Before Your Workshop
We want you to feel comfortable and have fun during the workshop. We will have a very tight timebox within the course itself, so you will need to do some prep work in advance. Preparation is critical. By doing a little bit of work upfront we can save a great deal of time discussing the mechanics and move onto deeper problems.
Time Commitment
Plan for approximately two hours of total pre-course preparation time.
1. Acceptance Criteria
As part of the course, and in the spirit of Scrum, you write the acceptance criteria for the training itself. In preparation, please prepare a minimum of 3 items that would make you say at the end of the workshop, “Wow, what a great two days!” Detailed beats general or vague.
Examples:
- I understand the importance of a cross-functional team
- I have a deep understanding of the role of a ScrumMaster
- I have six improvements to make in our existing Scrum practice
Then shoot me an email, sharing a little about yourself as well as your acceptance criteria for the training.
2. Pre-reading and Video
Required Reading and Video
- What is Scrum? - brief foundational information and 13 minute video https://agilepainrelief.com/what-is-scrum-in-a-nutshell/ (Optional) Written version of the above video script: https://agilepainrelief.com/the-story-of-a-sprint/
- The Scrum Guide - the definition of Scrum (19 pages): https://scrumguides.org/scrum-guide.html
If you aren’t strongly confident about the role of the Product Owner, also watch this short video: “Agile Product Ownership in a Nutshell” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=502ILHjX9EE) and write a list of 5 new things that you learned. (one video, 16 mins)
Seriously, please prepare beforehand. Successfully certifying in this workshop will depend on you having completed the preparation before the course starts.
3. Virtual Classroom Tech
IGNORE THIS SECTION if you are attending in-person training
For our virtual workshops we will be using a combination of online tools to deliver the training. You will need to prepare well in advance of the course start date, and pre-test all of these tools, to ensure that you’re able to fully participate in the entire course as soon as it starts.
Need solid internet. Webcam and mic ready. Handle Zoom + Mural + Docs at once. Corporate Firewall? “If blocked, switch to personal setup.” Please do not use a VPN. It doesn’t end well. On a single laptop monitor, seeing Zoom and Mural at the same time can be challenging. If you can, a second monitor makes a big difference.
We use the following online tools as our classroom. You can access all of them without creating any account or giving your email address.
Mural Tool
Mural is the virtual whiteboard where the majority of course activity will occur. It’s easy to use, but it’s important that you take a few minutes and familiarize yourself IN ADVANCE of your training with its tools and features.
- PRIOR TO THE COURSE START DATE go to the “Get to Know the Mural Tool”
- Click on “View as a visitor”. You do not need to create an account or give your email address.
- Review and practice with the different tools well before the workshop start date.
Zoom
You didn’t come to training to stare at a whiteboard. You came to learn about, and discuss, Scrum. For that, we’ll need to use Zoom so you can see and hear Mark and your fellow attendees, just like in a classroom.
Prepare by having the Zoom app installed, and using the test feature to ensure you have audio and video working: https://zoom.us/test
Zoom comes in two flavours, a web app and desktop app. Most people who have technical problems in the training tried to use the web app.
To meet Scrum Alliance requirements for certification, **you will need to be visible on camera in the Zoom Conference room *during the entire class.
Real names must be used when logging in to Zoom.
Test your connection to Zoom well in advance of the course in case there are conflicts. Know how to use the Mute/Unmute and Chat features.
Zoom Emergency Contact
If something goes horribly wrong and you can’t connect to the course in Zoom while it’s in session, and you’ve tried everything else possible to solve the problem, text Mark right away and let him know: (613) 862-2538. Also send a brief text message with your name and then connect to the Zoom classroom by phone until connection is restored.
Google Docs
The core exercise of the course will be building a storybook, and you will be doing that in Google Docs. As with Zoom and Mural, if your system can’t access Google Docs, you will need to make arrangements for one that can.
Test that your system can access Google Docs by clicking here to ensure that you can access the sample folder and view the initial contents.
4. Preparation Checklist
When you have completed all preparation, please email Mark at mark@agilepainrelief.com and tell us, so we know that you, and your local system, are fully prepared for start of class.
All Participants
- Review Scrum course preparation materials (reading and videos)
- Introduce yourself, and share your course Acceptance Criteria
Virtual Workshops Only
- Know how to navigate within Mural and create basic elements (draw, sticky notes, etc)
- Connect to Zoom Conference tool and test audio and video using webcam, earbuds/headphones, and mic
- Ensure that your system allows Google Doc access
- Download local copy of course workbook pdf for occasional reference during course
After Your Certified ScrumMaster Training
Scrum Alliance Certification Exam
The certification test email comes directly from the Scrum Alliance (not me) and it sometimes gets caught by spam filters. Please watch for it closely.
If you don’t yet have a Scrum Alliance account, you’ll have to create one using the link in the email they send. The first two years of membership have been paid for you as part of your registration in this course. Some helpful tips about your Scrum Alliance account:
- Click on the link that says you are new to the Scrum Alliance.
- You will be taken to a page where you create a password.
- Note that there is a field for user name. I suggest using your email address, not the user name, when creating your password.
- If you can’t create the password, try using the User ID specified in the ScrumAlliance email.
- Go to the Settings/Certification Dashboard link in the top right-hand corner of the menu to start the exam.
- The test comes up in a pop-up window so, if you have those disabled, you’ll have to allow it.
If you already have a Scrum Alliance account through a different email address, or have trouble gaining access after you’ve received the initial email, be advised that we have no ability to help you access your Scrum Alliance account if you need changes made to your login or address. In these kinds of things, emailing support@scrumalliance.org usually results in quick and easy assistance directly from their support team.
Before you take the test, I strongly recommend that you all reread the Scrum Guide: http://www.scrumguides.org/
Key Points About the Test
- It’s simple.
- 50 questions long, multiple choice, and a time limit of 60 minutes. You won’t be able to pause the test. If you accidentally close the window, you’ll be able to reopen it immediately, but if you lose your internet connection or lose access to the test for an extended period of time, you will have to reach out to support@scrumalliance.org to have a new test set up.
- You get two tries (after that I think you might have to pay a small amount to try again, but it rarely ever happens).
- It covers only what is in the Scrum Guide.
- You have 90 days after taking the class to take the test.
All you need to do is review the Scrum Guide. Don’t worry.
Ongoing Support and Resources
We’re committed to helping you succeed, and that doesn’t end when you leave the workshop.
- We have a newsletter focused on learning: https://agilepainrelief.com/learn/
- You’ll also receive a post class email full of resources
- A follow-up email learning series, so watch for those in your Inbox (or spam folder).
- Plus we regularly hold online Lean Coffee sessions where you can join live Scrum conversations. And tons more resources on this website
FAQs
Do I have to be on camera the whole time? [Virtual workshops only]
Yes, it is a requirement of the Scrum Alliance, the certifying body that we work under, for certification. We will take breaks every hour so you will have plenty of opportunities to step away.
What if I miss class time?
Please let me know as soon as possible what is happening and why so I can help adapt to meet your needs. We’re an empathetic team, however empathy is easier when you know what is happening.
I’ll look forward to seeing you in class!
~ Mark
Get Certified
Explore what Scrum is and how to make it work for you in our Scrum Certification training. Hands-on learning will guide you to improve teamwork, deliver quick feedback, and achieve better products and results.
Registration is now open for workshops:
About this course
Focuses on the role of the team and the ScrumMaster. Get the skills and practical experience necessary to improve teamwork, take the exam, and advance your career with a certification that is in high demand today. Often the best fit for anyone new to Scrum.
Learning and Benefits
Relatable Scenarios
Learn on-the-job applications of key Scrum concepts, skills, principles, along with practical solutions that you can apply the next day for difficult, real-life situations.
Respected Certification
Everything you need to earn your Scrum Alliance® ScrumMaster certification, including exam fee and membership, and so much more.
Practical Exercises
With focus on the challenges that real teams face, and tools to dig deeper. You don’t need more boring Scrum theory. You need something you can sink your teeth into to see immediate results.
Jargon-Free Learning
This workshop is not just for software development or people with a computer science degree. We’ve helped many non-software teams with Scrum.
Career Advancement
Use Scrum knowledge to standout at work, get paid more, and impress your customer, all without burning out.
GenAI for Systems Thinking
Learn the basics of using Generative AI as a tool to support Systems Thinking in your ScrumMaster role. Explore how to leverage GenAI to help uncover patterns, and think more deeply about the systems your team operates in.
Ongoing Support
Your learning doesn’t stop when the workshop ends. You get lifetime access to all course materials, plus a followup email series designed to reinforce your learning objectives and help you apply what you’ve learned on the job.