Contrary to popular perception, there really is no prerequisite to cracking the CSM course. You don’t really need an IT background. While knowledge of technical aspects would certainly help, it is by no means a compulsion to achieving the ScrumMaster status. Anyone can become a ScrumMaster, irrespective of their professional and academic background if they have a sound training base.
What Is Scrum
Deciding whether you want to be a ScrumMaster or not should be preceded by a clear understanding of what is Scrum and what its scope is. That will give you an idea of what your roles and responsibilities would be. Scrum is a famous Agile Framework that is famously lightweight in its management and execution of tasks. It is typically used in Software Development tasks which include development and creation or updation of new software packages, or simply components required in a bigger computer systems framework.
The whole idea is that Scrum is iterative in nature with the tasks being incremental in its approach so that it remains flexible while allowing the work to progress in predetermined fashion without exceeding budgetary or other project management constraints. This Framework implements the pillars of the Agile framework in a lithe fashion. It follows the ideas of individuals before tools and processes, customers and collaborations, and interactions over negotiations, working deliverables over documentation and process design, and lastly, adapting to change over staying rigid for a plan. It has proven to have several benefits such as an increase in productivity and quality, inclusivity of teams, better customer interaction, budget-friendliness, and overall satisfaction levels.
Role of a ScrumMaster
Equipped with the knowledge of CSM training, you’d be expected to lead a scrum team. The other stakeholders in this process would be the product owner and the actual team members. It is unlikely that a project manager would be part of the scrum team. Scrum is notorious for removing the need for designation and team leaders, and as such, lack of project managers. Your designation after CSM Course would be that of a Scrum Master. However, you wouldn’t be a team leader. You would just be a coach guiding the team along the right path and removing any external interferences if any. Therefore, the scrum team itself is responsible for the outcomes of the project
The chief role of a ScrumMaster would be to make the team achieve consensus in terms of the work that is planned to get done, remove any impediments, and ensure suitable progress is made. Ideally, the ScrumMaster should ask the following questions in each stand-up every day
- What did you do yesterday?
- What do you plan on doing today?
- Are there any impediments to your work?
How to Become a Scrum Master
Individuals interested in becoming ScrumMasters would have to attend a 16-hour course, typically set over a two-day period. This costs anywhere between 20k-35k. After that is done, you’ll have to write a multiple-choice exam consisting of 50 questions within a time limit of 60 minutes. You will have to get about 37 questions right to be qualified in the exam. Don’t let this daunting figure scare you out of considering this course.
For one, Certified ScrumMasters earn an average of 12.8LPA in India, as of 2018 as per Glassdoor. For another, the general pass percentage is about 97-98%. The chances of you failing are slim. If your education is from an institute of repute that provides quality education, then you can be certain those chances are higher.
If you can’t attend classroom coaching, you can attend virtual lectures as well. However, it should be noted that this coaching is valid only if the trainer is a Scrum Alliance certified trainer or institute. So, while you may find some institutes appealing and at low cost, it is advisable to avoid them. Even if you fail, you have about 90 days to give a second attempt.
Topics Covered in the Exam
Most institutes offering CSM training include the cost of the certification exam. However, it pays to find out in advance to reduce your expenditure. The following topics are covered in the CSM course and certification
- Scrum Roles.
- History and Basics.
- Backlogs.
- Sprints.
- Releases and planning.
- Problems in implementing.
- Scaling.
- Daily meetings.
- Tasks and reports.
- Organizing and running the team successfully.
Scrum Alliance is now offering a 2-year complimentary membership to its new members. This is usually part of the certification fee, which, once again, is included in the CSM course fee. It is ideal to contact the institute representative for all details.
