Welcome to the Certified Scrum Master course, where we will embark on a journey to master the principles and practices of Scrum. Whether you’re new to Agile or looking to deepen your understanding, this course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to excel as a Scrum Master.

About the Course

In this course, we’ll explore the core components of Scrum, from understanding the values and principles behind Agile to managing team dynamics and facilitating Scrum events. Each module has been carefully designed to provide a mix of theory and hands-on experience, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn in practical scenarios. By the end of this course, you’ll be well-prepared to support your team in delivering value to your organization and customers.

About Your Instructor

I’m Jim Schiel, and I’m thrilled to guide you through this course. As a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) with years of experience in Agile development, leadership, and coaching, I’ve worked with numerous teams to help them harness the power of Scrum. My goal is to make this learning experience engaging, informative, and practical, ensuring that you walk away with the confidence to apply Scrum in your own environment.

Since 2005, I’ve taught the CSM class more than 1400 times (yes, that’s one-thousand four hundred times) and the Advanced CSM more than 100 times. I’ve certified more than 25,000 students – just like you.

You’ll find that my approach is both inclusive and collaborative, encouraging open discussion and hands-on learning. I’m passionate about helping you succeed, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

About Artisan Agility

Artisan Agility is a leader in Agile development and leadership coaching, dedicated to helping organizations and teams unlock their full potential. With years of expertise in providing training and consultation to Agile teams worldwide, our mission is to empower leaders, Scrum Masters, and teams to excel in their roles and drive success through Agile practices.

At Artisan Agility, we believe that the right mindset, paired with the right tools, can transform how teams work together. That’s why we not only focus on Agile frameworks like Scrum but also on leadership, team dynamics, and communication strategies to foster high-performance environments.

The Certified Scrum Master Course

Welcome to the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) course! This course is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to succeed as a Scrum Master. Throughout the course, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the Scrum framework, how to lead Agile teams, and how to facilitate key Scrum events. Let’s dive in!

Course Overview

This course covers everything you need to know to become a successful Scrum Master, including:

• The foundational principles of Scrum and Agile.
• Key roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities within Scrum.
• How to support teams in adopting Scrum practices effectively.
• Tools and techniques to facilitate Scrum events and improve team dynamics.
• Practical applications using Sierra Agility, our tool for managing Scrum roles and workflows.

By the end of this course, you will be prepared to take the Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master (CSM) exam and apply your new skills in real-world scenarios

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will:

• Have a comprehensive understanding of Scrum principles, values, and practices.
• Be equipped to take on the role of a Scrum Master, guiding teams to deliver value incrementally and continuously improve.
• Be prepared to take the CSM Exam and earn your Scrum Alliance certification.
• Develop the ability to resolve conflicts, remove impediments, and promote team collaboration.
• Gain practical experience using Sierra Agility, a tool designed to help Scrum Masters track roles, manage backlogs, and ensure smooth team operations.

Course Structure

The course is broken down into the following key modules:

1. Introduction to Scrum and Agile Principles: Understand the foundations of Agile and Scrum.
2. The Scrum Team: Explore the roles and accountabilities within a Scrum team.
3. Scrum Events and Activities: Learn how to plan and execute Scrum events.
4. Scrum Master Core Competencies: Develop facilitation, coaching, and leadership skills.
5. Service to the Scrum Team, Product Owner, and Organization: Discover how to support your team and lead organizational change.
6. Incorporating AI in Scrum: Learn to integrate AI tools like Sierra Agility into your Scrum processes.
7. Advanced Scrum Techniques: Explore scaling Scrum and applying Scrum in various industries.
8. Each module includes interactive activities, discussions, and assessments to help you engage with the material and apply what you learn.

CSM Test Information

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) exam is an important part of your journey. Here’s what you need to know:

• 50 multiple-choice questions.
• 90 days to complete the exam after finishing the course.
• 2 attempts allowed to pass the exam.

CSM Test Requirements

To successfully pass the exam, you’ll need:

• To score 35 correct answers (out of 50).
• 1 hour for each attempt.
• The test is timed and monitored to ensure fairness and integrity.

The Importance of Being a Skilled Scrum Master

The role of a Scrum Master is crucial in guiding teams toward success. More than just facilitating meetings, a Scrum Master serves as a coach, a problem-solver, and a servant leader who helps the team stay aligned with Agile principles. Your ability to foster collaboration, remove obstacles, and drive continuous improvement will significantly impact your team’s ability to deliver value.

As a Scrum Master, you will:

• Help teams adopt and optimize Scrum practices.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between team members and stakeholders.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.
• Serve as a coach and mentor to your team, guiding them to solve problems and deliver high-quality work.

By becoming a certified Scrum Master, you’ll gain the skills necessary to make a real difference in how teams function, making you an invaluable asset in today’s Agile-driven world.

Conclusion

This course is your pathway to becoming a certified Scrum Master and a skilled leader in Agile practices. I look forward to guiding you through this learning experience, helping you develop the expertise you need to succeed, and preparing you for the Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification. Let’s get started!

For more information about the CSM certification and Scrum resources, visit:

• Scrum Guide (scrumguides.org)
• Scrum Alliance (scrumalliance.org)
• Artisan Agility (artisanagility.com)