You must be able to assist teams in producing and delivering products in short cycles so that quick feedback, continuous improvement, and quick adaptability to change are achievable. If it sounds much like the formal CSM definition, you’re already on the correct path to becoming a Certified Scrum Master.
Being a Scrum Master is not tricky. However, understanding the time taken to prepare for the exam and the requirements to complete before taking the test can be challenging. If you plan to take the tough CSM exam, your first doubt would be, “how long does it take to get the Scrum master certification?”. But you don’t have to worry anymore! We are here to end your doubt by giving the correct answer.
This article will give you complete details regarding the typical time to become a certified Scrum master. Also, we will help you know the factors on which the time taken depends, including the Scrum master certification exam attempts.
Let’s get started, shall we?
A brief overview of the Scrum Master certification
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) degree exists to give those starting their careers as Scrum practitioners a grasp of the project management methodology. Candidates who complete the Scrum certification process will better understand the Scrum tenets, emphasizing teamwork, accountability, and gradual progress toward a
specific goal.
Professionals who have earned the CSM certification can act as both Scrum Masters and Scrum team members. Scrum Masters manage information flow, but they frequently take on the role of servant leaders who help the self-organizing, self-managing team members accomplish their goals.
Steps to becoming a certified Scrum Master
It will bring more clarity if you know the steps required to become a certified Scrum Master. Once you know what goes into becoming a CSM, calculating the average time taken to get certified becomes simple. So, let’s jump right into it!
Step 1: Learn the Scrum fundamentals
It’s essential to educate yourself with the overall Scrum framework and agile concepts and principles before becoming a Scrum master. It’s better to have prior experience with Scrum and agile principles to perform better in the test and reduce the time to become a certified Scrum master.
Step 2: Attend a CSM training program
Before going for the test, it’s mandatory to take a two-day training program from a certified Scrum trainer. You will learn several aspects of Scrum required to pass the CSM exam with flying colors.
Step 3: Register for your exam
You’re prepared to take your exam and demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge to become a Scrum master once you’ve finished the relevant study hours.
Step 4: Study for your exam
It’s crucial to keep studying in the days before your test. Reading through additional Scrum resources or watching Scrum webinars can be beneficial to ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the
certification exam.
The essential Scrum methods and principles, including project management, progress reporting, sprints, team building, release planning, and scalability, are often the priorities of the certification exam. However, some tests could also include inquiries on the origins, development, and philosophy of the Scrum framework.
Step 5: Take and pass the exam
Depending on your certification program, the real exam may differ slightly. It will often be a multiple-choice exam with a passing score of between 60 and 85%. The exam typically lasts an hour; you should learn whether you passed or failed a few minutes after finishing it. You’ll receive a PDF of your Scrum master certification by email once you pass the exam, making you a certified Scrum master.
Step 6: Renew your Scrum master certification every two years
Scrum master credentials typically expire every two years, so you’ll need to renew your certificate to continue being a certified Scrum master.
Depending on the company, this procedure can call for documentation of “continued education hours.” The program host wants to know that you’ve been investing time in learning more about Scrum and keeping abreast of any significant developments.
The time required to become a certified Scrum Master
The time taken to pass the Scrum master certification depends on multiple factors. It can vary according to your level of Scrum and agile expertise. As a Scrum beginner, you might take longer to become a certified Scrum Master than professionals.
Let’s understand the factors on which the time required to become a CSM depends!
- The duration of Scrum training
It’s mandatory to attend a two-day Scrum training program delivered by a certified Scrum trainer to become eligible to take the challenging Scrum master certification exam. So, it’s better to count two days within the time taken to become a certified Scrum master.
- Time required to master Scrum and agile methodologies
Another significant aspect is the time you take to master Scrum methodologies and principles. If you are a Scrum professional, taking the two-day training program is the only requirement before you can schedule your test.
However, things can stretch if you are new to Scrum and need more time to prepare for the test after attending the two-day training session. You will get 90 days after the training program to take the Scrum master certification test.
- Attempts to pass the exam
Many individuals pass the Scrum master certification exam on the first attempt. However, some of them require more time to clear the test. They might need more than one attempt to ace the exam. You can get two shots to take the exam within 90 days of passing the training session. However, you are eligible to take the exam for the third time by paying an additional $25.
Simplilearn online learning platform
Conclusion
It depends on your experiences, knowledge, and preparation time. As you saw, you can become a CSM in two days or can take more time to prepare well and clear the exam. So, don’t think twice and enroll in a Scrum training program from a certified Scrum trainer from a reputed website like Simplilearn online learning platform and take the exam to earn the Scrum master certification.
