"A thoughtful, learned and caring Scrum Master can be compared to an organic gardener, lovingly preparing the organisational soil, letting change emerge, nurturing it, guiding the growth patiently, gently and naturally, and removing weeds without introducing toxins." — from The Scrum Master Journey

CSP-SM Overview

This page describes the third phase of the Scrum Master Journey, culminating in the Scrum Alliance CSP-SM certificate. The Scrum Master Journey is an ongoing program of self-learning, mentorship, community interaction and multiple facilitated workshops over a period of 3-12 months. Participants can join the program at any time, and will work at their own pace. To join the CSP-SM phase participants would need to have completed the CSM and the A-CSM.

It is recommended that all applicants read The Scrum Master Journey in full—and be aware that there are other routes to achieve the CSP-SM which may be faster and/or easier.

CSP-SM Program Outline

The participant must be able to prove two years' work experience as a Scrum Master to achieve the CSP-SM designation. It is recommended the work experience is gained in parallel with this course of study.

Entry Requirements

1. Scrum Alliance CSM designation
2. Scrum Alliance ACSM designation
3. Completed all Scrum Master Journey phase 2 workshops
4. Completed all Scrum Master Journey phase 2 reading

Mentorship

Identify someone to mentor you. Ideally this will be someone who is a little further on their Scrum Master journey than you, but it is equally effective to work with someone who is also undertaking the CSP-SM in parallel with you. A list of willing mentors can be found here. Your mentor's job is to guide you through the CSP-SM learning objectives. That's all. He or she is not a personal coach.

If you have completed earlier phases of The Scrum Master journey you are invited to act as a mentor to new Scrum Masters.

Individual Study

1. Study CSP-SM learning objectives, discuss with mentor. Be confident that each learning objective is met
2. Read at least one non-Agile book that relates to self-organisation or management through release, e.g. Artful Making by Austin/Devin, Surfing the Edge of Chaos by Pascale et al, Slack by Tom DeMarco, The Starfish and the Spider by Brafman/Beckstrom, Maverick by Ricardo Semler, The Answer to How is Yes by Peter Block
3. Read The People's Scrum by Tobias Mayer
4. Write a book review describing how you were inspired and what ideas you will attempt to implement, or are currently implementing, in your workplace

Interactive Work

1. Attend at least four Scrum Master Labs
2. Pair with your own mentor to work through the CSP-SM learning objectives
3. Attend at least one Scrum Exchange, Scrum Gathering or similar event as a speaker or session facilitator
4. Write a review of the event, and how it affected your journey, or
5. Write an experience report, describing how you are applying the CSP-SM learning objectives
6. Attend two Scrum Master Journey Phase 3 workshops.
• Empathic Facilitation (or another accepted Facilitation workshop)
• Emergent Leadership

Written work will be reviewed by the CST and/or the student's own mentor. Students are free to publish the work on their blog, the Scrum Alliance website, or elsewhere to receive wider feedback from the community. If preferred a student may create a video, podcast or some other form to express the same intent.

Cost

The full cost of the CSP-SM is £1,200. This is paid in instalments

• £250 upfront to cover ongoing administration costs
• £300 for the 1-day Empathic Facilitation workshop
• £600 for the 2-day Emergent Leadership workshop
• £50 final payment to cover the Scrum Alliance certification cost

Getting Started

1. Contact Tobias Mayer by email to register
2. Sign up for the next Scrum Master Clinic
3. Print out the Student Worksheet and the Learning Objectives List ...and start working :)