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Scrum training organizations specialize in providing education and certification for individuals and teams looking to adopt or enhance their use of Scrum, an agile project management framework. These organizations offer a range of courses, from introductory overviews to advanced, role-specific training for Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and development teams. Through interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and hands-on practice, participants learn essential Scrum principles, roles, events, and artifacts, fostering a deep understanding of how to effectively implement Scrum in their projects. By equipping attendees with the knowledge and skills to drive agile transformations, Scrum training organizations play a crucial role in enhancing team collaboration, productivity, and project success.

The Scrum Master Certification from SCRUMstudy plays a pivotal role in fostering organizational agility. It equips professionals with essential skills to champion Agile methodologies within their teams, ensuring streamlined project delivery and rapid response to changing market demands. By mastering the Scrum framework, certified Scrum Masters facilitate effective collaboration, continuous improvement, and adaptive planning. This certification not only enhances individual competence but also empowers organizations to embrace flexibility and innovation, ultimately driving efficiency and delivering value to stakeholders. It serves as a cornerstone for organizations striving to navigate complexities and achieve sustainable growth in today's dynamic business environment.

Scrum Master Certified (SMC) course by SCRUMstudy is an intensive program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the role of a Scrum Master. This course covers the core principles of Scrum, focusing on facilitating, coaching, and leading agile teams. Through comprehensive modules and hands-on exercises, participants learn how to manage projects efficiently, remove impediments, and ensure the successful delivery of products. The SMC™ certification is globally recognized, validating one's expertise in implementing Scrum practices effectively. Ideal for project managers, team leads, and aspiring Scrum Masters, this course enhances career prospects and boosts organizational success.

The Scrum Master Certification Course equips individuals with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the role of a Scrum Master. Through comprehensive training modules, participants delve into the principles and practices of Scrum methodology, understanding its iterative and incremental approach to project management. The course covers key concepts such as Sprint planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, and Retrospectives, empowering candidates to effectively facilitate Scrum ceremonies and foster collaboration within Agile teams. With a focus on real-world scenarios and practical applications, this certification course enables aspiring Scrum Masters to navigate complexities, drive productivity, and champion Agile values in their organizations.

SCRUMstudy offers comprehensive Scrum Certification Classroom Training designed to provide an in-depth understanding of Scrum principles and practices. Led by experienced instructors, these interactive sessions ensure participants gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience. The training covers essential Scrum concepts, including roles, events, and artifacts, and prepares attendees for certification exams. By participating, individuals and teams can enhance their Agile skills, improve project delivery, and contribute more effectively to their organizations.

SCRUM training for several certification exams (including SMC®, SPOC®, SAMC™, and ESMC™) should preferably be conducted in classrooms or through virtual instructor-led sessions. The SCRUMstudy Trainer Professional (SCT®) designation is a certification that enables trainers to teach SCRUMstudy certification courses. It is important for every SCRUMstudy™ faculty to be an expert in the particular SCRUMstudy™ certification he or she is teaching, and be very familiar with the concepts in the SBOK® Guide. It is also important for the faculty to be a good teacher have adequate soft skills to handle different situations in a class, and consistently deliver very high-quality training.

Process for becoming an accredited SCRUMstudy™ Certified Trainer (SCT®):

1. Trainers need to have at least 2 years of relevant work experience and should be willing to share their experiences in the classes they teach.

2. They need to successfully pass any three SCRUMstudy™ certification exams (out of SDC®, SMC®, SAMC™, and SPOC®), including the certification course that they wish to teach.

3. They need to be aware of the training resources available on the SCRUMstudy™ A.T.P. site (including videos, handbooks, recordings of past training sessions, etc). SCRUMstudy™ will provide substantial training resources that A.T.P.s and Trainers can customize and use for their classes - the training resources will focus more on SCRUM concepts rather than on how to pass SCRUMstudy™ certification exams. Other than the training resources available in SCRUMstudy™, additional custom content may need to be developed by individual A.T.P.s or Trainers.

4. All Trainers should be associated with a SCRUMstudy™ A.T.P.

Once trainers complete the above requirements, they need to apply to SCRUMstudy™ to become an accredited trainer (mentioning the details of the A.T.P. with whom they are associated). Accredited Trainers will be certified as "SCRUMstudy™ Certified Trainers (SCT®s)" - and they will be awarded an accreditation certificate making them eligible to train students for SCRUMstudy™ certifications. They should train only for the A.T.P.s with whom they have got associated.

Story point estimates are a way of estimating Agile projects. Story points are calculated using known tasks as a frame of reference to estimate other tasks. For example, if a task such as creating an input screen, for which we already know the amount of effort required to complete, has been assigned 3 points, we use it as a frame of reference to estimate other tasks based on their perceived complexity. While the estimation of backlog items and tasks is intended to reflect a combination of characteristics such as complexity, effort, and time needed to complete, most customers and many Product Owners focus on the time needed to complete. For them, time is money and hours are the preferred unit of estimation.

So, what makes story points better than hours for estimating Agile tasks and Product Backlog items?

Adaptive planning is a key practice in Agile methodologies. This implies that extensive estimating in terms of hours, which is time consuming at the beginning of a project, is not an ideal practice on Agile projects. It is a daunting task to estimate at the beginning of a project. To determine the number of hours required even before any work has started, can not only be difficult but can also be riddled with inaccuracies. It is also difficult to foresee the impediments that arise during the course of the project.

Factoring time required to overcome any possible obstacles can make the estimates seem inflated to customers and Product Owners. This is especially true because time is seen as money, and quick mental calculations are being made to determine the “actual cost” of the project being performed. Inaccuracies in the opposite direction can arise when team members are asked to estimate of how long a certain task will take them, and they try to mitigate a customer’s possible objections to high costs by under-estimating the time required. Since the premise of Agile and Scrum is to deliver value, and value is most often defined as the functionality the customer wants, the equation of time and money becomes counter-productive. The value of a particular working program is derived from what it will do for the customer not from how long it took to write it.

Story points reduce the effort spent on estimation so that we can get the project off the ground as quickly as possible. When asked to give an estimation in story points, the team member knows that the answer they give will not be immediately translated into dollars and cents. The motivation for the estimation is to accurately assess its complexity, effort, and resultant time in order to assign it a point value. There is no mixed motive trying to guess and allay assumed monetary objections.

Using hours for estimation can make it difficult to relate to the progress of the project, especially since they are the same units used to measure our workweeks. For example, if a team completes 200 hours of work in one week and 150 hours of work in the next, some might perceive that the team is slacking, even though the fewer hours might be due to the complexity of the tasks or to other non-project related activities such as meetings. Story points estimate the size of the story and do not necessarily have to be linked with the number of hours that might be required to complete it.

For ease of use, protection against biased motives, and clarity of expectation, story points are more useful—better—than hours for estimating Agile tasks and Product Log items.

Scrum Master classes offered by SCRUMstudy stand out for their comprehensive and practical approach to Agile methodologies. These classes are designed to equip students with a deep understanding of Scrum principles, roles, and practices, ensuring they can effectively lead teams and manage projects. What sets SCRUMstudy apart is its commitment to real-world applications and interactive learning experiences, facilitated by expert trainers. Additionally, students have access to a network of authorized training providers, who can offer personalized guidance and support. For more details, students are encouraged to connect with these providers to explore how SCRUMstudy's Scrum Master classes can help advance their careers.

This program typically covers the principles and practices of Scrum, an agile framework for managing complex projects. Participants learn about Scrum roles, artifacts, events, and the core values and principles of agile methodologies. The certification process often includes a combination of coursework, hands-on exercises, and a final assessment to validate one's understanding and proficiency in applying Scrum practices. Scrum Master Certified (SMC) is recognized for their ability to enhance team collaboration, productivity, and deliver high-quality projects in iterative cycles.

The biggest positive of a formal Scrum training is that you learn everything in a controlled environment. You meet people who are also there to learn about Scrum and in case you have common background, it helps to understand the process and difficulties of implementation from outsider’s point of view. A formal training also helps you understand about the mistake which you may make due to the traditional project management concepts rooted in you.

The main purpose of any certification is to impart a common baseline of the knowledge. These Scrum certifications, compared to any other project management certifications have a very easy test. You should remember that getting a Scrum certificate is way easier than the implementing actual Scrum framework.

Scrum/Agile methodology in general gives you a lot of freedom in how you implement it. However you should avoid changing the essence of the whole process. These project managers are commonly referred as Scrumbut. The common suggestion is that you start to implement Scrum as it is until you understand it properly and then decide for yourself what you might want to change. After a while you may find that you don’t need to change anything at all.

You need to understand that nothing is more valuable than experience. Scrum or Agile Certification may only add some credibility and marketability to the individual.

An institution earns Agile approval from SCRUMstudy by demonstrating a robust commitment to Agile methodologies and practices. This approval process involves a rigorous evaluation of the institution's training programs, faculty expertise, and adherence to SCRUMstudy's standards for Agile education. Key factors include the institution's capability to deliver high-quality, comprehensive Agile training, its adherence to SCRUMstudy's curriculum and examination guidelines, and its ability to facilitate practical, real-world application of Agile principles. Achieving SCRUMstudy's Agile approval signifies that the institution is recognized for its excellence in imparting Agile knowledge and skills, ensuring that its students receive top-tier education and are well-prepared for Agile certification and practice.

These classes go beyond traditional lectures, incorporating interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and collaborative exercises. Participants engage in role-playing, simulations, and group discussions, allowing them to apply Scrum principles in a controlled, risk-free setting. This experiential approach ensures that learners can translate classroom knowledge into actionable skills in their professional environments.

Moreover, SCRUMstudy's approved institution's experienced trainers bring a wealth of industry knowledge and insights to the classroom. These experts share their personal experiences, best practices, and tips for overcoming obstacles, providing valuable guidance that textbooks alone cannot offer. Learners benefit from direct interaction with seasoned professionals, gaining a deeper appreciation of the nuances and subtleties of effective Scrum Mastery.

SCRUMstudy-approved training organization's classes for Scrum Masters offer a holistic learning experience that blends theory with practice. By participating in these classes, aspiring Scrum Masters can develop the confidence and competence needed to lead their teams successfully, foster a collaborative work environment, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality projects.

For those aiming to excel in the world of Agile project management, SCRUMstudy offers a distinguished Scrum Master certification training that stands out in the industry. This comprehensive program equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively lead Scrum teams and manage complex projects. With a focus on practical application and real-world scenarios, SCRUMstudy's training ensures that candidates are not only well-versed in Scrum principles but also adept at applying them to drive project success. The certification is highly regarded for its rigorous standards and the in-depth expertise of its instructors, making it a top choice for professionals looking to advance their careers in Agile project management.

The Scrum certification online exam serves as a comprehensive assessment tool for individuals seeking validation of their Scrum knowledge and expertise. Through this exam, candidates are evaluated on their understanding of key Scrum principles, roles, events, and artifacts. The exam covers essential topics such as Scrum framework, Agile methodologies, Scrum roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team), Scrum events (Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Standup, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective), and Scrum artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment). Successful completion of the exam demonstrates proficiency in Scrum practices and principles, making it a valuable credential for professionals aspiring to excel in Agile project management roles.

We will attempt to do a quick overview of some of the Scrum certifications that are currently being offered.

Next, let's discuss how to choose the right Scrum trainer. While it can be beneficial to find a Scrum trainer with a similar background to yours, it is not an absolute requirement. The framework and style of Scrum training can vary from trainer to trainer, so it's important to find one that matches your learning style.

The biggest positive of a formal Scrum training is that you learn everything in a controlled environment. You meet people who are also there to learn about Scrum and in case you have common background, it helps to understand the process and difficulties of implementation from outsider’s point of view. A formal training also helps you understand about the mistake which you may make due to the traditional project management concepts rooted in you.

The main purpose of any certification is to impart a common baseline of the knowledge. These Scrum certifications, compared to any other project management certifications have a very easy test. You should remember that getting a Scrum certificate is way easier than the implementing actual Scrum framework.

Scrum and Agile methodologies offer significant flexibility in implementation. However, it's crucial to maintain the core principles of the process. Project managers who modify essential elements of Scrum are often referred to as "Scrumbut." It is generally recommended to adopt Scrum in its entirety initially to fully understand its mechanics. Once you have a solid grasp of the framework, you can then make informed decisions about potential adjustments. Over time, you may realize that no changes are necessary.

You need to understand that nothing is more valuable than experience. Scrum or Agile Certification may only add some credibility and marketability to the individual.

The Agile methodology is a popular project management approach for software development and implementation. Many software development companies are adopting one or more of the methods included under the Agile canopy, because of its numerous advantages.

The Agile methodology has flexibility of scale; it can be used for small as well as large projects. This is because of the following three reasons:

1. Agile is an approach and not a set of prescribed methods and techniques for software development, so developers are free to select the methods and techniques that suit their team size and project specifications.
2. Agile can be tailor-made to suit business specifications and project requirements.
3. A suitable Agile method can be picked from compatible Agile methodologies such as Test Driven Development, Crystal, and Adaptive Software development.

However, it should never be thought that Agile is a free-for-all. Agile’s canopy covers only those methodologies and techniques that integrate with its core principles. Agile is a tool which has to be put into practice with discipline and a strict adherence to the core values and principles of the Agile Manifesto.

Good user stories are vital for a Scrum project as user requirements are primarily captured in this form. Good user stories alone are not enough to ensure that the product is of high quality. However, good user stories are important to communicate user requirements to the Scrum team to develop products of a high quality.

The INVEST acronym, given by Bill Wake, suggests characteristics of good user stories. The acronym stands for Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimative, Small, and Testable. Let us examine each characteristic in detail.

Independent

User Stories are often inherently dependent on each other. In such situations, it is not clear which story should be given the higher estimate. One of the solutions is to combine these stories into one, big independent story. If some of the needed functionality has already been created or implemented, then the estimate should be revised to reflect this change. Also, it is important to define a non-functional User Story that defines the pre-conditions for each dependent one.

Negotiable

User Stories should not be set in stone and should have enough scope to allow negotiation between the Scrum Team and the business team. Sometimes, the business team will have to sacrifice increased functionality due to budget constraints, or the Scrum Team might have to convince the business team to increase the budget if a critical user feature is required despite budgetary concerns.

Valuable

It is important that each feature in the backlog possess value. Saying that a feature should have value does not necessarily mean value in terms of prerogative for the end user. Some features may work in the background or may indirectly support another functionality that the user requires, so these features still possess value. This value should be clearly perceived by the Product Owner to be able to prioritize it and include it in the backlog.

Estimable

One of the characteristics of a good User Story is that it is easily estimated. The estimates do not have to be accurate, but they should be good enough to use the estimate for prioritization. Large User Stories are difficult to estimate, and small stories are generally easily estimated (we will discuss size later in the chapter). Stories that are difficult to estimate can point to underlying issues in the story—it may be that the story is too large or there is ambiguity in terms of what the User Story is.

Small

A small User Story is relatively easy to estimate. They are easier to track and can usually be completed within one iteration. Big stories take longer, and any delays take longer to report. When the Product Owner is trying to create stories that are the right size, he or she should consider the Scrum Team’s experience and capabilities.

Testable

If a User Story cannot be tested and its functionality verified, then it becomes difficult to assess whether it can be considered “done.” To verify a User Story’s testability, the acceptance criteria must be clearly defined.