Frequently Asked Questions on the ScrumMaster Role
Q. Is ScrumMaster a job title or a role that someone with an existing job title fills?
A. It is first and foremost a role in Scrum but may also be used as a title where a person is filling that role for multiple teams and it becomes a full time job.
- ScrumMaster is a role that may be appended to a regular job title (e.g., "Sr. Software Engineer – ScrumMaster")
- In the case of a "full time" ScrumMaster it may be their entire job title
Q. Can it be a role and still have a career path?
A. Yes, a typical career path includes levels (associate, junior, senior). The ScrumMaster path looks more like "steps or supplements added to other job title oriented career paths" with options and branches rather than a linear ladder.
Q. How do you add it to your title on email, business card etc?
A. ScrumMasters meeting qualifications may append "- ScrumMaster" to their regular job title and may also show CSM or other certifications.
Q. What models for ScrumMaster and team should we consider?
A. Valid options include:
- Full time ScrumMaster for one or two teams and/or Scrum of Scrums
- Part time ScrumMaster added to functional job title responsibilities (not ideal)
Q. Is a ScrumMaster on the team – are they considered a team member?
A. The ScrumMaster is a team member who could contribute as:
- A working member contributing work in addition to the ScrumMaster role
- A facilitator (typically for full time ScrumMasters), potentially allowing more objectivity
Q. What is a ScrumMaster responsible for?
A. "A ScrumMaster does assume responsibility for the team's adoption of Scrum and practice of it," though project success remains with the team.
Q. How much time should a person expect to spend on ScrumMaster activities instead of primary job title activities?
A. The role should be a top priority with time varying by sprint. Newly formed teams typically require 50%-100% of a ScrumMaster's time, while experienced ScrumMasters with established teams might spend 50% or less.
Q. How many Scrum teams would we expect a full time ScrumMaster to handle?
A. One or at most two teams.
Q. If you were a "full time" ScrumMaster what title would you have?
A. "ScrumMaster" when not appended to another title indicates full time responsibility.
Q. Would the title for a Scrum of Scrums ScrumMaster typically be a Project Manager?
A. Not necessarily—only if they have prior project management qualifications. Otherwise their title would simply be "ScrumMaster."
Q. What skills and experience do I gain?
A. ScrumMasters develop leadership and interpersonal skills along with training in scrum and agile development.
Q. What qualifies as continuing education and who needs to approve it?
A. Continuing education activities include:
- Internal, onsite, or public agile training classes
- Agile topic meetings at local professional organizations
- Agile workshops and seminars
- National or international agile software development conferences
Management approves individual costs, with the company publishing guidelines for qualified activities.
Q. What professional certifications are applicable to a ScrumMaster?
A. The Scrum Alliance offers several levels:
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – required to serve as a ScrumMaster; requires 6 month commitment
- Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) – requires 3 years experience; 12 month commitment
- Certified Scrum Coach (CSC) – requires more than 5 years experience
Q. Should the company support and pay for people to become certified?
A. Yes, based on the individual's ongoing commitment to apply certified skills.
Q. Is certification required?
A. CSM is required to become and serve as a ScrumMaster. Additional certifications are not required but supported and encouraged. Active ScrumMasters must spend at least 2 days per year on continuing education.
Q. Will the company pay for advanced certifications?
A. Yes, based on individuals' continuing commitment to serve as ScrumMaster using the certified skills.
Q. What recognition and reward do I receive?
A. Opportunities include:
- Recognition from management and team members
- Career development and training opportunities
- Participation in the company ScrumMaster community
- Resume building
- Certification
Q. Should there be a financial reward for being a ScrumMaster?
A. Additional financial compensation may be appropriate to recognize the added commitment. Opinions differ: some note the role "feels like a thankless job," while others question whether financial incentives are necessary for commitment.