How to Become a Certified Scrum Master in 2024?

What is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM)?

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) degree is a fundamental credential designed for candidates starting their careers as Scrum practitioners with a general understanding of the project management methodology. Candidates who accomplish the certification program would have a deeper understanding of the Scrum tenets, which emphasize teamwork, accountability, and gradual progress toward a specific goal.

Professionals that hold the CSM designation are qualified to serve as either Scrum Masters or Scrum teammates. Scrum Masters control the communication of information, but they usually take on the role of leaders who aid the self-organizing, self-managing teammates in achieving their objectives.

What Do Certified Scrum Masters Do: Roles and Responsibilities?

The key responsibilities of a Scrum Master are listed below:

1. Mentoring and Training

A Scrum Master assists team members in upskilling and improving their ability for self-organization.

2. Facilitation

They help teams emphasize collaborative efforts, the principle that backs Scrum, by facilitating more resourceful and effective Scrum meetings.

3. Enhancing the Scrum Use

Scrum Masters clear impediments, discard obsolete techniques, solve issues, and coach aspiring Scrum leaders.

4. Getting Rid of Barriers

Every project has challenges and Scrum Masters strive harder to solve issues that inhibit progression.

5. Create Adaptation

A skilled Scrum Master leverages daily challenges as an opportunity to teach the team, which fosters continual growth.

Eligibility to Become Certified Scrum Master

The prerequisites for taking the Certified Scrum Master test are flexible. But in addition to possessing a fundamental knowledge of the Scrum process and Agile principles, candidates need to finish a 2-day CSM program.

Requirements to Become a Certified Scrum Master

The CSM certificate requires both completion of a two-day (16-hour), in-person training instructed by a licensed Scrum trainer and clearing an exam with at least 24 right answers out of 35. There are no prerequisites for the course. Candidates will be required to accept the license agreement and finish their Scrum Alliance membership account after passing the CSM exam. The CSM certification entitles holders to a two-year subscription with Scrum Alliance, rebates at events, and member-only resources like access to regional user groups and social media sites.

How to Become a Certified Scrum Master: Step by Step?

Step 1: Practice the Scrum Framework in Other Roles

Organizations look for Scrum masters with in-depth Scrum expertise. You must apply the Scrum tenets to multiple projects and tasks before you apply for your first Scrum master role. You can use the concepts to pursue a passion, organize an event, renovate your home, and do other activities.

Step 2: Build Your Network

Attending Agile seminars or joining an Agile organization can help you advance your career. You would network with other industry experts, and they could share a job opening or give you Scrum career advice.

Step 3: Develop Relevant Skills

You can outdo competitors by enhancing your skill set through education, practice in the workplace, or online courses. Improve your understanding of Scrum and Agile principles, and your communication and teamwork abilities on a personal level to stand out during interviews and perform better after you are hired.

Step 4: Choose Your Scrum Certification

A certification will validate your skills, which can make you more employable. After undergoing coursework and clearing an exam, you can get a certificate to show that you are conversant with Scrum principles. You can enroll in live online courses to become a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and take the CSM exam.

Step 5: Attend a Scrum Course

It’s important to enroll in a Scrum course having official status after deciding on your certification path. Each CSM course has certain prerequisites. For example-, Scrum.org requires that you complete their Professional Scrum Master course before you can take the PSM-I test.

Step 6: Register for the Exam

After spending the required amount of time studying, you are ready to take your exam and demonstrate that you are knowledgeable enough to be a Scrum master. If you want to take the exam for a second time, you can do it for free on Scrum.org within 14 days of completing the program.

Step 7: Study for the Exam

It’s vital to keep studying in the days leading up to your exam. Going through supplementary Scrum literature or attending Scrum webinars might help make sure you are fully prepped for the evaluation.

Step 8: Take and Pass the Exam

A passing score on the multiple-choice test will fall between 60 and 85% and it usually takes an hour to complete the exam. After passing, you’ll get an email with a PDF of your Scrum master certification, making you a qualified Scrum master.

Step 9: Renew Certifications Every Two Years

Scrum master credentials expire after two years, so you’ll need to renew your certification if you want to maintain your status as a certified Scrum master. This approach may need proof of “continuing education hours” depending on the organization. The program’s host wants to confirm that you’ve been devoting time to learning more about Scrum and staying up to date on any significant advancements.

Step 10: Highlight Transferable Skills

After obtaining the certification, you can start looking for a position as a Scrum master. Make a strong resume by emphasizing your transferable talents, or the abilities you gained from your training, past employment, or extracurricular activities that are useful to the position you’re applying for.

Conclusion

Scrum Masters are in demand right now, which means that more people may be drawn to the industry to quickly launch their careers by utilizing the advantages of Scrum Master certification. You will therefore need something that sets you apart from the competition if the field draws more applicants. Reach out to leading businesses as a Scrum Master and contribute significantly to their success by enrolling in a CSM course from Knowledgehut. Case studies, Scrum practices, role-play, and simulations in this course will provide hands-on learning helping you to excel as a Scrum Master.

FAQs:

1. What is the time required to become a Certified Scrum Master?

The Scrum Master Certification course lasts for two days. It works especially well for teaching the Scrum Framework and getting participants ready for their study period without compromising training quality. Study time after training would always depend on the individual, but it usually lasts between 2 to 4 weeks. A candidate must pass the online exam to become certified.

2. Which is better – CSM or PMP?

The PMP is appropriate for individuals who want to establish their management credentials in a certain field. CSM is a great option for those who want to use Agile Scrum framework in industries that employ Agile methodology.

3. Can I find employment after CSM?

Yes, any organization or industry that participates with Agile ideals can benefit from your CSM qualifications. Certified ScrumMasters can advance their career by moving from team-level coaching to organizational-level coaching.

4. How can I become a Scrum Master without any prior experience?

If you wish to work as a Scrum Master but lack experience, you can work on developing new skills and credentials and other methods of employment. You must obtain your Scrum certification to become a Scrum Master and to become certified, you may pursue a Scrum master training course.

5. Is a certified Scrum Master worth it?

Scrum Masters are in greater demand because every team needs a dedicated individual who can manage and complete various Agile projects. CSM certifies your understanding and proficiency with the Scrum framework. This distinguishes you from other job candidates, improves your capacity for cooperation and risk assessment, and may open new career opportunities for you.

6. How much does Scrum certification cost?

Costs for CSM training and certification, including the CSM exam price, ranging from $500 to $2,000. But depending on several variables, the cost of the CSM certification exam may change. Individuals must also recertify every two years, and the recertification process costs $100 for the CSM exam.