Scrum Master Certification is a formal acknowledgment of an individual’s understanding of the Scrum framework and their capability to fulfill the role of a Scrum Master. Various organizations offer Scrum Master certifications, but two of the most recognized ones are by Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org.
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) by Scrum Alliance:
- Course: Typically a two-day in-person training course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer.
- Exam: After completing the course, attendees take an online exam.
- Certification Renewal: The CSM certification needs to be renewed every two years.
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM) by Scrum.org:
- Course: Scrum.org offers training called “Professional Scrum Master class,” but it is not mandatory to attend the course to take the exam.
- Exam: There are three levels of PSM assessments: PSM I, PSM II, and PSM III, with increasing levels of difficulty and depth.
- No Expiry: Once you achieve the certification, it doesn’t expire.
Benefits of Scrum Master Certification:
- Knowledge and Skills: Gain a deep understanding of the Scrum framework, including roles, events, and artifacts.
- Career Opportunities: Many organizations look for certified professionals when hiring for Agile and Scrum roles, so having a certification can give you an edge.
- Networking: Becoming certified often provides access to a community of Scrum experts and professionals, allowing for networking and learning opportunities.
- Recognition: Demonstrates your dedication, knowledge, and commitment to your career and your understanding of Scrum.
Things to Consider Before Getting Certified:
- Your Career Goals: If you are looking to move into a role that uses Scrum or enhance your current role with Scrum knowledge, then certification is beneficial.
- Certifying Body: There are many organizations offering Scrum Master certifications, so research and decide which one aligns best with your goals.
- Cost: There’s a cost involved in both training and certification. Some employers may sponsor or reimburse these costs.
It’s important to remember that while certification can provide an understanding of Scrum, real-world experience, continuous learning, and honing soft skills like facilitation, conflict resolution, and leadership are equally, if not more, important for a Scrum Master.
