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How to become a Scrum Master?
Lend your expertise: what does it take to become a Scrum Master?
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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10 answers
Freeda Moses
2
Answers
Updated
Freeda’s Answer
To become a Scrum Master, follow these enhanced steps:
1. Start by studying Agile and its various methodologies, including Scrum. A great place to begin is the Scrum guide by Ken Schwabe and Jeff Sutherland.
2. Get a clear understanding of the Scrum Master role, which includes facilitating Scrum events, coaching the team, and removing any obstacles that may hinder the team's progress.
3. Enhance your knowledge through books and online resources. Some excellent options are "The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time" by J Sutherland, "Scrum Mastery" by Geoff Watts, and Mountain Goat Software by Mike Cohn.
4. Enroll in a course, either in-person or online, to get certified. Organizations like Scrum Alliance offer online classes.
5. Put your knowledge into practice. You can do this by implementing Scrum within your current workspace or by volunteering to help introduce Agile/Scrum.
6. Work on your soft skills, such as facilitation, conflict resolution, and coaching. These are essential for a Scrum Master.
7. Finally, expand your network by attending Scrum conferences and joining communities of practice.
1. Start by studying Agile and its various methodologies, including Scrum. A great place to begin is the Scrum guide by Ken Schwabe and Jeff Sutherland.
2. Get a clear understanding of the Scrum Master role, which includes facilitating Scrum events, coaching the team, and removing any obstacles that may hinder the team's progress.
3. Enhance your knowledge through books and online resources. Some excellent options are "The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time" by J Sutherland, "Scrum Mastery" by Geoff Watts, and Mountain Goat Software by Mike Cohn.
4. Enroll in a course, either in-person or online, to get certified. Organizations like Scrum Alliance offer online classes.
5. Put your knowledge into practice. You can do this by implementing Scrum within your current workspace or by volunteering to help introduce Agile/Scrum.
6. Work on your soft skills, such as facilitation, conflict resolution, and coaching. These are essential for a Scrum Master.
7. Finally, expand your network by attending Scrum conferences and joining communities of practice.
Ryan Chambers
Treasury Advisory Manager at Deloitte
5
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
As others have said, you should become certified. Beyond that, I would consider which industry or field most interests you and attempt to get some training in that field. There are two schools of thought about scrum masters:
1- A scrum master can be (and even should be) be technically agnostic to the field in which they participate. Scrum masters are organizers and servant leaders and do not need technical knowledge.
2- Scrum masters should possess at least some technical knowledge in the field in order to understand their teammates, the goals and objectives of the user stories and be better aligned to the backlog and product owner.
I have been either a PM or SM in both of these situations and can tell you that for me #2 is much more fun, rewarding, and leads to greater career opportunities. I had a short contract where I fell under #1 and did not enjoy it at all. Realistically, although you may get hired by an employer that aligns to #1, many of your teammates are still expecting you to be #2 and that disconnect is very dissatisfying!
1- A scrum master can be (and even should be) be technically agnostic to the field in which they participate. Scrum masters are organizers and servant leaders and do not need technical knowledge.
2- Scrum masters should possess at least some technical knowledge in the field in order to understand their teammates, the goals and objectives of the user stories and be better aligned to the backlog and product owner.
I have been either a PM or SM in both of these situations and can tell you that for me #2 is much more fun, rewarding, and leads to greater career opportunities. I had a short contract where I fell under #1 and did not enjoy it at all. Realistically, although you may get hired by an employer that aligns to #1, many of your teammates are still expecting you to be #2 and that disconnect is very dissatisfying!
Abhimanyu Pradeep
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Abhimanyu’s Answer
To become a Scrum Master, start by understanding the Scrum framework thoroughly. Take a certified Scrum Master course, like those offered by Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org. Gain practical experience by working on Scrum projects and assisting existing Scrum Masters. Seek mentorship from experienced practitioners and continuously improve your skills through workshops, books, and community involvement. Finally, pass the Scrum Master certification exam to validate your knowledge and become officially recognized as a Scrum Master. Hope this helps
Melissa Woodcock
Product Manager
5
Answers
Cumming, Georgia
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
I suggest enrolling in courses offered by Scrum Alliance. Upon earning your certification, you'll find it to be a flexible qualification that paves the way for job opportunities across diverse sectors. Identify an industry that sparks your interest, and explore if they provide internships. This will allow you to gain deeper insights into how agile methodologies are applied within that particular field.
Davielle Panzullo, M.A., PMP
Warehouse Manager
31
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Davielle’s Answer
Dear future scrum master, Agile development is very different from predictive projects. You'll most likely have to have a certification, like those offered by PMI. In addition, you'll probably have to have some team leading and project experience before you apply for the certification. Scrum is interesting in that it relies on quick daily communication to the team ("standups") and reliance on the team to do the work. With agile, everything is iterative - you make changes all the time to finish the project. I highly recommend you work on this certification and career field. We'll have a greater need for this role in the future. Good luck!
Mauricio Chaves
Interior Designer
24
Answers
Doorn, Netherlands
Updated
Mauricio’s Answer
Dear future Scrum Master,
Becoming a Scrum Master can be an exciting adventure, especially if you're passionate about teamwork and creatively solving problems. A Scrum Master is like the leader of a team that uses an agile methodology called Scrum to develop projects efficiently and collaboratively. Their main task is to ensure the team is working effectively, removing obstacles, and facilitating communication among all members.
The Scrum methodology originated in the software development world but is now used in a variety of fields, from project management to marketing. Imagine you're working on a school project where you need to create a video game. Instead of planning the entire game at once and then starting to work, you would use Scrum to break it down into small parts called "sprints." Each sprint lasts a few weeks, and at the end of each one, you have a functional part of the game that you can test and improve.
So, how do you become a Scrum Master? Well, there are several paths you can take. Some people study and obtain specific Scrum certifications, such as the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification. This may take a few months of study and preparation, but once you have it, you become a more attractive candidate for Scrum-related jobs.
Speaking of jobs, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for Scrum Masters! In California, for example, an experienced Scrum Master can earn an average annual salary of around $100,000 (05-03-2024) or even more, depending on the company and location.
Now, let's talk about job possibilities. Imagine you're working on a marketing team to launch a new product. You would use Scrum to break the project down into manageable parts, such as content creation, event planning, and online advertising. As a Scrum Master, you would be responsible for ensuring each part of the project is on track and that any issues are resolved quickly.
Becoming a Scrum Master is an excellent choice if you love teamwork, problem-solving, and are interested in the world of technology and business. It requires some studying and preparation, but the rewards can be incredible. So, don't hesitate to explore this exciting path!
May the force be with you!
Becoming a Scrum Master can be an exciting adventure, especially if you're passionate about teamwork and creatively solving problems. A Scrum Master is like the leader of a team that uses an agile methodology called Scrum to develop projects efficiently and collaboratively. Their main task is to ensure the team is working effectively, removing obstacles, and facilitating communication among all members.
The Scrum methodology originated in the software development world but is now used in a variety of fields, from project management to marketing. Imagine you're working on a school project where you need to create a video game. Instead of planning the entire game at once and then starting to work, you would use Scrum to break it down into small parts called "sprints." Each sprint lasts a few weeks, and at the end of each one, you have a functional part of the game that you can test and improve.
So, how do you become a Scrum Master? Well, there are several paths you can take. Some people study and obtain specific Scrum certifications, such as the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification. This may take a few months of study and preparation, but once you have it, you become a more attractive candidate for Scrum-related jobs.
Speaking of jobs, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for Scrum Masters! In California, for example, an experienced Scrum Master can earn an average annual salary of around $100,000 (05-03-2024) or even more, depending on the company and location.
Now, let's talk about job possibilities. Imagine you're working on a marketing team to launch a new product. You would use Scrum to break the project down into manageable parts, such as content creation, event planning, and online advertising. As a Scrum Master, you would be responsible for ensuring each part of the project is on track and that any issues are resolved quickly.
Becoming a Scrum Master is an excellent choice if you love teamwork, problem-solving, and are interested in the world of technology and business. It requires some studying and preparation, but the rewards can be incredible. So, don't hesitate to explore this exciting path!
May the force be with you!
Hakeem Ola Saka
Freelancer
64
Answers
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
Understand Scrum: Familiarize yourself with the Scrum framework, its principles, roles, events, and artifacts. Read books, articles, and online resources about Scrum to gain a solid understanding of how it works.
Take a Scrum Master course: Enroll in a certified Scrum Master (CSM) course. These courses are usually offered by certified Scrum trainers and provide in-depth training on Scrum practices, principles, and methodologies. During the course, you'll learn about the role of a Scrum Master, Scrum ceremonies, and best practices for implementing Scrum in real-world scenarios.
Earn your certification: After completing the Scrum Master course, you'll need to pass an exam to become certified. The most widely recognized Scrum Master certification is the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) offered by Scrum Alliance. To obtain your CSM certification, you'll need to pass an online exam administered by Scrum Alliance. Other reputable Scrum Master certifications include Professional Scrum Master (PSM) offered by Scrum.org and Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) offered by the Project Management Institute.
Gain practical experience: While certification is essential, practical experience is equally valuable. Look for opportunities to work on Scrum teams or projects within your organization. If you're not currently in a role that involves Scrum, consider volunteering to be a Scrum Master for a small project or team to gain experience.
Apply for Scrum Master positions: Once you have the necessary certification and experience, start applying for Scrum Master positions. Update your resume to highlight your Scrum Master certification, relevant experience, and any specific achievements or contributions you've made in implementing Scrum. Continuously learn and improve: The role of a Scrum Master is dynamic, and there's always room for growth and improvement. Stay updated on the latest developments in Agile and Scrum methodologies, attend conferences, participate in workshops, and network with other Scrum Masters to exchange knowledge and best practices.
Take a Scrum Master course: Enroll in a certified Scrum Master (CSM) course. These courses are usually offered by certified Scrum trainers and provide in-depth training on Scrum practices, principles, and methodologies. During the course, you'll learn about the role of a Scrum Master, Scrum ceremonies, and best practices for implementing Scrum in real-world scenarios.
Earn your certification: After completing the Scrum Master course, you'll need to pass an exam to become certified. The most widely recognized Scrum Master certification is the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) offered by Scrum Alliance. To obtain your CSM certification, you'll need to pass an online exam administered by Scrum Alliance. Other reputable Scrum Master certifications include Professional Scrum Master (PSM) offered by Scrum.org and Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) offered by the Project Management Institute.
Gain practical experience: While certification is essential, practical experience is equally valuable. Look for opportunities to work on Scrum teams or projects within your organization. If you're not currently in a role that involves Scrum, consider volunteering to be a Scrum Master for a small project or team to gain experience.
Apply for Scrum Master positions: Once you have the necessary certification and experience, start applying for Scrum Master positions. Update your resume to highlight your Scrum Master certification, relevant experience, and any specific achievements or contributions you've made in implementing Scrum. Continuously learn and improve: The role of a Scrum Master is dynamic, and there's always room for growth and improvement. Stay updated on the latest developments in Agile and Scrum methodologies, attend conferences, participate in workshops, and network with other Scrum Masters to exchange knowledge and best practices.
Simon Buehring
Managing Director
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Simon’s Answer
To become a Scrum Master you definitely need a certification. There are 2 main options here. Certifications offered by the Scrum Alliance, and those offered by Scrum.org. It is generally acknowledged that those offered by Scrum.org are more rigorous than those offered by Scrum Alliance. Recruiting organisations may or may not know this, so you could go for the slightly easier route (Scrum Alliance). Be aware though that Scrum Alliance (like the PMI) likes to find ways of making yet more money from students who choose their certifications. In this case, you will likely need to get points after you pass the exam to maintain your status as a Certified ScrumMaster. Scrum.org's certification (Professional Scrum Master) has no such requirement.
Daniel Frank
Consultant
3
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Great question! If you're considering a career as a Scrum Master, it may be beneficial to start with a general consulting job. This initial step can help you understand the inner workings of a team and how different project management methodologies are applied in real-world scenarios. It’s an excellent way to gain valuable experience and insight before diving into the specific role of a Scrum Master.
Once you partake on this journey you may take a path similar to the following:
1. Understand What a Scrum Master Does: A Scrum Master is like the coach for an Agile team, guiding them through projects using the Scrum framework. They help remove roadblocks and ensure the team works smoothly.
2: Get Some Experience: Start by getting your feet wet with Agile practices. You could do this by:
-Joining a team that uses Agile and observing how they work.
-Helping a current Scrum Master in your organization.
-Attending Agile and Scrum workshops or webinars.
3. Choose Your Certification - CSM or PSM:
-CSM (Certified ScrumMaster): Offered by the Scrum Alliance, this certification requires a 16-hour course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer and passing an exam. It’s a bit more interactive with mandatory training. The cost is usually between $995 and $1,395, which includes the course and exam fee.
-PSM (Professional Scrum Master): Provided by Scrum.org, this one is more flexible as the course isn’t mandatory. However, knowing Scrum well is crucial to pass the exam. The exam fee is $150, and courses, if you choose to take one, vary but are generally around $1,000 to $1,400.
4. Keep Learning and Connecting: Stay updated with new Agile trends and network with other Scrum professionals. Engage in forums, read up on new materials, and maybe attend more advanced workshops as you grow.
5. Consider Advanced Certifications: Once you're comfortable and have some experience, think about leveling up with an advanced certification like Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) or Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II).
Each step is an investment in your career, so choose the path that aligns best with your learning style and career goals. Good luck!
Once you partake on this journey you may take a path similar to the following:
1. Understand What a Scrum Master Does: A Scrum Master is like the coach for an Agile team, guiding them through projects using the Scrum framework. They help remove roadblocks and ensure the team works smoothly.
2: Get Some Experience: Start by getting your feet wet with Agile practices. You could do this by:
-Joining a team that uses Agile and observing how they work.
-Helping a current Scrum Master in your organization.
-Attending Agile and Scrum workshops or webinars.
3. Choose Your Certification - CSM or PSM:
-CSM (Certified ScrumMaster): Offered by the Scrum Alliance, this certification requires a 16-hour course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer and passing an exam. It’s a bit more interactive with mandatory training. The cost is usually between $995 and $1,395, which includes the course and exam fee.
-PSM (Professional Scrum Master): Provided by Scrum.org, this one is more flexible as the course isn’t mandatory. However, knowing Scrum well is crucial to pass the exam. The exam fee is $150, and courses, if you choose to take one, vary but are generally around $1,000 to $1,400.
4. Keep Learning and Connecting: Stay updated with new Agile trends and network with other Scrum professionals. Engage in forums, read up on new materials, and maybe attend more advanced workshops as you grow.
5. Consider Advanced Certifications: Once you're comfortable and have some experience, think about leveling up with an advanced certification like Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) or Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II).
Each step is an investment in your career, so choose the path that aligns best with your learning style and career goals. Good luck!
Alberto Rivera Rivera, CRC
National Project Manager
19
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Alberto’s Answer
Hey there! This role is crucial for teams aiming to enhance efficiency using the Scrum methodology. Here’s a general guide on what it takes to enter this field:
1. Learn the Basics: The first step is understanding the Scrum framework. Numerous free resources, including online articles, videos, and introductory courses, are available to help grasp the core principles of Scrum.
2. Certification: Although not always required, most Scrum Masters hold a certification like the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from the Scrum Alliance or the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) from Scrum.org. Obtaining certification typically involves participating in a training course and passing a subsequent exam.
3. Practical Experience: Gaining practical experience in Scrum, through internships, volunteer work, or current job roles that allow for the application of Scrum practices, is invaluable.
4. Develop Soft Skills: Effective communication and facilitation skills are essential for a Scrum Master to help their team collaborate and overcome challenges. These skills can be honed in any group or team setting.
5. Continuous Learning: The fields of Agile and Scrum are continually evolving. Staying updated with the latest trends and engaging with professional Scrum communities can be beneficial.
1. Learn the Basics: The first step is understanding the Scrum framework. Numerous free resources, including online articles, videos, and introductory courses, are available to help grasp the core principles of Scrum.
2. Certification: Although not always required, most Scrum Masters hold a certification like the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from the Scrum Alliance or the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) from Scrum.org. Obtaining certification typically involves participating in a training course and passing a subsequent exam.
3. Practical Experience: Gaining practical experience in Scrum, through internships, volunteer work, or current job roles that allow for the application of Scrum practices, is invaluable.
4. Develop Soft Skills: Effective communication and facilitation skills are essential for a Scrum Master to help their team collaborate and overcome challenges. These skills can be honed in any group or team setting.
5. Continuous Learning: The fields of Agile and Scrum are continually evolving. Staying updated with the latest trends and engaging with professional Scrum communities can be beneficial.