What Is Scrum Certification?
Scrum is a project management approach that was originally created for software development projects but is now used to facilitate the completion of any complex project in any industry. Certification programs allow practitioners to earn the title "Certified ScrumMaster."
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History
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Scrum methodology got its name from the scrum arrangement used by rugby teams. Scrum evolved out of the belief system of Agile Software Development's manifesto, which values
"individuals and interactions over processes and tools; working software over comprehensive documentation; customer collaboration over contract negotiation; responding to change over following a plan."
In 1993, Jeff Sutherland used these principles as the foundation for the Scrum methodology, borrowing the term "scrum" from an analogy by Takeuchi and Nonaka ("Harvard Business Review," 1986) that likened successful development teams to the scrum arrangement used by rugby teams.
Scrum Framework
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The Scrum Alliance defines the Framework as a repeating cycle that tackles pieces of a prioritized task list in short "sprints," each lasting usually less than a month. Daily meetings track progress, solve problems cooperatively and aid team members in keeping focused. The aim is to achieve deliverable work at the conclusion of the sprint. Prior to the next sprint, the team conducts a review and retrospective designed for continuous process improvement on each piece.
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Benefits of Certification
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While the Scrum framework is simple, practical application can be daunting. Certification training goes beyond the theory and gives new practitioners the skills to put the ideas to work. Training and certification also gives practitioners access to the the very active and vocal community of Scrum users. This community offers continued support and a network of resources with new ideas for application and improved performance. Certification training courses and assessments are offered worldwide.
Considerations
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Certification involves taking an exam to show understanding of the Scrum framework, workings and roles. Some organizations, such as Scrum.org, offer assessments that are open to the public for a fee. You can register and take their online 60-minute exam even if you have not taken one of their classes. Other groups require attendance in a two-day group class prior to giving the certification exam. This divergence illustrates the ongoing debate over how best to certify practitioners. Yet, Scrum organizations all agree that ongoing communication with the community of users contributes to the success of the practice.
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References
- Photo Credit rugby scrum black silhoutte image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
