Who is Eligible to Pursue Advanced Scrum Certification?

Scrum is now one of the top methods in Agile project management. Many start with basic Scrum certificates, but an advanced Scrum master certification lets you deepen your knowledge, strengthen your skills, and grow your career.

But who can go for these higher-level certifications? Let’s look at advanced Scrum certifications and explore the eligibility requirements.

Understanding Advanced Scrum Master Certification

Before we go into eligibility, let’s define “advanced Scrum certification.” These are often certifications that go beyond the fundamentals of Scrum to include more complicated areas of Scrum deployment, scalability, and leadership. Some common advanced Scrum certifications are:

• Scrum.org offers PSM II and III, as well as A-CSM and CSP-SM certifications from Scrum Alliance.
• Scrum.org offers Scaled Professional Scrum (SPS), Scrum Alliance offers Certified Scrum Professional (CSP), and Scaled Agile provides SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM).

Each certificate has a unique set of qualifying requirements, but we can see some similar patterns.

General Eligibility Criteria for Advanced Scrum Certification

While individual requirements may differ, here are some basic eligibility criteria for advanced Scrum certifications:

1. Basic Scrum Certification

Most advanced Scrum certifications require applicants to have a basic Scrum certification as a requirement. This could be:

• Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) for Scrum.org certifications.
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) for Scrum Alliance qualifications.
• SAFe Scrum Master for SAFe Certification

2. Practical Experience

Advanced certifications often demand that applicants have hands-on experience using Scrum. This might last anywhere from one to five years, depending on the certification. For example:

• The Scrum Alliance’s A-CSM certification needs at least one year of work experience specifically related to the Scrum Master job.
• The PSM III certification does not mention a time requirement, although applicants are expected to have substantial Scrum Master experience.

3. Training/Learning Hours

Some advanced Scrum master certification exams require applicants to complete a certain number of training or study hours. For example:

• The A-CSM certification involves 10.5 hours of face-to-face training with a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) or Certified Agile Coach (CAC).
• The CSP certification from Scrum Alliance needs 45 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) during the last three years.

4. Demonstrating Knowledge

Advanced certifications sometimes demand applicants to show their expertise beyond just passing an exam. This may involve:

• Providing essays or case studies (e.g., PSM III).
• Participating in interviews or examinations with trainers (for example, CSP).
• Completing complicated, scenario-based tests (e.g., PSM II and SASM).

5. Community Involvement

Some advanced certifications, notably those offered by the Scrum Alliance, emphasize community engagement and contributions to the Agile community. This can involve:

• Presenting at Agile conferences or meetups.
• Created articles and blog entries about Scrum and Agile, as well as mentored other practitioners.

Specific Requirements for Popular Advanced Scrum Certifications

Let’s have a look at the exact qualifying requirements for several popular advanced Scrum certifications:

1. Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) – Scrum.org

• Must hold a PSM I certification.
• Strong understanding of the Scrum framework.
• Solid, hands-on experience as a Scrum practitioner.

2. Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) – Scrum Alliance

• Must have a current CSM certification.
• One year of experience working as a Scrum Master.
• Complete 10.5 hours of approved advanced training.

3. SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) – Scaled Agile

• Must hold a current SAFe Scrum Master certification.
• At least one year of experience as a Scrum Master.

4. Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) – Scrum Alliance

• Must have an active A-CSM certification.
• 24 months of experience as a Scrum Master in the last five years.
• Complete 30 hours of approved training or coaching.
• Verify at least 70 hours of work as an A-CSM.

Who Should Pursue Advanced Scrum Certification?

Given these qualifying requirements, advanced Scrum certifications are most suitable for:

Experienced Scrum Masters: Individuals who have been working as Scrum Masters for at least 1-2 years and want to confirm their advanced abilities and expertise.

Agile Coaches and Trainers: People who assist others via Scrum techniques and wish to improve their Knowledge.

Scrum Practitioners in difficult Environments: Professionals who work in big organizations or with scaled Scrum implementations need enhanced understanding to manage difficult circumstances.

Continuous Learners: Scrum practitioners who are enthusiastic about always developing their abilities and keeping up with the newest Agile methods.

Conclusion

Advanced Scrum master certification exams are meant for experienced Scrum practitioners who wish to further their abilities and careers. If you fulfill these requirements and are enthusiastic about Scrum and Agile approaches, obtaining advanced Scrum certification might be an important step in your career development. It is best to visit Strategism and opt for SAFe advanced Scrum master certification.

FAQs

1. How much experience do I need for advanced Scrum certification?

Requirements vary:

• A-CSM: Requires 1-2 years as a Scrum Master.
• PSM III: Requires substantial experience but no specific time frame.
• Quality of experience is as important as the duration.

2. Do I need a basic Scrum certification before getting an advanced one?

Yes, usually:

• Scrum.org: Must complete PSM I before PSM II or III.
• Scrum Alliance: Must complete CSM before A-CSM, and A-CSM before CSP-SM.
• SAFe: Complete SAFe Scrum Master before SASM.
• Basic certifications provide a solid foundation in Scrum concepts.

3. Are there any educational prerequisites for advanced Scrum certification?

No formal degree is required, but:

• Many certifications require training hours (e.g., A-CSM: 10.5 hours).
• Some require Scrum Education Units (SEUs).
• Focus is on Scrum and Agile topics rather than traditional academics.

4. Can I get an advanced Scrum certification if I’m not currently a Scrum Master?

Possibly, depending on:

• Your overall Scrum and Agile experience.
• Specific certification requirements.
• How does your current job relate to Scrum principles?
• Your ability to demonstrate real-world Scrum knowledge.
• Some certifications recognize broader Agile or leadership experiences.

For more details, you can check out resources from Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org.