Introduction
The Certified Scrum Master certification is one of the most prestigious and globally recognised certifications offered by the highly reputed Scrum Alliance. Agile environments are gaining fast traction in today’s world, with many diverse companies and organizations adopting and implementing Scrum. With the Certified Scrum Master certification, offered by Scrum Alliance, professionals can enhance their career in agile project management and skyrocket their demand as a Scrum Master.
A Certified Scrum Master® (CSM) certification can not only help project management professionals develop proficiency in Scrum and Agile but also easily demonstrate their expertise in the respective areas. These are in high demand due to the exciting new opportunities that unlock after obtaining the certification upon clearing the CSM certification exam. In this article, we delve into the details of this certification and tips for clearing this certification exam in just one attempt.
Overview of Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Before we dive into the strategies to adopt for preparation for the CSM® certification exam, let’s first understand the significance of this esteemed certification course and if you are eligible to take this exam. The Certified Scrum Master certification is a highly coveted credential, often abbreviated as CSM®, offered by the Scrum Alliance organization, which is a globally recognised organization working towards the promotion of agile practices to be adopted in companies of any scale or size. This is a highly reputed and sought-after qualification that is offered to professionals who have successfully completed their CSM training and have proven their knowledge and skills in the Scrum principles, practices, and terminologies in the CSM® certification exam.
Upon receiving the CSM® certification, the team members can not only become a part of the Scrum team but also deliver value to their company. Usually, the CSM® training program lasts two days and is conducted by an experienced and qualified Scrum trainer. Candidates pursuing the CSM® certification are trained in the proven and practical methods of product management within the scope of Scrum through various tasks and hands-on training under the guidance of Scrum trainers.
Eligibility and Prerequisites for CSM Certification
The Scrum Alliance organization has not specified a set of prerequisites or eligibility requirements to apply for the Certified Scrum Master certification exam. However, it is advisable to get a basic understanding of the Scrum framework and how it works in an agile environment. It is also advisable that the candidate understands the various roles within the development team and the responsibilities of product owners. Candidates would benefit from the two-day CSM® certification training program offered by highly experienced and reputed Certified Scrum Trainers (CST).
Preparing for the CSM Exam
To maximize your chances of clearing the CSM® certification exam in your first attempt, it is important to adopt a systematic approach in your preparation. The Certified Scrum Master exam is a test with 50 multiple choice questions. Candidates need to obtain a minimum of 74% in order to pass the exam successfully. This translates to answering 37 questions correctly. The CSM® credentials are valid for two years before candidates need to renew it.
Here are some of the useful tips and strategies that can be beneficial for clearing the CSM certification exam.
1. Study Materials and Resources
The best source of knowledge for the CSM® exam is studying from the Scrum Guide. It is a comprehensive source of information about the functions, terminologies, principles, and practices of Scrum. Begin studying the Scrum Guide thoroughly to gain a solid understanding of the Scrum principles, roles, and events. Read through it several times, highlight key concepts, and make notes. Pay attention to the process control defined by Scrum, and familiarize yourself with the various roles in an agile environment, such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and those in the development team, along with the various events and artifacts of the Scrum framework.
Supplement your knowledge and learning of the Scrum framework by utilizing online study materials such as mock exams, flashcards, and video tutorials. These study materials and resources help to reinforce understanding of the various concepts of Scrum, identify topics to be improved, and become familiar with the format of the exam.
You will also benefit from practicing mock exams and sample questions to assess your preparation level, improve time management skills, and test your readiness for the actual CSM® exam. Take as many practice tests as possible, stressing the areas where you lack clarity or readiness, all the while simulating the CSM® exam environment to improve your confidence and idea about the actual exam scenario.
2. Creating a Study Plan
Studying from study guides and other materials may not be sufficient to appear for the Certified Scrum Master exam. Here are some ways in which you can utilize your study material and make the most of it.
Engaging in hands-on practice
Professionals already working within an agile environment can take advantage of their work situation, take part in simulated Scrum projects, and join Scrum teams to get some hands-on training. This practical experience would directly enhance and deepen their understanding of Scrum and help them apply their knowledge and skills thereafter with greater ease and expertise. Professionals already working in an organization that follows the Scrum methodologies can take advantage of the various Scrum events and collaborate with their team members.
Those who don’t have this opportunity to get direct exposure to a Scrum environment can join online forums and communities where they can find more like minded aspirants and even some experienced professionals who offer their professional knowledge to help beginners in this field. The discussions on such platforms can help enrich your knowledge by learning from the experiences of others.
Joining workshops & study groups
Consider joining an online platform or study group where you can exchange your knowledge and ideas with other candidates pursuing the Certified Scrum Master certification who, in turn, can provide their own valuable insights and support during your preparation journey. Collaborating with other fellow candidates will help you address any queries and doubts you may face, discuss confusing concepts, and gain a different perspective on the CSM® certification exam.
Engage in these study groups and discussion forums actively, help other fellow candidates by providing your own insights into a diverse range of topics related to the syllabus, and solidify your own understanding of the various concepts of Scrum. Explaining concepts to others can help reinforce your ideas and understanding of those topics, as well as identify areas where you might lack clarity of concepts. This would also help you retain information better.
Reviewing & reinforcing
In the last few weeks leading up to the day of the exam, allocate some time dedicated to reviewing the syllabus and reinforcing the numerous concepts of Scrum. Revise the Scrum Guide and recap all the important concepts from the notes that you made from the Scrum study material, focusing on the areas where you feel less confident.
Attending CSM® training
Attending a Certified Scrum Master training program, which is conducted by certified and experienced Scrum trainers, is highly recommended. Through these training workshops, candidates can obtain in-depth knowledge and gain hands-on experience in the various aspects of Scrum skills through practical examples and interactive sessions and exercises that emphasize reinforcing learning through engaging ways.
During the workshop, you should engage in active discussions and ask your queries to clear any doubts that you may have encountered while studying or during the training. Take complete benefit from the training sessions and group exercises to gain an optimal understanding of the practical concepts of the Scrum principles and framework.
Taking the CSM® Exam
Clearing the Certified Scrum Master certification exam on the first attempt requires adopting some strategies. Here are some of the key strategies for taking the CSM® certification exam to clear it on your first attempt.
- Read the Questions Carefully
When taking the CSM® exam, be mindful of the questions that come your way. Read each and every question very carefully to comprehend the questions thoroughly and understand what is being asked. Pay thorough attention to the keywords such as “NOT”, or “ALWAYS”, which can impact the answer writing process.
- Manage your Time effectively
The Certified Scrum Master exam is a time-bound test that necessitates candidates to be able to perform optimally to cover all the questions. So it is important to manage your time wisely. Allocate only a certain amount of time to each question and avoid pondering over one question for longer to avoid a time crunch for the later questions. This can be practiced by taking ample mock and simulation tests during the preparation phase to understand how to manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
During the exam, if you have doubts or need more time to figure out the answer, mark it for review and revisit the question later if you are not entirely certain when first encountering the question.
- Eliminating Incorrect Options
When encountering a question where you are not sure about the right answer, you can try eliminating the options that you are sure are incorrect. Narrowing down the choices for a question can help you increase your chances of selecting the right option even when you are not entirely sure about the right answer.
- Trust your Gut
You have prepared for the Certified Scrum Master exam diligently, so you should trust the knowledge that you have gathered along the way and sometimes your instincts when selecting your answers. Try not to second-guess your answers, as it may lead to unnecessary confusion and potentially incorrect answers.
- Review your Answers
When you have completed answering all the answers, don’t let a “laid-back” attitude take over. Rather, you should review all your answers during the remaining time. If you have marked any answer for review, revisit it and try answering it through the elimination method and by making educated guesses. While reviewing the answer, ensure that the answers that you have provided are the best possible responses before submitting your test.
How to Get CSM® Certification
The Certified Scrum Master is an open-book test which is held for 1 hour duration. Candidates who have pursued the Certified Scrum Master training program must attempt the CSM® certification exam within 14 days of attending it. The CSM® certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Candidates need to score at least 74% in order to clear the Certified Scrum Master certification exam, which means that candidates need to answer at least 37 questions out of the 50 questions correctly. In case candidates fail to clear the exam, they can retake the test within 90 days after the workshop.
After passing the Certified Scrum Master certification exam, you can claim your certificate along with two years of Scrum Alliance membership. With this certification, professionals can seek employment in a diverse range of profitable occupations, companies, and industries. Professionals can obtain skills and become eligible for some of the most sought after job titles at a Scrum team, including Product Owner, Project Manager, or Mentors.
Benefits of CSM® certification
Several big companies, like Google, Spotify, Ernst and Young, IBM, etc., are well-known for implementing the Scrum framework. Obtaining the CSM certification renders various advantages to professionals in the field of project management apart from simple career enhancement. Here are some of the major benefits enjoyed upon obtaining the Certified Scrum Master certification.
- Better Career Prospects
The Certified Scrum Master certification assists professionals in exploring a diverse range of employment prospects, including the technical and IT sectors. By learning the best industry standard practices and techniques, Certified Scrum Masters can enhance their employability and become top-notch leaders and good facilitators.
- Industry Recognition
Certified Scrum Masters are an essential part of a Scrum team where they not only act as a conduit between the product owner and the development team but also as the backbone of the production process. They have the skills to overcome hindrances and problems that the development team, along with other members, such as Product Owner and Product Manager, may face. They also guide the overall team from time to time to achieve the desired results. As such, the Certified Scrum Master certification validates the credentials of the professionals holding the certification. It also helps them gain recognition and respect from fellow Scrum Masters, employers, and peers.
- Highlighting Expertise
The CSM® certification draws on the existing experience of various professionals in Scrum. This helps them to differentiate themselves in the competitive job market and stand out in front of their potential employers. Through the training and curriculum of the Certified Scrum Master certification, a candidate can gain knowledge about the key approaches as well as advance Scrum expertise. They can implement strategic measures within their enterprise to keep ahead of the competition in the market.
- Proficiency in Agile and Scrum
When a candidate obtains the Certified Scrum Master certification, they are able to demonstrate their expertise in agile and scrum principles and practices. This helps them to gain an edge over their peers who don’t have the certification.
- Enhanced Networking Opportunities
Clearing the Certified Scrum Master certification exam and obtaining it comes with the added benefit of becoming a member of the Scrum Alliance community. This provides newbies an excellent opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals in the same profession. This would enable knowledge sharing and foster an environment of continuous learning.
Conclusion
The Certified Scrum Master certification provides a golden opportunity for professionals to get CSM® credentials and become recognised leaders in the corporate world. This would provide a CSM® professional with a strategic advantage in developing their career. However, this requires obtaining the CSM® certification by passing the Certified Scrum Master certification exam. Passing the CSM® certification exam on the first attempt is not impossible but requires careful deliberation and a well-planned, systematic approach towards the test.
By familiarizing yourself with the CSM® curriculum and the Scrum concepts, principles, and practices and taking help from the right study guides and resources, you can boost your chances of success in the CSM certification exam.
Getting a stronghold on Scrum practices and hands-on experience is important to get a well-rounded idea about the Scrum framework. Candidates will benefit from KnowledgeHut’s two-day CSM training workshop that comes with interesting case studies and interactive sessions by role-playing, games, and simulations under the guidance of globally recognised Certified Scrum Trainers (CST). With complimentary access to Agile and Scrum e-learning worth $300, you can also obtain two years of membership in Scrum Alliance! So, get your seat today and ensure your success in the CSM® exam today!
FAQs
1. Is the CSM® exam difficult?
Clearing the CSM® exam is not tough if a candidate prepares for the exam diligently, attends the training workshop, and practices on their own. The CSM® training workshop is important because candidates gain hands-on experience in various aspects of Scrum through interactive modes of training that aid them in answering questions during the exam as well as applying some concepts to real life as well. With a 74% accuracy requirement, the CSM® certification exam is considered easy to pass after completing the two-day CSM® training program.
2. How can CSM® certification benefit my career in project management?
There are many benefits in terms of career obtained by pursuing the CSM® certification, some of them include the following:
- Greater earning potential where CSM® certified individuals can claim more salary than their non-certified counterparts.
- Become an MVP to your company by making yourself relevant and marketable in the field as the CSM® certification helps demonstrate their knowledge of agile practices and concepts.
- Strengthen teamwork efforts by building a strong understanding of core concepts of Scrum while working with peers, enabling successful implementation of Agile and Scrum methodologies that provide immense organizational benefits.
- Smoother delivery of projects by applying key concepts of Scrum like product backlog, sprint backlog, burndown charts, etc.
3. How long does it take to get CSM® certification?
It typically varies from person to person. However, the typical time required to complete the CSM® training and exam and obtain the CSM® certification follows a similar pattern as mentioned below.
- Training period: 2 days
Training for the Certified Scrum Master certification takes place over two days. It is an important step and particularly effective in covering the Scrum framework by supplementing practical knowledge through hands-on training for candidates.
- Study period: 2-4 weeks on an average
Although candidates can choose when to pursue their two-day CSM® training, if they choose to attend beforehand, they can always get some time to finish studying for the CSM® exam curriculum. This time may vary from person to person, but the Scrum Alliance mandates taking the exam within 14 days of completing the CSM® training.
- Exam duration: 1 hour
Lastly comes the CSM® certification exam, which is conducted over one hour. Candidates can earn the CSM® credits once they have completed the exam.
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