Accredited by Scrum.org, the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification is curated for professionals who want to learn Scrum. Professionals willing to acquire a profound understanding of the Scrum framework, Scrum principles, along with the roles of a Scrum Master, are keen on taking up the PSM training.
The PSM training can cater to the learning requirements of Scrum enthusiasts regardless of their level of experience or expertise. While PSM II & III are designed for professionals who want to transition their career from beginner to advanced, the PSM I helps pioneers build a strong foundation in Scrum.
According to the Scrum Master Trends 2019 report, PSM I certification was the top Scrum Master certification, chosen by approximately 53% of respondents. If you’re someone who is starting your journey with Agile or Scrum, we will help you find out why this training is the best step to launch your Agile career.
What is PSM Training?
The interactive and activity-based PSM training provides deep insight into the Scrum framework, principles, events, artefacts, and roles. Professionals who attend the training can acquire a sound knowledge of sprint planning, daily Scrum, sprint backlog, increment, sprints, product backlog, and so on. Most importantly, throughout the training, candidates will acquire a good understanding of the roles involved in Scrum, including the Product Owner, Developers, Scrum Master, and Agile team members.
The PSM I training is beginner-friendly as it can be pursued by candidates who don’t have prior experience in Scrum. Beginners like fresh graduates willing to explore Agile-based careers, professionals without an Agile background (such as HR professionals, marketers), QA, Analysts, developers, or individuals who want to transition into product, project management or tech can ace their PSM I exam preparation with the help of this rigorous training. The PSM exam requires you to possess knowledge of the following topics:
- Scrum Framework: The training aims to familiarize each employee who is working in the Scrum team with the Scrum framework. The purpose is to ensure that all team members know what are the roles, artefacts, and events of Scrum as per definition of the Scrum Guide.
- Cross-functional & Self-organizing Teams: Unlike a traditional team that works as per the decision of its manager, Scrum inspires teams to become cross-functional and self-organized. This implies that the teams have ample autonomy to do their work as per their own understanding and leverage diverse skills required to deliver a high-value product. It also builds a culture that appreciates flexibility, productivity, and innovation and at the same time encourages team members to participate in decision-making.
- Scrum Principles and Theory: The Scrum theory and principle sections help you understand the ‘WHY’ behind Scrum. You’ll be able to learn what empiricism is and come up with decisions that are backed by evidence rather than guesses. It covers five Scrum values, including courage, commitment, openness, focus, and respect. The major core principles of Scrum, like inspection, adaptation, and transparency, are included in this section. This helps teams to come up with rational decisions and to deliver value.
- Coaching and Facilitation: This section can successfully discern the role of a Scrum Master from that of a conventional Project Manager. By leveraging the servant leadership approach, the Scrum Master can coach teams and organizations when it comes to using Scrum seamlessly.
Benefits of PSM Certification Training for Beginners
The benefits of PSM I certification training for beginners are as follows:
1. Build a Strong Scrum Foundation
If you’re looking for a way to kickstart your career in Agile, look no further than the PSM I training. The training will introduce you to the Scrum principles, fundamentals, and strategies that will help you implement Scrum in real-world scenarios. The PSM certification is the best bet for both experienced and beginner alike. While Scrum Masters who have relevant experience in the niche can learn how to handle large teams, tackle challenges, and work with cross-functional teams, beginners can acquire a complete understanding of the Scrum framework.
2. Minimisation of Risks
The expertise obtained during the Professional Scrum Master Training enables experts to find out immediately for potential risks or discrepancies – this stops the project from getting deviated. The Scrum Master can make use of these skills to create products of good quality with the least possible risks. Moreover, the professionals can also be in the position to guarantee the careful deployment of time and resources to reduce wastage.
3. Knowledge of Scrum Artefacts
Scrum artefacts include backlog grooming, burndown charts, and backlog. These artefacts serve as a medium through which a project’s progress can be shared with stakeholders. Mastering Scrum artefacts helps professionals to foster transparency among the development team, third parties, and stakeholders. Further, this helps project managers to locate potential errors within an Agile project and minimise them in real time. It ensures all team members are on the same page and promotes one-to-one communication. Ultimately, this helps team members to complete projects within the deadline.
4. Develop an Agile-friendly Mindset
As a Scrum professional, developing an Agile mindset plays a critical role in helping you kickstart your Agile and Scrum journey. To become a Scrum Master, it’s important to evolve, think, evolve, and carry out tasks as per the changing environment. It’s important to note that a rigid and foolproof strategy doesn’t exist within a dynamic environment. A flexible mindset helps you to leverage Scrum at different organizational levels seamlessly.
Prerequisites for PSM Certification Training
If you’re a willing to kickstart your journey in the field of Agile and Scrum, it’s important to understand the prerequisites of the PSM I training. Let’s take a detailed look at its prerequisites:
- To enrol for the PSM I training, you don’t need to fulfil any formal requirements.
- It’s highly recommended for you to acquire a sound knowledge of the Scrum framework. It encompasses Scrum-based roles, events, values, and principles. This will help you to clear the PSM I exam.
- Although it’s optional to attend a Professional Scrum Master training - undergoing a formal training helps to ace your PSM I exam.
PSM Exam Format
The online PSM exam is conducted for a duration of 60 minutes. It includes 80 MCQs alongside true/false questions. It’s an open-book assessment conducted online. Candidates require to score a minimum of 85% to clear the exam.
PSM Certification Process
If you are willing to land a well-paid job in a globally recognized organization, upgrade your Scrum-based career, or brush up on your Scrum or Agile knowledge and skills, we’ll walk you through the PSM I certification process.
1. Attend the Training
Register for the 16 hours PSM training - this will equip you with the sound knowledge of the Scrum framework, principles, and values.
2. Examination
Upon completion of the training, you will receive the exam access code. This code will help you to reserve a seat for the PSM exam. It’s important to pass the exam.
3. Obtain the Certification
After passing the exam, you will receive the Professional Scrum Master certification accredited by scrum.org. This certificate will demonstrate your ability to implement Scrum methodologies, practices, and processes across diverse organizations with confidence.
Tips to Prepare for the PSM I Exam as a Beginner
Ace your PSM I exam preparation by following a few simple tips mentioned below:
- Read the official Scrum Guide thoroughly.
- Take mock tests and practice exams online.
- Become a part of Agile communities or study groups on Reddit or Agile.
- Master Scrum with the help of structure learning - register for the online training approved by Scrum.org
- Learn how to apply Scrum within real-world settings.
Read the FAQs on Professional Scrum Master I Certification Training to know more.
Conclusion
The PSM I training is worth it for beginners who’re willing to learn about Agile principles, add a highly valuable credential to their resume, and work across product teams and tech industry. Whether you’re a professional willing to work within Agile environments or excel as a Scrum Master, the training is worth it. The training is affordable and accessible.