What Is PSM Certification? Benefits, Eligibility, Cost & More

Scrum Framework remains the most sought-after agile methodology. It allows individuals and teams to deliver value incrementally in a collaborative manner. First introduced in 1995 as a technique for addressing complex problems, it has now evolved into the empirical process of decision-making based on observations, experiences, and experimentation.

 

Enterprises across sectors opt for the Scrum framework to efficiently integrate agile methods into their organizational structures. Verifiable Scrum adoption statistics acknowledge Scrum as the most popular agile framework. More than 80% of agile teams use some version of Scrum; those doing full Scrum report 250% quality improvements, and many experience productivity increases of up to 800%.

 

In addition to its evidence-based business advantages, Scrum also favors professionals. Nearly 85% of all Scrum practitioners accept the enhanced quality of their work life, over 75% are willing to recommend the methodology to other colleagues, and most appropriately-certified users attract higher compensation packages.

 

To be constructive with professional Scrum, one must follow the mechanics/fundamentals of the framework, focus on the mindset changes for ways of working/thinking, and embrace Scrum values. That's where Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM) credentials come in handy!

 

Let's explore the “PSM Accreditation Program” from Scrum plus relevant aspects related to Professional Scrum Master Certifications, and uncover  Vinsys' industry-recommended Agile & Scrum blended training solutions.

 

The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) Accreditation Program

It is a collection of 3 globally recognized, admired and trusted Scrum credentials. PSM certifications test and validate your understanding of Scrum principles, values, practices, Scrum Master responsibilities and real-world Scrum applications. 

 

PSM Accreditation Levels: Fundamental, Advanced & Expert

•    Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I) Certification.
•    Professional Scrum Master™ II (PSM II) Certification.
•    Professional Scrum Master™ III (PSM III) Certification.

 

Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I) Certification: The Basic Credential

 

• Validates your knowledge of Scrum as described in the Scrum Guide and Scrum framework. 
• Proves your understanding of Scrum applications and Scrum Master accountabilities.
•  Brings consistent terminology and approach to Scrum.
•  Implies a foundational level of Scrum mastery. 

 

Professional Scrum Master™ II (PSM II) Certification: The Advanced Accreditation

 

•  Validates your advanced knowledge of Scrum and Scrum Master accountabilities.
•  Proves your understanding of applying the Scrum framework.
•  Certifies your ability to support Scrum teams and solve complex real-world problems. 
•  Implies in-depth Scrum Master experience.

 

Professional Scrum Master™ III (PSM III) Certification: The Expert-level

 

•  Validates your distinguished level of Scrum Master expertise
•   Proves your understanding of applying Scrum, Scrum practices and values.
•  Certifies your abilities to perform in complex team and organizational situations. 
• Implies very high-level Scrum knowledge and extensive Scrum Master experience. 

 

PSM Credentials: Professional & Organizational Benefits

 

• Professional Scrum Master certifications ensure a comprehensive understanding of Scrum, Scrum values and practices.
•  Validate your Scrum framework proficiencies. 
•  Certify your know-how of best practices for actual implementations.
•  Permits you or your employees to effectively apply Scrum in real-world scenarios.
•  Add to your risk management abilities. 
•  Help your team members assess organizational preparedness for agile changes.
•  Let you identify possible shortcomings.
•  Facilitate agile-mindset coaching for leadership.
• Establish you and your workforce as credible resources for organizational agile adoptions. 
• Streamline agile adoption initiatives and agile transformations. 
•  Demonstrate strong leadership/coaching skills for handling complex projects in agile environments.
•  Provide value and robust product quality. 
•  Translate into lucrative job prospects with annual salaries of up to $130,000.

 

PSM Certifications: Syllabus & Examination Format

 

Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I)	Syllabus: Understanding & Applying the Scrum Framework (Empiricism, Scrum Values, Scrum Team, Events, Artifacts, Done), Developing People & Teams (Self-Managing Teams, Facilitation, Coaching) & Managing Products with Agility (Forecasting, Release Planning, Product Value, Product Backlog Management, Stakeholders/Customers). Exam Format: 60 Minutes, 80 Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer & True/False Questions, 85% Passing Score with Lifetime Certification Validity + Free Credly Digital Credential.
Professional Scrum Master™ II (PSM II)	Syllabus: Understanding & Applying the Scrum Framework (Empiricism, Scrum Values, Scrum Team, Events, Artifacts, Done), Developing People & Teams (Self-Managing Teams, Facilitation, Leadership Styles, Coaching/Mentoring), Managing Products with Agility (Product Backlog Management, Stakeholders/Customers), Developing & Delivering Products Professionally (Managing Technical Risk) & Evolving the Agile Organization (Organizational Design & Culture). Exam Format: 90 Minutes, 30 Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer & True/False Questions, 85% Passing Score with Lifetime Certification Validity + Free Credly Digital Credential.
Professional Scrum Master™ III (PSM III)	Syllabus: Understanding & Applying the Scrum Framework (Empiricism, Scrum Values, Scrum Team, Events, Artifacts, Done), Developing People & Teams (Self-Managing Teams, Facilitation, Coaching, Mentoring, Teaching) & Managing Products with Agility (Forecasting, Release Planning, Product Value, Stakeholders/Customers). Exam Format: 150 Minutes, 24 Essay Questions, Pass/Did Not Pass Options with Lifetime Certification Validity + Free Credly Digital Credential.

 

 

Professional Scrum Master Credentials: How to Prepare?

 

 

Step 1: Review the Scrum Guide: The Official Scrum Body of Knowledge.  

Step 2: Utilize the free-of-charge Scrum Open Assessment Tool from Scrum.org.

Step 3: Create a baseline of your existing Scrum knowledge.

Step 4: Go through The Professional Scrum™ Competencies & Scrum Guide 2020 Updates.

Step 5: Enroll in Professional Scrum™ Training plus Agile & Scrum Blended Courses from Vinsys. 

 

 

Conclusion - PSM Certification

 

Scrum has stood its ground as the most preferred methodology for integrating agile working into teams across verticals. Deployed as a single agile or hybrid methodology, it empowers your teams to work sequentially and simultaneously with each other.

 

This process results in better project coordination, efficient task completions, and faster quality product developments. 

 

While it's unwise to downplay Scrum's sheer value addition, many companies still struggle to embrace it and face numerous challenges, avoiding successful Scrum deployments. 

 

The Reasonable Approach? Train and develop yourself or your employees as Scrum Masters capable of running projects with Scrum, holding Scrum events, and leading projects towards desirable conclusions.

 

When securing top-notch Scrum Master qualifications, no other credentials come close to the well-earned status of Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM) Certifications.

 

They are the benchmark and score over other similar Scrum accreditations, thanks to their frequent adaptations.