Scrum is a lightweight framework that helps teams work together effectively and solve complex problems through implementing adaptive solutions. Scrum.org is an organization founded by Ken Schwaber to assist practitioners in achieving this goal. This organization offers a complex set of certifications that help the candidates get a practical learning experience in implementing the Scrum principles and techniques in a business environment. Thanks to the provider's designations, the applicants have the opportunity to evolve from beginner status to experienced practitioners.

Overview of Scrum Certification Program

Depending on the professionals’ level of expertise, they can access one of the following Scrum certification levels:

• Professional Scrum Master;
• Professional Scrum Product Owner;
• Professional Scrum Developer;
• Scaled Professional Scrum;
• Professional Agile Leadership;
• Professional Agile Leadership – EBM;
• Professional Scrum with Kanban;
• Professional Scrum with User Experience.

However, do take note that each of these certificates has different levels of difficulty and helps the applicants gain expertise in the topics they choose to learn more about. Now, let us explore the two most top-ranked designations offered by the official vendor.

Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Certification

The PSM I certificate focuses on the candidates who want to consolidate their knowledge of managing Scrum features and understand how they can be implemented in a business scenario. Also, the candidates who decide to follow the certification path for the PSM I want to validate their skills in mastering fundamental Scrum concepts. Besides, the target audience for this designation already knows how to handle Scrum tools and understands how to apply the Scrum standards in their organization, plus, the applicants have the ability to implement Scrum best practices when working in teams and have already gone through Scrum preparation courses. In general, a qualification like this can be obtained after passing only one namesake exam. To be considered for it, the exam-takers need to pay a registration tax of $150 for each attempt. Therefore, if you take the test more than once, you will need to pay this fee each time. Then, in the actual evaluation, the applicants receive 80 questions in multiple formats. For example, they will need to solve multiple-choice, multiple-answer, or questions with true or false answers. To add more, the minimum passing score that partakers need to obtain is 85%, and as a rule, they are given 1 hour for doing this. Note that the PSM I test is delivered in the English language only and has an intermediate level of difficulty. Finally, the vendor has no prerequisites for the candidates who want to take the PSM I certification exam so anyone willing to get accredited can opt for it.

Topics Tested During PSM I Certification Test

The candidates who want to earn the PSM I certificate should demonstrate that they developed the following competencies:

• Understanding how the Scrum principles differ from Agility and how each of them can be implemented in a plan-driven business model
• Learning how to focus on outcomes, experimentation, and professionalism for developing an Agile mindset;
• Discerning and learning how to implement the Scrum fundamental principles;
• Developing a solid understanding of the most appropriate Scrum techniques that can be used by the entire team;
• Understanding how to become a valuable Scrum team member and how to offer support to a performant Scrum team;
• Using Scrum best practices to improve the performance of business processes.

Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) Validation

The PSM II endorsement targets the applicants who want to demonstrate that they can apply the Scrum principles to solve advanced and complex problems in real business scenarios. Usually, the applicants who enroll in this certification program are interested in getting recognized as Scrum Master experts. What is more, the exam-takers have already worked with Scrum principles and have in-depth knowledge of applying Scrum tools and techniques. Also, they have already attended the Professional Scrum Master training class and are determined to pass a difficult test, also known as the PSM II. In such a test, the candidate will have to solve 30 questions, whose difficulty level is advanced. In addition, in the paper, the examinees will find multiple-choice and multiple-answer inquiries including the true or false types of questions. Besides, the official exam is delivered in the English language only, and the minimum passing score is 85%. In addition, the registration fee that the test-takers need to pay for every attempt is $250. While the vendor has no mandatory conditions for the aspiring candidates, it still recommends that they should first obtain the PSM I certification.

Topics Tested in PSM II Exam

If you want to be successful in the PSM II test, you should go through the exam objectives and train hard to develop knowledge of the following topics:

• Identifying the proper tools, practices, stances, and skills that will help you become an effective Scrum Master professional;
• Understanding how the Scrum values and principles can help you take documented and beneficial decisions for your business;
• Grasping how the Scrum Master tools impact your organization and help you deal with complex tasks and servant leadership concepts;
• Using Scrum Master techniques to remove impediments, handle team conflict, and support Product Owner systems;
• Learning how to use the Sprint Goal principles and find solutions to the challenges faced by middle management;
• Use Scrum Master techniques to act as a change agent.

Career Aspirations

A certified Scrum professional is part of an exclusive group of individuals as the Scrum certification is valid proof that the candidates who got the passing score in the related test have gone through a difficult verification process. Thus, international recruiters trust their expertise and will propose them to work in the following positions:

• Senior Product Manager;
• Scrum Master;
• Agile Scrum Master.

According to the research conducted by Payscale.com, a Senior Product Manager with a Scrum certification can earn an annual payment of approximately $126k. On the other hand, if your target is to become a well-paid Scrum Master professional, then you should know that the average base salary for this role starts from almost $90k as for the same website. Thus, as you add more Scrum designations under your belt, then your average annual payment will grow and you will benefit from extra bonuses as an appreciation for your expertise and efforts for getting certified.

Certification Path

Once you’ve obtained the PSM I and II qualifications, you should continue your certification path to procure the PSM III certificate. It will help you demonstrate that you developed a distinguished level of mastery and know how to handle Scrum principles. Once you’ve achieved all the Scrum Master certifications, you can move forward to developing your skills in other Scrum areas. For example, you can choose the Professional Scrum Developer, Scaled Professional Scrum, or the Professional Scrum Product Owner paths.