I have been getting lots of questions around how does one can become Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) from Scrum Alliance. I would like to take a crack at explaining path for ScrumMasters to become CSP-SM.
Old Program : The old CSP path has been discontinued by Scrum Alliance as of December, 2017. This path was based on an application process for ScrumMasters/Product Owners/Developers with 3 years of experience in any of these roles. Just forget about this path.. Its gone!
New Program: As of January 2018, one has to follow new path to become CSP. This path has three separate tracks, one for each role. The ScrumMasters become CSP-SM (CSP- ScrumMaster), Product Owners become CSP-PO and Developers become CSP-D. I am going to explain ScrumMaster path for now and paths for other roles are similar.
Step 1: Become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Most are aware of this step since CSM is already a popular certification. Becoming a CSM is the first step to become CSP-SM. This is a 2-day workshop followed by taking an online test. The CSM exam is very easy and pretty much everyone will pass. However, Scrum Alliance expects that the students acquires the essential knowledge in the workshop. The participant gains all the knowledge in the class conducted by Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) who are authorised by Scrum Alliance.
Benefits: After one attending this workshop, they would have very good understanding on Scrum Framework and how and why it works. Besides basic tenets of Scrum Framework, few trainers cover topics like User Stories, Estimations, Release planning.
Visit PowerAgile’s training calendar or contact PowerAgile team to know about our state of the art CSM training.
Step 2: Become an Advanced CSM (A-CSM)
If you are already a CSM and have 12 months of work experience as ScrumMaster in last 5 years, this is your next step in becoming CSP-SM. The expectation for this course is that one has basic understanding of Scrum and also has seen practical issues implementing it. Advanced CSM course is conducted by Scrum Alliance approved “Path to CSP Educator”. While this course could be taught virtual also, our students felt that class room learning is more effective.
Benefits: This workshop gives in depth knowledge of Scrum Framework, how it relates to Agile Manifesto and Lean concepts. You will learn basics on how to coach Product Owner and Development Team members and how to facilitate Scrum team. The learning Objectives of A-CSM requires the educator to have in-depth knowledge of Scrum as well as good facilitation and coaching skills. To get the most value for this workshop, look for a trainer with rich experience.
We are proud to notify that Nanda Lankalapalli is the only trainer approved in India to teach this course as of now. Visit our training calendar or contact PowerAgile team to know about our Advanced CSM training.
Step 3: Become a Certified Scrum Professional (CSP-SM)
This is the last step in the process to become a CSP-SM. One should have an active A-CSM certification and 24 months of experience as ScrumMaster in last 5 years (cumulatively) and attend a CSP-SM workshop conducted by Scrum Alliance approved “Path to CSP Educator”.
Benefits: The new path to CSP-SM is exciting since this path gives focused learning. I can see a big difference between people who became CSP in the old path versus in the new path as far as the skillset is concerned. This course has learning objectives to cover Lean concepts, Systems thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Coaching, Facilitation, Scaling Scrum to large organisations and much deeper understanding about Scrum Framework itself.
Currently, no trainer is approved to teach the course in India. Please stay tuned to know when this course is announced.
If you have any questions on this path, please send an email to trainings@poweragile.com to get help!
