Date

May, Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 2013

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Location

United States

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Faculty

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Product

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

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Course Overview

Our two-day Certified ScrumMaster training course is delivered by Certified Scrum Trainers CST's (Certification is provided by ScrumAlliance) provides a comprehensive and in-depth training in Scrum theory and practice. This "learning by doing" style of instruction demands your open mind and active participation.

PMP® s: This course counts for 14 Professional Development Units (PDU's).

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.

Course Agenda

Kiran Thakkar CST

Agile and Scrum Introduction
Origins of Scrum and Understanding Scrum
Basic Scrum Engine, Agile Manifesto
Sprints
Four Meetings
Four Roles
Scrum Values
Scrum Phases
Scrum Simulation
Sprint planning meeting
Daily standup meeting
Burndown charts and project reporting
Sprint review and retrospective
Day in the Life of a ScrumMaster
Release Management and Project Reporting
Scaling and Global Teams
Scrum and CMM, Scrum and XP
Closing Activities and Graduation

Peter Borsella

Short, five-minute exercises and case studies will be scattered throughout the two-day session. Longer exercises are detailed below. 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.

Exercise: Integrity at a fast-food restaurant. During this exercise we'll review various options regarding an employee faced with a difficult situation. The importance of providing high quality products to our customers will be explored.

Exercise: Understanding customer expectations. This exercise is the beginning of an extended exercise involving agile estimating and planning. During this first portion of the exercise, we'll work with a fictional customer who has a very demanding schedule and understand how our assessment of project work plays a significant role in customer satisfaction.

Exercise: The 59-minute Scrum Simulation. This popular exposure to Scrum asks us to work on a short project that lasts for just 59 minutes! We'll walk through all of the key steps under the Scrum framework as we work in project teams to deliver a new product.

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.

Exercise: Agile estimating and planning. Although agile estimating and planning is an art unto itself, the Mike Cohn's concepts behind this method fit very well with the Scrum methodology an agile alternative to traditional estimating and planning. We'll break into project teams that will work through decomposition and estimation of project work, and then plan out the project through delivery.

The Product Owner: 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.

Lonnie Weaver-Johnson

Exercise: understanding customer expectations. This exercise is the beginning of an extended exercise involving agile estimating and planning. During this first portion of the exercise, we'll work with a fictional customer who has a very demanding schedule and understand how our assessment of project work plays a significant role in customer satisfaction.

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 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.

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.

Participants, who have completed the two-day classroom workshop will be required to take an on-line CSM Exam.
The Exam consists of 36 MCQ (multiple choice questions)
Evaluation Duration: 90 Min

NEW REQUIREMENTS TO GET THE CSM CERTIFICATE (EFFECTIVE FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2012)

There are important changes to the requirements to become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). A new version of the CSM exam has been developed and beginning 1 September 2012, anyone wishing to become a CSM will need to achieve a passing score on the exam.

The new web-based exam has 35 questions and no time limit but must be completed within 90 days of taking a CSM course. You will be able to bookmark questions, change answers to questions, and even stop the exam, returning to it to complete the questions at a later time within the 90-day period.

After completing the exam, you will be shown any questions you answered incorrectly, but will not be shown a list of possible answers. This is an effort to balance the integrity and security of the exam questions with the opportunity for people to learn through the exam process.

If you do not pass the exam on the first attempt, you may retake it any time during the 90 days following your CSM course. You may even re-take the exam immediately if you would like.

If you fail the exam a second time, you will need to pay a $25 exam fee to the Scrum Alliance before taking the exam a third time. The Scrum Alliance recommends that anyone who fails three times, re-take the CSM course before attempting the exam a fourth time.

What is CSM(Certified ScrumMaster)?

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 designed to deliver working software in Sprints, usually 30-day iterations.

All our certified Scrum Master course is delivered by Certified Scrum Trainers from scrumalliance.org and the certification provided by ScrumAlliance.

Roles :

Product Owner, ScrumMaster, Team;

Ceremonies :

Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, and Daily Scrum Meeting;

Artifacts :

Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Burndown Chart

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 can I expect from the CSM Evaluation?

The evaluation consists of approximately 35 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.

How to obtain for CSM certification?

Obtain your CSM certification after completing the course and taking the CSM Test (a link to the test will be sent to you following your course). The test becomes pass/fail on September 1, 2012 and a score of 24 out of 35 questions must be obtained. There will be two free attempts included in your membership and any attempt thereafter will have a charge of $25.

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.

Faculty for Buffalo, NY (Aug 2013) Morristown, NJ (Sep 2013) Brookfield, WI (Sep 2013) Indianapolis, IN (Sep 2013)

Kiran Thakkar CST Kiran Thakkar, an IT professional with 22 years of experience in global application development and leadership, is a Project Management Professional (certified by the PMI) and a Certified Scrum Trainer (certified by the Scrum Alliance). Kiran also holds an MBA and an MS in Computer Science. Kiran worked at Siemens Medical Solutions and played an instrumental role in one of the largest agile/scrum implementation in the world. Kiran was an overall program release manager at Siemens for a very large-scale, globally distributed, and FDA compliant agile initiative (40+ teams, over 500 members). Kiran laid the groundwork for agile practices still in use and highly effective in Siemens today. Kiran brings real life scrum implementation experience to his class. He also pioneered implementation of the agile practices and mentored scrum masters globally. He was one of the early adopter of enterprise level large-scale agile/scrum. 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.

Faculty for San Francisco, CA (May 2013) Austin, TX (Jun 2013) Tampa, FL (Jun 2013) Columbus, OH (Jul 2013) Detroit, MI (Jul 2013) Livonia, MI (Jul 2013) Tempe, AZ (Aug 2013) Cary (Raleigh), NC (Aug 2013) Atlanta, GA (Aug 2013) Orlando, FL (Sep 2013) Miami, FL (Sep 2013) Leawood, KS (Sep 2013) Nashville, TN (Oct 2013) Tempe, AZ (Oct 2013) Austin, TX (Oct 2013)

Peter Borsella Short, five-minute exercises and case studies will be scattered throughout the two-day session. Longer exercises are detailed below. 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. Exercise: Integrity at a fast-food restaurant. During this exercise we'll review various options regarding an employee faced with a difficult situation. The importance of providing high quality products to our customers will be explored. Exercise: Understanding customer expectations. This exercise is the beginning of an extended exercise involving agile estimating and planning. During this first portion of the exercise, we'll work with a fictional customer who has a very demanding schedule and understand how our assessment of project work plays a significant role in customer satisfaction. Exercise: The 59-minute Scrum Simulation. This popular exposure to Scrum asks us to work on a short project that lasts for just 59 minutes! We'll walk through all of the key steps under the Scrum framework as we work in project teams to deliver a new product. 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. Exercise: Agile estimating and planning. Although agile estimating and planning is an art unto itself, the Mike Cohn's concepts behind this method fit very well with the Scrum methodology an agile alternative to traditional estimating and planning. We'll break into project teams that will work through decomposition and estimation of project work, and then plan out the project through delivery. 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.

Faculty for Portland, OR (Jul 2013) Sacramento, CA (Aug 2013)

Lonnie Weaver-Johnson Lonnie Weaver-Johnson obtained a degree in Communications and then went on to a 20 year career implementing IT projects or leading people through change. Lonnie enjoys transforming people and organizations through coaching, conflict resolution, performance management, or simply imparting knowledge. Lonnie began working with Scrum in 2006 and her Scrum training has taken her across the country and to India and Canada where she has shared her knowledge and experience with Scrum. Helping Scrum teams learn and grow together until they reach a high performing stage is Lonnie's passion. Her candid and patient coaching style helps people understand how to make the necessary behavioral changes to make Scrum work for their teams. She also enjoys partnering with leaders to help them understand how the changes will impact them and their organization. Lonnie has seen Scrum work very well and she has seen it fail. She shares these experiences in her classroom so that students can benefit from her own personal experience. Lonnie has been an IT leader, a business analyst, a corporate trainer, a Toastmaster officer, a public speaker in her community, and a volunteer at local high schools training kids on team development. In each of these cases Lonnie brings high energy to her classes, motivates the learners, and uses humor and stories to keep people engaged.