What is “Scrum” and why should you “Master” it?
Scrum is an agile methodology that helps teams manage complex projects and workflows across software, IT, security, or digital transformation roles. Agile is key to managing complexity in nearly ever role in tech and has expanded into many other industries as well. If you’re a into rugby and you’re wondering… yes, scrum comes from “scrummage”.
Okay so, what does the Scrum Master do?
The “Scrum Master” is a key role on the Scrum team, one of only 3 official roles. The Scrum Master is responsible for coaching the organization and Scrum Team on how to implement Scrum as a methodology. They don’t directly manage the team, but instead are servant leaders guiding the process of adopting and executing Scrum. The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification from Scrum.org specifically prepares you for this role, but it also certifies your understanding of applying Agile thinking through Scrum.
Why did I choose to pursue PSM I?
This was the first certification I pursued as part of my career transition and I purposely chose it because it lined up so well with the process of learning the foundations of tech workflows across the industry.
Additionally, I found I had already been applying Agile methodologies for years throughout my military career in how I had approached process improvements and intelligence workflows. I wanted to solidify that experience with a respected industry certification.
Business Analysis Fundamentals and Agile are key
I found that building a solid foundation in business analysis, project management, and agile really helped internalize the concepts of Scrum. I didn’t want to just learn these methodologies but actually relate them to the work I’ve done and want to do in my future career
I had completed an IT Project Management course through my Master’s program at Florida Tech and found Agile and Scrum really compelling in all the case studies. This motivated me to dig deeper into cross-functional roles like Business Analyst and Product Management, leading me to pursue and complete Microsoft’s Career Essentials in Business Analysis professional certificate, as well as Atlassian’s Agile Project Management professional certificate on LinkedIn Learning.
Microsoft’s Career Essentials in Business Analysis Certificate
The fundamentals I learned in this Microsoft certification pathway really helped internalize the various stakeholder’s roles in agile, user-focused product development, business benefits realization, and most importantly the product owner’s role on the scrum team of managing the product backlog.
Atlassian’s Agile Project Management Certificate
This Atlassian certification pathway was really helpful in visualizing how a Scrum Team works. Additionally, the training includes an introduction to Scrum and how it’s relevant to Jira (caution: they introduce some ideas that are not on the 2020 Scrum Guide, like mandating members to stand at the Daily Scrum).
After this course I also started managing my career transition on Jira. If you’re interested, I have another insight where I share why and how I did it.
For PSM I: The Scrum Guide is all you need to prep
I only prepared directly for the PSM I certification for about a week. My prep was incredibly simple: I read through the entire Scrum Guide three times, taking notes on the key elements of Scrum I needed to memorize.
Aside from those, it simply requires internalizing the ideas and concepts behind scrum. The test will test both your knowledge of the framework as scrum, as well as how you might apply that framework to real teams and scenarios.
Use the Scrum.org Scrum Open Practice Test
Once I was certain I had memorized all the key elements of scrum, I used the free practice test from Scrum.org and ran through it until I had consistently gotten 100% on every question for 3 tests in a row. Running through it 3 times ensured I got exposure to more of the question bank.
The practice test gives you 30 minutes for 30 questions, I was completing each practice test in about 7 minutes before I took the final exam.
Note: When you get questions wrong, go back to the guide and reference the section you missed to figure out where your logic went wrong.
Finally, take the test!
The certification exam has 80 questions which you will need to answer in 60 minutes. That’s 45 seconds per question. You can flag difficult questions to come back at the end of the exam. I had about 4-5 flagged questions that I reviewed but ultimately did not change any of my answers.
To take the exam, you’ll need to create an account and purchase the exam. You will received a passcode via email and can take the test at any time once received.