What's Next after Certified ScrumMaster certification?

Earning my Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification was a career-changing event that took my professional journey to the next level. It not only opened countless doors for me but also brought tangible benefits, like increasing my salary and quickly growing my network . What surprised me the most was how rapidly I was able to connect with like-minded professionals and organizations looking for certified Scrum Masters to lead their Agile transformations.

After experiencing the value of a CSM certification firsthand, I became eager for even more growth and opportunity. Conversations with my colleagues and peers revealed that I wasn’t alone in this curiosity—many professionals who achieve their CSM start wondering what their next steps should be to continue growing their skills, advancing their careers, and making a greater impact in their organizations.

Before diving into the options and opportunities available after earning a Certified ScrumMaster certification, it’s essential to first understand the basics of what CSM represents and how it lays the foundation for future growth. Whether you’re considering advanced certifications, exploring leadership roles, or looking to deepen your Agile expertise, the path forward from CSM is filled with exciting possibilities. Let’s explore them together!

What does a Certified ScrumMaster do?

A Certified ScrumMaster clears roadblocks and ensures everyone works together cohesively. You could describe a ScrumMaster as a servant leader [https://www.greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/] or a behind-the-scenes superhero.

A ScrumMaster understands leadership is not about having power or barking orders, but about helping the team become as efficient as possible to produce their best work. This person clears obstacles and facilitates listening and understanding in the workplace.

You’ll see a ScrumMaster working with the Product Owner to help create meaningful requirements while at the same time working with the team to help find ways to help them deliver meaningful results.

Great ScrumMasters are also collaborating with other teams as well as with management. A strong ScrumMaster shouldn’t just be a dictator, but a supportive leader, problem-solver, and cheerleader, and an agile coach all rolled into one.

Is there value with a Certified ScrumMaster certification?

Absolutely! There’s a reason why executives, hiring managers, and teams prefer candidates with a CSM certification over just experience. Imagine two chefs. One trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris, and the other learned by working in restaurants. Both can cook, but which one would you trust to whip up a flawless soufflé every single time?

The chef who studied at Le Cordon Bleu underwent formal training, learning the intricacies of technique, flavor balance, and kitchen management. They understand the science behind cooking. The self-taught experienced chef may know many tricks, but their knowledge might have gaps from not having a structured, formal education.

The same goes for ScrumMasters. A certification ensures standardized knowledge. It shows they’ve studied core principles, learned best practices, and deeply understand the Scrum framework. A Certified ScrumMaster learned a comprehensive skillset consistent with best practices in various industries. Similar to trusting the Le Cordon Bleu chef with complex dishes, a certified ScrumMaster provides that same level of reliability in supporting agile teams.

How much does a Certified Scrum Master make?

The average Scrum Master in the United States makes $108,150 annually [https://builtin.com/salaries/project-mgmt/scrum-master], depending on various factors.  Entry-level positions typically start at $72,292. Those with seven years of experience and up can earn an average of $131,146 annually. Your income will depend on your overall skills, knowledge, and marketing skills, as well as your region, industry, and years of experience.

Does the Certified ScrumMaster certification expire?

This won’t be a one-and-done solution. The Certified ScrumMaster certification does expire, and you’ll need to renew your certification every two years [https://hyperdriveagile.com/training/courses/csm]. If you take your initial certification through Hyperdrive [https://hyperdriveagile.com/training/courses/csm], you’ll be reminded when it’s time to renew. Updating your skills through course renewal keeps your knowledge fresh and shows you’re up-to-date.

So, what’s next after CSM?

While a certification can quickly bring exciting changes to your career, it also requires maintenance. Just like sharpening knives to maintain their function, ScrumMasters require their own version of upkeep and care.

Build Connections

Scrum meetups and conferences provide engagement and learning opportunities from the pros. Conversations with others in the community can spark new ideas. Plus, it’s a chance to hear from experts and learn about industry trends. These are also great events to meet other professionals and hiring managers.

One trick I’ve learned over the years is to select events in cities I actually want to visit. Where would you like to spend your next vacation? Conduct a little research to find out if there are any conferences coming up in that region. While there are many conferences in North America, you’ll also see events in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Go Beyond the Basics

Consider the CSM certification your foundation for learning. Read books and articles on advanced Scrum practices. You’ll find fresh techniques to apply and adjust in your team. Consider writing a personal blog sharing your experiences as a Certified Scrum Master to build your personal brand as a professional Scrum Master, leading to more opportunities down the road.

Hyperdrive Advanced Courses

For a deeper understanding of Scrum, join Hyperdrive’s virtual classes. The Advanced Certified ScrumMaster training is a favorite, resonating with ScrumMasters itching to go beyond the basics of Scrum.

Take a look and see if any other certifications pique your interest!

• Certified Scrum Product Owner
• Certified Scrum Product Owner for AI Projects
• Advanced Certified ScrumMaster
• Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner
• Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster
• Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner

###Use Retrospectives for Yourself

Retrospectives aren’t just for teams. Look back at your actions and decisions. Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. This self-accountability helps you see where you can improve. Apply Scrum principles and practices in your own life as well. Imagine your career as an “agile project.”

Write down your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Consider weaknesses and threats as “obstacles” to your success, so eliminate them gradually using available resources. You’ll be surprised at how much you can personally progress using the skills you’ve earned in Scrum.

Mentor Others

An old adage states, "By teaching, the teacher learns more than the students.” Teaching strengthens understanding. Helping someone grow often deepens your knowledge on the subject. You can volunteer at non-profit organizations teaching Scrum techniques. Forums and online communities can also provide mentorship and education opportunities. LinkedIn groups or subreddits on Agile and Scrum are great places to ask questions, share experiences, and gain diverse perspectives.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practicing Scrum techniques in your personal life can improve Scrum tactics in your professional life. Whether you’re planning a vacation or executing a small project around the house, Scrum principles can apply. Practice makes perfect, even outside the workplace.

Staying sharp as a ScrumMaster requires a continuous journey of learning, reflecting, and improving. Keep asking yourself, “What’s next?” and you’ll continue growing and earning more as a Certified ScrumMaster.