What is CSM?

Scrum is an agile framework for completing complex projects. Scrum originally was formalized for software development projects, but works well for any complex, innovative scope of work. The possibilities are endless.Scrum is an iterative, incremental framework for project management often seen in agile software development, a type of software engineering.

Although the Scrum approach was originally suggested for managing product development projects, its use has focused on the management of software development projects, and it can be used to run software maintenance teams or as a general project/program management approach.

Our trainers will teach you what you need to know to fill the role of ScrumMaster (or Scrum team member). This course focuses on the basics of the Scrum framework, including team roles, activities, and artifacts, so that you can be an effective member of a Scrum team.

Scrum is a simple "inspect and adapt" framework that has three roles, three ceremonies, and three artifacts [1] designed to deliver working software in Sprints, usually 30-day iterations.

• Roles : Product Owner, ScrumMaster, Team;
• Ceremonies : Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, and Daily Scrum Meeting;
• Artifacts : Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Burndown Chart

Course Overview

Our two-day Certified ScrumMaster training course (Certification is provided by ScrumAlliance) provides a comprehensive and in-depth training in Scrum theory and practice, taught by a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer who is a expertise. This "learning by doing" style of instruction demands your open mind and active participation.

Attendees who are Project Management Institute PMP's are eligible for 14 Professional Development Units.

• Introductions
• Agile Projects
• Agile Requirements
• Releases & Sprints
• Delivering
• Reporting
• Feedback Lookups
• Scaling
• Closing

Short, five-minute exercises and case studies will be scattered throughout the two-day session.   Ample material is available for this session, and while all essential information will be covered, time spent on each topic will vary depending on the composition of the class and the interest in particular areas.  A more detailed course outline is available at our website.

Agile Thinking:

In order for us to understand the benefits of Scrum and the nuances behind its framework, we begin with the history of agile methods and how relatively new thoughts in software development have brought us to Scrum.  “The Art of the Possible” is an opportunity to understand how small changes in behavior can have a large impact on productivity.  This also turns our thinking towards new ideas and a willingness to change for the better.

The Scrum Framework:

Here we’ll ensure that we’re all working from the same foundational concepts that make up the Scrum Framework.  We’ll review the three areas that impact an organization most as we move ahead with Scrum and explain the different Scrum Roles, Artifacts, and Meetings.

Implementation Considerations:

Moving beyond Scrum’s foundational concepts, we’ll use this time to dig deeper into the reasons for pursuing Scrum.  We’ll also begin a discussion of integrity in the marketplace and how this relates to software quality.

Scrum Roles:

Who are the different players in the Scrum game?  We’ll review checklists of role expectations in preparation for further detail later in our session.

The Scrum Team Explored:

Since the ScrumMaster is looking to protect the productivity of the team, we must investigate team behaviors so we can be prepared for the various behaviors exhibited by teams of different compositions.  We’ll also include small exercises to help participants understand how to handle difficult situations.

The Product Owner:  Extracting Value:

The driving force behind implementing Scrum is to obtain results, usually measured in terms of return on investment or value.  How can we help ensure that we allow for project work to provide the best value for our customers and our organization?  We’ll take a look at different factors that impact our ability to maximize returns.

The ScrumMaster Explored:

It’s easy to read about the role of the ScrumMaster and gain a better understanding of their responsibilities.  The difficulty comes in the actual implementation.  Being a ScrumMaster is a hard job, and we’ll talk about the characteristics of a good ScrumMaster that go beyond a simple job description.

References and Advanced Considerations:

This section of our material acts a reference for more detailed information regarding Meetings, Artifacts, and Advanced Considerations.

Closing Topics:

We’ll wrap up with direction on where to go next with your Scrum experience, some Scrum reference sites, and our graduation ceremony.

Certification

Participants who complete the two-day course will be required, within 90 days of the course date, to take an on-line, 36 question, multiple choice exam.

Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive official designation as a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) by the Scrum Alliance, along with a two-year membership of the Scrum Alliance.

This is the first step on the road to Certified Scrum Practitioner (CSP) and further Scrum education. Your membership includes additional access to Certified ScrumMaster material and information on the Scrum Alliance website.

Who should attend?

This training and certification is ideal for

• Project Managers
• Developers
• Product Owners
• Managers-Software development
• Architects-Software development
• Product Managers
• Software developers
• Software coders
• Software testers

Team Leads or Team Members who are interested in learning more about Scrum and leading Agile projects, as well as anyone pursuing either Certified Scrum Master or PMI Agile Certification.

FAQ

Reference: www.scrumalliance.com

Why does the Scrum Alliance offer a certification program?

When Scrum was first introduced, the only available training was in the form of articles, presentations, and books. By reading these resources, many grasped the iterative nature of Scrum, but missed the principles and practices that are necessary for successful implementation. In response, the Scrum Alliance developed a certification program.

What makes the Scrum Alliance certification program different from other Scrum training programs?

The certification courses posted on the Scrum Alliance site are all taught by Scrum Alliance Registered Education Providers (REPs) and Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs). All of these providers have been vetted by their peers to verify that they have the depth of knowledge, experience, and training ability to teach others about Scrum. Their courseware has been approved as being consistent with Scrum and agile principles. You can be assured that a course from a Scrum Alliance REP or CST is an accurate representation of Scrum and is being taught by a recognized authority on Scrum and agile practices and principles.

Can I become certified without taking a course?

No. It is our belief that true learning requires hands-on practice and in-person training. The CSM evaluation is not offered as a replacement for formal training.

What does it mean to have a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) designation?

A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is someone who has been taught (by a Certified Scrum Trainer) the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that will enable them to fulfill the role of ScrumMaster or Scrum team member. A Certified ScrumMaster course is a first step on the path to growing more agile. Experience and continuing education are necessary next steps to become a true, practicing Scrum professional. To demonstrate deep understanding and experience with Scrum,  CSMs are encouraged to apply for and become Certified Scrum Professionals.

Does the Scrum Alliance offer an online CSM course?

No. While we acknowledge that online seminars can be an effective teaching forum for some subjects, we believe that understanding Scrum requires a greater level of personal interaction than can be delivered in a virtual environment.

The Certified ScrumMaster courses engage participants in live, interactive learning, free from the obstacles inherent in an online activity.  Additionally, students of online courses do not have the same opportunity to connect and exchange their perceptions that students in live courses do. There is no virtual coffee break that could replace meeting real people with real experiences. For this reason, online learning has a place in preparing participants for the Certified ScrumMaster course and for passing the evaluation, but is insufficient to fully prepare Scrum participants, which is ultimately the goal of Certified ScrumMaster program.

Do I receive PDU credits for a CSM course?

Yes. Please follow PMI's procedure for Category B: Continuing Education. According to the PMP handbook: 'Contact hours of project and/or program management education may be earned by attending relevant educational courses offered by organizations not registered with PMI. To calculate the number of PDUs earned, use the following formula: one contact hour of learning relevant to project and/or program management within a structured activity or course equals one PDU. Documentation required upon PMI audit/request: registration form, certificate or letter of attendance, and a brochure or course materials outlining the subject matter covered and the qualifications of the instructor/lecturer.' Most CSTs can tell you how many PDUs their course offers.

What is the membership fee?

Our Certified Scrum Trainers pay a $50 membership fee for each student who successfully completes a Certified Scrum Master course.  This membership fee covers the cost of the CSM Evaluation and the first two years of membership. 

How do I renew my CSM?

This process is currently being developed. For CSMs who have never taken the evaluation, recertification will require that you take the evaluation.

Maintaining your certification not only secures the investment you have already made, but also demonstrates your commitment to retaining competency or even broadening your skills in the practice of Scrum. The Scrum framework is evolving and growing as a result of the engagement and contributions of those who share their ideas and practical experiences in the workplace. Recertification validates your participation in this evolution and your continued proficiency in the fundamental principles and practices of Scrum.

What does it mean to be a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)?

A Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is an individual who has been taught (by a Certified Scrum Trainer) the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that will enable them to fulfill the role of Product Owner for a Scrum team. A Certified Scrum Product Owner course is a first step on the path to growing more agile. Experience and continuing education are necessary for someone to truly master Scrum. To demonstrate deep understanding and experience with Scrum,  CSPOs are encouraged to apply for and become Certified Scrum Professionals.

Do I receive PDU credits for a CSPO course?

Yes. Please follow PMI''s procedure for Category 4: Courses offered by Other Education Provider. According to the PMP handbook: 'Contact hours of project and/or program management education may be earned by attending relevant educational courses offered by organizations not registered with PMI. To calculate the number of PDUs earned, use the following formula: one contact hour of learning relevant to project and/or program management within a structured activity or course equals one PDU. Documentation required upon PMI audit/request: registration form, certificate or letter of attendance, and a brochure or course materials outlining the subject matter covered and the qualifications of the instructor/lecturer.' Most CSTs can tell you how many PDUs their course offers.

What can I expect from the CSM Evaluation?

The evaluation consists of approximately 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions. You have 60 minutes to complete it. You’ll be required to demonstrate your understanding of key Scrum elements, including:

Scrum Terminology

Scrum Practices

Scrum Principles

 

What is the cost of the CSM Evaluation?

The cost of the evaluation is included in the cost of your CSM course and paid by your trainer. You will pay no additional evaluation fee.

How soon after my course do I have to complete the CSM Evaluation?

After receiving your membership email, you have 90 days to take and complete the evaluation.

Can I take the evaluation without taking a CSM course?

No. The evaluation is not intended as a substitute for formal training.

What does it mean to be a Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)?

A Certified Scrum Professional has proven experience and expertise in the art of Scrum. CSP is the level of certification that all practitioners of Scrum should strive to attain. Before becoming a CSP, applicants must be CSMs, CSPOs, or CSDs.

 

Rafael Sabbagh CST from Scrum Alliance

Name Rafael Sabbagh CST from Scrum Alliance Faculty Details He uses the latest and most advanced techniques of teaching and facilitation. This way, he intends to give my students a real experience of learning and sharing experiences, creating an excellent gain for them. His students also benefit from my knowledge and expertise accumulated over the years, from both technical and business nature. His experience includes more than a decade working with IT projects and leadership of development teams. He worked as a ScrumMaster for a few years and today He works as an Agile coach in companies of different sizes and He teach Agile and Scrum in courses, events and organizations. He is Computer Engineer and Master in Business Administration from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Brazil. In my dissertation, "Critical Factors for the Practice of Agile Values in Information Technology Teams", He deeply studied issues related to the use of Agile by IT teams in Brazil and analyzed it based on relevant theories, such as Toyota Production System / Lean, teamwork theories, customer relationship theories, motivation theories and others. He made presentations at the Brazil Scrum Gathering 2009 (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Agiles 2009 (Florianopolis, Brazil), Germany Scrum Gathering 2009, Orlando Scrum Gathering 2010, Agile Brazil 2010, Amsterdam Scrum Gathering and Agile Brazil 2011. He was also present at the South Africa Scrum Gathering 2010, Seattle Scrum Gathering 2011 and Agile 2011 - Salt Lake City. He was the organizer of the Agile Tour 2010 - Rio de Janeiro.

Kiran Thakkar CST from Scrum Alliance

Name Kiran Thakkar CST from Scrum Alliance Faculty Details Kiran has over 21 years of IT experience in a wide variety of global industries. He is a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) and PMP, with a MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MS - Master of Science in Computer Science. Kiran initially was trained by Ken Schwaber. He was working at Siemens Medical Solutions as Release/Program Manager role involving a very large-scale agile initiative (40+ teams, over 500 employees). He spent last seven years as a release manager, scrum master, scrum team mentor, and overall program release manager. He also pioneered implementation of the agile practices and mentored scrum masters within Siemens. He is a true champion and laid the groundwork for agile practices still in use and highly effective in Siemens today. He demonstrates deep passion and enhanced knowledge of agile principles and practices. Finally, he is very instrumental in shepherding the organization, executives, and engineers alike, to a successful scrum implementation. He is also an adjunct faculty at Penn State Great Valley, DeVry/Keller University, and University of Phoenix teaching in online and traditional 'on-ground' environment.

Hubert Smits CST from Scrum Alliance

Name Hubert Smits CST from Scrum Alliance Faculty Details Hubert Smits is an innovative, assertive and goal oriented Agile Consultant, Coach and Trainer with a track record of success spearheading Enterprise level Agile and Lean enablement efforts. As the lead consultant at Cisco Voice Technology, he designed and implemented the Agile Software Development Life Cycle, replacing multi-year waterfall processes with iterative product development cycles. More than 3,000 participants in product development, including executives, product managers, program managers and development teams moved into their Scrum roles and processes. Hubert's customers and successes include companies like Oracle, Avaya, BMC Software, AOL, Fender, General Electric Energy, Amdocs, MySpace and Compete. He has a track record of working with globally distributed teams, and has contracted and coached teams in India, Argentina, Israel and Europe. Along with a keen sense of business acumen, Hubert is an exceptional communicator offering strong negotiation, problem resolution and team building skills. He enjoys leveraging Agile principles and practices to mobilize teams, establish focus, promote positive organizational change, enhance performance, improve quality, and reduce team turnover. Hubert specializes in working with large product development efforts, in organizations that require a gradual organization-wide move to Agile practices. He is confident in restructuring Software Development Life Cycles, interacting with the IT parties and managing the impact of the organizational change on Finance, Product Management, Marketing and Sales. In addition to publishing with Cutter Consortium and the IEEE, he is a frequent speaker at Agile events and has published articles on planning with distributed teams, and agile planning and tracking.

Carlton E. Nettleton

Name Carlton E. Nettleton Faculty Details My name is Carlton Nettleton and I am the President of Look Forward Consulting. My passion is to share my excitement, enthusiasm and encouragement with teams and organizations as they reach for higher levels of performance and engagement. My business is to help your business grow and flourish. When we work together, I will be sharing tools, techniques, practices and insights I have gained in the last ten years while working with Agile teams as both a contributor (I used to write code a long time ago), leader and a consultant. My goal is nothing less than to develop high-performing teams through a combination of visibility, accountability, real ownership of the work and authentic personal relationships. When these factors come together in your organization, teams will deliver not just the same mediocre results faster, but ASTONISHING results. The types of outcomes and innovation that will stun your leadership, customers and competitors. Today, my main focus is to lend my experience and deep knowledge of Scrum to organizations that are looking for something more out of their business and teams. Together we will apply Scrum and Lean Thinking to your projects so you can develop products that satisfy your customer's needs better than your competitors.

Heitor Roriz Filho CST from Scrum Alliance

Name Heitor Roriz Filho CST from Scrum Alliance Faculty Details Heitor Roriz Filho is an "agilero". He currently works as an Agile Coach and Trainer worldwide, based in Sao Paulo. He is a writer, speaker and trainer in the area of Technology Management. He has been dealing with Agile since 2004 and in addition to speaking for Agile/Scrum, Six Sigma and PMI conferences, he is the founder activist of the ScrumAmazonia user group. He is also the co-founder and Agile Coach of Massimus (http://www.massimus.com) a company focused on APM (Agile Project Management) training and coaching. He holds a M.Sc. in Information Technology from the University of Stuttgart, Germany. Has worked and gathered experience in companies like Itautec-Philco SA, DaimlerChrysler AG, Fraunhofer Institut, FPF (Fundação Paulo Feitoza), among others. He worked for 3 years as a ScrumMaster and Product Owner for FPF and Siemens-Mobile where he also coached teams to implement and improve Scrum in projects. During 2+ years he worked as Information Manager for the local government at Municipal Institute of Urban Planning where he applied Scrum outside of software, in architectural and building projects. He participated as a reasearch assistant in projects belonging to LBA (Large-scale Biosphere-atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia) at INPA (http://www.inpa.br) in cooperation with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Agency). Heitor is a passionate for Agile and Scrum. He truly believes Agile can change the way we work achieving excellence levels of precision and performance. He is very interested in Agile Leadership and Agile Project Management as levers of improving our ways of work.