How Much Reading is Required for Scrum Master Certification Levels 1 and 2

Reaching the professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification levels 1 and 2 requires a specific amount of preparation, especially given your experience as a member of a Scrum team. While years of experience working with Cargo Cult Scrum may be valuable, it alone is not enough to pass the PSM II exam. True knowledge comes from a combination of experience and rigorous preparation.

PSM I: A Week of Preparation

PSM I is a relatively straightforward certification, and for those with experience in Scrum, passing the exam should be a manageable task. If you have already been part of a Scrum team and have a foundational understanding of Scrum principles, reading the Scrum Guide a couple of times should be sufficient to prepare you for the exam. The PSM I exam focuses on the core concepts, and with a solid background, you can efficiently cover the necessary material in a week or less.

PSM II: Extensive Reading and Experience

PSM II, on the other hand, is significantly more challenging. The exam is designed to test your ability to apply Scrum principles in a variety of situations, not just your theoretical knowledge. Therefore, a more comprehensive and structured approach to preparation is required.

Reading Strategy for PSM II

To adequately prepare for the PSM II exam, you should adopt a multi-faceted strategy that includes both reading and practical experience. Here are some steps you can follow:

Read Blogs and Books: Start by reading blogs and books that delve into the nuances of Scrum. This will help you understand how Scrum can be applied in different scenarios. You may find these resources particularly useful: Scrum by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland - A comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of Scrum. The Heart of Agile by rolling sprint - A book that covers agile principles beyond Scrum. Scaling Agile for Investors by Craig Larman - A valuable read for understanding the business aspects of Scrum. Certification-Earning Strategy: Apart from reading, you need to take an organized approach to your preparation: Read the Scrum Guide: Review the Scrum Guide multiple times to reinforce your understanding of the core principles. Apply Scrum in Practice: Engage in practical activities, such as facilitation sessions, creating user stories, and planning ceremonies. This hands-on experience will greatly enhance your comprehension of Scrum. Take Part in Mock Exams: Many dedicated websites and forums offer mock exams that mirror the actual PSM II exam. These can be invaluable in assessing your readiness and identifying areas that need further study. Join a Study Group: Collaborating with peers can provide additional support and insights. You can share learning resources, discuss challenging topics, and provide each other with feedback.

The Role of Experience

While reading is crucial, real-world experience plays a significant role in truly understanding and applying Scrum. Having 1 to 2 years of experience as a Scrum Master, Product Owner (PO), or a member of a Scrum team will provide you with a practical perspective that is hard to acquire through reading alone. This experience should be supported by a structured study plan that includes regular reading of relevant materials.

Time Allocation

To summarize, the time required for preparation is as follows:

PSM I: 1 week PSM II: 1 to 2 years of relevant experience plus 1 to 2 months of dedicated reading and study.

By combining these elements—practical experience, structured reading, and regular practice—you can effectively prepare for both PSM I and PSM II certifications, ensuring a strong foundation in Scrum principles and their practical application.