Scrum Alliance Certifications: Benefits and Career Paths
The Scrum Alliance offers a number of different certification paths to become certified in Scrum. According to the Scrum Alliance, Scrum training and certification allows individuals to fulfill the vision of the Agile Manifesto through the furthering of greater collaboration, productivity, and success among team members. Certifications can allow individuals to stay current with best practices, provide networking opportunities with their peers, and strengthen knowledge and practice of processes and concepts within the Scrum framework.
The first certifications that are available through the Scrum Alliance are the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), and Certified Scrum Developer (CSD). Of these three certifications, the Certified ScrumMaster is the most popular. From my own personal experience, I am seeing many more positions from recruiting companies seeking individuals who possess the CSM credential. The Certified Scrum Product Owner credential is more appropriate for those in Product Owner or Product Manager roles, as well as for ScrumMasters who want to become more effective by understanding more about the Product Owner (since ScrumMasters are expected to coach and consult with the Product Owner and Development Team on how to implement agile and Scrum more effectively). Those who have these certifications demonstrate to a potential or current employer that they are dedicated to their individual personal and professional growth. Certifications can enhance a resume or social media profile (such as LinkedIn), and can help an individual obtain a job interview, land a new position, and even increase their compensation!
A more advanced certification offered through the Scrum Alliance is the Certified Scrum Professional (CSP). According to the Scrum Alliance, “Certified Scrum Professionals have demonstrated experience, documented training, and proven knowledge in the art of Scrum. CSPs challenge their Scrum teams to improve the way Scrum and other Agile methods are implemented for every project. If you are an active CSM, CSPO, or CSD who has reached that next level of experience and expertise in the art of Scrum, elevate your career even further by earning the CSP credential.” (https://www.scrumalliance.org/certifications/practitioners/csp-certification)
Finally, those who possess the CSP credential can explore becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), Certified Enterprise Coach, or Certified Team Coach.