Is there a course requirement to become a Certified Scrum Trainer® (CST®)?
Scrum Alliance® uses a formal application and interview/simulation process to assess an applicant’s Scrum experience, Scrum knowledge, community involvement, and training experience. In order to apply, one must hold an active Certified Scrum Professional® - ScrumMaster™ (CSP®-SM) or an active Certified Scrum Professional - Product Owner (CSP-PO) designation from Scrum Alliance. However, there is not a designated “CST course” or "CST exam" that an applicant is required to take as a prerequisite.
Is co-training with a current CST a requirement or optional?
Co-training with an active CST is not required but highly recommended. Successful applicants have found co-training to be an invaluable experience when piloting their course materials and practicing their facilitation style in a real-world context. Please note that you must hold an active CSP-SM or CSP-PO certification to begin co-training with current CSTs. We recommend creating relationships with active CSTs in an organic manner, by networking at events and creating natural connections with the Scrum Alliance Guides community. Any active CST open to co-training will have indicated their intention on their Scrum Alliance profile.
Can I apply to become a CST if I’m already a trainer for a different Scrum-certifying body?
Yes—Scrum Alliance welcomes those who already train or coach for another Scrum-certifying body or training organization to apply to become a CST. As a Scrum Alliance CST, you are expected to focus and prioritize your teaching efforts in furtherance of Scrum Alliance’s mission in order to provide an exceptional student experience. You may not offer “two-in-one” certification courses or market your classes in a way that suggests students will receive an additional certification from a different certification body.
Am I able to have a translator present at my Formal Interview/Simulation?
Please let us know if you have concerns about interviewing in English and we can discuss inviting a community translator (other Scrum Alliance certificant) to accompany you and help with translation during the interview. Please let us know if you have other concerns about providing your application personal statement(s) in English, and we will work with you to discuss options.
What is the CST application appeal process?
If you receive a Deferral Decision from the Trainer Approval Community (TAC) that you believe to be incorrect, you may appeal the decision to Scrum Alliance. In which case, certain Guide community Members may be selected to participate in a “Certification Appeal Committee” that reviews and considers such appeals. An appeal must be made within 30 days of the decision. If the appeal is of a Formal Review decision we recommend you complete a feedback call with your reviewers before submitting your appeal. You, as the individual making the appeal, have the burden of proof. Your appeal will not be accepted for review if it does not include relevant documentation that clearly demonstrates the basis for your appeal, and that you fully satisfy all of the CST Certification Standards. Scrum Alliance staff members may participate in Certification Appeal Committee proceedings in a non-voting capacity. The decision of the Certification Appeal Committee is made by a majority vote of the Committee members. Thereafter, the Committee informs Scrum Alliance of its decision with regards to the appeal and provides a written explanation of the basis for such decision.
If, after reviewing the General Application Appeal Process, you wish to appeal either your CST Candidate Formal Review or Interview/Simulation decision, please contact the Scrum Alliance Providers Team.
If you feel there has been a violation of the Scrum Alliance Code of Ethics, please submit the provided form.
For additional information, please refer to the CST Prerequisites and CST Certification Standards.