What is a Scrum Master – Definition and Why You Need a Certified One

While the term “Scrum Master” is not some made-up character out of a video game, it is, in fact, a very serious job, with lots of responsibilities. They are tasked with overseeing that Scrum methods are being observed and make sure all processes are running smoothly for everybody involved. Before we define Scrum Master, we need to get a definition of Scrum.

What is Scrum?

Scrum is a way of organizing all of the tasks and processes that go on in software projects and enables teams to work cohesively together and create top-quality results by having more of an adaptive approach to a problem. This type of methodology is not difficult to implement inside your organization.

It promotes communication, which helps produce software that solves all of the client’s needs. Due to its many benefits, Scrum is growing in popularity, with 89% of agile users employing Scrum.

Since Scrum is so popular, it further underlines the importance of an agile Scrum Master since a team cannot function without such a leader. With this in mind, let’s dive deeper into this crucial role.

Scrum Master Description

This role includes managing only the processes the team is engaged in. This is very important to understand because they are not involved in any decision-making, but rather serve as a mentor to help the team navigate Scrum processes. Since not everybody is proficient with the method or maybe new to it altogether, the Scrum Master must help team members grasp all the concepts and theories that the methodology entails.

With this in mind, the Scrum Master must be careful, not over-evangelize Scrum to the software development team and constantly yell at them about doing something not exactly the right way. This would not be helpful to the overall success of a project. A good way of imaging what does a Scrum Master do is thinking of them as a quarterback of a football team. While the coach makes all the decisions about which plays to run and the overall strategy, the quarterback is responsible for implementing all the processes to run the game correctly. Therefore, think of a Scrum Master as a quarterback or a center fielder, point guard, or any other sports position in charge of organizing and running processes.

Do I Really Need a Scrum Master?

The Agile manifesto places great importance on the person in this role and deservingly so. The Scrum Master will oversee and ascertain that agile processes are implemented in the best possible way. This person will be vital in making sure timelines are being observed because they will be able to train and mentor other team members on the best practices of Scrum and can establish a pace of development that is sustainable throughout the project. A lot of times, aggressive product owners demand features too quickly, and a Scrum Master can protect the team from a detrimental increase in development speed.

Does This Sound Like a Career for You?

There are lots of courses out there that will allow you to get a certificate in Scrum. Lots of people have utilized this approach. Over the duration of the course, you will learn all about Scrum, and you will become acquainted with all the things a Scrum Master has to do. However, along with a certificate, you will also need some practical experience to land a job. If you have both, you will open up more career opportunities and be in demand across many industries.

The test will cover all sorts of aspects of methodology, such as its history, fundamentals, and processes. More detailed questions pertaining to Scrum processes will also be on the test. These include:

• Release planning
• Scalability
• Sprints
• Scrum roles

You will have 90 minutes to complete the test, and you will be able to use your notes as well. Also, you will not have to guess whether or not you passed the test because the results will be available immediately afterward, and you will see which question you got wrong. If you did not pass the test, you would be able to take it again, for free, one time.

If you have read all the information above and decided that this is something you would like to pursue, the role of Scrum Master is definitely rewarding. However, be sure to keep in mind that you will have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. If you are looking to hone your leadership and organizational skills, being a Scrum Master is something you should consider. Try learning a little bit more about it and if you feel it’s right for you, then definitely go for it.