Job search platforms often feature numerous project manager vacancies that demand a Scrum Master certification.
Alternatively, they specifically seek individuals for the role of a Scrum Master. While it is touted as a promising career path, on the one hand, skeptics dismiss it as an overhyped document lacking significant value.
Hence, we have decided to delve deeper into this matter and address the following questions:
Additionally, what factors should be considered before pursuing Scrum Master certification?
First and foremost, it belongs to the realm of Agile frameworks designed to enhance workflow efficiency, with a strong emphasis on continuous flexibility and adaptability.
Under this methodology, the team is envisioned as a cohesive and synchronized entity where all members are versatile experts endowed with full autonomy, empowering them to make task-related decisions.
In other words, Agile embodies a philosophy, and a business approach centered around flexibility. Within this broad concept, Scrum serves as one of the frameworks for organizing and implementing this approach within a team.
To illustrate this, consider the philosophy of Kung Fu, which strives for mastery in a chosen discipline (similar to Agile's pursuit of flexibility). Correspondingly, the Shaolin school represents a specific trend within Kung Fu, embodying and practicing this philosophy through its unique methodology (similar to Scrum, which provides specific frameworks and approaches for implementing the Agile philosophy).
Above all, it is crucial for every team member to prioritize the overarching product goal, provide mutual support, and tackle complex challenges head-on. In essence, the functioning of Scrum teams relies on five fundamental principles:
Simultaneously, it is essential for the team to remain relatively small, devoid of hierarchical structures, and composed of three key roles: the Scrum Master, the Product Owner, and the Developers.
The Scrum Master, on the other hand, bears the responsibility of adhering to the team's methodology. Their role involves active engagement with the team, providing valuable assistance in the following areas:
The Scrum Master's role encompasses teaching the team to adapt, aiding in problem-solving, and discerning when to step in and when to empower the team to resolve issues independently. It is essential for the Scrum Master to possess a solid grasp of their own methodology while also comprehending other approaches to enable effective comparisons.
It is often misconstrued and conflated that the roles of Scrum Master, Project Manager, and Product Owner are interchangeable, which is incorrect. Each of these positions holds distinct functions and responsibilities.
Scrum, as a method of organization, is generally beneficial for teams operating in challenging environments where predicting the outcomes of specific changes in work approaches is arduous. It applies particularly to scenarios involving intricate processes where conventional solutions fall short.
We specifically refer to companies associated with innovation, complex products, and similar domains. Certification Scrum Master is primarily valuable for individuals who:
Regarding the labor market, a noticeable trend is that there are considerably fewer job openings explicitly seeking Scrum Masters than those seeking Product Managers with a Scrum Master certificate.
Presently, the average salaries for Scrum Masters are as follows:
This salary range holds true for both the Ukrainian and international markets, with a similar pattern observed across both.
It is frequently observed that job postings often specify the requirement for Scrum certification. Furthermore, it is commonly expected that the certification should be internationally recognized, such as from Scrum.org or Scrum Alliance. Now, let's explore the differences between these certifications:
|
Organization |
Scrum Alliance |
Scrum.org |
|
Year of foundation |
In 2001 by Ken Schwaber, Mike Cohn, and Esther Derby. |
In 2009, when Ken Schwaber left the Scrum Alliance. |
|
Year in which certificates were issued |
2002 |
2009 |
|
Certification |
CSM |
PSM |
|
The need to update |
Yes, every two years for $50. |
No |
|
Can the test be interrupted? |
No |
No |
|
Number of questions |
50
|
80 |
|
Where is this certificate popular? |
Europe, USA |
Europe, Asia |
|
How is the certificate obtained |
You need to complete a full-fledged course, where you’ll have Scrum Alliance Login, paying up to $ 1000, and only then pass the test. |
You can proofread the material yourself and pass the test, or take courses that cost about $150 and then pass the test. |
However, it is important to acknowledge that a certification is not always obligatory. In many cases, it is more of a widely recognized document that serves as a substantial indicator of a professional's expertise, ambitions, and potential.
Scrum Master Certification primarily demonstrates that an individual has dedicated time and effort to delve into the subject matter. The different levels of certification reflect the extent of one's knowledge and proficiency in the Scrum methodology.
