Certified ScrumMaster®

Why Choose This Course

Rick’s classes are designed for active participation, practical insight, and professional growth. You won’t be watching slides—you’ll be collaborating, discussing, and practicing Scrum techniques in small groups.

• Interactive format: Learn through experience, not lecture
• Small class sizes: Limited to 25 participants for meaningful discussions
• Engaged instructor: Real-world examples drawn from years of Agile coaching

Every activity connects directly to real challenges teams face, so you leave class ready to guide your own team with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? You’re not alone — here are answers to the things students ask most often before joining this Certified ScrumMaster® class.

Do I need any prior Scrum or Agile experience to take this class?

No prior Scrum or Agile experience is needed. We begin by clearly defining the difference between Agile and Scrum, then build from there. The goal is to level the playing field so everyone starts with a shared understanding before we go deeper.

What happens after I finish the class?

After the course ends, Scrum Alliance will email you instructions for claiming your two-year Scrum Alliance membership. Once you activate it, you’ll receive a link to the online certification exam. You can take the exam whenever you like — and no, it’s not proctored.

Is the CSM exam included in the course fee?

Yes. There are no hidden fees — everything you need is included in your class registration price.

How hard is the CSM exam, and how can I prepare?

Over the years, I’ve taught nearly 7,000 students, and 99.4% have passed the exam on their first try. While I can’t guarantee results, I believe this will be one of the easiest exams you’ll ever take — as long as you participate and stay engaged during class, you’ll be more than ready.

Will this course help me apply Scrum in my current job?

Applying Scrum at work depends on a mix of understanding and courage. It often means guiding others through change and helping your organization see the value of true agility. In class, you’ll learn not just what Scrum is, but why each part exists — so you can confidently adapt and apply it where it matters most.

What’s the class format like?

Expect plenty of Q&A — and not just you asking questions. I’ll challenge your thinking with questions that stretch how you see real organizations work. You’ll engage in collaborative exercises and follow-up discussions that bring Scrum concepts to life. This isn’t a lecture — it’s an experience.

What if I need to reschedule or can’t attend both days?

You’re allowed to miss a maximum of one hour of instruction time. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as possible, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. We do have a no-show policy for refunds, so communication is key — reach out early and we’ll work with you.

How is Rick Waters’ CSM class different from others?

Many CSM courses teach the mechanics of Scrum. This one teaches you how to think like a ScrumMaster. My approach is highly interactive, rooted in real industry experience, and focused on helping you understand the “why” behind the framework — so you can confidently guide teams long after certification.

Course Agenda (CSM)

Timing is approximate. We take a 10-minute break after every hour. For 2-day classes, there is a 45-minute meal break each day.

• Introductions — Discussion (~15 min)
• Class Ground Rules — Brief lecture (~25 min)
• Initial Burning Questions — Collaborative exercise + discussion (~30 min)
• Agile Values — Collaborative exercise + discussion (~60 min)
• Agile Principles — Collaborative exercise + discussion (~80 min)
• Scrum Deep Dive — Live instructional drawing (“draw Scrum”) + discussion + problem solving (~4 hrs)
• Scrum Values — Discussion (~25 min)
• Definition of Done — Two collaborative exercises + discussion (~60 min)
• Scrum Team Accountabilities — Collaborative exercise + discussion (~85 min)
• Building a Perfect ScrumMaster — Collaborative exercise + discussion + Q&A (~90 min)
• Facilitating Great Retrospectives — Brief lecture / facilitator demo (~60 min)
• Parting Notes — Verbal wrap-up (~10 min)

Note: Breaks are placed naturally between modules; exact timing may vary by cohort.

Is This Course for You?

This Certified ScrumMaster® course is ideal for professionals who want to strengthen team collaboration and deliver better results with Agile.

• Project managers and team leads moving into Agile environments
• Developers, testers, and designers who want to improve teamwork
• Business analysts or product owners aiming to boost delivery success
• Anyone who’s worked on a Scrum team and wants to do it right

No prior Scrum experience required—just curiosity, collaboration, and a desire to make your work more effective.