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Advanced Certified ScrumMaster
(A-CSM)
Student Resources
We've created this page to help A-CSM students get ready for the course.
Scrum Guide
The Scrum Guide changes every few years. The latest version is from November of 2020. If you haven't read it in the last few months, please refresh your memory by reading it again before your A-CSM course begins.
The Scrum Guide, written by Scrum's co-creators, is considered the true definition of Scrum.
The Scrum Guide, written by Scrum's co-creators, is considered the true definition of Scrum.
Core Scrum
Core Scrum (or the Agile Atlas) pre-dates the Scrum Guide as the first ever definition of Scrum. Though it has never been updated, it is still a great resource for the original public definition of Scrum. Our A-CSM students are encouraged to read this definition of Scrum. It is not mandatory to know this material for class.
ScrumMaster Checklist
An adequate Scrum Master can handle 2 or 3 teams at once. A GREAT Scrum Master can handle one team at a time. It is our strong recommendation that you try to use the Scrum Master Checklist to help you better understand the day to day duties of a Scrum Master, before you decide to take on too much responsibility.
XP Development Practices
Reading the XP Development Practices paper, by Ron Jeffries, is recommended for the A-CSM class. We will have an entire module of the class dedicated to Frameworks. This paper on eXtreme Programming Practices is a good primer for what XP demands of people.
Agile Software Development
Reading the Agile Software Development paper is recommended for the A-CSM class. We will have an entire module of the class dedicated to Frameworks. This paper written by Alistair Cockburn describes the lesser known Crystal framework. Be prepared!
This is a LONG document. Focus on chapters that explain the Swap Game and Crystal. Skim the rest.
This is a LONG document. Focus on chapters that explain the Swap Game and Crystal. Skim the rest.
Kanban Guide
Reading the Kanban Guide is recommended for the A-CSM class. We will have an entire module of the class dedicated to Frameworks. This Kanban Guide is an evolving work of ProKanban, on how Kanban could be used for Software Development, and all creative product development.
A Brief Introduction to DSDM
Reading this intro on DSDM is recommended for the A-CSM class. We will have an entire module of the class dedicated to Frameworks.
A Leader's Framework for Decision Making
This is an in-depth look into what Cynefin is, where it came from, and why it’s important. Reading this paper is recommended for the A-CSM class. We will have an entire module of the class dedicated to complexity — this will be very useful knowledge.
Nexus Guide
Reading the Nexus Guide, and watching the Video on Nexus (by Scrum.org) is recommended for the A-CSM class. We will have an entire module of the class dedicated to scaling ‘frameworks’.
Listening Techniques
Listening Techniques are a HUGE part of Scrum Mastery! If you have a copy of this book, please read the chapter on Listening Techniques. Understanding these techniques before entering class will enhance your workshop experience. We are considering making a workbook available to students in the future (if it is not linked here, please ask us if we've completed the book).
Scrum @ Scale Guide
Reading the Scrum @ Scale Guide, and watching the Video on Scrum @ Scale (by Scrum Inc.) is recommended for the A-CSM class. We will have an entire module of the class dedicated to scaling ‘frameworks’.
Servant Leadership: How A Jar Can Change the Way You Lead and Serve
Though watching this video is not required for class, IT’S A GOOD IDEA!!!
This is a great talk by Ali Fet, on her experiences being a Servant Leader and discovering that she IS one.
This is a great talk by Ali Fet, on her experiences being a Servant Leader and discovering that she IS one.
Convergent vs Divergent Thinking
Anne Manning demonstrates the concepts of divergent and convergent thinking to inspire new ways to approach problem-solving with your team.
The Cynefin Framework
This is possibly the simplest explanation of the Cynefin Framework (in its simplest form). This video supports the paper that Snowden and Boone wrote above.
Iterative & Incremental Development
This short video illustrates what Iterative & Incremental means, using a creative analogy.
Sprint Goals
Sprint Goals are not all the 'things' you do each Sprint. A Sprint Goal is a destination - it's where you want to end up at the end of the Sprint.
Product Goals Board
This is an explanation of the Product Goals board, from the man who created it — Roman Pichler.
Intro to LeSS
This is a short but great introduction to LeSS (Large Scaled Scrum). This is recommended viewing for class.
Intro to Nexus Scaled Framework
Richard Hundhausen does a great job summarizing how the Nexus framework works. Watch this before reading the Nexus guide.
Intro to Scrum@Scale
This short video shows the repetitative pattern used by Scrum Inc. to scale Scrum using Scrum. This is a recommended viewing for class.
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