by Chris Daily

If you want to join the ranks of scrum professionals, you will decide whether to pursue formal scrum training. Whether or not Scrum training is worth it depends on your goals and circumstances. Scrum training can be valuable for those who work in software development or project management or for those who are interested in becoming a certified scrum master or certified product owner.

Scrum Master certification 

The Scrum master position is a desirable role to have in an organization. There are several Scrum Master certifications available that can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in Scrum methodology. Here are some of the most widely recognized Scrum Master certifications:

Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Scrum Alliance offers the CSM certification, a widely recognized certification for Scrum Masters. To obtain the scrum master certification, you must attend a two-day CSM course taught by a certified scrum trainer and pass an online exam provided by Scrum Alliance.

Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

Offered by Scrum.org, the Professional Scrum Master certification is an alternative to the CSM certification. There are three levels of PSM certification: PSM I, PSM II, and PSM III. To obtain the scrum master certification, you must pass an online Scrum.org exam.

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the ACP certification is a more comprehensive certification that covers multiple agile methodologies, including Scrum. To obtain the certification, you must have a certain level of education and experience, as well as pass an exam.

SAFe 5.0 Scrum Master

Offered by Scaled Agile, the SAFe Scrum Master certification focuses on applying Scrum principles to larger, more complex organizations. To obtain the scrum master certification, you must attend a two-day SAFe Scrum Master course and pass an online exam.

Scrum Master certifications can help demonstrate your expertise in Scrum methodology and increase your credibility as a Scrum Master. It's important to consider which certification best meets your needs and goals and to invest in a high-quality training program to prepare for the certification exam.

Product Owner Certification

There are several certifications available for individuals who are interested in being certified product owners. Here are some of the most widely recognized product owner certifications:

Agile Product Owner

Offered by IC Agile, the Agile Product Owner is recognized as a truly independent Product Owner certification.  You must attend a 2-day course taught by a certified ICAgile facilitator to obtain a certificate.  The course focuses on topics of product ownership and product management.

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Offered by the Scrum Alliance, Scrum Product Owners widely recognize the CSPO certification. To obtain the certification, you must attend a two-day CSPO course taught by a certified scrum trainer and pass an online exam.

Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO)

Offered by Scrum.org, the PSPO certification is an alternative to the CSPO certification. There are three levels of PSPO certification: PSPO I, II, and III. To obtain the certification, you must pass an online exam.

Agile Certified Product Manager and Product Owner (PMPO)

Offered by the Association of International Product Marketing and Management (AIPMM), the ACPMPO certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for both product management and product ownership. To obtain the certification, you must pass an exam.

SAFe 5.0 Product Owner/Product Manager

Offered by Scaled Agile, the SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager certification is designed for individuals responsible for managing the product backlog and defining the product vision. To obtain the certification, you must attend a two-day SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager course and pass an online exam.

Scrum Product Owner certifications can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in Scrum methodology and increase your credibility as a Product Owner. It's important to consider which certification best meets your needs and goals and to invest in a high-quality training program to prepare for the certification exam.

Five things to consider

While on paper, there are five points to consider while researching and selecting your training provider.  

Your Goals

Another important factor to consider is your goals. If you want to learn more about Scrum methodology or better understand agile development practices, then Scrum training can be worth it. The training will help you gain a deep understanding of Scrum practices, including the roles, events, and artifacts used in Scrum and how Scrum fits into the broader agile development framework.

If you want to obtain a certified scrum professional by receiving a Scrum certification, then Scrum training is necessary. Several levels of Scrum certification are available, ranging from entry-level to advanced certifications like Scrum Coach or Scrum Trainer. Scrum training will prepare you for the certification exams and help you acquire the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Scrum Master, Product Owner, or another agile team member.

Scrum training can be worth it if you have specific goals related to Scrum methodology, agile development practices, or Scrum certification. By investing in Scrum training, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in your role and contribute to the success of your organization's agile teams.

Your Role

As you consider whether Scrum training is worth it or not, your role is an important factor to consider. Scrum training can be particularly valuable for those in software development or project management roles, as Scrum is a widely used methodology in these fields.

Scrum training can help software developers become more effective in their roles by providing a framework for managing the development process and improving collaboration within development teams.

They'll learn about the Scrum artifacts, such as the product backlog, sprint backlog, and increment, as well as the various ceremonies, such as the sprint planning meeting, daily stand-up, sprint review, and sprint retrospective. By understanding these practices, developers can work more effectively and efficiently, ultimately leading to higher-quality products.

Project managers can also benefit greatly from Scrum training. Scrum provides a clear framework for managing projects, including planning, execution, and monitoring. By becoming a certified Scrum Master or Product Owner, project managers can learn how to facilitate Scrum ceremonies and manage the team effectively while keeping the project on track and within budget.

If you work in software development or project management, Scrum training can be extremely valuable. It will help you become more effective by providing the tools and knowledge you need to manage the development process and collaborate more effectively with your team.

Your Organization

Another important factor to consider is your organization. If your organization has adopted Scrum methodology, then Scrum training can be incredibly beneficial for helping you better understand and navigate the processes.

Scrum provides a framework for managing the development process and improving collaboration within development teams. If your organization has adopted Scrum, you must understand the processes and terminology used in Scrum to be an effective team member. By investing in Scrum training, you can better understand the Scrum framework and scrum principles and how it works in practice within your organization. This can help you contribute more effectively to your team and improve communication and collaboration.

Additionally, if your organization has adopted Scrum, there may be specific guidelines or requirements for how the team operates. Scrum training can help you understand these guidelines and requirements and provide the knowledge and skills you need to work within them. This can help you be more effective in your role and better support your team's and organization's goals.

If your organization has adopted Scrum methodology, Scrum training can be incredibly valuable for helping you understand and navigate the processes and become a more effective team member. It can also help you ensure you meet any specific guidelines or requirements your organization sets.

The Cost

Regarding Scrum training, the cost is a factor to consider. Scrum training can be expensive, so it's important to weigh the benefits you'll gain from the training against the cost.

Scrum training can provide various benefits, including a deeper understanding of Scrum methodology, improved collaboration and communication within teams, and a greater likelihood of project success. However, these benefits may not be worth the cost of the training for everyone. It's important to consider your situation, goals, and budget when deciding whether Scrum training is worth the price.

If you're looking to gain a certification, such as a Scrum Alliance (Certified Scrum Master (CSM)  or Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification) or a Scrum.org (Professional Scrum Master (PSM) or Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO), then Scrum training is a necessary expense. These certifications can help you advance your career and demonstrate your expertise in Scrum methodology.

However, if you're looking to gain a better understanding of Scrum or improve your skills as a team member, then you may be able to find less expensive options, such as books, online courses, or webinars. These options may not provide the same level of depth as Scrum training, but they can still be valuable for learning and growth.

When considering the cost of Scrum training, it's important to weigh the benefits you'll gain from the training against the cost and consider other options that may be more budget-friendly. By doing so, you can decide whether Scrum training is worth the investment for you.

The trainer

Regarding Scrum training, the quality of the training can depend on the trainer and the training program. As with any training, it's essential to research and selects a reputable trainer to ensure you get the most value from experience.

A good trainer will have experience in the Scrum framework and a deep understanding of the principles and practices involved. They will be able to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely and provide real-world examples of how Scrum works in practice. Additionally, a good trainer will be able to answer your questions and provide guidance on how to apply Scrum principles to your specific situation.

To select a reputable trainer, it's important to do your research. Check the credentials and experience, and read reviews and feedback from past participants. You can also ask colleagues or other professionals in your industry for recommendations.

Additionally, it's essential to consider the training program itself. Look for training programs that are comprehensive, interactive, and engaging. The training should cover all of the critical aspects of the Scrum framework and provide opportunities for hands-on practice and feedback.

A reputable trainer is crucial for getting the most value from Scrum training. By researching trainers and training programs, you can ensure that you invest in a high-quality training experience to help you achieve your goals.

The importance of other skills

While Scrum training can be valuable for developing technical skills in Agile methodology, it's also important to develop soft skills to help you succeed as a Scrum master. Product owners and scrum masters, in addition to understanding the scrum framework, lead, support, and enable scrum teams. This often includes facilitating scrum events, working with stakeholders and customers, and engaging with other leaders to deliver value to the organization. Here are some examples of soft skill training that can be valuable in addition to Scrum training:

Effective Communication

Effective communication is key to success in an Agile environment. Scrum masters and product owners must communicate clearly and effectively with their teams, stakeholders, and customers. Soft skill training focused on communication can help individuals develop effective communication skills, such as active listening, assertiveness, and conflict resolution.

Leadership and Teamwork

An effective scrum master or product owner must be able to work collaboratively in a team environment and lead and influence their scrum team to achieve success. Soft skill training in agile leadership and teamwork can help individuals develop skills such as team building, decision-making, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in an Agile environment.

Time Management

An effective Scrum master or product owner must be able to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and deliverables. Soft skill training in time management can help individuals develop prioritization, delegation, and task management skills.

Creative Thinking and Innovation

Product owners and Scrum Masters must be able to think creatively and innovate to find solutions to complex problems. Soft skill training in creative thinking and innovation can help individuals develop brainstorming, ideation, and problem-solving techniques.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Soft skill training in emotional intelligence can help a Scrum master or product owner develop skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management, essential for success in an Agile environment.

Overall, developing soft skills in addition to technical skills is crucial for success in an Agile environment. By investing in soft skill training, individuals can develop the knowledge and skills they need to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, manage their time effectively, think creatively, and manage their emotions to support their scrum team and their organization.

Wrapping Up

The decision to pursue Scrum training depends on your goals, circumstances, and budget. Scrum training can be valuable for individuals in software development and project management or those interested in obtaining a Scrum master certification or a product owner certification.

Choosing a reputable trainer and training program that aligns with your goals and budget is important. Additionally, while technical skills are essential, developing soft skills such as effective communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence can further enhance success in an Agile environment.

By considering all these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about whether Scrum training is worth their investment.

If you want to learn more about Scrum, Agile Leadership, or Product Ownership, check out our website, our Youtube channel or reach out to us at [email protected]