Key Responsibilities of a Scrum Master
Here are some of the primary duties that define the professional Scrum Master role:
1. Facilitating Scrum Events
Scrum has a structured set of events: Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. The Scrum Master ensures that these meetings run smoothly and achieve their intended goals.
2. Removing Impediments
Whether it’s a technical issue, organizational roadblock, or communication gap, it’s the Scrum Master’s job to remove anything standing in the team’s way.
3. Coaching the Team
Scrum Masters guide teams in becoming self-organizing and cross-functional. They help team members understand Agile values and principles, enabling them to work more effectively together.
4. Supporting the Product Owner
They also support the Product Owner by facilitating effective backlog management and helping the team understand the goals and priorities.
5. Shielding the Team from External Distractions
Scrum Masters act as a buffer, protecting their teams from unnecessary interruptions and ensuring focus remains on the current sprint goals.
How to Become a Scrum Master
Becoming a professional Scrum Master requires a combination of knowledge, experience, and certification. Let’s break it down:
1. Training and Learning
While you can learn Scrum on the job, formal training often provides a structured and comprehensive understanding. Many professionals opt for advanced Scrum Master training to go beyond the basics and prepare for senior roles.
Advanced courses typically include:
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Coaching techniques
- Metrics and reporting
- Scaling Scrum in larger organizations
These sessions are available in-person or online, including through providers offering scrum master certification in Pune, one of India’s fastest-growing tech and Agile hubs.
Certifications That Boost Your Career
There are several widely recognized certifications that can validate your expertise and boost your career prospects:
Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM)
Offered by Scrum Alliance, this is a beginner-friendly certification that covers the fundamentals.
Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
Offered by Scrum.org, this globally recognized certification emphasizes a deeper understanding of Scrum principles.
Advanced Certifications
For experienced professionals, certifications like A-CSM or PSM II and III reflect advanced capabilities in Agile leadership and coaching.
What’s the Scrum Master Certification Cost?
The scrum master certification cost can vary depending on the provider and location. Here’s a general estimate:
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 INR (includes training and exam)
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM I): ~$150 USD (~₹12,500 INR) for the exam only
- Advanced Scrum Master Training: ₹60,000+ INR depending on the level
Prices can also differ by city. For instance, the scrum master certification Pune offerings may be more affordable than in cities like Bangalore or Mumbai, due to the competitive training ecosystem in the region.
Job Opportunities for Scrum Masters
With Agile adoption growing across industries, the demand for certified Scrum Masters is soaring.One of the hottest markets right now? Scrum Master jobs in Chennai.Chennai is rapidly emerging as a tech powerhouse, home to companies in IT, finance, logistics, healthcare, and more—all embracing Agile methodologies.
Here’s what you can expect in Chennai:
- Entry-level Scrum Masters: ₹6–10 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum)
- Mid-level (3–5 years experience): ₹12–18 LPA
- Senior roles with advanced Scrum Master training: ₹20 LPA+
Key industries hiring include:
- IT Services & Software Development
- Banking and Financial Services
- Telecom & Networking
- Product-based Startups
With hybrid work becoming more common, many companies are also hiring remote or hybrid Scrum Masters from across India.