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With 66% of Agile businesses using the Scrum framework (The Tech Report), project-oriented professionals with strong Scrum Master skills are in high demand! This course gives aspiring project professionals a thorough grounding in the basics of the Scrum Master role. No prior experience required.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn about the essential aspects of being a Scrum Master. By contrasting Scrum with traditional project management methods, you’ll gain a deep understanding of why Scrum is a game-changer in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Read more

With 66% of Agile businesses using the Scrum framework (The Tech Report), project-oriented professionals with strong Scrum Master skills are in high demand! This course gives aspiring project professionals a thorough grounding in the basics of the Scrum Master role. No prior experience required.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn about the essential aspects of being a Scrum Master. By contrasting Scrum with traditional project management methods, you’ll gain a deep understanding of why Scrum is a game-changer in today’s dynamic business landscape.

You’ll learn about the key responsibilities and skills required for the role of a Scrum Master. You’ll explore the Scrum framework and discover how the Scrum Master supports the team and organization, focusing on daily tasks and essential competencies. You’ll also gain insights into career opportunities for Scrum Masters, including job requirements, salary ranges, and how to align your skills with available positions.

Additionally, you’ll discover the different certifications, such as PMI-ACP, PMI-DASM, and the Scrum Alliance CSM, which can enhance your qualifications and open doors to career advancement. Plus, you’ll explore opportunities for Scrum Masters beyond IT and learn how to refine your resume for the role.

Through practice and real-life scenarios, you’ll develop your abilities to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and drive successful project outcomes. And, at the end of the course, you’ll complete a project where you’ll analyze the potential opportunities and threats the Scrum Master role brings to an organization. Ideal for talking about in interviews!

If you’re a project-oriented professional looking to add Scrum Master to your skillset, ENROLL TODAY and kick-start your Scrum Master journey.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Essential understanding of the scrum master role, including the position description, benefits of the position, and key skills required for success.
  • A good understanding of how the role of the scrum master compares and contrasts to a traditional project manager.
  • Full appreciation of the opportunities for scrum masters in the current work environment, including potential employment, job requirements, and salary ranges.
  • Understanding of the certification opportunities in agile and scrum, including scrum alliance csm, pmi-acp, and pmi-dasm.

Syllabus

Module 1: The Role of the Scrum Master
Reading: Module 1 Introduction and Learning Objectives
Reading: Module 1 Overview
Video: Scrum Master Role and Benefits
Read more
Video: Expert Viewpoints: What Does the Scrum Master Do?
Video: Scrum Master Skill Inventory
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Scrum Master Skills
Video: A Day in the Life of a Scrum Master
Reading: Adaptive Methodologies
Lab: Case Study: The Role of a Scrum Master
Reading: Module 1 Summary: The Role of the Scrum Master
Practice Quiz: Module 1 The Role of the Scrum Master
Reading: Module 1 Glossary: The Role of the Scrum Master
Graded Quiz: Module 1 The Role of the Scrum Master
Discussion Prompt: Introduce Yourself and Why You Are Interested in Scrum
Module 2: Scrum Master Opportunities
Reading: Module 2 Introduction and Learning Objectives
Reading: Module 2 Overview
Video: Scrum Master and Traditional Project Manager Comparison
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Traditional Project Management and the Scrum Master
Video: Developing Scrum Master Skills
Video: Scrum Master Employment Opportunities
Video: Scrum Master Levels
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Why Become a Scrum Master
Lab: Potential Scrum Master Job Opportunities
Reading: Module 2 Summary: Scrum Master Opportunities
Practice Quiz: Module 2 Scrum Master Opportunities
Reading: Module 2 Glossary: Scrum Master Opportunities
Graded Quiz: Module 2 Scrum Master Opportunities
Discussion Prompt: Are You Now More or Less Motivated to Pursue the Role of Scrum Master? Why?
Module 3: Scrum Master Job Overview and Opportunities
Reading: Module 3 Introduction and Learning Objectives
Reading: Module 3 Overview
Reading: Module 1 and 2 Recap
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Scrum Master Employment
Video: The Path to Certification PMI-ACP, PMI-DASM, and CSM
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Scrum Master Job Environment
Reading: Module 3 Glossary: Scrum Master Job Overview and Opportunities
Practice Assessment: Scrum Master Job Overview and Opportunities
Reading: Course Glossary: Scrum Master Job Overview and Opportunities
Graded Assessment: Scrum Master Job Overview and Opportunities
Module 4: Final Project [HONORS]
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Advice for Aspiring Scrum Masters
Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps
Reading: Thanks from the Course Team
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
Reading: Final Project Overview
Lab: Project Scenario
Lab: Exercise 1: Perform a SWOT Analysis
Lab: Exercise 2: Take Action Based on SWOT Analysis
Lab: Peer review: Getting Ready to Implement Scrum

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Contrasts Scrum with traditional project management, which helps learners understand its value in dynamic business environments
Explores Scrum Master career opportunities, including job requirements and salary ranges, which helps learners prepare for the job market
Includes a final project where learners analyze the opportunities and threats of the Scrum Master role, which is ideal for interview preparation
Discusses certifications like PMI-ACP, PMI-DASM, and Scrum Alliance CSM, which can enhance qualifications and open doors to career advancement
Includes video content featuring expert viewpoints, which may offer learners insights from experienced professionals in the field
Requires learners to perform a SWOT analysis in the final project, which may require additional research and knowledge of business strategy

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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: Job Role Basics with these activities:
Review Agile Principles
Solidify your understanding of Agile principles to better grasp the Scrum framework and its values.
Browse courses on Agile Principles
Show steps
  • Read the Agile Manifesto and its 12 principles.
  • Reflect on how these principles differ from traditional project management.
  • Identify examples of Agile principles in action.
Review 'The Scrum Guide'
Familiarize yourself with the official Scrum Guide to ensure a solid understanding of the framework.
Show steps
  • Download and read the latest version of the Scrum Guide.
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
  • Refer back to the guide as needed throughout the course.
Review 'Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time'
Gain a deeper understanding of the Scrum framework and its practical applications.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the concepts apply to real-world scenarios.
  • Discuss the book with peers or in online forums.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend Agile Meetups
Connect with other Agile professionals and learn from their experiences.
Show steps
  • Search for Agile or Scrum meetups in your area.
  • Attend meetups and network with other attendees.
  • Share your experiences and learn from others.
Simulate a Scrum Project
Apply Scrum principles to a simulated project to gain hands-on experience and solidify your understanding.
Show steps
  • Define a project with clear goals and deliverables.
  • Form a simulated Scrum team with defined roles.
  • Plan and execute sprints, holding daily stand-ups and sprint reviews.
  • Conduct a retrospective to identify areas for improvement.
Create a Scrum Master Skills Portfolio
Showcase your Scrum Master skills and experience to potential employers.
Show steps
  • Identify key Scrum Master skills and competencies.
  • Gather examples of your work that demonstrate these skills.
  • Create a portfolio website or document to present your skills and experience.
Refine Your Resume for Scrum Master Roles
Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience for Scrum Master positions.
Show steps
  • Identify keywords and skills commonly listed in Scrum Master job descriptions.
  • Update your resume to include these keywords and skills.
  • Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments.
  • Seek feedback on your resume from career advisors or experienced Scrum Masters.

Career center

Learners who complete Scrum Master: Job Role Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Scrum Master
A Scrum Master is a facilitator for a project team, ensuring they adhere to the Scrum framework. This course explores the Scrum Master role, contrasting it with traditional project management, which helps build a strong foundation for understanding the responsibilities of a Scrum Master. The course also covers essential skills and competencies, as well as how to support the team and the organization. It also provides insight into the Scrum job market, salary ranges and various certifications relevant to the role such as PMI-ACP, PMI-DASM, and the Scrum Alliance CSM.
Agile Coach
An Agile Coach guides organizations in adopting and implementing Agile and Scrum methodologies. This course provides a strong foundation in the Scrum framework and the Scrum Master role which is crucial for any Agile coach and helps build understanding of why Scrum is a game-changer. By learning about essential Scrum Master competencies and how to support teams, this course helps build the necessary skills for an aspiring Agile Coach to effectively guide and mentor teams. The course also offers insights into Scrum Master career paths, which often lead to the role of an Agile Coach.
Project Manager
Project Managers oversee project planning, execution, and closure. This course contrasts Scrum with traditional project management, which offers a valuable perspective on various methodologies. By learning about the role of a Scrum Master, a project manager may gain insights into iterative ways of working. Understanding key Scrum concepts and responsibilities in this course can help project managers be more versatile and adapt to different project environments. Specifically, this course’s comparison of Scrum to traditional project management is quite helpful.
Team Lead
A Team Lead is responsible for overseeing a team, ensuring productivity and cohesion. This course provides insight into how the Scrum Master supports a team and an organization. By understanding the Scrum framework and the responsibilities of a Scrum Master, a team lead learns the value of collaboration and iterative development. This course may help a team lead to adopt and integrate some of the values of Scrum methodology into leadership practices to improve team dynamics and efficiency. This course specifically discusses how the Scrum Master fosters collaboration.
Product Owner
A Product Owner defines the product vision and priorities for the development team. While this course focuses specifically on the role of a Scrum Master, learning about the Scrum framework is valuable for Product Owners. Understanding how a Scrum Master supports the team enables the Product Owner to work more effectively with the team. The course introduces the value of scrum, which can help a product owner better understand and communicate product needs. This course may be useful for a product owner to consider a different role in agile development.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst identifies and analyzes business needs and proposes solutions. Understanding Scrum practices, as offered in this course, helps enhance a Business Analyst's understanding of how teams work in agile environments. Learning about the Scrum Master's role provides insights into project workflows, which is critical for effective requirements gathering and solution design. Specifically, learning about the Scrum framework can be useful for a Business Analyst who works with agile teams. This course may be helpful.
Change Manager
A Change Manager helps organizations implement new processes and make transitions effectively. This course highlights the benefits of agile methodologies, which can help a Change Manager understand the shift from traditional methods. Understanding the role of a Scrum Master helps build a solid foundation for managing changes within a project or a team. Specifically, this course's discussion on why Scrum is a 'game-changer' can help a change manager understand the advantages of adopting agile practices. This course may be useful.
Program Manager
A Program Manager oversees multiple related projects with a common objective. This course introduces the Scrum methodology and the role of a Scrum Master, which provides a useful perspective on iterative project management. Understanding the Scrum framework and how Scrum teams operate provides additional tools for a program manager. Although this course does not directly discuss program management, it introduces practices that may be helpful to understanding agile workflows. This course may be useful.
Consultant
A Consultant provides expert advice to organizations to improve their performance. This course offers an understanding of Scrum, which is a valuable skill in today’s business environment. Knowing the fundamentals of the Scrum framework helps a consultant recommend and implement effective strategies. Understanding the role of a Scrum Master can be particularly beneficial for consultants who work in the technology or project management sectors. This course’s approach of contrasting Scrum with traditional project management can be helpful.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager aims to improve operational efficiency within an organization. This course introduces Scrum and how it can be a 'game changer' in dynamic environments, providing a fresh perspective on agile project management. While not directly related to operations, this course can help an operations manager understand the importance of iterative processes. An Operations Manager may find understanding the Scrum Master role beneficial in working with project teams who use agile methods. This course may be useful.
Management Analyst
A management analyst helps organizations improve efficiency and performance by analyzing their operations. This course introduces Scrum, an agile methodology, and contrasts it with traditional project management methods, which can inform an analyst's approach to organizational improvement. Learning about the role of a Scrum Master helps build an understanding of team dynamics and project workflows. This course may be helpful.
Process Improvement Specialist
A process improvement specialist focuses on enhancing business processes for greater efficiency. This course introduces the Scrum framework, which helps reveal how iterative processes can improve project outcomes. This course may help build insights into agile methodologies, which can help identify areas for process improvement. Specifically, the course examines the role of the Scrum Master, which is critical for implementing Scrum effectively. This course may be helpful.
Technical Project Coordinator
A Technical Project Coordinator supports a project team, ensuring projects remain organized and on schedule. This course introduces Scrum, which is a process for managing projects. Learning about the role of a Scrum Master is valuable for a technical project coordinator who may collaborate with agile teams. This course may help a project coordinator understand the scrum framework and the Scrum Master’s responsibilities. The course provides a good introduction to various agile principles.
Training Specialist
A Training Specialist develops and delivers training programs for employees. This course offers insights into the Scrum framework, which may be helpful in creating training content for teams adopting Agile methodologies. Understanding the role of a Scrum Master and the benefits of the position can help a Training Specialist better communicate the value of agile ways of working. This course may be useful.
Business Development Representative
A Business Development Representative seeks to grow a company's customer base. This course explores the dynamics of agile project management. While the course is focused on Scrum, an agile framework for projects, a business development representative may find value in learning how projects are managed. This course may help a business development representative to articulate the benefits of using the Scrum methodology when working with companies who use this methodology. This course may be useful.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Scrum Master: Job Role Basics.
This is the definitive guide to Scrum, written by the creators of the framework. It provides a concise and authoritative overview of Scrum roles, events, artifacts, and rules. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand and implement Scrum effectively. is commonly used as a reference by both academic institutions and industry professionals.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Scrum framework, its origins, and its practical application in various industries. It offers valuable insights into the roles, events, and artifacts of Scrum, making it an essential resource for aspiring Scrum Masters. The book serves as both a foundational text and a practical guide, enhancing the understanding of Scrum principles and their real-world implementation. It is commonly used as a reference by both academic institutions and industry professionals.

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