The Certified Agile Leadership program (CAL) was created with the vision of making Agile an accessible methodology for all business leaders. The values and principles of Agile should be widespread and easily understood. This knowledge should be imparted regardless of what the working professional is educated in or the experience.
The Certified Agile Leadership course makes those who complete the certification experts on the why, the what, and how of the Agile methodology using a pragmatic approach. This certification helps business leaders navigate through the increasingly complex market demands of today. It helps companies and business leaders work in a way that they can deliver products that are more innovative and are released quicker.
Agile also improves the work culture of the company. The Agile mindset is used to create a more communicative, collaborative, and fast work culture in organizations. The concept of hierarchy changes as well, making teams more dynamic, independent, and gratifying.
Certified Agile Leadership (CAL) Certification: An Introduction
There are about 97% of companies in the software development industry are practicing Agile methods. This does not mean that they are completely Agile, but they have implemented certain Agile principles into their work. This means that most companies are leaning towards Agile methodologies, and will consider a working professional with a CAL certification who can be a valuable asset to their organization.
The Certified Agile Leadership (CAL) certification is divided into two parts: CAL I and CAL II course. The first one, CAL I, is an introductory course to Agile leadership, and it educates all its participants and gives them in-depth knowledge of leadership development using Agile across various categories.
The main categories covered in CAL I certification are:
- Creating awareness about Agile leadership
- Creating a leadership thinking mindset
- Building focus on Agile methods
- Learning about Agile behaviors
- Starting off the journey as an Agile leader
Once this course has been completed, the certified individuals can begin the CAL II course, which is a continuation of the Certified Agile Leadership certification. This course gives participants even more detailed insights on how to develop Agile leadership practices and succeed at them.
The Certified Agile Leadership CAL program (CAL I + CAL II) is offered by the Scrum Alliance as a unique two-part program that educates its participants as well as gives them the necessary practice required to develop the competency needed to become an Agile leader. After completing the Certified Agile Leadership program, a working professional will have increased his effectiveness as a leader in Agile methods, making him a better leader overall, regardless of the primary job role.
Who is the CAL Certification for?
Even though Agile methodology was created to help improve the working processes of software developers and their teams, over time, Agile has proven its worth in other industries as well. This is why people who are completing their Certified Agile Leadership course do not necessarily belong to the IT or software industry. They come from varied professional backgrounds with different levels of work experience.
The one thing in common between all the participants of the CAL certification is their mutual desire to become better leaders and to improve their current workplace using Agile values, practices, principles, and metrics.
The CAL certification proves to be extremely useful for those working in companies undergoing an Agile transformation. Some job roles that normally opt for completing the Certified Agile Leadership course are mentioned below.
CAL for Coaches and Consultants
Certified Agile Leadership courses can train coaches and consultants to help their clients achieve successful Agile transformation and implementation. This is done by teaching companies Agile methods and helping them create the necessary Agile mindset to achieve this transformation. The CAL certification gives consultants the tools to guide companies through this process.
CAL for Employees in the Managerial Position
As a manager who has his CAL certification, one automatically becomes equipped at managing and overcoming any internal resistance to their teams, as well as improving the overall Agility of the company. CAL gives managers the tools they need to help their teams adopt Agile methods and become Agile leaders.
CAL for Executives
The CAL certification is also made for executives who want to develop and inculcate Agile practices into their work. It helps nurture their own agility. As business executives complete their CAL certification, they can be chosen to play an important role in the Agile transformation of their company. It also helps the personal growth of the executives as it teaches them how to become better leaders.
Overall, all business executives, members of middle management, and other business leaders who have some influence over the organization can choose to complete the CAL certification. Certified Agile Leadership courses were made for all leaders (or people who want to be leaders) so that they can lead, support, and interact successfully with Agile teams and help the company improve its overall Agility.
Requirements for CAL Certification
For the introductory course, CAL I has no prerequisites. This means anyone is eligible to complete this course regardless of their qualifications or experience. CAL I is completed once all the learning objectives are met. The CAL I certification has no expiration date. CAL I certification is required to be eligible for CAL II.
CAL I (Credential Level 1)
The first level of the Certified Agile Leadership certification gives participants an introduction to Agile practices in leadership. This is divided into five categories. The main goal of this certification is to create Agile thinking in leadership, as well as behaviors that leaders can learn to begin their Agile Leadership journey.
The duration of the course is completed over two and a half days. The five categories studied under CAL I are:
- The Context for Agile
- Overview of Agile
- Leadership Using Agile
- The Agile Organization
- Agile Methods to Change
The course program is based on the Agile Manifesto and completing the five objectives qualifies all participants for their Certified Agile Leadership I certification.
CAL II (Credential Level 2)
The second stage of the Certified Agile Leadership certification gives participants an in-depth education in Agile leadership. It provides participants with validated practice. It is also a program that is focused on peer-based sharing. The CAL II certification level helps Agile leaders increase their Agile knowledge, deepen their expertise, and learn how to apply and share their Agile leadership skills.
To receive the Level II certification, CAL II participants need to have their CAL I certificate as well as complete their education in the three categories mentioned below:
- Advanced education
- Validated practice
- Peer-based sharing
Final Thoughts
CAL I and CAL II are important certifications for members of organizations who want to become successful Agile leaders. The certification can be completed by members of any and all industries. It is diverse, versatile, and in high demand by organizations. Professionals should opt for widely-recognized Agile Certification Courses to gain a proper understanding of implementing Agile principles to achieve holistic transformation.
Some of the popular Agile Certification Courses that individuals and enterprise teams can take up are:
