The History of AgilePM can be traced back to the 20th century when the Dynamic systems development method (DSDM), an agile project delivery framework was formed. At that time, there was a pre-existing software development method, popularly referred to as Rapid Application Development (RAD), however, with the RAD methodology, projects were usually delivered at a later time, were not up to quality and usually overran budgets.

With these concerns in mind, In 1994, the DSDM Consortium was founded. Their main objective was to take the best parts of the RAD methodology and to provide some discipline to it. Hence, in 1995, the DSDM consortium developed the first version of DSDM. With time the DSDM Agile Project Framework underwent revision and as such, a later version was released. This version of the DSDM framework became a generic approach to project management and solution delivery. Rather than being focused specifically on software development code creation, it could be used for non-IT projects. Moreover, DSDM fixes cost, quality and time at the outset and uses the MoSCoW prioritization of scope into musts, should, could and won’t haves to adjust the project deliverables to meet the stated time constraint.

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In early 2001, years after the emergence of the DSDM framework, the term “Agile” was applied to DSDM, SCRUM, Extreme Programming, and other methodologies. This was done when 17 software development practitioners gathered in Snowbird, Utah to discuss their shared ideas and various approaches to software development. These developers, popularly referred to as the Agile Alliance codified the common themes and established some basic principles in Agile. They Agile Alliance developed the Agile Manifesto and by doing so, they popularized the term ‘agile’.

In July 2006, DSDM Consortium made a public version of the DSDM framework available to individuals for use. Thereafter, in 2014, the DSDM handbook was made available online and for public use. By October 2016, the DSDM Consortium rebranded as the Agile Business Consortium, a not-for-profit, vendor-independent organization.

The most recent version of the DSDM framework is DSDM Atern. Atern is a proven agile approach that provides the governance and thoroughness along with the agility and flexibility that many organizations demand today. DSDM Atern either can be used “as-is”, or can be combined with other recognized methodologies such as PRINCE2 and MSP. It is also ideal as a wrapper for more limited agile approaches to ensure that the whole project lifecycle is addressed. Atern has been responsible for the successful delivery of innumerable projects around the world

In partnership with the Agile Business Consortium, APMG developed AgilePM. AgilePM is based on the DSDM Atern framework. Also, it is a training and certification scheme underpinned by the AgilePM Handbook which is a subset of the Consortium’s Agile Project Framework for project managers. The AgilePM guidance offers a practical and repeatable methodology that achieves an ideal balance between the standards, thoroughness, and visibility required for good project management, and the fast-pace, change, and empowerment provided by Agile.