trainings showing the agenda for the 2-day and 3-day modes (they differ), and this article aims to help make an informed choice by answering questions that might interest potential participants. Standardly, we offer a 3-day training, but we also provide a 2-day option upon request.
Do both the 2-day and 3-day training rely on so-called “vanilla” material?
These trainings are proprietary. We do not use the so-called “vanilla” that the Accrediting Institute prepared as a starting point for Accredited Training Organizations to develop their material. We did not consider “vanilla” a good starting point for developing our training courses and have proprietary material that differs for both training variants.
Are both the 2-day and 3-day options accredited?
Yes. Both trainings cover the so-called syllabus, i.e., the minimum range of information that may be covered in the examination questions. They not only cover but also exceed the scope required for the exam. However, the 3-day training provides more additional information and focuses more on the practical application of the methodology.
Are there separate training materials for the 2-day and 3-day options?
There are definitely separate training materials, not just the training schedule. Naturally, the 3-day variant is expanded with additional thematic modules derived from the AgileBA manual: “Business Case” and soft skills “People, teams, and interactions.” These topics are only briefly mentioned in the 2-day training. Moreover, the 3-day training offers more team exercises, where participants prepare an organizational structure for a given project scenario or discuss the life cycle for that project. The 2-day training has fewer exercises based on test exercises according to the advanced levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. Educational Academy does not replicate bad practices where one training material is used for 1½-day, 2-day, 3-day trainings, and where the instructor is forced to improvise rather than follow the training plans, which are time-balanced in each variant (without shortening or artificially extending the course).
Does the 2-day variant prepare for the international AgilePM Foundation exam more effectively compared to the 3-day variant?
It cannot be said so. In both variants, the exam results are very good and comparable to each other. Both variants more than cover the syllabus and offer 3 sets of sample exams, which the participant solves in preparation for the exam. During the 2-day and 3-day training, we solve many exam-style questions after each slide module. However, the 3-day course allows for solving 1-2 additional sample exams (which are not included in the training material for the participant).
Does the 2-day variant require more personal work from the participant compared to the 3-day variant?
No. Preparing for the course (pre-course work) is just as time-consuming for both. Participants of both variants receive the same material to read well in advance. After completing the training, both variants offer the participant the same three sample exams (including proprietary ones) to prepare for the exam.
Are the 2-day and 3-day training variants equally intense?
The 3-day variant is slightly less intense. There is more time for discussion, and there are longer breaks. However, it should be emphasized that each variant has its thoughtfully designed and time-framed training setup (these are not identical materials) and equally effectively prepares for the exam.
