Certified Scrum Master® (CSM) Training
CSM Training Course Features
24 Hours of Instructor Led Training
Certified and Experienced Instructors
Session recording access
Study materials and exam prep questions
CSM Foundation Practice Questions
Learning objectives of Certified Scrum Master
1. Learn Fundamentals : Understand the foundation of Agile and Scrum concepts and help Scrum teams in using Scrum effectively.
2. Terminologies and Concepts : Acquire knowledge of Scrum terminologies, various concepts, and the complete Scrum process.
3. Scrum Roles : Understand various roles involved in Scrum and the scope of the Scrum Master role in Scrum.
4. Core Competencies : Learn key Scrum Master core competencies and protect the team from internal and external distractions.
5. Scrum Ceremonies : Scrum ceremonies include Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective, Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog & Definition of Done.
6. Facilitate Teams : Facilitate the Development Team, Product Owner, and the organization while responding to change.
7. Improve Transparency :Inspect and adapt and increase transparency in each of the Scrum events and make the team’s work visible.
8. Acts as a Servant Leader : Learn to help the team members work collaboratively and follow every Scrum process involved in it.
Target Audience of Certified Scrum Master
- Software Engineers
- Product Managers
- Project Managers
- Team Leaders
- Business Analysts
- Development team members
- Testers
- Anyone who would like to build a career as a Scrum Master
Prerequisites
Course Outline
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Explain the 12 principles and 4 values listed in the Agile Manifesto.
- Demonstrate the benefits of “responding to change” in Agile over “following a plan” in traditional project management.
- Describe how the Scrum values (courage, focus, commitment, respect, openness) relate to the Scrum artifacts, events, and roles.
- List and explain the three pillars in Scrum ― Transparency, Inspection, Adaptation.
- Explain the differences between framework and methodology and understand why Scrum is called a framework.
- List 5 ways to develop an Agile mindset.
- Illustrate 2 differences between Agile and Scrum and explain why these two terms cannot be used interchangeably.
Topics covered
- Agile Manifesto
- 12 Principles
- 4 values
- Scrum Foundations (5 Scrum Values)
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Conduct a retrospective to list 3 techniques to improve the performance and turnaround time.
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master and a Product Owner.
- List 3 differences between a Scrum Master and a Product Owner and understand why these two roles should not overlap.
- Discuss how a product owner acts as a bridge between the development team and the stakeholders.
- Understand why a Scrum Master is not an active participant but a facilitator in the Scrum events and ceremonies.
- List 3 demerits of having a development team of less than 3 members or greater than 10 members.
Topics covered
- Scrum Master roles and challenges
- Product Owner roles and responsibilities
- Development team roles and responsibilities
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Explain the “why” and “how” of sprint planning, daily scrum, sprint review, and retrospective.
- Understand why the scope and duration of a sprint are fixed.
- List 3 ways to avoid sprint backlog spillover.
- Define sprint goals and discuss 5 benefits of having a sprint goal.
- Understand how the Scrum Master and the Product Owner should coordinate with the team and list 5 points to improve such communications.
- Discuss 3 damaging impacts of sprint cancellation and how to avoid it.
- List 10 sprint anti-patterns (E.g. sprint cancellation, variable sprint length) and understand how these impact the delivery and turnaround time.
Topics covered
- Sprint planning
- Daily Scrum
- Sprint Review
- Sprint Retrospective
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- List and demonstrate 5 salient features of a well-formed product backlog (E.g. estimated, prioritized).
- Discuss 2 responsibilities of the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and the Development team in creating and maintaining a product backlog.
- The objective of having a product backlog and best approaches to product backlog refinement.
- Analyse and discuss the ideal time and capacity to be dedicated to product backlog refinement.
- Demonstrate 3 activities (E.g. budget and timeline, release schedule) that take place during a sprint review.
- List 5 sprint review anti-patterns (E.g. delayed acceptance) and their negative impacts
Topics covered
- Product Backlog
- Sprint Backlog
- Product Increment
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Explain the difference between resolution meetings and daily standups.
- Explain the benefits of collaborations with product owners.
- List 3 demerits of over collaboration of the product owners.
- Demonstrate 3 ways to break the barriers and collaborate
- Demonstrate creation of sprint burndown chart
- Explain 3 approaches to increase efficiency in the team
Topics covered
- Sprint Execution Planning
- Flow management
- Resolution meetings
- Communication (Taskboard, Sprint burndown chart using story points, hours effort)
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Explain the importance of 15-minute timebox for daily scrum meetings.
- List 3 differences between traditional meetings and daily stand-ups.
- Describe 2 roles played by the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and the Development team in daily scrum.
- List the 3 critical questions pertaining to the daily scrum agenda.
- List 2 responsibilities of the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and the Development team during the sprint retrospective.
Topics covered
- Activities in daily scrum
- Activities in sprint retrospective
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Explain Definition of Done at three levels ― user story (e.g. writing code), sprint, and release (e.g. preparing release notes).
- List 3 benefits of Definition of Done and explain why it can evolve over a certain period of time.
- Prepare a checklist (with a minimum of 7 entries) of an ideal DoD.
- Mention 3 risks associated with an ill-formed DoD.
- List 5 characteristics of good acceptance criteria.
- Understand who all should be involved in drafting the acceptance criteria.
- List 3 negative impacts of not following the acceptance criteria.
Topics covered
- Definition of Done for a feature (user story or product backlog item)
- Definition of Done for a sprint
- Definition of Done for a release
- Definition of Done vs. Acceptance criteria
- Done vs. Done-Done.
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Create an ultimate checklist of Definition of Done.
- List 3 negative impacts of an ill-formed Definition of Done.
- Identify at least 3 benefits of a shared Definition of Done for multiple teams working on the same product backlog.
- List 2 ways to improve Definition of Done.
- Clearly understand the differences between “done” and “done done”.
Topics covered
- Definition of Ready for user story
- Definition of Ready for sprint
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Define and understand the steps involved in release planning.
- List 3 benefits of a well-organized release planning.
- List 3 outputs of release planning.
Topics covered
- Definition of release planning
- Who takes part in release planning
- Steps in Release planning
- Output of Release Planning
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Define and understand sprint burndown chart.
- List 3 primary reasons to use a burndown chart.
- Learn how to create and calculate a burndown chart.
- Explain how to adjust upcoming sprints based on the burndown.
- List 3 critical information obtained from a burndown chart.
- List 5 merits and 2 demerits of using a burndown chart.
- Understand 5 common errors that lead to misleading information in burndown charts.
Topics covered
- Definition
- Why and when to use a sprint burndown chart
- Information obtained from sprint burndown chart
At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Understand the importance of having a release goal (based on historical data and agreement).
- Demonstrate the importance of release burn-up in understanding the current status.
- List 2 differences between burndown and burn-up charts.
- Explain how to adjust release planning (if needed) based on the burn down.
- Tell one primary advantage of a burnup chart over a burndown chart.
Topics covered
- Definition
- Features
- How to create a release burn-up chart (steps)
- What is product planning
- What is product vision
- How to create a product backlog
- Product Roadmap
- Minimum Releasable features (or) Minimum Marketable Features
- Minimum Viable Products
- At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- Define and explain user stories and understand the importance of user stories in real-time projects.
- Explain the 3 Cs in user stories.
Topics covered
- What are user stories?
- Structure/format of user stories
- INVEST criteria
- Discuss the importance of acceptance criteria and list 3 scenarios that might arise when the acceptance criteria are not met.
- At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- List and demonstrate 5 benefits of Agile estimation.
- Understand the 7 popular Agile estimation techniques and decide which one is the best for your project.
Topics covered
- Definition
- Benefits of Agile Estimation
- Agile estimation techniques
- Discuss 3 benefits of Relative Estimation and Planning Poker.
- List and explain 3 common mistakes made while using Relative Estimation and their negative impacts. Discuss in detail the 5 critical steps in Planning Poker.
- At the end of this activity, you will be able to-
- List 5 benefits of planning poker estimation technique.
- Decide the best sequence for the values (story points) on cards for your real-time projects.
Topics covered
- Definition
- Benefits
- Participants
- How to play planning poker
- Planning Poker rules
- Discuss in detail the 5 critical steps in Planning Poker.
- List 3 points to heed for employing planning poker for distributed teams.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Scrum Master certification FAQs often revolve around the role's responsibilities, course content, and career prospects. Enquirers often seek clarification on Scrum framework principles, Agile methodologies, and facilitation techniques taught in the training. Common queries include prerequisites, such as prior experience or knowledge, and the duration of the certification process, typically spanning a few days to weeks. Certification enhances career opportunities in project management, software development, and Agile environments. FAQs also address exam details, costs, and renewal requirements. Additionally, individuals often seek insights into practical application, mentoring opportunities, and the professional benefits of obtaining Scrum Master certification.
The goal of the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) program is to provide candidates with the information and abilities required to function as a Scrum Master in Agile development teams. The values, roles, events, and artifacts of Scrum are taught to participants along with its concepts. Topics including coaching, servant leadership, facilitation, and dispute resolution are covered throughout the course. Participants receive insights into promoting cooperation, increasing efficiency, and facilitating continuous improvement within Agile teams through interactive discussions and real-world examples. After finishing the course and passing the certification test, participants are acknowledged for their proficiency with Scrum methods as Certified Scrum Masters.
Professionals working with Agile project management and Scrum implementation will benefit greatly from taking the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) course. Aspiring Scrum Masters, present project managers, team leads, developers, and product owners are among those who fall under this category. It also includes anyone who wants to learn more about Scrum techniques and principles. Those who want to increase teamwork and productivity or make the move to Agile roles will also find the course useful. Participants in the CSM course acquire the abilities needed to successfully lead Scrum teams, cultivate an Agile mentality, and achieve project results within their companies.
The Scrum Alliance, a well-known nonprofit that promotes Agile and Scrum methods worldwide, offers the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification. The Scrum Alliance was established in 2001 and provides a range of materials and certifications to assist Agile workers in advancing their careers. Participants must finish a CSM course instructed by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) and pass the related exam in order to receive the CSM certification. The training must be approved by the Scrum Alliance. The aforementioned certification serves as an endorsement of the candidate's expertise and proficiency in implementing Scrum concepts, hence augmenting their marketability and professional opportunities in Agile project management and team coaching.
The different versions for the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) program are available to meet the needs and preferences of participants. Knowlathon usually provides alternatives for both online and in-person training. In-person training programs offer an interactive classroom setting at pre-designated training facilities or locations across many cities. Participants in online training sessions can attend from any location with internet connection thanks to the use of virtual platforms. Details about the precise location or platform are given upon enrollment. For the most recent details on training dates, times, and places, visit the Knowlathon website or get in touch with their customer service.
There are many advantages to earning the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification. It gives you a thorough understanding of Scrum techniques and principles, which improves your capacity to manage Agile teams. The Scrum Alliance offers a globally recognized certification that can increase your professional reputation and open up job options in Agile project management. Your abilities in team facilitation, conflict resolution, and continuous improvement will also be improved by the training, which will make you an invaluable member of any firm. Furthermore, people with the CSM certification frequently report better pay, more opportunities for advancement, and higher levels of job satisfaction in Agile positions.
To enroll in the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification training with Knowlathon, follow these steps: • Visit the Knowlathon IT Service Website https://www.knowlathon.com/ : Navigate to the CSM course page on Knowlathon’s official website. • Select the Course Schedule: Choose a convenient training date and format (in-person or online) from the available options. • Register Online: Click on the registration link and complete the online enrollment form with your personal and payment details. • Confirmation: After successful registration and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with course details and instructions.
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