This is one of the most asked questions I get often from so many people. Like with any other destination we are trying to go to in our life, there is no fixed path to becoming a Scrum Master but here is my 7-step pathway to becoming a Scrum Master that I would recommend:-

1. Understanding the role of Scrum Master - If you haven't, please take out some time to go through the freely available Scrum Guide from where the role of Scrum Master and the Scrum framework came from.

2. Why you want to be a Scrum Master - Now that you understand at a high level the role of a Scrum Master, why do you think you want to be a Scrum Master? Can you write at least 3-5 reasons and reflect on those to make sure you are clear with your WHY before you start this journey?

3. How does your personality and current, prior experience align with this role?- Now that you understand the role of Scrum Master and are clear with you WHY behind this, answer this question to self-evaluate what parts of your personality and work experience align with the role and responsibilities of Scrum Master?

4. Certification - Now, certification is not mandatory but highly recommended when you are trying to get your first job as a Scrum Master. Here is a link to the video that I have created on this topic. You can consider certification from one of the three certifying bodies. :-

   1. PSM1 (Professional Scrum Master 1) from Scrum.org - It allows you to write the certification exam even without attending the 16-hour training class. If you write the exam directly, the cost of the exam would be $150 per attempt. If you register for the training, the exam fee is included in that and the cost can vary between $600-$1100 depending upon the trainer. The exam difficulty level is the highest for this exam but you can pass with good preparation and mentorship from someone who has cracked it (including myself).

   2. CSM (Certified Scrum Master) from Scrum Alliance- It requires you to attend the 16-hour training class. If you register for the training, the exam fee is included in that and the cost can vary between $600-$1100 depending upon the trainer. The exam difficulty level is the easiest for this exam so you will surely pass.

   3. SAFe Scrum Master from Scaled Agile - Many organizations (with more than 1K employees) are using the scaled Agile framework so this certification can be considered if you are applying for a job in an organization where Scaled Agile framework (built on the foundation of Scrum and other concepts) is being used. It requires you to attend the 16-hour training class (I am certified to offer this). If you register for the training, the exam fee is included in that and the cost can vary between $600-$1100 depending upon the trainer. The exam difficulty level is the medium for this exam so you can easily pass with good preparation (from the LIVE training and self-study).

5. Resume Update - Before you start applying for jobs, it is critical that you update your resume to make sure it aligns your current and prior experience with the role of Scrum Master and the new job description that you are applying for. I would highly recommend taking the help of a mentor for this step as this is crucial to make sure that your profile passes through ATS (Application tracking system) and you get a screening call from HR.

6. Interview Prep -Once your screening is done, then the next step would be an interview. For that, interview prep is needed before you apply for jobs or as you start applying for jobs. Remember, you have to convince the Hiring Manager (for whom you are a complete stranger) as to why you are the best fit for this role and why the Hiring manager should hire you over others. I would highly recommend preparing for this with the help of mock interview practice with a mentor

7. Reflect, Improve and Repeat - Take out time to reflect on each job application you submit, each screening call you to attend and each interview opportunity you get. Evaluate how did you do, what can you do better, make changes as needed, and evaluate or repeat all the above steps except step#4 (related to certification) till you ace the Interview and get your dream Offer.

I hope and wish that you found this helpful. I cannot emphasize enough how having a career transition coach/mentor can make sure that you achieve your desired outcome of getting the offer in the shortest possible timeframe. If you need help on this journey, I would be glad to be your mentor on this journey and see you succeed.

While there is no lack of the resources on the web related to this topic, below are the ones I would recommend to build a foundation for your new Agile related career and get you started

1. Agile Manifesto

2. Scrum Guide

3. Resources from Scrum.Org

   1. Scrum Master Learning Path

   2. Product Owner Learning Path

   3. Agile Leader Learning Path

   4. Many other Resources on Scrum.Org

4. Agile Essentials from Agile Alliance