CERTIFIED SCRUM MASTER (CSM) - Certified Scrum Alliance Training

Our Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Training offers a comprehensive introduction to agile project management using the Scrum methodology. This course imparts a deep understanding of the core values and principles of Scrum and Agile. Participants will become acquainted with all key roles within a Scrum team as well as planning and conducting Sprint Planning Meetings, Daily Scrums, Sprint Reviews, and Sprint Retrospectives. 

The interactive course format combines expert lectures with practical group exercises and discussions. Ample time is allotted to analyze and discuss real-world industry case studies. This training not only prepares you to become a certified Scrum Master but also to effectively implement and lead Scrum in your projects. 

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this Certified Scrum Master training, participants will be able to:

• Master Scrum Fundamentals: Deepen your understanding of the core principles and values of Agile and Scrum that guide effective teams and organizations.
• Perform Key Scrum Roles: Recognize the duties of Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Developers, and develop skills to excel in these roles.
• Develop User Stories and Estimates: Learn to create impactful user stories and apply estimation techniques like affinity estimation and planning poker.
• Manage Product and Sprint Backlogs: Understand how to effectively maintain and prioritize backlogs and execute sprints to maximize productivity.
• Plan and Scale Scrum: Gain insights into release planning and strategies for scaling Scrum in large projects.

Our Course includes

• All-Inclusive Pricing: All testing and certification fees are covered with no hidden costs.
• Lifetime Access: Continue to access the online training materials indefinitely for ongoing refreshment and learning.
• Complimentary Resources: Receive a free copy of Mitch’s book, The Scrum Field Guide: Agile Advice for Your First Year and Beyond, along with an electronic copy of the course slides and all exercise outputs for future reference.
• Alumni Events: Benefit from alumni-only events such as Lean Coffee, Ask Me Anything sessions, and more to support your continued education.
• Assessment Tools: Engage with quizzes in each class to reinforce learning and monitor your progress.
• SEUs and PDUs: Earn 16 Scrum Educational Units (SEUs) towards your Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) designation and 15 Project Management Institute (PMI) Professional Development Units (PDUs) which can be applied towards the 21 required to become an Agile Certified Trainer (ACT) or maintain other PMI certifications.
• Scrum Alliance Membership: Includes a two-year membership to the Scrum Alliance, enhancing your networking and professional growth opportunities.

How our CSM Class works

Engaging, In-Person Format: Participate in our interactive, in-person Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) classes that combine face-to-face learning with innovative digital tools like Mural. Experience hands-on learning with the added benefit of digital collaboration during exercises.

Optimized Learning Structure: Our sessions are meticulously structured to enhance understanding and retention. The course schedule is designed to delve into complex topics and provide practical experience in Scrum techniques.

Pre-Class Materials: Begin with three hours of essential pre-class video content to build a solid foundation in Scrum fundamentals. This ensures all participants are well-prepared and can dive straight into more advanced discussions and activities during the live sessions.

Interactive Sessions with Mural: Utilize Mural for collaborative exercises even in our in-person sessions, enabling real-time interaction and visualization of Scrum practices. This combination of direct interaction and digital tools fosters a deeper understanding and application of Scrum principles.

Continuous Assessment: Stay engaged with interactive quizzes that follow each video module to reinforce learning and ensure mastery of the content before moving forward.

Certification Preparation: At course completion, you will be prepared to take the Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master exam. Upon passing, you’ll be a Scrum Alliance CSM.

Target Audience

• Aspiring Scrum Masters - Perfect for those preparing to assume the role of Scrum Master or those new to this position seeking formal training and certification.

• Agile Coaches and Consultants - Professionals guiding organizations through Agile transformations who need to solidify their knowledge base about Scrum and gain formal recognition. 

• Project Managers - Project leaders and managers wanting to implement or improve Agile practices within their teams and become certified.

• Executives and Leaders - Decision-makers in organizations adopting Agile who require a thorough understanding of how Scrum can drive business value and wish to be certified as Scrum Masters. 

• Product Owners - Individuals responsible for managing the product backlog and ensuring the team delivers value to the business, who also wish to obtain Scrum Master certification.

• Software Developers - Team members who work on projects in an Agile environment and want to enhance their understanding of Scrum processes and earn a CSM credential. 

This course is suitable for anyone looking to apply Scrum practices effectively to achieve better project outcomes and obtain the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification. 

Course Outline Certified Scrum Master Course: Modules and Key Topics Foundations of Scrum and Agile

• Learn about the core principles and values of Agile and Scrum. 
• Understand how these principles guide and shape Scrum teams and agile organizations. 

Roles in Scrum

• Explore the roles of Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Developer.
• Gain deep insights into their responsibilities and collaborative dynamics. 

User Stories

• Master the art of crafting effective user stories.
• Practice differentiating and writing stories across various sizes (epic, theme, story) and critiquing story quality. 

Story Points & Estimation

• Demystify story points and their usage in project estimation.
• Explore two popular estimation methods: affinity estimation and planning poker. 

The Product Backlog

• Discover what constitutes a well-maintained Product Backlog. 
• Learn techniques for backlog management and the consequences of neglect. 

Sprinting

• Dive into the components of a well-assembled Sprint Backlog.
• Understand the definition of „done“, managing abnormal terminations, and deciding on Sprint length.

Release Planning

• Examine the critical role of release planning in Scrum. 
• Learn how to build a release plan and accurately estimate delivery timelines. 

Scaling Scrum to the Enterprise

• Address the challenges of implementing Scrum at scale. 
• Review case studies of successful Scrum adoption across large, distributed teams.

Trainer: Mitch Lacey