Ways To Learn About Scrum

Preparation

Many of us have years of experience with Waterfall and command and control style software development processes. Old habits die hard after years of immersion. It takes study and hard work to build Scrum muscle memory needed to succeed. Here are some ways you can learn more about Scrum, and start to break those old habits:

Study

Understanding the Scrum framework is the beginning of applying Scrum successfully. Here are some ways to study and prepare for Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Programs:

  • Read the Scrum Guide, which lays out the overall Scrum framework. There are many good books out there as well.  Agile Project Management with Scrum by Ken Schwaber is well regarded and relatively short.
  • Take a Course:
    • Everyone - Take a Professional Scrum Foundations Course. The Professional Scrum Foundations Course provides excellent hands-on experience and increases attendees experience with Scrum to build Scrum into your muscle memory. This course is recommended but not required for those who feel they are prepared to take the Assessment.
    • Scrum Masters - Take a Professional Scrum Master Course. The Professional Scrum Master Course gives Scrum Masters hands on experience and tools. This course is recommended but not required for those who feel they are prepared to take the Assessment.
    • Product Owners - Take a Professional Scrum Product Owner Course. The Professional Scrum Product Owner Course teaches students how to be an Agile program, product or IT development manager in a complex environment. Bear in mind this course is required for students who wish to take PSPO I & II Assessments.
    • Developers - Take a Professional Scrum Developer Course. The Professional Scrum Developer Course offers role specialization in Microsoft .NET or Java. Bear in mind this course is required for students who wish to take a Professional Scrum Developer Assessment.
  • Join Scrum discussion groups. The Scrum Development Yahoo group is a great place to start.
  • View Scrum.org's Resources page.

Practice

Build your Scrum muscle memory by engaging in discussions and practicing Scrum fundamentals with your team.

  • Take the Scrum Open Assessment multiple times. This assessment is much simpler than the PSM I assessment, but it will familiarize you with the types of questions asked on our other assessments. The Scrum Open assessment is a learning tool, and thus feedback is provided during the test.
  • Apply Scrum in your workplace. As you do, stop to reflect on whether you’re taking advantage of all of the opportunities that the Scrum framework offers, or if you’re using ScrumBut.
  • Be conscious of your decisions as you adapt and evolve with projects complexity and team member's old habits. Think about why Scrum is structured the way it is, and how the Scrum framework differs from traditional management practices.

Register

Once you have solidified your Scrum knowledge and understanding, you're ready to register for an Assessment!