What Is a Scrum Master? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Scrum is an agile framework that enables teams to work on complex projects and deliver high-value products by iteratively approaching problems. It is a straightforward, simple, and easy-to-implement method of project planning that is widely used in software development and product development projects. Scrum project management allows for pivoting and encourages continuous feedback and user stories, allowing scrum masters to meet the needs of their customers more accurately.
Scrum Master
Scrum masters are the facilitators of a scrum, a lightweight agile framework focused on time-boxed iterations known as sprints. Scrum masters act as facilitators and coaches to the rest of the team. Good scrum masters adhere to the scrum foundation and values while remaining adaptable and open to opportunities for the team to improve their workflow.
What Is Required to Become a Scrum Master?
The Project Management Institute (PMI), for example, offers a scrum master training program called "Disciplined Agile Scrum Master" (DASM), which certifies you as a professional scrum master. Similarly, the Scrum Alliance provides a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) designation that teaches candidates how to get scrum teams to work at their best.
Responsibilities of the Scrum Master
- Iteration/sprint planning meetings - Prevent over-commitment and scope creep. Assist with estimation and task division.
- Sprint reviews - Attend the meeting and provide feedback.
- Retrospectives - Should be used to identify areas for improvement and action items for future sprints.
- Internal Consulting - Scrum masters should be prepared to consult with team members and internal stakeholders on how to work most effectively with the scrum team.
- Reporting - Analyzing charts and other portfolio planning tools on a regular basis to determine what gets built and when.
Programs for Scrum Master Certification
The certification process teaches the fundamentals of the scrum framework and helps one become familiar with team roles, events, artifacts and rules, and other scrum terms and procedures.
- PMI's Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) certification
This scrum master training course will certify you as a scrum master capable of leading agile teams and implementing agile, kanban, lean, and scrum project management methodologies.
DASM Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this scrum training program. It was developed by the PMI for people who are unfamiliar with scrum but want to become scrum masters.
DASM Exam
There are 50 multiple-choice questions on the DASM exam. You'll be asked about agile and lean methodologies, as well as kanban and scrum project management techniques.
- Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
A CSM is a professional scrum master who is capable of implementing scrum processes in projects and organizations and applying scrum project management techniques across industries.
Requirements for Certified ScrumMaster
The requirements for CSM certification are relatively low. First, become acquainted with the scrum framework. Then there's a two-day, 16-hour course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer that covers how to organize and support a scrum team.
Exam for ScrumMaster Certification
The exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions, 24 of which must be answered correctly in order to pass. The exam covers the history of scrum as well as the fundamentals of the process. Specific topics covered include product backlogs, release planning, potential problems, scalability, scrum roles, sprints, how to conduct daily scrum meetings, tasks, reports, and team organization.
Why pursue a career as a Scrum Master?
You can make a significant contribution to a company's success as a Scrum Master. You may also have the opportunity to design products that benefit the world by improving people's lives. On a more granular level, you'll be able to foster a positive working environment for team members in a company and ensure the best possible outcome of a product or project.