In today’s challenging job market, it is important to know what skills and certifications you need to get hired. People who are interested in the field of software development know how important it is to obtain a Scrum Master Certification and to thoroughly understand agile practices. Learners seeking Certified Agile Scrum Master training should know all the concepts well, to present a strong case and a demonstrated skillset for employers and hiring managers.
This article will talk about all there is to know about Scrum exams.
Factors to consider when evaluating Scrum Master Certifications
It's no secret that certain Scrum employers prefer some certifications over others. It's important to understand these preferences, which should help inform your strategy when looking for a Scrum-related role. For best results, obtain your Scrum certification from a renowned organization that offers highly renowned training. In addition to the certification you choose, you'll also want to take a few other points into account:
Remain committed to your pursuits
Companies always prefer employees that are committed to continuous learning when it comes to Scrum, as well as Agile certifications. It's important that you demonstrate your commitment to the field, through both your acquisition of a well-regarded industry certification and your ongoing education in the field.
Work on team continuity
Training, as well as certifications, help you to establish team continuity. You should locate organizations that you want to work for and then meet the Scrum master of the team. Make sure you ask them what certifications you need to pursue, as that will help you make an informed decision. These same connections will help you enhance your network, which can prove to be a major asset during the eventual hiring process.
Stay current
It is important you choose certifications that will help enhance your knowledge in the areas that you want to specialize in. For example, if you're particularly interested in sprint planning, you should find a certification program that includes this feature.
Learning about Scrum Master Certifications
When evaluating certifications, it is important to know where you stand in your career. If you are opting for an entry-level position, you can select CSM or CSPO. If you're aiming for a higher-level position, you'll need to plan accordingly, and find a certification program that accommodates those goals.
Things to consider when choosing Scrum Master Certification training
Here are some of the things that you need to take into account when opting for Scrum Master Certification:
- Is the organization credible?
- How long has the organization existed?
- Are their certifications recognized by common industry authorities?
- Are their trainers experienced?
- Will their courses actually help you learn?
These and other questions can help you frame your approach to Scrum Master Certification training, and help you connect with a program that prioritizes your short and long-term interests.
Scrum resources you should know about
Here are some of the resources can help during your search for Scrum qualification:
- “PMI-ACP Exam Prep, Second Edition” by Mike Griffiths
- “Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time” by Jeff Sutherland and J.J. Sutherland
- “Succeeding with Agile: Software Development Using Scrum” by Mike Cohn
- “The Elements of Scrum” by Chris Sims and Hillary Louise Johnson
- “The Scrum Field: Agile Advice for Your First Year and Beyond” by Mitch Lacey
These and other texts can help you frame your approach to ongoing Scrum education, in addition to everything you'll learn in a certification program.
Studying For Scrum
Here are some of the best ways you can study for Scrum:
- Read the Scrum Guide, which lays out the overall Scrum framework.
- Read the Scrum glossary.
- Read Professional Scrum Masters, Professional Scrum Product Owners, and Professional Scrum Developers.
Practicing for Scrum
Consider the following activities in order to practice for Scrum exams:
- Complete practice assessments so that you can familiarize yourself with the content.
- Use Scrum in the workplace, as that will be the best form of practice.
Exam tips to help you study
Here are some tips that will help you to ace your Scrum exam:
- Make sure you read Scrum guides, as they have questions and strategies that will help you to clarify your concepts;
- Continue taking open assessments to drive test scores up;
- Join Scrum communities and forums to have discussions that improve your knowledge and your network;
- Check out the Evidence-Based Management Guide.
Before practice exams:
- Make sure that you have a stable internet connection;
- Pick a good time slot so that you can be relaxed while attempting the questions;
- Read the questions carefully;
- Make sure you take the time to carefully translate tricky wording;
- Time yourself while attempting questions;
- If you get stuck on a difficult question, leave it and attempt it later on;
Exam Questions and Answers
Here are some questions and their answers that will give you a good idea about the exam format:
1. Scrum Framework doesn’t define which of these concepts?
- Daily Scrum
- Project Manager
- Scrum Product Owner
- Scrum Master
2. The product backlog is the responsibility of...
- Business Analyst
- Lead Developer
- Product Owner
- Project Manager
3. Who is responsible for tracking project impediments?
- Developer
- Functional Manager
- ScrumMaster
- Tester
4. When it comes to Scrum Framework, which of these is not a typical artifact?
- Burn down chart
- Gantt chart
- Product Backlog
- Sprint Backlog
5. Where are customer requirements stored?
- In a database
- In a Scrum Product Requirement Specification
- In the Product Backlog
- In the Sprint Backlog
6. What is not the part of the agile manifesto?
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Processes over people
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
7. Which of the following concepts is defined by the Scrum Framework:
- Sprint Planning Meeting
- Sprint Retrospective Meeting
- Sprint Review Meeting
- Daily Scrum Meeting
- Mid-Sprint Status Review Meeting
8. The waterfall model has the following disadvantage:
- The end product must be fully known
- Some requirements are implemented to start, which aren't immediately necessary
- Each phase is strictly separated
9. Why is a storyboard needed?
- Eliminates the need for other reports
- Serves as a communication tool.
- Helps to allocate tasks
- Restricts team task strain
10. How should work be allocated in an Agile environment?
- Scrum Master allocates tasks
- Tasks are randomly assigned
- Tasks are assigned according to skillsets
- Complex tasks are allocated directly by Team Leader
What to do after passing the Scrum Master exam
Congratulations on passing your exam! As a next step, consider pursuing advanced Scrum certifications. Advanced Scrum accreditations can help you tackle more complex Scrum challenges and earn a leadership position on your team. They can also help to separate you from other applicants during the Scrum hiring process.
For further guidance on how a Scrum Master certification can help you as a professional, talk to one of our experts today.