Scrum Master is a type of certification that is for people with knowledge and experience of Agile techniques like kanban, statistical techniques, etc. The certification, tests, and allied management is headed by the Scrum alliances. Scrum Alliance certifications are a category of certifications that certify a candidate as capable of handling tasks based on principles of Agile. These include a range of certificates that include foundation levels, advanced levels, and professional level certificates like – CSM, A – CSM, CSP – SM, CSPO, CSD, etc.
These certificates have been divided into 3 different categories:-
Scrum Master Track: – it consists of certificates like CSM, A-CSM, etc.
Product owner track: – It includes CSPO, A – CSPO, etc.
Developer track: – it includes CSD, etc.
These are generally valid for a period of two years, at the end of which the individual is expected to deposit the renewal fees or take the test again.
Why Scrum Master?
- Scrum Master allows achieving a CSM certification on the basis of your agile knowledge and experience. It testifies and certifies the intellect an individual holds on the various principles of Agile like 5S, Kanban, Gemba, statistical calculations, etc.
- Needless to say, it improves the job facilities open to you. Scrum Master is the basis of working efficiently of any process, be it household chores, as it aims to decrease wastes in any cost-effective way possible and thus is applicable to any type of jobs all over the world irrespective of the company.
- It also improves the chances of your getting selected in interviews. Any company will prefer a certified and trained professional over an uncertified applicant for the obvious reasons.
- A higher salary than was earlier being provided. Being certified personnel that helps a company minimize losses and maximize profit meanwhile increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction, a salary hike is the least to aim for.
- Recognition from authorities. The general employee hierarchy is based upon seniority in any company. But employees that help others are the eye-catchers and thus are held in high esteem owing to their high level of knowledge.
Simple steps to become a certified Scrum Master
- Attempt to have a clear understanding of the technical terms, processes, methods related to Agile. The applicability of the various principles must be a piece of cake for you before venturing further.
- Familiarize with the technicality of Agile. Agile experts can develop software, detect malfunctioning ones, suggest better options, etc.
- Avail a book that suffices your knowledge. The book should have a clear explanation of the concepts and solutions along with tricks and trips. A book with sample questions and answers must be preferred. A book with application-oriented problem solving is not just a book but a bible for beginners.
- Team efforts are the outcomes of personal development. A Scrum Master is expected to be well familiar with communication skills, problem-solving, risk management, resource allocation, team management, project supervision, etc.
- It is said rightly that intellects know where to stop. Scrum Masters should be able to detect the problem efficiently and at least decrease, if not stop, faulty production.
- The moment your knowledge and personality are up to date, it is time for gaining the prerequisites.
- Prerequisites: – a secondary degree, 21 hours of formal agile education, 2000 hours of general project experience, and 1500 hours of project experience that are based on agile.
- Once the experiences are done and dusted, take the exam.
- The exam is for one hour and requires you to answer 50 multiple choices types of questions.
- Seventy-three percent of passing marks is required to avail the certificate.
Scrum Alliances Certifications are the best type of certifications as they are not tailored to fit any standardized size but come in a one size fits all package. The principles of agile can well be employed in daily life to make it simpler, effective, and cost-efficient. Besides, many companies prefer hiring certified and trained professionals for the tasks and projects regardless of the purposes of their end results. Scrum Master is not that hard to crack, nor is it difficult to maintain. Thus, it opens up an easy method to a brighter future.