Agile development and Scrum are gaining increasing attention in today's unpredictable market environment, often referred to as the VUCA era.
In response to these changes, the official Scrum Guide continues to evolve, with the latest version released in November 2020.
The following is an excerpt from the beginning of the Scrum Guide:
In a nutshell, Scrum requires a Scrum Master to foster an environment where:
1. A Product Owner orders the work for a complex problem into a Product Backlog.
The Scrum Guide
2. The Scrum Team turns a selection of the work into an Increment of value during a Sprint.
3. The Scrum Team and its stakeholders inspect the results and adjust for the next Sprint.
4. Repeat.
The role of a Scrum Master may seem simple at first glance. Below, we introduce certifications and training programs that will help Scrum Masters enhance their skills.
While there are several types of Scrum Master certifications, the most recognized globally is the Scrum Alliance® Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®).
In the Scrum Alliance® path, earning this certification is the first step. After gaining practical experience, you can then advance to higher-level certifications.
Certified ScrumMaster®（Scrum Alliance®）
The A-CSM® is the next level after the CSM®. To earn this, candidates must meet several requirements, such as holding a current CSM® certification* and having at least 12 months of work experience specific to the role of Scrum Master.
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM®)
The CSP®-SM is the professional-level certification following the A-CSM®. Requirements include holding a current A-CSM® certification* and demonstrating at least 24 months of work experience specific to the role of Scrum Master.
Certified Scrum Professional®-ScrumMaster (CSP®-SM)
*To maintain these certifications, you must earn a required number of SEUs (Scrum Education Units®) upon renewal.
PSM is a certification offered by Scrum.org. Certification is earned by passing a rigorous assessment that tests your knowledge of Scrum. While attending a training course is not mandatory, completing a two-day course is highly recommended to deepen your understanding.
Professional Scrum Master™
RSM is a certification offered by Scrum Inc. To earn this credential, candidates must complete a training course and pass an online examination.
Registered Scrum Master™
To become a Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®), candidates must attend a course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer® (CST®)—a professional who has earned their credentials through a rigorous vetting process. Eligibility for the certification exam is granted only to those who demonstrate active participation during the course. Once the exam is successfully passed, the certification is issued.
A Certified Scrum Trainer® (CST®) is authorized to grant these certifications. While a domestic 'Certified Scrum Trainer-Regional (CST-R)' qualification was recently introduced, as of July 2022, Odd-e Japan CEO Kazumasa Ebata remains the only Japanese trainer qualified to provide global-standard CST® training. His courses offer the unique advantage of receiving world-class instruction directly in Japanese.
At Odd-e Japan, we also partner with international Certified Scrum Trainers to host courses featuring simultaneous Japanese interpretation. Since every trainer has their own unique style and insights, the learning experience varies with each session. In fact, many individuals choose to attend multiple CSM® courses with different trainers even after obtaining their certification to gain broader perspectives.
We have explored various Scrum certifications, but the most significant benefit lies in the practical, hands-on experience gained through the training process itself. To acquire skills that are truly applicable in real-world scenarios, why not take the next step toward your certification by joining a training session?
We offer Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) training.
Register via the link below.