1. Certification
This deck describes why your organization would want to adopt the Disciplined Agile Framework
Please contact us at DisciplinedAgileConsortium.org if you would like this presented to your organization.

2. Module 2 - Agile Foundations
Our Principles
Certifications must:
Provide value
Be earned
Be respectable
Be focused
Certification is part of your learning process
Certified professionals have a responsibility to share their knowledge
The following principles drove the development of this certification program:
Certifications must provide value.  First and foremost, a certification must provide value to the person being certified.  This value comes from learning new and valuable strategies during the process of earning the certification as well as greater employability resulting from the certification.  Of course there are always limits to the value of any certification.
Certifications must be earned.  The effort required to earn the certification must be commensurate with the value provided.  For example, it is easy to earn a yellow belt because the yellow belt is an indication that someone has basic knowledge of Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) and wishes to learn more.  A green belt is harder to earn because it is an indication of both knowledge and experience.   A black belt is very difficult to earn because it's an indication of expertise and competence.  
Certifications must be respectable.  We believe that the Disciplined Agile certifications are respectable for several reasons.  First, the fact that you have to do some work to earn them is a welcome difference from other agile certifications.  Second, we're aligning with other respectable certification programmes and are requesting participation in one or more of those programmes as part of green and black belt certification.
Certifications must be focused.  The focus of this programme is on disciplined agile approaches to IT solution delivery.  Disciplined agile certifications are an indication of knowledge and experience in disciplined agile methods. 
Certification is part of your learning process.  Disciplined professionals view certification as part of their learning process.  Learning is not an event but instead an ongoing effort.  The implication is that once you have earned your certification you must continue working to keep your skills up to date.
Certified professionals have a responsibility to share knowledge.  Not only have we adopted the concept of earning belts from martial arts we have also adopted the mindset that people have a responsibility to help teach and nurture people with lower belts to learn new skills and knowledge.  The act of teaching and sharing information often leads one to a greater understanding and appreciation of the topic, and thus helps the teacher as well as the student to learn.
© Disciplined Agile Consortium
© Scott Ambler + Associates

3. Shuhari and Disciplined Agile Certification
Module 2 - Agile Foundations
Shuhari and Disciplined Agile Certification
At the shu stage you are beginning to learn the techniques and philosophies of disciplined agile development. Your goal is to build a strong foundation from which to build upon. At the ha stage you reflect upon and question why disciplined agile strategies work, seeking to understand the range of strategies available to you and when they are best applied. At the ri stage you seek to extend and improve upon disciplined agile techniques, sharing your learnings with others.
We have adopted a Shuhari strategy for this certification program.  Shuhari is a martial arts concept that represents the stages of someone's learning:
Shu (Learn). At the shu stage you are beginning to learn the techniques and philosophies of disciplined agile development.  Your goal is to build a strong foundation from which to build upon.  This beginner stage of learning is represented by the DA and CDA designations.
Ha (Detach).  At the ha stage you reflect upon and question why disciplined agile strategies work, seeking to understand the range of strategies available to you and when they are best applied. This intermediate stage of learning is represented by the CDAP designation.
Ri (Transcend). At the ri stage you seek to extend and improve upon disciplined agile techniques, sharing your learnings with others. This "master" stage of learning is represented by the CDAC designation.
© Disciplined Agile Consortium
© Scott Ambler + Associates

4. Disciplined Agile Certification
Meaning
How to Earn It
The person is new to disciplined agile but eager to learn
Attend a DA workshop
Validate basic knowledge via a test
The person understands how disciplined agile works and is striving to be a professional, with the potential to be a junior coach
Difficult test and 2+ years of proven experience
Indication that the person is an expert. These people may be agile transformation leads.
Minimum CDAP level and 5+ years of proven experience plus
Board-level certification
Indication that the person is certified to instruct the Disciplined Agile courseware
Minimum CDAP level plus Board Level certification
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5. © Disciplined Agile Consortium
How to earn this designation:
You must attend a Disciplined Agile workshop or webinar
Cost: Free
What this tells employers:
You have an interest in Disciplined Agile strategies
DisciplinedAgileConsortium.org/DA
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6. © Disciplined Agile Consortium
How to earn this certification:
Learn about Disciplined Agile by either taking a workshop or by reading the book Disciplined Agile Delivery
Pass the CDA certification test ($100 US to take)
What this tells employers:
You have knowledge of how agile works in enterprise-class settings
You are eager to learn strategies that enable you to increase your skills and abilities as a software professional
DisciplinedAgileConsortium.org/CDA
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7. © Disciplined Agile Consortium
How to earn this certification:
Be a CDA in good standing
Have at least two years of agile experience
Pass the CDAP test ($200 US to take)
Provide at least two references from agile teams
Provide proof of agile learning
What this tells employers:
You have knowledge and proven experience
You are experienced at agile solution delivery and are on your way to becoming a generalizing specialist
You have the potential to be a “junior coach” under the guidance of a senior coach (someone who is likely a CDAC)
DisciplinedAgileConsortium.org/CDAP
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8. © Disciplined Agile Consortium
How to earn this certification:
Be a CDAP in good standing
Have at least five years of agile experience
Have at least two years of agile coaching experience and one year of agile transformation experience
Provide references for above
Pass a peer interview with other CDACs
Cost is $150US to apply +$350 if accepted (one time fee)
What this tells employers:
You have knowledge, proven experience, and are willing to give back to others
You are a trusted expert with significant proficiency at Disciplined Agile
You can coach other people in disciplined agile strategies
You can advise organizations in the adoption and tailoring of the Disciplined Agile process decision framework
DisciplinedAgileConsortium.org/CDAC
© Disciplined Agile Consortium

9. © Disciplined Agile Consortium
The Disciplined Agile Consortium (DAC) supports and evolves the Disciplined Agile process decision framework. The DAC site, DisciplinedAgileConsortium.org, provides information on curriculum and learning resources for Disciplined Agile practitioners. It is also the home of the Disciplined Agile certification program. The Disciplined Agile blog, DisciplinedAgileDelivery.com, provides a wealth of articles and blog postings about Disciplined Agile topics. The Disciplined Agile discussion forum, LinkedIn.com/groups/ , is a meeting place for Disciplined Agile practitioners to share their experiences and to get questions answered.
© Disciplined Agile Consortium