Scrum Alliance Code of Ethics

All Scrum Alliance practitioners have an obligation to themselves and to the Alliance to represent themselves truthfully, professionally and in a non-misleading manner and to protect the integrity of all Alliance issued certifications and of the process by which those certifications are earned and awarded. All Scrum Alliance practitioners shall:

• Not employ deceptive means to obtain, attempt to obtain, maintain, or assist others in obtaining or maintaining any Scrum Alliance certification, including by submitting to Scrum Alliance any document or testimony that contains a misstatement of fact or omits a material fact;
• Not falsely represent themselves as a holder of any Scrum Alliance certification, nor otherwise use or assist others in fraudulently using Scrum Alliance certifications or marks;
• Promptly inform Scrum Alliance when possessing knowledge or evidence of fraudulent use of Scrum Alliance certifications or marks by any individual or entity;
• Be honest and accurate in presenting qualifications and experience in all communications with others;
• Not engage in or condone behavior that is designed to deceive others.

All Scrum Alliance practitioners shall conduct themselves in a most professional and ethical manner so as neither to offend nor bring discredit to themselves, the Scrum Alliance, or their fellow Scrum Alliance practitioners. All Scrum Alliance practitioners shall:

• Maintain a collegial relationship with fellow practitioners based upon respect, professional courtesy, dignity and high ethical standards;
• Not discriminate against or harass others based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status;
• Not engage in any illegal behavior in connection with their professional dealings or business or that otherwise harms the reputation and standing of Scrum professionals;
• Not use – either orally or in writing – materials, titles or thematic creations originated by others unless approved in writing by the originator;
• Protect proprietary or confidential information that has been entrusted to them and maintain the confidentiality of business or personal affairs of clients, the Scrum Alliance, and other practitioners;
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner, even when it is not reciprocated.

All Scrum Alliance practitioners will strive to perform professionally and responsibly at all times. All Scrum Alliance practitioners shall:

• Take responsibility for and fulfill the professional commitments that they undertake, without impairment from substance abuse;
• Make decisions and take actions to avoid behavior that would pose a threat or potential threat to the health, well-being or safety of others.
• Take ownership of their errors and omissions and accept accountability for any issues resulting from their errors or omissions and any resulting consequences;
• Proactively and fully disclose any real or potential conflicts of interest to the appropriate parties;
• Comply with any established learning objectives for courses which they teach.

• Not retaliate against any person for in good faith reporting a violation of this Code of Ethics, Scrum Alliance policies and procedures, or applicable law to the practitioner’s employer, Scrum Alliance, or to any governmental authority.
• Report to Scrum Alliance within 30 days convictions, guilty pleas or no contest pleas to felonies and certain misdemeanors, as described more fully in the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure.
• Respond in a timely manner to inquiries or requests for additional information from Scrum Alliance relating to compliance with this Code of Ethics or other Scrum Alliance policies.

As a practitioner of the Scrum Alliance, I acknowledge and agree to honor my ethical obligations to my customers, trainers, colleagues, and to the public at large. I pledge to act in accordance with this Scrum Alliance Code of Ethics (which includes the Business Practice Guidelines, which are incorporated herein by reference), to treat people with dignity as independent and equal human beings, and to model these standards with those whom I work. I understand and agree that if I breach this Pledge of Ethics or any part of the Scrum Alliance Code of Ethics, the Scrum Alliance in its sole discretion may hold me accountable for such breach and that such accountability may include the suspension, denial, or termination of my Scrum Alliance membership and/or my Scrum Alliance credentials, or other disciplinary measures.

Business Practice Guidelines

All practitioners of the Scrum Alliance are expected to engage in business conduct that is ethical and responsible, and are expected to refrain from any practices that are disreputable or would reflect poorly on the Scrum Alliance.


No persons or organizations who, beyond merely using the certification as a symbol of the quality and achievement of their knowledge and skill, offer and sell services to third parties (e.g., training, coaching, mentoring, and the like) are permitted to engage in practices that are considered by the Scrum Alliance to be disreputable or improper, regardless of whether these practices are legal in a specific jurisdiction.

These practices include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The use of mass, unsolicited email (“Spam”) for marketing purposes.
• The use of “bait and switch” tactics, where a course offering is made, but the course is never provided (except due to circumstances that are not foreseen at the time the course is offered).
• Engaging in false or deceptive marketing, or making unsupported claims in marketing.
• Marketing courses without having a specific trainer confirmed to teach the course, or marketing multiple courses by the same trainer on the same date in different locations.
• Failing to provide prompt refunds to customers in the event of course cancellation.
• Cancelling courses with less than two weeks’ prior notice, without an extenuating circumstance (e.g., trainer illness or travel disruption).
• Offering anything of value that might reasonably be expected to influence the decision to attend (or send or authorize others to attend) a course, without the knowledge and consent of the individual or entity paying for the course. By way of example, “anything of value” does not include (i) gifts of nominal value, such as pens, t-shirts, thumb drives, or similar items, given in the ordinary course of business; (ii) discounts in the ordinary course of business; (iii) course material or other publications, in paper or electronic form, that are related to Scrum or the specific subject matter of the course.
• Failure to complete student uploads in a timely manner (i.e., within two weeks of the course date) for all courses listed on the Scrum Alliance website.

In addition, all persons or organizations, as set forth above, are expected to make good faith efforts to ensure that their business partners uphold these standards in relation to Scrum Alliance-related courses, events, and other offerings (e.g., by making adherence to these standards part of any formal agreements with partners). To the extent that any of the above-mentioned practices, or any other practices that are considered by the Scrum Alliance to be disreputable or improper, are engaged in by any member or practitioner of the Scrum Alliance, the Scrum Alliance reserves the right to enforce these guidelines with measures that include, but are not limited to, termination of Scrum Alliance membership or termination of any Scrum Alliance certification.

Values Statement

This Values Statement outlines Scrum Alliance values and the professional expectations of all Scrum practitioners. While a failure to conform to this Values Statement is not subject to the Disciplinary Policy and Procedures and Review Policy and Procedures of the Scrum Alliance, all Scrum practitioners are encouraged to uphold Scrum Alliance values and meet the professional expectations.

The following five values are the foundation of all work performed in Scrum. These values are instrumental to the practitioner’s processes and interactions and the health and success of Scrum.

• Focus: Because we focus on only a few things at a time, we work well together and produce excellent work. We deliver valuable items sooner.
• ​Courage: Because we work as a team, we feel supported and have more resources at our disposal. This gives us the courage to undertake greater challenges.
• Openness: As we work together, we express how we're doing, what's in our way, and our concerns so they can be addressed.
• Respect: As we work together, sharing successes and failures, we come to respect each other and to help each other become worthy of respect.
• Commitment: We are committed to achieving the goals of the Scrum Team.

In addition, all Scrum Alliance practitioners shall abide by the following professional expectations:

• Provide accurate information in a highly visible and timely manner;
• Demonstrate transparency in their decision-making processes; and
• Make decisions and take actions based on the best interests of society, public safety, and the environment.

To report a potential violation by a member of our community, please click here.