Before diving right into PSM certification, you must understand what Scrum is. The framework is responsible for developing, delivering, and maintaining products efficiently. Scrum utilizes various processes and techniques to improve a product. There are two main Scrum Master Courses, PSM (Professional Scrum Master) and CSM (Certified Scrum Master). Both courses focus on software development. Many IT-based organizations and other companies hire candidates that are familiar with the Scrum framework and know-how to implement it.
PSM is a credential offered by Scrum.org to the professionals who want to master the Scrum methodology. The course will be taught by the Professional Scrum Trainers and is offered at three levels. Once you complete the course and pass the assessment exam, you will successfully receive the PSM certification. As a Professional Scrum Master, you will have many responsibilities including but not limited to, helping the development team to be self-organized and self-empowered, coaching the organization, ensuring the proper implementation of the framework, and many others.
What is PSM certification?
To become a Professional Scrum Master for a team, one must go through certain procedures. First, there is a selection exam for both CSM and PSM. Scrum.org, the accrediting body of PSM, offers four certifications. PSM is one of the four certifications with three difficulty levels – PSM I, II, and III. PSM is suited for anyone who is interested in mastering the Scrum.
Why PSM course Training?
Anyone who is well versed in CSM or has at least some knowledge of Scrum can apply for the PSM training course. Candidates are expected to have at least 4 years of experience implementing the Scrum framework in the real world, at the time of appearing for PSM I assessment exam.
The training for PSM lasts for 2 days, each day of 14 – 16 hours, led by a PST. Once the candidate demonstrates Scrum mastery at the foundation level, they can go for the PSM I certification exam. For the PSM II level, candidates must have a deeper understanding of the principles and application of Scrum in complex situations.
The objective of PSM Training
The Professional Scrum Masters are expected to use their knowledge of Scrum and apply it to practical world problems. It not only requires the candidate to understand the Scrum rules thoroughly but also act, coordinate and communicate between the team and stakeholders. It is the responsibility of a Scrum Master to increase the value of Scrum by successfully implementing it.
However, to become a Professional Scrum Master, one is not required to attend the training sessions. However, you will need an in-depth knowledge of Scrum and know how you can implement it for projects of any size in any organization. If anyone feels like they are well versed in Scrum, they can apply directly for PSM I.
Exam pattern
Since applying for PSM does not require any training, you can apply directly for the exam on the Scrum.org official website. You will receive a personal password that you will use for taking the exam.
The PSM I assessment will require the candidate to answer 80 multiple choice questions, multiple answer questions, and true/false questions in 60 minutes. PSM II follows the same pattern. However, in PSM III, the candidate will also have to answer essay type questions in addition to the previous two-exam pattern.
PSM-I does not require any training. However, to pass the PSM II and PSM III certifications, you might need a few years of experience in implementing Scrum. They would also require getting a score of at least 85% in all three levels of PSM certification. One will require to pass each level of assessment to be eligible to become a Professional Scrum Master. The cost of certification for PSM also varies with the level. For level I, the cost is $150, $250 for level 2 and $500 for level 3. However, the certification will never expire.
Career scope for a Professional Scrum Master
Every day more and more companies are adopting Scrum because it allows effective team collaboration. It is an important step to complete a complex project successfully. PSM certification is an important step in a highly valuable career path. Many companies like Tata Consultancy Service, Capgemini, Accenture Technology Solutions, Infosys Limited have adapted Scrum methodology and are always on the lookout for PSM – I certificate holders. In 2017, Scrum career was on 10th rank in a list of most promising jobs. Currently, the demand for Scrum is now at an all-time high.
Benefits of PSM
As already mentioned before, the Scrum methodology is rapidly growing. So, having in-depth knowledge about the subject will help you manage Scrum projects. Having PSM certification implies that a person has all the knowledge that they need to be marketable and employable. Some of the scrum related job titles include Scrum master, software engineer, consultant, web developer, and IT project manager. The benefits of having a PSM certification are:
Most sought after certification: PSM is one of the most sought-after certifications by many IT companies and recruiters. A Professional Scrum Master has an upper hand in monetary benefits and during the recession. Since Scrum is based on Agile, having a PSM certification allows the person to look at the project differently and implement the project successfully.
Globally valid certification: The PSM certification provided by Scrum.org is recognized globally. It allows the certification holder to expand their career opportunities across multiple organizations in different sectors that use and follows Agile Practices.
Scrum Knowledge: As a Professional Scrum Master, you will acquire extensive knowledge and skills of Scrum. It will help you in implementing Scrum across various projects and sectors. Having Scrum knowledge is a great way to stay relevant in the respective field and help the development team achieve the goals of their business.
Career growth: Certified PSM deliver top quality products to their customers. Professionals who have the skills and knowledge of Scrum and Agile are favoured by many companies. So, the PSM certification is your chance to make a huge leap in your career.
