High School

Since the technology industry is a major employer of Scrum masters, it’s a good idea to take as many computer science classes (especially software development classes) as possible in high school. Any classes—such as mathematics, science, social studies, psychology, and philosophy—that help you to develop your critical-thinking and problem-solving skills are recommended. Scrum masters spend a lot of their time teaching and interacting with members of the Scrum team, company executives, Agile coaches, and product owners, so English (including writing) and speech classes will come in handy. As the United States becomes more diverse, learning a foreign language has become even more important because it will allow you to work with team members and customers who do not speak English fluently (or at all), and give you the ability to work in foreign countries, where English is not the primary language.

Postsecondary Education

Scrum masters have degrees in project management, software development, information technology (IT) management, and other IT fields. Others have degrees in business management or a specialized field such as logistics, advanced manufacturing, finance, or engineering and augment this training with Scrum classes and certifications.

Some colleges and universities offer master’s degrees in Agile project management (which feature classes on Scrum and other Agile frameworks). For example, American University in Washington, D.C., offers an online master’s degree in Agile project management. Visit https://catalog.american.edu for more information. Contact schools in your area to learn about available programs.

Certification

Colleges and universities offer certificate programs in Agile, project management, and related fields. Certificates in Agile are offered by Northeastern University (certificate in Agile project management), Georgetown University (certificate in Lean & Agile Practices), Villanova University (certificate in Agile), and other schools.

Other Education or Training

Many organizations provide continuing education (CE) classes that help Scrum masters hone their skills and learn about trends in the field. For example, the Agile Alliance offers webcasts, event sessions, and other CE opportunities. Recent webcasts included Essential Scrum, Manager as Scrum Master, and Scrum and Micro-Retrospectives. Other organizations that offer professional development classes and webcasts include ICAgile, International Institute of Business Analysts, Project Management Institute, and Women in Agile. Contact these organizations for more information.

Online learning platforms such as Udemy offer a variety of Scrum-related classes—some of which are geared toward helping students prepare for certification examinations. Visit Udemy’s Web site, https://www.udemy.com/course/becoming-an-agile-coach, for information about its courses.

Certification or Licensing

Voluntary certification is provided by the Project Management Institute (disciplined Agile Scrum master, disciplined Agile senior Scrum master, and other credentials), Scrum Alliance (certified ScrumMaster, advanced certified ScrumMaster, and other credentials), Scrum.org (professional Scrum master), International Institute of Business Analysts (Agile analysis, which the institute recommends for Scrum masters), and other organizations. Most programs require applicants to have several years of experience and pass an examination.

Scrum masters who are certified typically have a better chance of landing a job and receiving higher pay than those who are not certified. In 2021, certified Scrum masters earned an average of $3,298 more than those who were not certified, according to PayScale.com.

Several years of experience as a software development project manager or Scrum team member or work in another career that involves project management are required to enter this field.

You will need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a love of teaching and coaching, and strong leadership ability to be successful in this career. Other important traits include top-notch powers of persuasion, patience, empathy and conflict resolution skills to address personality disputes and other issues; strong problem-solving and organizational ability; adaptability; flexibility; creativity; a positive personality; and a willingness to continue to learn throughout your career.