What is a certified Scrum Master certification?

According to Scrum’s website, ScrumMaster “is charged with the responsibility for supporting and promoting Scrum. Scrum Masters do this by helping others to understand Scrum theory, practice, values, and rules.

The Scrum Master is the tail head of the Scrum Team. The Scrum Master allows people outside the Scrum Team to understand which of their experiences with the Scrum Team are beneficial and not. The Scrum Master helps everyone to adjust these relationships to optimize the value generated by the Scrum Team.”

Building on that, the Accredited Scrum Master has the authority to demonstrate that they have undergone training and gained the skills required to be an effective Scrum Master. Certification means that the candidate knows the Scrum technique and may be either a Scrum team member or a Scrum Master.

What’s the need for a CSM certification?

Every team needs a leader; otherwise, there is no structure or transparency. Scrum teams are no exception to this practice. Scrum Masters represent their Scrum team and their entire organization, and the owner of the product.

Here’s a list of tasks and duties performed by the Accredited Scrum Master:

• Facilitates Scrum events

• Understands and practices agility

• Ensures that everybody on the team has a firm grasp of its goals, reach, and domain.

• Discovers strategies for handling backlog of products effectively

• Understands product planning in an inferential environment

• Trains the production team in the areas of cross-functionality and self-discipline.

• Allows the team to execute a high-value project

• Eliminates barriers to the success of the team

• Helps guide the Scrum team in situations where Scrum is not completely practiced or fully understood

• Coaches and guides the organization through the Scrum process

• Plans Scrum implementation in the organization

• Makes adjustments to boost team productivity

• Works with other Scrum Masters in the company to boost overall Scrum performance

As you can see from that list (and it’s not complete!), any professional Certified Scrum Master would definitely have their work cut out for them. This is why qualification is such an essential aspect for any Certified Scrum Master. Only the CSM, which has been qualified and certified by an approved organization, will successfully fulfill all the expectations put on them.

How to Get Certified in CSM

Now that we’ve heard what the CSM is, along with the related specifications, here’s how you can get the CSM certification. The certification process for the CSM is relatively straightforward. Only follow the following steps:

Step One: Establish a good understanding of Scrum’s life cycle and structure. Think of a tutorial to help you get started.

Step Two: Take a two-day (16-hour) CSM training course instructed by a certified trainer.

Step Three: Pass the CSM exam administered by the Scrum Alliance, i.e., accurately answering at least 37 of the 50 exam questions within one hour.

Step Four: Send an accepted license agreement

Step Five: Fill and complete your Scrum Alliance membership profile.

If all these steps have been completed, you will be a Certified Scrum Master!

Scrum Master Certification South Africa

Scrum Master Certification is essential to everyone who plans to work in this position, regardless of the industry.

In South Africa, a certification invariably becomes a benchmark for employers, like a bachelor’s degree.

What are the Scrum Master Certification Options?

There are various Scrum Master Certifications available and a lot of disputes about which are most relevant. Some prefer the better-known Certified ScrumMaster or CSM certification for entry-level certification. Others follow the newer Agile Certified Practitioner, or ACP or the Professional ScrumMaster, or PSM.

More specialized certifications are also available from several of the same organizations offering entry-level certification.

Here’s a look at the range of certifications available for Scrum Master:

Professional ScrumMaster

Ken Schwaber devised the PSM certification. He co-created the Scrum System in the mid-1990s and helped launch the Scrum Alliance before leaving in 2009 to start Scrum.org and create the PSM.

The only pre-requisite of the PSM is to pass the exam, but it is not simple and typically includes training courses taught by qualified instructors. There are three levels: PSM I, II and III. PSM I certification indicates that you have demonstrated a fundamental degree of Scrum mastery according to Scrum.org.

Such Scrum.org certifications shall include:

The Professional Scrum Product Owner has three levels.

• Scaled Professional Scrum.

• Professional Scrum Developer.

• Professional Agile Leadership.

Certified ScrumMaster

The CSM is the most straightforward entry-level certification. The Scrum Alliance established it in 2002, seven years before the PSM.

Before you take the CSM, you have to:

• Take part in a course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer, or CST, or undergo one-on-one training from a Certified Agile Coach, or CAC.

• Undergo 16 hours of in-person or 14 hours of online CST training or 25 hours of CAC engagement.

If you have completed the course and earned your credential, you will need to receive 20 hours of Scrum Education Units to retain your CSM certification, which must be renewed every two years. There’s a $100 administrative fee, too.

Advanced certifications made available through the Scrum Alliance include:

• Certified Scrum Developer.

• Advanced ScrumMaster Certified.

• Certified Scrum Professional.

• Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster.

• Certified Scrum Product Owner.

Agile Certified Practitioner

The Agile Certified Practitioner, or ACP, certification is offered via the Project Management Institute, or PMI, the leading association for project managers and renowned for its Project Management Professional certification.

According to PMI, ACP is the fastest-growing certification organization due to the growth in Agile project management. The certification covers Agile approaches such as Scrum, Lean, Kanban, test-driven development, and extreme programming.

ACP certification is thought to be more relevant in organizations with a more conventional project management system and is moving towards agility than in Agile-based organizations.

You ought to have a secondary degree, 21 hours of Agile learning, 12 months of general project engagement in the last five years, and eight months of Agile engagement in the last three years before you can take the ACP.

SAFe ScrumMaster

Scaled Agile Framework, or SAFe, is a pioneer in enterprise – or large-scale – agility and provides a range of certifications, including SAFe ScrumMaster or SSM.

The course varies significantly from more traditional Scrum Master Courses and Certifications because it emphasizes the role of Scrum Master within the organization as a whole, rather than just facilitating a team. Participants can learn how to prepare and execute the curriculum increment – which is linked to the Agile teams’ goals during their sprint period and is a critical part of the SAFe organization.

To receive certification, you must take part in a two-day course. It’s best if you’re familiar with Agile principles and concepts, understand hardware and software development, and are conscious of Scrum, Kanban, and intense programming.

Participants are equipped with course materials, a study guide, and a practice test. If you are certified, you will receive a one-year membership of the SAFe Community Platform and other digitally related benefits, such as learning materials.

How Do I Become A Certified Scrum Master?

To create and deliver products with the highest possible value, you must help teams deliver products in short cycles, allowing quick feedback, quality improvement, and rapid adaptation to change. If that sounds a lot like the Scrum concept to you, you’re already on the right path to become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

Becoming a CSM is not hard but leading the team effectively on Scrum’s ideals requires determination, courage, and concentration. The qualifications for being a CSM allow you to do just that.

What is a CSM?

To be successful, every agile development team needs ScrumMaster. As a CSM, you will be well qualified to make your team smoother and improve your team’s chances of success. ScrumMaster is not a project leader or project manager, but rather a “servant leader” committed to helping the team thrive within the Scrum system. A CSM has many duties, including ensuring teamwork and guarding the team against distractions that can interrupt productivity. There are also several advantages of becoming a CSM, such as expanding your career possibilities and networking with other Scrum experts.

What are the conditions for becoming a CSM?

There are three steps you need to complete to become a Certified ScrumMaster:

• Get acquainted with Scrum and complete the CSM course pre-requisites.

• Attend a CSM in-person course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer.

• Pass the CSM exam by answering at least 37 of the 50 questions correctly.

What do I need to do before I take a CSM course?

Before taking a CSM course, it is imperative to prepare correctly by thoroughly familiarizing yourself with Scrum theory and principles. Usually, a CSM course starts with a short quiz to verify that you are ready to start the CSM training process. To pass this quiz, you need to complete the Scrum Foundations eLearning Collection, a series of videos featuring Scrum Theory, Scrum Functions, Scrum Activities, and Scrum Objects. You can also download and read the official Scrum Guide and be familiar with the Agile Manifesto. The fulfillment of these criteria is necessary if you want to excel in your CSM course.

What’s a CSM exam?

The CSM is an online exam comprising of 35 multiple-choice questions. To pass and receive your credential, you must get at least 24 correct questions. It’s up to you to take the exam, but it must be after you’ve completed your CSM course. The Scrum Alliance enables you to take the test up to two times at no expense. If you don’t pass the second time, you will be made to pay a small fee for each subsequent attempt. You will be allowed to see which questions you answered incorrectly, but the answers will not be given to you. It’s crucial to research any questions you missed so that you can pass the exam on your next try.

The mandatory CSM course lasts for 16 hours. However, in addition to the two days spent learning, many people have to spend time studying. You’ll most likely want to spend time reading and studying the pre-requisite materials to ensure that you’re well prepared for the class. After you have completed the course, you may need to take the CSM exam online. While the course will provide you with the tools and skills you need to pass the exam, you may want to spend even more time reviewing the course materials and notes before you take the test. Based on the course’s availability, it can take weeks or months before you become accredited, so be sure to prepare accordingly.

Which Scrum Master Certification Is Best?

Scrum is an increasingly common project management system that helps businesses and organizations manage large projects, improve team transparency, and minimize costs.

Scrum Master is a qualified specialist who helps coordinate and scale teams of any size to use Scrum methodology. Becoming a certified Scrum master does not only adds trustworthiness; it also makes Scrum masters more sought-after and increases their earning potential. We looked at the best Scrum Master Certifications – the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) and – the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and other significant Scrum Certifications, as well as the leading training and certification providers for each.

Scrum.org

In 2009, Scrum co-founder Ken Schwaber left Scrum Alliance and established Scrum.org to provide training that he felt was more in line with Scrum fundamentals. In the buildup of things, he developed an equivalent to the Certified Scrum Master, dubbed the Professional Scrum Master (PSM). The Scrum certification is generally recognized second only to Scrum Alliance.

The major difference between Scrum.org and Scrum Alliance is how each handles certification. Though Scrum Alliance allows people to complete Scrum training before taking the certification exam, Scrum.org concentrates on the exam itself. The company is less concerned about the type of class or training that Scrum Masters undergo than the skills they acquire.

Scrum.org offers three levels of PSM certification: PSM I, II and III. According to the course descriptions, PSM I certification concentrates on “understanding how Scrum can be applied to Scrum teams and having a consistent terminology and approach to Scrum.” PSM II certification concentrates on understanding the underlying principles of Scrum and the Scrum values in a diversity of complex organizational and team situations.

Scrum.org does not require people to have any coaching to take the PSM exam. However, Scrum training courses are also offered. Scrum.org also does not necessitate the re-certification of its PSM instruction.

Scrum Inc.

In 2006, Scrum and Scrum Alliance co-founder Jeff Sutherland founded Scrum Inc. to return to teaching CSM courses. Scrum Inc. also provides management seminars and other business coaching and consulting services. We regard it as the best engaging class because it focuses on training with interactive and dynamic hands-on activities.

Scrum Inc.’s Licensed Scrum Master Training blends seminars with a range of games and exercises to give participants first-hand experience of Scrum Master Role. Class participants coordinate Scrum teams and learn how to build and handle product backlogs, resolve burn-down charts, and study real-world case studies from various industries.

There are no requirements for Licensed Scrum Master training, and all levels of Scrum expertise are welcome. Courses begin at $1,995, including exam fees, and hold online for three hours a day for four days. Students who satisfactorily complete the course and pass the exam will receive a Certificate of Licensed Scrum Master signed by Jeff Sutherland.

Scrum Alliance

Established in 2001 by Scrum, Ken Schwaber, and Jeff Sutherland, Scrum Alliance, was the first to give Scrum certification. This is the title of the Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Many people regard Scrum Alliance’s CSM as the best scrum certification as it is one of the most widely recognized Scrum Masters certification programs.

Scrum Alliance’s certification training focuses on sessions with certified trainers and instructors, followed by a standardized exam. Each CSM graduate of the Scrum Alliance must undergo the CSM training program to take the certification exam.

The Scrum Alliance provides virtual in-person and online training around the world. Online courses comprise two, eight-hour days, beginning at $795. In-person training programs are usually two to three days long and generally start at $1,300, with special discounts available to groups. All course fees cover the cost of the examination, which may be taken after each course.

Scrum Alliance allows individuals to update their CSM certification every two years. The renewal fee is $100. Scrum Alliance requires 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) to be re-certified for the CSM.

Types of Scrum Certifications

There are a different kind of Scrum Certifications obtainable all over the globe, but the prominent ones among them along the career path that one is likely to get is shown below:-

CertificationCareer Path
Scrum Master CertificationScrum Master
 Mentor
 Coach
 Manager
 Product Owner
  
Advanced Scrum Master CertificationScrum Master
 Mentor
 Coach
 Manager
 Product Owner
  
Certified Scrum Professional (CSP-SM)Scrum Master
 Mentor
 Coach
 Manager
 Product Owner for big organizations
  
Professional Scrum Master Training (PSM)Scrum Master
 Mentor
 Coach
 Manager
 Product Owner for big organizations
  
SAFe 4.0 Scrum Master (SSM)Agile Project Manager
 Senior Scrum Master
 Scrum Master
 Product Owner
 Agile Coach
 Agile Project Director
 Agile Scrum Master
  
Scrum Master Certified (SMC)Senior Scrum Master
 Associate Scrum Master
 Scrum Master
 Coach Scrum Master
 Product Owner/Manager
  
Agile Scrum Master (ASM)Scrum Master
 Agile Coach
 Associate Scrum Master
 Product Manager

Scrum Master Certification Online

The scrum master is one of the critical functions of the Agile project using the scrum system. This person is the primary project facilitator, responsible for scheduling regular meetings, enhancing team spirit, and improving efficiency by eliminating roadblocks and supporting the team. Here’s an outline of how to become a scrum master online in seven basic steps:

Step 1: Learn the fundamentals of Scrum
Before you can become a scrum master, it’s important to get acquainted with both the ideals and concepts of Agile and the general scrum system. Along with the materials on their website, you can check out the Agile Manifesto and the Scrum Alliance eLearning Series to get acquainted with common principles, habits, and values.

Step 2: Select your Scrum Certification
One of the finest ways to become a scrum master is through a reputable certification program. This kind of program will make sure that you are conversant with Scrum, Agile, and the responsibilities and requirements of the scrum master. Plus, earning your certification will enable you to showcase your field expertise and open up new opportunities.
There are a variety of different scrum master certifications that you can choose from. Examples are:
• Through Scrum Alliance, Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
• Through Scrum Inc., Scrum Master
• Through Scrum.org, Professional Scrum Master (PSM I)

Step 3: Enroll in a Scrum course
If you have chosen your certification route, it’s time to register for an officially renowned Scrum course. Each certification option has its requirements, so be sure to take part in a course that will be widely recognized before engaging in it. For example, Scrum.org needs you to take the Professional Scrum Master Course to sit on the PSM I examination.

Step 4: Register for the Exam.
If you’ve undergone the minimum number of training hours, you’re qualified to take your exam and prove that you’re knowledgeable enough to become a Scrum Master. It is recommended that you take the exam as near as possible to the end of your course to retain the full knowledge taught. In addition, in the case of Scrum.org, as long as you re-sit the exam within 14 days of completing the course, if you don’t pass the course, you will be given a second free trial.

Step 5: Preparing for the Exam
No matter how early after the course you register for the examination, it’s important to keep going through your notes and study until the exam day. Reading through supplementary scrum resource materials or watching scrum webinars will help ensure that you are fully ready to pass your examination.
The examination generally focuses on key Scrum concepts and practices, including project management, sprints, release planning, team building, progress reporting, and scalability. However, some of the exam questions may also ask about the history, theory, and evolution of the Scrum system.

Step 6: Sit and pass the exam
The actual exam can differ slightly depending on the certification program. In general, this would be a multiple-choice exam with a pass mark of between 60–85 percent. The exam is typically about an hour-long, and you should know whether or not you have passed it within minutes. When you have passed, you can obtain a PDF copy of your scrum master certification via email. Now you are finally a scrum master.

Step 7: Renewal of certifications after two years
Scrum Master Certifications typically expire every two years. Therefore, to retain a recognized scrum master’s title, you must renew your certificate once biennially. There will be a charge for the renewal of your certificate.
Depending on which organization your certificate is issued, this step may need you to include evidence of “continuing education hours. In other words, the program host needs to see that you have spent time learning more about Scrum and keeping up to date with any major changes.

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