How Advanced Scrum Master Certifications Can Propel Your Career?

According to the 16th State of Agile Report, organisations rely on Agile to drive long-term success. While 52% of the respondents affirm that Agile speeds up time to market, 44% prefer Agile for its better delivery predictability. Also, 31% of the respondents believe that the adoption of Agile frameworks can minimise risk. 

Among Agile methodologies like Lean Development, Extreme programming, and Kanban, Scrum is chosen by most organisations. Scrum is popular for its flexible approach and simple principles. Organisations often depend on Scrum to improve communication, collaboration, accountability, and productivity. They also use Scrum to improve the development procedures used for complex projects. Owing to this, businesses are willing to hire Scrum Masters who can create high-quality products, boost customer satisfaction, and improve job satisfaction. 

A beginner-level certification like CSM will help you get started with your Agile career. On the contrary, an advanced Scrum master certification will help you understand what are the intricacies of Scrum values, principles, and Scrum Artifacts like Sprint Backlog, Product Backlog, and Burdown Charts. After obtaining an advanced Scrum Master certification, individuals can discover new career opportunities and validate their expertise in the niche of Scrum. 

This blog will walk you through the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master, advanced Scrum Master certifications, and how these certifications can help you take your career to the next level. 

Who is a Scrum Master, & What does a Scrum Master do?

A Scrum Master works as a leader and guide for Scrum teams. These professionals help Scrum teams understand how to use Scrum practices in the context of agile project management. Scrum Masters should maintain a neutral mindset when collaborating with an Agile team. This helps them to resolve conflicts, facilitate collaboration, and track the team’s progress in a bias-free way. The important responsibilities of a Scrum Master are as follows:

• Handling conflicts and resolving them
• Guiding team members when it comes to applying Scrum methodologies seamlessly
• Ensure the team members are motivated and directed towards a common goal
• Conducting  daily meetings, demos, and reviews
• Conducting open-ended and interactive discussions

Top Reasons Why Advanced Scrum Master Certifications Can Elevate Your Career

1. Team Performance and Collaboration

   Professionals who have obtained an advanced scrum master certification are capable of creating a positive work culture where employees can come up with innovative ideas and flourish. Learning from theoretical concepts and practical exercises helps Scrum Masters develop the skills required to resolve conflicts, facilitate communication, lead teams, and deliver projects successfully.

2. Global Recognition

   The Scrum Master certification is a valuable credential that opens doors to multiple jobs across diverse industries. Obtaining an advanced scrum master certification validates your ability to apply the Scrum framework in an organisation’s daily operations. This certification also showcases your willingness to brush up on your skills continuously.  Advanced scrum master certifications allow you to navigate several job opportunities worldwide while improving your chances of getting hired. 

3. Management and Leadership Skills

   Attending formal training with a reliable course provider will help you understand the role of management and leadership skills in an Agile environment. These skills will help you excel across diverse industries and job roles. Improve your expertise in leading teams, helping organisations adapt to changes, and managing difficult projects.

4. Better Salary

   Scrum Master certifications are highly profitable for professionals willing to advance their careers and earn a higher salary. The average salary of a certified Scrum Master is better than that of a non-certified individual. An advanced certification showcases your dedication to continuous learning and improvement. These professional qualities are highly demanded by employers. 

5. Networking Opportunities

   Professionals who complete an advanced scrum master certification training can get a chance to the connect other Agile experts. Professionals who’re a part of this network, can exchange valuable knowledge, learn from the experiences of other professionals, and explore new opportunities. Learners will enjoy numerous collaborative and mentorship opportunities.

Explore Major Advanced Scrum Master Certifications

1.SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM)

The SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) certification aims to improve your facilitation and coaching skills. It also ensures continuous improvement and helps you avoid common errors. During the SASM training, you can improve the skills required to apply SAFe principles, DevOps, Kanban, and Lean. Further, this is helpful in improving your team’s performance and ensuring the delivery of the best quality business outcomes. Most importantly, you can gain proficiency in event planning, execution, Agile Release Trains, and leading distributed teams within remote settings.

2. Certified Scrum Professional - Scrum Master 

The Certified Scrum Professional - Scrum Master (CSP - SM) is an advanced Scrum Master certification suitable for candidates aspiring to become Certified Team Coaches, Certified Enterprise Coaches, or Certified Scrum Trainers. The training offers you a better knowledge of Lean Thinking and its applications in Scrum. Learn how to facilitate remote meetings, apply visual facilitation strategies during collaborative sessions, and handle the launch of new Scrum teams within an organisation. 

3. Professional Scrum Master II & III 

Professional Scrum Master II & III certification helps Scrum Masters thrive within challenging Agile environments. Accredited by Scrum.org, the PSM certification equips individuals with the skills necessary for carrying out advanced-level Scrum Master roles.  This course is suitable for professionals who are willing to seek a profound knowledge of the Scrum framework, methodologies, and principles. Through immersive learning and extensive training, participants can acquire the practical skills required to guarantee the success of Agile teams. 

4. Advanced Certified Scrum Master

The Advanced Certified Scrum Master certification helps you implement advanced techniques and tools related to Agile and Scrum. You’ll learn how to work with Kanban and Lean while managing team dynamics. The A-CSM certification’s comprehensive curriculum equips you with the know-how to foster collaboration and handle conflicts at work. Understand what product vision is and how to refine backlogs and goals when working with the Scrum team. Besides, the training will impart the knowledge of a Scrum Master’s core competencies. This will help learners to listen, coach, facilitate, and impart an understanding of Scrum to teams. 

How do you obtain an Advanced Scrum Master Certification?

1. Eligibility Criteria

To enrol for advanced certifications like A-CSM or PSM II & III, it’s important to meet the prerequisites. It’s mandatory to acquire foundational certifications like PSM I or CSM. Besides, the PSM II certification also require you to gain hands-on working experience as a Scrum Master for at least 12 months or one year.

2.  Choose the Right Certification

When choosing a certification, it’s important to gauge your experience and knowledge with Scrum. Newbies in Agile can consider the PSM I or CSM certifications to learn Scrum concepts from the scratch. Whereas, candidates with prior experience can pursue advanced certifications such as PSM II/III, CSP-SM, or A-CSM.

3.  Register in Training Programs

Visit Simpliaxis’s official website to enrol in one of our accredited training programs. You can acquire a deep knowledge of Scrums, gain hands-on experience through practical exercises, and workshops.

4. Prepare for the Assessment/Exam

Deepen your knowledge of Scrum principles with the help of online learning resources, work on real-world scenarios, and take mock tests to understand the patterns of the advanced Scrum master certification exam. 

Certification Cost and ROI: Is the Advanced Scrum Master Certification worth It?

Although advanced Scrum Master certifications require a huge investment of time, effort, and money initially, learners can expect a higher return on investment. The estimated advanced scrum master certification cost can range from $500 - $1000. However, the Return on Investment can help you recover the initial cost. The average salary of an advanced certified Scrum Master can vary from  $1,10,000 - $1,30,000 per year. 

Conclusion 

With the help of the right advanced Scrum Master certification, you can take your career to new heights. Getting certified will help you navigate more employment opportunities, get promoted in your workplace, and earn a higher salary. Consider the next step in your career- enrol for an advanced Scrum Master certification with Simpliaxis today.