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Which Scrum Certification to Choose in 2024

Posted on on August 16, 2024 | by XLNC Team

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Which Scrum Certification to Choose in 2024?

Are you optimistic about advancing your career with a Scrum Master certification and establishing a solid presence in the agile development field? It should be evident that a professional qualification will benefit you, but which one is best for you? Read on to discover out.

As businesses increasingly adopt Scrum principles, the number of proficient Scrum Masters grows. Getting the right Scrum certification is one of the ways to level up your career. We turn our attention to some of the best Scrum certifications, including a focus on Professional Scrum Master 2 Certification, to guide you in making an informed decision.

Are Scrum Master Certifications Worth the Hype?

Before discussing particular qualifications, it's critical to understand the function of a Scrum Master and why certification is essential. Scrum Masters help the team improve and deliver value successfully. Certification authenticates your knowledge and skills, making you a desirable candidate.

Top Scrum Master Certifications in 2024

1. Professional Scrum Master (PSM) Certification

Provider: Scrum.org

Levels: PSM I, PSM II, PSM III

Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certificate is well-regarded in the industry. It provides three levels of certification, each proving a more advanced understanding and ability with Scrum processes.

• PSM I is an entry-level certification that is appropriate for people new to Scrum.

• PSM II is intended for experienced practitioners seeking to demonstrate their advanced expertise.

• PSM III is for experts with a thorough understanding of Scrum principles.

2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification

Provider: Scrum Alliance

Levels: CSM, A-CSM, CSP-SM

Another typical option is to get the Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification. The Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) and Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) are advanced qualifications that supplement the CSM's foundational expertise.

3. PeopleCert Scrum Master Certification

Provider: PeopleCert

Levels: PeopleCert Scrum Master I, PeopleCert Scrum Master II

The PeopleCert Scrum Master certification is gaining popularity due to its comprehensive methodology and international acceptability. It has two levels: PeopleCert Scrum Master I for beginners and PeopleCert Scrum Master II for more experienced employees.

4. Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Scrum Master Certification

Provider: Scaled Agile  

Levels: SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Advanced Scrum Master

The SAFe Scrum Master credential is intended for those working in large-scale Agile organizations. It focuses on implementing Scrum concepts inside a scaled Agile framework.

Why Does Professional Scrum Master 2 Certification Stand Out?

Depth of Knowledge

The PSM II certification is for those practitioners who have a solid understanding of Scrum and can practice its principles in real-life situations. It goes beyond the basics presented by PSM I. Deep dives into advanced subjects like:

• Facilitation Skills: Enhancing team dynamics and the efficiency of the team.

• Coaching: Develop and support teams in becoming self-organized and continuously improving.

• Leadership: Development of servant leadership qualities.

Global Recognition

Scrum.org certifications are highly valued and respected across the globe. Obtaining a PSM II certification communicates to the employer about an individual's advanced Scrum knowledge and capacity as a good team leader.

Comprehensive Exam

The PSM II exam is tough and focuses on the knowledge of the Scrum framework and practical applications of its principles. It is composed of multiple-choice questions, case studies, and real-life scenarios, which helps ensure that people who are certified are genuinely proficient with Scrum.

Continuous Learning

The PSM II certification is part of a progression that encourages Scrum Masters to keep improving their skills and knowledge, ultimately leading to the PSM III certification for experts.

Comparing PeopleCert Scrum Master vs Scrum Alliance

When deciding between PeopleCert Scrum Master and Scrum Alliance certifications, consider the following factors:

Curriculum and Focus

PeopleCert Scrum Master emphasises practical applications and real-world scenarios. It stresses practical experience and prepares candidates to face issues in Agile environments. 

For a general overview, Scrum Alliance focuses on general Scrum concepts and majorly on theory and underlying knowledge, while advanced certifications focus on leadership and coaching competencies. Advanced certifications, such as A-CSM and CSP-SM, focus on these competencies much more.

Exam Structure

The PeopleCert Scrum Master exam consists of both theoretical questions and practical scenarios, which assess candidates' ability to implement Scrum concepts. The Scrum Alliance CSM test is theoretical, but higher-level certifications include more practical examinations.

Market Recognition

Both PeopleCert and Scrum Alliance certificates are widely recognised. However, the Scrum Alliance has a more extended history and a broader network of trained professionals. PeopleCert is quickly gaining popularity, particularly for its emphasis on practical skills.

Career Advancement

PSM II certification can significantly improve your work prospects. It shows employers that you have advanced Scrum understanding and can manage challenging projects. Many Scrum Masters report improved wages and additional work opportunities after earning their PSM II certification.

Choose a Professional Scrum Master Certification

When preparing for your Scrum certification, choosing authorised bodies like XLNC Academy is beneficial. You enjoy the benefits of:

• Agile Project Management: The general understanding of Agile methodologies.

• Scrum Framework: The fundamental framework involves roles, events, and artefacts.

• Effective Leadership: A fundamental aspect of Scrum is honing the leadership style of the team.

• Sprint Planning: One of the core Scrum events for setting sprint goals and working to the plan.

• Standup Meeting: A daily meeting for team members to share updates and synchronise their efforts.

• Sprint Review: An increment is reviewed, and the backlog is adopted at the end of the sprint.

• Sprint Retrospective: A meeting to review the last sprint's work and areas for improvement.

• Scrum Uses: Scrum's key deliverables are the Product Backlog, the Sprint Backlog, and the Increment.

Choosing the proper Scrum certification in 2024 depends on your career goals, experience level, and learning preferences. The Professional Scrum Master 2 Certification from Scrum.org stands out for its depth of knowledge, global recognition, and focus on practical application. Whether you are an experienced Scrum practitioner or looking to advance your career, PSM II offers significant value.

An appropriate certification can lead to new job prospects, increased pay, and the capacity to lead successful Agile transformations. If you are ready to advance your Scrum knowledge, the Professional Scrum Master 2 Certification is a great choice.