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Scrum is a fundamental part of many businesses and organizations. But, to fully incorporate Scrum into an organization and realize maximum value from it, a Scrum Master has to be employed. 

There are now more career opportunities for Scrum Masters than at any other point. But, like any other career, it is not for everyone. It is essential to know who a Scrum Master role fits best, how to become one, and how to get more effective at the role. 

But first, it is necessary to understand what a Scrum Master is and the responsibilities that come with the job. 

Who is a Scrum Master?

A Scrum Master is one of the 3 roles in the Scrum Framework. The other two are Product Owner and Developers. A Scrum master is tasked with coordinating between them to ensure the delivery of quality products within the set budget and time.

The Scrum Master takes the lead in any project and ensures other team members follow Agile practices and adhere to the values. Other roles and responsibilities include conducting Scrum meetings and enabling communication between all individuals involved in a project.

Who is Best Suited to Become Scrum Master?

Almost anyone can become a Scrum Master, as no specific background is required. Also, a university degree is not mandatory; you can even become one without experience. But, you need to have a drive for Agile. Having various certifications and being passionate about organization also helps a lot.

That said, becoming Scrum Master is still quite challenging. It takes many years of practice and learning to become effective, so patience, hard work, and dedication are required. 

Most good Scrum Masters will come from the following backgrounds:

• Project or Program Manager

• QA Lead

• Program Director

• Business Analysts

• CTO and CIO

How to Become a Scrum Master in 5 Easy Steps

Certification is the most important thing you need to become a Scrum Master. Some employers might also prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees in specific fields like IT. But here are the general steps you should follow to become a Scrum Master.

Step 1:  Familiarize with the Basic

It is crucial to get familiar with all the basics before anything else. Learning the basics makes the other steps easier, especially if you are an absolute newbie. Knowing the general Scrum Framework, the principles and values of Agile, and other basic concepts and practices is essential.

Step 2: Choose a Certification and Take the Course

Next, you need to choose your preferred certification. It should be easy to decide which one to take if you have some experience. If not, it is always best to stick with globally recognized certifications. The two most popular ones are CSM (Certified ScrumMaster), offered by Scrum Alliance, and PSM I (Professional Scrum Master I) by Scrum.org.

After identifying the certification you want, the next step is to visit the website to take the course. The websites will have clear directions and requirements for taking the course before certification.

Step 3: Sit for the Certification Exam

You must register for the certification exam when you complete the course. Also, it is important to study and ensure you are well versant with what you covered in the course and anything else related to Scrum Master.

The exam time and format depend on the specific certification you are taking. For instance, Scrum Alliance will give a 1-hour exam with 50 multiple-choice questions. Aspiring Scrum Masters have to score a minimum of 74% to get their certification

Step 4: Accept the License Agreement 

You will receive your certification/license if you pass the certification exam, but you must accept the terms and agreements first. You should also note that the certificate is valid for a specific duration. For example, a CSM license is valid for 2 years. You have to renew it when the term expires to remain certified.

Step 5: Apply for Scrum Master Jobs and Roles

Once you have your certification, the last step is applying for Scrum Master roles. As a new Scrum Master, starting with smaller and less demanding roles is always better. As you gain more experience, you can slowly move to larger projects. 

Also, you must keep sharpening your technical and soft skills and network within the framework to find mentors.

Conclusion

Although Scrum Masters will typically come from some specific background, almost anyone can become one. The most important thing is to have a drive for Agile, understand Scrum well and be good at influencing others. 

With these skills and a Scrum Master certification, you should be on your way to a successful career in the Scrum Framework. But remember that it is a continuous learning process, and you will need to keep improving your skills and keep up with emerging trends in the industry.

References

1. https://geekflare.com/scrum-master-certification/

2. https://www.wrike.com/project-management-guide/faq/how-to-become-a-scrum-master-in-7-simple-steps/