Scrum Master: The Path to Success from edX

66% of Agile businesses use the Scrum framework (The Tech Report). Project-oriented professionals with strong Scrum Master skills are highly sought after! This course deepens your understanding of the essential aspects of being a Scrum Master and builds the skills employers are looking for.

What does a Scrum Master do? A Scrum Master facilitates and supports the Scrum team by ensuring adherence to Agile principles, removing obstacles, and fostering collaboration to help the team deliver value efficiently.

During this course, you’ll be immersed in the world of Scrum. You’ll explore how Scrum compares with traditional project management methods, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of why Scrum is a game-changer in today’s dynamic business landscape.

You’ll apply your Scrum Master skills to real-world scenarios through hands-on labs and projects, where you’ll navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and drive successful project outcomes. In addition, you’ll complete a final assessment that will develop your understanding of the criteria for certification as an Advanced Certified Scrum Master (A-CSM).

If you’re looking to take your Scrum Master skills to a deeper level and stand out to employers, ENROLL TODAY and power up your resume with competencies that will catch their eye!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Job-ready scrum master skills employers need in less than a month.
The scrum process flow and the various artifacts required at different phases of the process, as well as how to create scrum personas.
How to develop a working agreement to foster a collaborative environment among team members.

How to run a retrospective for a given scenario and apply useful coaching techniques to resolve issues within a dysfunctional team.
How to develop a product vision and goals while collaborating with the product owner to refine a backlog.

Job-ready scrum master skills employers need in less than a month.
The scrum process flow and the various artifacts required at different phases of the process, as well as how to create scrum personas.
How to develop a working agreement to foster a collaborative environment among team members.
How to run a retrospective for a given scenario and apply useful coaching techniques to resolve issues within a dysfunctional team.
How to develop a product vision and goals while collaborating with the product owner to refine a backlog.

Syllabus

Module 1: Scrum and Scrum Master Basics

Video: Scrum Process and Artifacts

Video: The Role of the Scrum Master

Reading: Detailed Review of Scrum Artifacts

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores Scrum values and compares them to traditional project management methodologies, which provides a solid foundation for those new to Agile frameworks

Includes hands-on labs and projects that allow learners to apply Scrum Master skills to real-world scenarios, fostering practical experience

Covers the development of a working agreement to foster a collaborative environment, which is a core skill for Scrum Masters

Examines how to run a retrospective and apply coaching techniques to resolve issues within a dysfunctional team, which are essential skills for team leadership

Teaches how to develop a product vision and goals while collaborating with the product owner, which is crucial for aligning the team's efforts

Includes a final assessment that develops understanding of the criteria for certification as an Advanced Certified Scrum Master (A-CSM), which may require additional study

Reviews summary

Practical path to scrum master

According to learners, this course provides a clear and practical path to becoming a Scrum Master. Students frequently highlight the well-structured content and understandable explanations, making complex Agile and Scrum concepts accessible. The course is particularly praised for its practical labs and projects, which allow students to apply what they've learned and gain real-world experience. Many feel significantly more prepared for the job market after completing the program. While providing a strong foundation, some more experienced practitioners found certain sections to be a review of known material, suggesting it's potentially best suited for beginners or those transitioning into the role. Overall, the sentiment is largely positive, with many appreciating the course's focus on the Scrum Master's role as a servant leader.

Emphasizes the SM's role as a servant leader.

"I really liked the emphasis on servant leadership throughout the course."

"Helped me understand the true supportive role of an SM."

"Good coverage of coaching and facilitation aspects."

Explains complex Scrum concepts clearly.

"The videos were clear and easy to follow, even for someone new to Scrum."

"Concepts were explained well, perfect for beginners learning the ropes."

"The course structure made learning logical and easy to digest."

Provides hands-on application of concepts.

"The labs really helped me apply what I learned in a practical way."

"Hands-on activities made the theories stick and feel more real."

"I appreciated the projects that simulated real-world Scrum scenarios."

Prepares students for the job market.

"I feel much more prepared for a Scrum Master role after taking this course."

"The course covered skills employers are actually looking for."

"I learned directly applicable strategies for my current or future job."

May be too basic for experienced practitioners.

"As an experienced professional, some parts felt like a basic review for me."

"I wished for more advanced techniques or complex case studies."

"It's a great foundation, but maybe not deep enough for seasoned SMs."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Scrum Master: The Path to Success with these activities:

Review 'Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time'

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Gain a foundational understanding of Scrum principles and practices before starting the course.

View Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time'.
Read the book, focusing on the core concepts of Scrum.
Take notes on key takeaways and areas for further exploration.

Review Agile Principles

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Solidify your understanding of Agile principles, which form the basis of the Scrum framework.

Browse courses on Agile Principles

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Review the Agile Manifesto and its 12 principles.
Reflect on how these principles relate to project management.
Consider examples of how Agile principles are applied in practice.

Review 'The Scrum Guide'

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Familiarize yourself with the official Scrum Guide to gain a clear understanding of the framework's core elements.

View Software in 30 Days: How Agile Managers Beat... on Amazon

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Download the latest version of the Scrum Guide.
Read the guide carefully, paying attention to the definitions of Scrum roles, events, and artifacts.
Reflect on how these elements work together to deliver value.

Four other activities

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Simulate a Sprint Retrospective

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Apply your knowledge of sprint retrospectives by simulating one with a group of classmates.

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Form a small group of classmates.
Choose a past project or experience to retrospect on.
Facilitate a sprint retrospective using a chosen technique.
Document the outcomes and action items.

Create a Scrum Master 'Elevator Pitch'

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Craft a concise and compelling 'elevator pitch' to articulate the value of a Scrum Master.

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Identify the key skills and responsibilities of a Scrum Master.
Write a short, persuasive pitch highlighting the benefits of having a Scrum Master on a team.
Practice delivering the pitch to different audiences.

Practice Scrum Master Interview Questions

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Prepare for job interviews by practicing common Scrum Master interview questions with a peer.

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Find a peer or classmate to practice with.
Gather a list of common Scrum Master interview questions.
Take turns asking and answering questions, providing feedback to each other.

Volunteer as a Scrum Master for a Non-Profit

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Gain real-world experience by volunteering as a Scrum Master for a non-profit organization.

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Identify a non-profit organization that could benefit from Scrum.
Offer your services as a volunteer Scrum Master.
Apply your Scrum knowledge to help the team deliver value.
Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Scrum Master: The Path to Success will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Scrum Consultant

A Scrum Consultant works with organizations to implement and improve their use of the Scrum framework. As this course focuses specifically on the role of Scrum Master and the application of Scrum framework, it helps develop the knowledge and skills needed to consult in this space. Understanding the Scrum process, the role of Scrum Master, and how to navigate challenges are all topics covered in this course, and are directly applicable to consulting. The practical experience gained through labs may help a consultant provide more effective advice and guidance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scrum Consultant

Agile Coach

An Agile Coach guides teams and organizations in adopting and improving Agile practices. As the course focuses on Scrum, a widely used Agile framework, it may help one build a foundation to become an Agile Coach. This course's emphasis on the Scrum Master role, with a focus on facilitation, coaching, and servant leadership, can be extremely helpful. The modules on working agreements, retrospectives, and conflict resolution may help a professional build their capabilities to effectively coach teams using Agile frameworks. The course provides an understanding of how to improve team effectiveness.

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Team Coach

A Team Coach works with groups to improve their performance, collaboration, and overall effectiveness. This course focuses heavily on the Scrum Master role, which acts as a coach. The course's exploration of servant leadership, team dynamics, and techniques for resolving conflict are directly applicable to a Team Coach role. The content on working agreements, retrospectives, and continuous improvement may help one build the skills for coaching teams to achieve their goals. This course may equip professionals to coach real teams.

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Agile Project Manager

An Agile Project Manager leads projects using Agile methodologies, ensuring teams adhere to principles and deliver value efficiently. This course, focusing on Scrum, a widely used Agile framework, helps build a foundation for this role. The deep dive into Scrum processes, artifacts, and roles, particularly the Scrum Master, provides a comprehensive understanding of how Agile teams operate. The skills in stakeholder management, team facilitation, and coaching, all covered in the course are directly applicable to managing Agile projects. The course may help one understand how to navigate complexities and drive successful project outcomes.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. While this course focuses on the Scrum framework, knowledge of Agile methodologies and their team-based structure helps provide a different approach to project management, one that prioritizes team collaboration. The course's emphasis on stakeholder management, team facilitation, and navigating project challenges, all help give a well-rounded view of project management. Practical labs and projects may help hone skills to successfully drive projects to completion.

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Program Manager

A Program Manager oversees multiple related projects, ensuring they align with overall strategic goals. While this course is centered on the Scrum framework and the role of a Scrum Master, the skills and knowledge gained may help a prospective Program Manager. Understanding Agile principles, facilitating team collaboration, and removing obstacles, all core tenets of Scrum, are essential when managing complex programs. This course's focus on team dynamics may help one with program-level project management, by understanding and supporting the diverse teams working to accomplish a larger goal.

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Project Coordinator

A Project Coordinator supports project managers by facilitating team communication and ensuring projects stay on track. This course helps develop a deep understanding of the Scrum framework, a common methodology in many organizations. Knowing the Scrum process, the nature of the Scrum Master role, and how to support a team will help a Project Coordinator work effectively within a project environment. The course may help build skills in stakeholder management, team facilitation, and coaching which are valuable for project coordination, as well as navigating change and fostering collaboration.

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Team Lead

A Team Lead guides and supports a team, fostering collaboration and ensuring goals are met. This course's focus on the Scrum Master role, which emphasizes facilitation, coaching, and servant leadership, helps build a foundation for a Team Lead role. By learning about working agreements, retrospective techniques, and conflict resolution, participants learn how to create a productive and positive team environment. The course may be useful for learning how to navigate team challenges and promote continuous improvement.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst identifies business needs and translates them into actionable requirements for projects. This course, while centered on Scrum and the Scrum Master, may help one understand how to work with product owners to refine the backlog and develop product goals, providing a valuable perspective on project requirements. The focus on collaboration within a team, which is discussed throughout the course, may help a Business Analyst more effectively communicate and coordinate with stakeholders. A deeper understanding of project dynamics and the Scrum framework can prove very helpful.

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Change Management Specialist

A Change Management Specialist helps organizations navigate transitions by implementing strategies to increase adoption and minimize disruption. This course, with its focus on Scrum and Agile principles, may be useful in understanding how teams respond to change. The modules on navigating complexity and change, including analyzing resistance and applying change models, provide a valuable perspective on handling transitions. The understanding of working agreements and stakeholder engagement may also contribute to the effectiveness of a Change Management Specialist.

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Process Improvement Specialist

A Process Improvement Specialist analyzes and optimizes processes to increase efficiency and productivity. This course delves into Scrum principles, which emphasize continuous improvement. By gaining practical experience in running retrospectives and addressing team dysfunction, a learner may understand how to identify and address process bottlenecks. The course may help one build skills to foster collaboration and drive successful project outcomes, which are critical for process optimization, using the Scrum framework.

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Product Owner

A Product Owner defines the vision and goals for a product, working closely with development teams to deliver value. This course, which explores the collaboration between the Scrum Master and Product Owner, may help one understand the dynamics of that relationship. The focus on developing a product vision and goals, as well as backlog refinement, is pertinent to the Product Owner role. The course may provide a greater understanding of the different roles, responsibilities, and collaboration between product owners and the team that they support.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant provides expert advice to organizations, helping them solve problems and improve performance. This course, while focused on the Scrum Master role, may help one understand team dynamics, project management methodologies, and organizational structures. A consultant who understands how Scrum works and the importance of team collaboration can be more effective in recommending improvements, especially for organizations using Agile methodologies. The modules on identifying impediments and navigating complexity may also be useful in a consulting context.

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Training Facilitator

A Training Facilitator delivers training programs, guiding participants through learning activities and ensuring they acquire new skills. This course may help one build skills in facilitation, coaching, and working with groups, which are directly applicable to training. The course's focus on working agreements, retrospectives, and conflict resolution may help one create a positive and effective training environment. The skill of guiding teams through a process that is developed in the course may be useful when facilitating training sessions.

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Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates learning materials and experiences, often for workplace training. This course, with its emphasis on learning objectives and practical application through hands-on labs, can provide insight into effective training design. Understanding team dynamics and facilitation techniques, which are part of this course, may help an Instructional Designer craft engaging training programs. The course may help one gain a perspective on how to structure team projects and deliver practical, skills-based training.

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Scrum Master

The Path to Success

What's inside

Learning objectives

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