Having a Scrum Master-Certification is a clear indication that you possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to manage agile teams for successful project implementation. Currently, Agile leads in multiple areas of IT, including project management and software development. The many features found in Agile, including Scrum Lean Kanban and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), make the certificate highly-sought after by many IT pros. The possession of CSM Certification is a widely recognized qualification across the various industries.
In case you’re looking for a top-notch CSM certification, keep reading to discover the most coveted ones in the industry.
Why you should take a CSM course
The CSM course in an essential qualification because it helps professionals to come up with innovative products or improve the existing ones. Equipping yourself with CSM and Agile qualifications assists you in leading teams to deliver high-quality projects. Experts with CSM® improve their self-confidence in effectively handling the Scrum structure in institutions.
Roles
The CSM course prepares a learner to take up various organizational responsibilities such as Scrum Master, Agile Scrum Master, project Manager, Information Technology and others. Different premier companies are in need of such roles.
Top CSM in the industry
The following are the top certifications from CSM:
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
In case you want to take up responsibilities related to the Scrum Master role, CSM is the right introductory course to go for. At the inception of the Scrum Alliance in 2002, the course didn’t demand any prerequisites. However, due to the introduction of Scrum and Agile, entry requirements for the course have become a bit stringent. Currently, to undertake the course, you must dedicate 16 hours of training by attending classes in-person before you write the exam.
The CSM course covers various areas, including scrum structure, understanding of team responsibilities, and how to lead agile teams to deliver projects successfully. At the end of the training, candidates take a 60-minute exam comprising of 50 questions. In case you pass the exam, you must accept the CSM license and fill out a Scrum Alliance membership profile.
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)
In case you hold a CSM course, you can advance by undertaking Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM). In addition to having a CSM qualification, you’re required to have at least a year working as a ScrumMaster. A-CSM is delivered using various approaches, including attending educational offerings, expansive interactions, coaching, and other related methodologies.
After completing all aspects of educational offerings, you get approved by a Scrum Alliance educator. Candidates are also required to accept the A-CSM license and fill out a Scrum Alliance membership profile.
Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM)
This is a top-notch certification for professionals who want to get a grip on the Scrum Master track. The professionals aim at using Scrum and Agile principles to improve enterprises. Candidates must have A-CSM at the time of enrolling for the training.
The course entails attending a CSP-SM educational offering to equip yourself with skills in coaching and facilitation. Learners are also equipped with methods of service to the product owner and how to engage the development teams. Candidates are also mandated to finish all components of the educational offering as recognized by Scrum Alliance facilitator. When the course is complete, candidates are obliged to accept a CSP-SM license agreement and update their Scrum Alliance membership profile.
Professional Scrum Master (PSM).
This is an entry-level certification offered by Scrum.org. Ken Schwaber designed the course after quitting Scrum Alliance. Candidates for the course must demonstrate an understanding of Scrum as articulated in the Scrum Guide. They should also have the ability to apply Scrum principles.
The course doesn’t have any prerequisites for candidates who want to undertake it. However, the course tests difficult concepts that require candidates to be well versed with Scrum principles and methodologies gained through on-job experience. Scrum advises candidates to gauge their knowledge first through taking a training course that enables them to explore their areas of strength. After taking a training course, candidates typically get a complimentary pass to take the practical-based examination.
Professional Scrum Master (PSM) II
This is an intermediate stage course from Scrum.org. Candidates for the course must display a high level of understanding for the Scrum principles and apply them in real-life situations.
The training equips learners with skills and competencies that are essential in various facets of Scrum. For instance, Scrum learners gain an understanding of applying Scrum principles, putting together strong teams, managing products efficiently, and professional delivery of the product.
Professional Scrum Master (PSM)III
This is a premier course from Scrum.org. Candidates for this training must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of Scrum principles and practices and Scrum values in multiple teams. There are no prerequisite pieces of preparation required before undertaking the course.
Project Management Institute-Agile Certified Professional (PMI-ACP)
Project Management Institute (PMI) doesn’t provide particular certifications in Scrum. However, PMI-ACP explores multiple principles touching on Scrum and Agile that many employers find useful. The course covers multiple areas that apply agile principles, including Scrum, Lean, extreme programming, and others.
Candidates taking the training must demonstrate 2000 hours of working with teams to deliver projects. The candidates must also possess an experience of at least 1500 hours working with agile project groups or demonstrate a deep understanding of applying agile methodologies.
At the end of the course, candidates write a multiple-choice exam, which takes 3 hours to complete. The exam is offered online and can be taken from anywhere.
SAFe4 Scrum Master
Whereas the Scrum master training focuses on the fundamentals of teams, SAFe4 Scrum Master goes a notch higher to explore the role of Scrum Master within organizational contexts. The course equips the learners with knowledge and skills that are essential in planning and implementing Scrum and Agile in all stages of a SAFe enterprise. The learners are equipped with knowledge and skills about the key ingredients of agile scale development, facilitation of Scrum in the enterprise, and others.
The candidates are also taught on how to become a successful agile coach and team leader in an organization.
Although the course doesn’t have any formal requirements, the candidates, however, must be familiar with agile principles, Scrum fundamentals, and XP. The candidates should also have some background knowledge on software creation procedures.
SAFe4 Advanced Scrum Master
This is a certification for people who are eyeing a leadership role and want to coordinate agile groups, planning, and implementing SAFe projects in enterprises. The candidates gain skills and knowledge of managing teams and leading them in applying agile principles. Learners at this level are exposed to DevOps practices, scalable engineering, and how to apply Kanban fundamentals to deliver value to the organization.
Although there are prerequisites for the training, candidates with SAFe 4 Scrum Master, CSM, or PSM are likely to be given first priority.
Conclusion
There are multiple certifications for CSM offered out there. However, not many of them may provide you value for your money, as some may not be satisfactory. This blog has explored some of the premium courses that you can undertake that are highly sought after by many employers across industries. The pieces of training add value not only to the candidates but to the organizations as well.
Disclaimer: No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.
