Live Online Certified Scrum Master and Certified Scrum Product Owner Training FAQs
Hi, I’m Dave Prior and I am a Certified Scrum Trainer. I head up all the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) classes here at LeadingAgile. We recently made a change in how we are delivering our Scrum Certification classes and I wanted to share a little about what those changes are, and also hopefully answer some of the questions we’ve been getting about the change.
With the onset of the health crisis we are facing now with Covid-19 and the coronavirus, LeadingAgile has changed how it is delivering CSM and CSPO classes. Until further notice, all of our CSM and CSPO classes will be conducted live online. We’re able to offer the certification classes in a live online model because the Scrum Alliance has decided to allow live online training until the current health crisis is over. I know I speak for everyone at LeadingAgile when I say that we are very happy with the Scrum Alliance’s decision. We believe that training is an important factor in any organization’s approach to Agile, but safety is also an obvious concern.
Since we announced the change in our approach to CSM and CSPO training, we have had a lot of people inquire about how the training classes will work. I believe there is a fear that it’s going to be 2 solid days of my talking head in your Zoom window… none of us wants that to happen.
How Our Approach Has Changed
One of the biggest changes we’ve made in our approach to CSM and CSPO training is that we’ve added two additional facilitators. The classes will be led by myself, AJ Sanford and Jeff Howie. With the experiences we have each had in the past we felt that having 3 facilitators will allow us to ensure that we are able to deliver quality content, manage the technology and be available for the participants who have questions or need assistance throughout the class. We’re also limiting our class size to 30, so we will maintain a ratio of 1 instructor for every 10 participants (maximum) in class.
How the Class Works
We’ve also restructured how the class works so that we can optimize the path through the material. We’re still covering all of the required Learning Objectives, and asking the participants to validate their coverage in class – just like we do in our in-person training. We feel it is an important aspect of our approach and we want anyone who takes a CSM or CSPO class with us to leave that class knowing all of the required topics were addressed. It’s also important to know that the required topics alone are not enough to prepare you with practical tools and techniques that you can take back to your teams. In moving to an online model, we have increased the number of interactive, collaborative exercises; each major topic will now include one.
We are keenly aware of how challenging it can be to sit in a chair for 8 straight hours and we know that the reality of working from home is that there are interruptions we cannot avoid. In our CSM and CSPO classes, we’ve structured the material so that we take a 10-minute break each hour.
Tools We’re Using
In terms of technology, we are using Zoom with video and Miro. We are asking that everyone attending be present, online, with video and audio on throughout the class. We will use Miro for interactive exercises during the training, but instruction on how to use it is provided during class. Miro requires a license, this will be provided to participants during their time in class.
What’s Staying the Same
Everything else about our training and the certification is the same. CSM requires successful completion of the CSM Exam, which you will take on your own following the training. CSPO does not have an exam. Both the CSM and CSPO certifications are active for a period of 2 years. The cost of your initial membership/certificate setup is covered by LeadingAgile.
How to Make the Most of the New Format
In order to get the most out of your online training, we ask that participants complete the pre-work before class starts; you will receive an email one week prior to class with the information. This will allow you to hit the ground running and allow us to be able to go deeper on more complex topics during our time together.
Contact Us With Any Questions
If you have any questions about our online CSM or CSPO classes, please send an email to training@leadingagile.com