Key PMI-ACP terms in plain English. The exam is framework-agnostic, so it helps to know the core agile vocabulary that runs across Scrum, Kanban, Lean and XP.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Agile | An iterative, incremental approach to delivering work that values collaboration, customer feedback and adapting to change. |
| Servant leadership | A leadership style focused on enabling and supporting the team - removing blockers, coaching and facilitating - rather than commanding. |
| Scrum | An agile framework using fixed-length sprints, defined roles, events and artifacts to deliver work incrementally. |
| Sprint | A short, time-boxed iteration (often one to four weeks) in which a team delivers a usable increment. |
| Product backlog | An ordered list of everything that might be needed in the product, maintained by the product owner. |
| Product owner | The person accountable for maximising value by managing and prioritising the product backlog. |
| Scrum master | A servant leader who helps the team follow agile practices, removes impediments and facilitates events. |
| Kanban | A method that visualises work on a board, limits work in progress and manages flow. |
| Work in progress (WIP) limit | A cap on how many items can be in a stage at once, used in Kanban to improve flow. |
| Lean | An approach focused on maximising value and eliminating waste in a process. |
| Extreme Programming (XP) | An agile framework emphasising technical practices such as pair programming and test-driven development. |
| Value-driven delivery | Prioritising and delivering the highest-value work first. |
| Voice of the Customer (VoC) | The expressed needs and expectations of the customer that guide what is built. |
| Critical to Quality (CTQ) | The specific, measurable customer requirements a solution must meet. |
| User story | A short, plain-language description of a feature from the user’s perspective. |
| Velocity | A measure of how much work a team completes per iteration, used for planning. |
| Burndown chart | A chart showing remaining work over time within an iteration or release. |
| Retrospective | A recurring meeting where the team reflects on how to improve its process. |
| Continuous improvement | The ongoing practice of inspecting and adapting the process to do better. |
| Empirical process control | Managing work through transparency, inspection and adaptation rather than detailed up-front plans. |
| Minimum Viable Product (MVP) | The smallest version of a product that delivers value and validates learning. |
| Definition of Done | A shared, agreed checklist of what must be true for work to be considered complete. |
| Stakeholder | Anyone with an interest in the product or its outcomes, whose collaboration the team seeks. |
| PDU | Professional Development Unit: the unit of continuing education used to maintain PMI certifications. |