Certified Scrum Master(CSM) Certification Process

Regardless of your educational or industrial background, anybody can emerge as a successful Certified Scrum Master. All that the individual needs are thorough training and proper guidance. A Certified Scrum Master can deliver high-value products in the shortest possible time. However, the lightweight Agile framework implemented by a Scrum Master is also highly flexible and dynamic to take in last-minute requests, changes, and feedback. However, before taking on these responsibilities or acquiring the certification, it is important to know about the Certified Scrum Master Certification process.

Certified Scrum Master Certification Process

The CSM process is rather simple and uncomplicated. It can be divided into the following parts:

1. Before getting Certified Scrum Master(CSM) Certification
2. During Certified Scrum Master(CSM) Certification
3. After getting Certified Scrum Master(CSM) Certification

1. Before Getting Certified Scrum Master(CSM) Certification

Before you begin preparing for the CSM examination, you need to ensure that you satisfy the basic prerequisites for attending the CSM course.

However, given that CSM is a foundational-level course, it does not specify any prerequisites in terms of degrees or qualifications. Thus, familiarize yourself with the basic Scrum terminologies that may come up during the training.

A number of courses begin with handing out a short quiz to the candidates to assess whether they are well-equipped to begin the CSM training course. Hence, brush up on the Scrum Theory, Scrum Roles, Scrum Artifacts, and Scrum Events. A great resource for getting ready would be the official Scrum Guide that also lays the groundwork for the Agile manifesto.

2. During the Certified Scrum Master(CSM) Certification

Next, in the scrum master process, you need to enroll for an in-person CSM course, which will be taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer. It is mandatory that you attend this 2-3 day training course, which offers an overview of the Scrum framework and helps you get accustomed to taking on the role of a Scrum Master.

It is at this stage when you register with the Scrum Alliance, which will conduct your CSM exam. The trainer will send a request to Scrum Alliance once you complete the mandatory class. Most CSM courses will grant you a two-year membership with the Scrum Alliance, which gives you access to a host of valuable resources and materials.

3. After Getting Certified Scrum Master(CSM) Certification

The final stage of the CSM certification process involves taking the CSM exam. Once your trainer has sent a request for your examination to the Scrum Alliance, you will receive an email containing the exam link. You can appear for this exam within 90 days from receipt of this mail.

The exam contains 35 multiple choice questions, of which you need to answer 24 correctly to pass. The exam lasts for about an hour, and you can take breaks in between. Once you click ‘Submit’ the test gets submitted and your score is displayed on the computer screen. You get to know the answers that you have answered incorrectly, but you will not be told the correct answer.

What if you don't make the cut-off?

If you fall short of the cut-off marks required to pass, you will have to appear for a re-exam. You get two free attempts for the CSM exam, which is to be done within 60 days at no extra cost. From the third attempt onwards, you need to make a payment of $25 to the Scrum Alliance per attempt.

If you successfully clear the exam, you need to log into your Scrum Alliance account and complete the online evaluation. Enter your details and agree to the terms and conditions. Download and print your certificate.

If you haven’t yet, complete your Scrum Alliance membership profile. To renew this certificate, you once again need to log into your Scrum Alliance account, click on ‘Renew Certifications / Memberships,’ make the payment and renew the certification.

Conclusion

The biggest advantage of the CSM certification is that it does not require any major prerequisites to be fulfilled. This makes it quite promising for any professional to pursue a career using the scrum methodology. So, embark on a successful journey for excellence with Invensis Learning's Certified Scrum Master certification training.

FAQs Certified Scrum Master Certification Process

Here are a few questions with regards to the certified Scrum Master Certification Process.

1. How long does it take to become a CSM?

The prescribed CSM training duration is 16 hours, which is normally spread across two days. However, you also need to factor in the time that you will put into preparing for the CSM exam. Eventually, it is your personal ability to grasp the course materials and prepare for the test.

2. Why should you become a Certified Scrum Master?

Scrum training is beneficial for individuals who wish to work on their team-building and leadership qualities. It teaches you the science and art of managing teams, customers, and stakeholders dynamically and imparts the skill to achieve long and short-term goals in a timely manner. On the whole, Scrum Master certification not only benefits the employees or employers but also helps freelancers to facilitate incremental delivery.

3. How much does it cost to renew your Scrum Master certification?

You need to make a payment of $100 to renew your certification for a period of 2 years.

4. Is the certified Scrum Master test hard?

The CSM certification exam is not a very difficult exam, but it is important to prepare before-in-hand. You must be aware of various scrum roles and agile processes.

5. How long is Scrum Master certification?

To begin with, You must attend 2 days of CSM training under a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). After which you must take the 60-minute exam to get certified. The exam consists of 50 MCQs out of which you will need to answer 37 questions correctly to obtain the certification.