The role of a Scrum Master is pivotal in ensuring the successful implementation of the Scrum framework within an organization. Since their responsibility is to oversee the Scrum framework and its processes, Scrum Master training must comprehensively cover every aspect of the Scrum framework, from end to end. This is why Scrum Master classes, such as the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) training and Registered Scrum Master Training (RSM), have gained immense popularity. These courses offer a holistic understanding of Scrum and equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to guide their teams and organizations toward successful Agile practices, making them the go-to choice for those seeking to understand Scrum and its practical implementation.
In this article, we will explain both Scrum Master training classes, the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Registered Scrum Master Training. We'll explore both their similarities and differences to help you make an informed choice.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Training
The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) program was created in 2002 by Ken Schwaber and others, who founded the Scrum Alliance. The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification stands as a globally recognized credential in Agile project management. The Scrum Alliance is the organization that oversees the Certified Scrum accreditation. The program is designed to help individuals become Certified Scrum Masters and develop the skills needed to foster an effective and productive working environment, guide others in understanding Scrum values, principles, and practices, and grow as professionals.
This certification reflects a commitment to understanding and mastering the Scrum framework. CSM classes are delivered by Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs), experts who have undergone a rigorous evaluation process under the Scrum Alliance Technical Advisory Board (TAC). To become a CST, individuals must showcase extensive experience in Agile and Scrum, demonstrate exceptional aptitude for imparting Scrum knowledge, and contribute significantly to the Agile community. This thorough vetting ensures that CSM classes are led by seasoned professionals who can provide invaluable insights into Scrum's application and principles.
The CSM program strives to remain pure in its interpretation of the Agile Manifesto and the Scrum Guide. It does this by following specific learning objectives. The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) class aims to equip individuals with a comprehensive understanding of Scrum and Agile terminologies and concepts. The learning objectives cover various aspects, including Scrum, Scrum Master Core Competencies, Service to the Scrum Team, Product Owner, and Organization. Below are some of the learning objectives of the CSM class.
Certified Scrum Master Learning Objectives at a glance:
Understand the values of Scrum.
Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Scrum Master.
Learn how to facilitate Scrum events.
Learn how to manage the Scrum backlog.
Learn how to create a Definition of Done.
Learn how to inspect and adapt the Scrum process.
Learn how to coach and mentor Scrum team members.
Learn how to scale Scrum.
Please note that these learning objectives are not exhaustive, and individual trainers may choose to include ancillary topics in their CSM. The CSM class welcomes participants of all experience levels who are eager to explore the intricacies of Scrum. The course normally incorporates a diverse range of learning activities, encompassing lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises.
After successfully completing the CSM class, participants are qualified to take the CSM exam. This 60-minute multiple-choice examination evaluates their understanding of Scrum principles and practices. Achieving a passing score on the CSM exam grants participants the designation of Certified Scrum Master.
Certified Scrum Master Training Summary:
Established in 2002
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification, established by the Scrum Alliance, is a globally recognized credential.
CSM classes are led by Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs), extensively vetted experts in Scrum.
Open to all experience levels, the CSM class incorporates lectures, discussions, exercises, and case studies.
Upon completion, participants are eligible to take the 60-minute CSM exam, earning them the Certified Scrum Master designation after passing.
Learning objectives guide the trainers to stay aligned to the Agile Manifesto and the Scrum Guide.
Registered Scrum Master (RSM) Training
The Registered Scrum Master certification was developed by Dr. Jeff Sutherland, who co-created Scrum. The Registered Scrum Master (RSM) certification also stands as a globally recognized credential in Agile project management. Founded in 2019, the certification is a lot newer than the CSM. The Agile Education Program, powered by Scrum Inc., is the organization that oversees the Certified Scrum accreditation.
Registered Scrum Master (RSM) training is provided by Registered Scrum Trainers (RSTs), professionals who have also undergone a rigorous evaluation process supervised by the founder of Scrum. To attain the status of an RST, individuals are required to demonstrate substantial experience in Agile and Scrum, exhibit exceptional teaching capabilities in Scrum, and make substantial contributions to the Scrum community. This meticulous assessment guarantees that RSM classes are guided by seasoned experts well-equipped to offer invaluable insights into Scrum's principles and practical application.
Like the CSM training, RSM training covers the Agile Mindset and the Scrum framework end-to-end. The course is evidence-based and grounded in research across disciplines and industries. It goes beyond the basics of Scrum and the Scrum Master role. The certification is designed to help individuals become Registered Scrum Masters and teaches how to become problem solvers and change champions who drive and sustain Agile practices across Product Development teams. Dr. Sutherland's goal was to create a class that could evolve with the needs of modern organizations. Thus, the Registered Scrum Master training class goes beyond the interpretation of the Scrum Guide and offers additional learning objectives that have made the certification so attractive to organizations and individuals alike.
By teaching additional practices such as Scrum patterns, the class adds elements that can supplement Scrum in order to yield similar results to the organizations that have used it. The class also teaches principles of Lean thinking, which has now been recognized as the foundation of Scrum as of the last Scrum Guide revision. Last, the Registered Scrum Master (RSM) class includes an introduction to Scrum@Scale, which is the scaling framework created by Dr. Sutherland to increase Scrum beyond the team level to the enterprise. Below are some of the learning objectives of the RSM class.
Registered Scrum Master Learning Objectives at a glance:
The Agile Mindset
Applying Scrum values
Understanding the Scrum Framework
Identify environments in which Scrum would lead to excellent results
Apply tools and techniques to the role of Scrum Master
Leveraging lean principles to identify waste
Techniques and metrics to improve team happiness and performance
Patterns and practices of high-performing Scrum teams
Delivering fast with high-quality
How the Scrum Master role scales in an organization
Please note that these learning objectives are not exhaustive, and individual trainers may choose to include ancillary topics in their RSM training.
The Registered Scrum Master (RSM) is a good fit for individuals at all experience levels who are enthusiastic about Agile. Typically, it offers a wide array of educational experiences, including lectures, engaging discussions, practical exercises, and real-world case studies.
After successfully completing the RSM class, participants are qualified to take the RSM exam. This 60-minute multiple-choice examination evaluates their understanding of Scrum principles and practices. Achieving a passing score on the RSM exam grants participants the designation of Registered Scrum Master.
Registered Scrum Master Training Summary:
Established in 2019
The Registered Scrum Master (RSM) certification, established by the Agile Education Program and Scrum Inc., is a globally recognized credential.
RSM classes are led by Registered Scrum Trainers (RSTs), extensively vetted by the co-creator of Scrum, and are experts in Agile and Scrum.
Open to all experience levels, the RSM class incorporates lectures, discussions, exercises, and evidence-based case studies.
Upon completion, participants are eligible to take the 60-minute RSM exam, earning them the Registered Scrum Master designation after passing.
The class was designed by the Co-creator of Scrum.
The course goes beyond the basics of Scrum to include Lean principles, success patterns, and Scrum@Scale.
Conclusion
In summary, the main difference between Registered Scrum Master Training and Certified Scrum Master Training lies in the time they have been on the market, depth, and focus. The Certified Scrum Master has been around for a lot longer than the Registered Scrum Master certification. On the other hand, the Certified Scrum Master Training provides a foundational understanding of Scrum, making it suitable for beginners who are interested in getting into Scrum, while the Registered Scrum Master Training offers a deeper dive into Scrum, modern practices, lean principles, and scaling. Last, the focus of both certifications is to train and certify individuals of all levels who are interested in growing their Scrum knowledge.
Ultimately, the choice between these two training paths depends on your specific goals. Both can be valuable steps in your journey to mastering the Scrum framework and excelling in your Agile journey.
