Does Certification Really Matter?
It’s a question as old as Scrum itself, do I have to get a certificate in Scrum or can I just self study and apply? Over the past couple years, I’ve been able to help both people who are Scrum certified and those who aren’t land a Scrum Master role. That being said, I would personally recommend anyone that is aspiring to become a Scrum Master to get certified.
Here are a few reasons why getting certified can be beneficial:
It shows your commitment to the Scrum framework: By investing in a Scrum certification, you demonstrate to potential employers that you're serious about your career as a Scrum Master and committed to following best practices in the field. It also shows that this isn’t just a hobby for you, that this is something you are truly committed to.
It can improve your job prospects: A Scrum certification can make you a more competitive job candidate, as it shows that you have a thorough understanding of the Scrum framework and how to apply it in a practical setting. I mentioned earlier of helping both people who are certified and people who aren’t - needless to say, the ones who were certified were able to apply to more Scrum Master roles and were much more likely to get hired.
It can increase your credibility: A Scrum certification can help to increase your credibility with colleagues and clients, as it shows that you have a level of expertise and knowledge that has been recognized by a reputable organization. This can really come through in a big way when you begin working with your new team and they begin learning about your background.
It can improve your skills: Getting a Scrum certification requires a certain level of study and preparation, which can help you to improve your skills and knowledge as a Scrum Master.
Overall, a Scrum certification can be a valuable investment for aspiring Scrum Masters. By demonstrating your commitment to the Scrum framework, improving your job prospects, increasing your credibility, and improving your skills, a Scrum certification can help you advance your career and achieve your goals.