Scrum Master Certification
Course Overview
This comprehensive course is designed to equip participants with a deep understanding of Scrum principles and practices, essential for mastering the role of a Scrum Master. Through a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, the course prepares candidates for the APMG Scrum Master certification exam, recognized globally as a benchmark of quality in Agile and Scrum practices. Training and certification are based on the latest (2020) edition of The Scrum Guide. Developed by Scrum creators Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, it contains the definition of Scrum, consisting of Scrum roles, events, artefacts, and the rules that bind them together. Courses offer a combination of instruction and team-based exercises, purposefully designed to be less IT- and more wide business-focused. Delegates will learn the role of Scrum Master, enabling adoption of the Scrum framework for more effective product and solution development.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Gain a deep understanding of the Scrum Framework – the theory, practices, roles, rules and values – as defined in The Scrum Guide.
- Understand – in detail – the role of Scrum Product Owner and how the role interacts with different members of the Scrum Team and other stakeholders.
- Master the Scrum principles to better understand their application when returning to the workplace.
- How to build and prioritize a value-driven product backlog.
- Breakdown epics and themes into actionable user stories.
- Drive adoption of the Scrum framework for more effective product and solution development, working with stakeholders and other Scrum professionals and team members to improve its effectiveness.
Course Pre-Requisites
- Familiarity with Agile concepts is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Basic understanding of project management principles.
Scrum Master Certification Syllabus
- Overview of Agile methodologies.
- Key principles and values of Scrum.
- The Scrum Guide and its importance.
- In-depth analysis of the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team roles.
- Understanding team dynamics and fostering a collaborative environment.
- The Scrum Master’s role in coaching and facilitating the team
- In-depth discussion of Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective.
- Techniques and best practices for facilitating these events effectively.
- Detailed understanding of the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and the Increment.
- Techniques for effective backlog refinement and management.
- Definition of Done and its importance
- Techniques for effective Sprint planning.
- Estimation methods such as Planning Poker.
- User Stories and their role in Scrum.
- Techniques for tracking progress within a Sprint.
- Use of Burndown Charts and other reporting methods.
- Effective communication of progress to stakeholders.
- Approaches for implementing Scrum in large, complex projects.
- Introduction to frameworks like SAFe and LeSS.
- The role of the Scrum Master in coaching the team, Product Owner, and the wider organization.
- Facilitation techniques for team collaboration and decision-making.
- Understanding the exam format and requirements.
- Tips and strategies for exam preparation.
- Practice exams and sample questions.
Course Duration & Method
The course runs over two non-residential days, either in-person or virtually.
- Based on The Scrum Guide – the definitive guide to Scrum – created and maintained by Scrum’s creators
- Engaging classroom activities.
- Courses are highly interactive to encourage collaboration and reinforce learning objectives.
- Interactive, experiential learning.
- Increased business (non-IT) focus of course and exercises.
- Comprehensive, frequently updated study materials.
The course takes place over two non-residential days, concluding with the Agile Project Management Foundation exam.
Audience
Anyone involved in product & solution development using the Scrum framework.
Individuals aiming to become certified Scrum Masters.
Project managers and team leaders who wish to implement Scrum practices in their teams.
Professionals working in Agile environments seeking to enhance their understanding of Scrum.
Certification & Assessment
Delegates are invited to sit for an online exam at the end of the course:
- Multiple-choice format
- 50 questions
- 74% pass mark
- 40-minute duration
- Closed-book examination
Benefits For Your Organisation
Streamlined Processes: Training in Scrum methodologies enables teams to adopt more efficient, lean processes, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
Improved Time-to-Market: Faster project cycles and iterative development lead to quicker delivery of products, enhancing competitive advantage.
Fostering High-Performing Teams: Scrum training creates an environment where teamwork and collaboration are prioritized, leading to higher-performing teams.
Better Communication: Regular Scrum ceremonies ensure continual communication, clarity in roles, and alignment on goals.
Continuous Improvement: Scrum’s iterative nature allows for constant feedback and adjustments, leading to a continuous enhancement in the quality of deliverables.
Customer-Centric Approach: Scrum focuses on customer needs and feedback, ensuring that the final product aligns closely with customer expectations.
Adaptability: Scrum’s iterative process makes it easier for teams to adapt to changing requirements, market conditions, or strategic shifts.
Risk Mitigation: Regular reviews and retrospectives help in identifying and mitigating risks early in the project cycle.
Culture of Continuous Improvement: Embracing Scrum principles can drive a cultural shift towards continuous learning and improvement within the organization.
Alignment with Agile Mindset: Prepares the organization for broader Agile transformation initiatives.
Empowered Scrum Masters: Trained Scrum Masters can lead teams more effectively, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
Better Decision-Making: Teams gain skills in data-driven decision-making, increasing the overall effectiveness of project management.
Scalable Frameworks: The training includes insights on how to scale Scrum practices for larger teams and complex projects, ensuring sustainability.
Long-Term Benefits: Implementing Scrum practices can lead to long-term benefits in organizational agility and resilience.
Staying Ahead in the Market: Organizations with certified Scrum Masters can better adapt to industry trends and customer needs, maintaining a competitive edge.
Reduced Overheads: Efficient project management and reduced time-to-market lead to significant cost savings.
Maximizing ROI: Improved project outcomes and efficiency ensure a higher return on investment for project endeavors.