10 Top Tips for Becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST)
Are you looking to take your career as a scrum trainer to the next level? Becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer, or CST, is the ultimate mark of distinction among those who teach and train professionals in Agile practices. It can open up tremendous opportunities for personal and professional growth — from charging higher rates to gaining respect from peers within the industry. But getting certified isn’t easy; it requires an impressive amount of preparation and hard work. In this blog post, we’ll provide 10 top tips on how you can become a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). From studying course materials to attending certification-specific workshops — these tips will set you off on your journey towards achieving one of the most sought-after certifications in agile training today!
Tip 1 of 10: Write down your client’s stories
If you’re on the path to becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer, the first tip of ten is to write down your client stories. Sure, you can learn the theory and take courses, but there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. You need a collection of stories to draw upon for your training sessions and assessments.
Get involved with real Scrum teams and keep a record of what happens. Document both the good and the bad, but get permission from those involved before you share their stories.
Remember, before considering donning the CST hat, you must have 60 months of experience with Scrum teams within the last 84 months. There are no shortcuts here, as trainers need experience to make the cut. So get out there, get your hands dirty, and start recording those client stories.
Tip 2 of 10: Be a Scrum and Agile Ambassador
To become a Certified Scrum Trainer, it’s crucial to be a Scrum and Agile Ambassador.
There are many ways to do this, and one of the most significant events to attend is the Global Scrum Gathering. Here, you can network with like-minded individuals and keep up with the latest trends in Scrum. Additionally, join user groups to connect with fellow scrum enthusiasts and attend meetups. You never know what you can learn from a vibrant group of peers.
Remember to utilise the plethora of blogs and tools available, where you can share your agile knowledge and experience. Finally, speaking engagements are a fantastic way to shout from the rooftops about your passion for Scrum. Keep an eye on the Agile Alliance Events Calendar and throw your hat into the ring!
Tip 3 of 10: Build That Dream Team
Building a dream team is essential for success.
As the famous saying from Jon Spruce goes, “It might take a village to raise a child, but it takes a whole community to raise a CST,” and the same applies to accomplishing your goals. You can’t do it alone; you need your Avengers or ‘J Team’ to rally around you.
However, it can be challenging to find a group of like-minded individuals. That’s where the TAC-PREP Slack group comes in. It’s an excellent resource for networking with others who share your passion and drive. With the right team behind you, you can tackle any challenge together, co-training and preparing for the final training assessment.
Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved. So, don’t go it alone — build that dream team.
Tip 4 of 10: Get Yourself a Mentor
If you want to level up your CST journey, it’s time to start thinking about finding yourself a mentor.
Think of them like a personal Yoda, guiding you through the process with their insider knowledge and experience. But remember, it’s a two-way street. You need to bring something to the table, too. Finding the right fit can take time, so treat it like dating.
Look for someone who cares about you and your goals rather than just ticking off boxes. And remember to show some gratitude for the mentors who have helped you along the way — they’re the unsung heroes of the CST world.
Tip 5 of 10: Choose Your Certification Provider Like You’d Choose Your Football Team
Choosing the right certification provider is a crucial decision when it comes to your career goals. It’s like choosing a football team — you want a squad that sets you up for the long game. Before you even consider going for a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) role, you must have a CSP-SM or CSP-PO certification first.
Don’t settle for the first option that comes your way. A reputable mentoring or self-paced program can deepen your knowledge and connect you with influential people in the industry. Think of it like a midfield partnership — teamwork makes the dream work. So, consider more than just warming the bench. Choose a program that makes you feel like you’re training with the first team, and get ready to score some goals in your career.
Tip 6 of 10 — Master the Scrum Guide
If you’re serious about mastering Scrum, then there’s no better place to start than with the Scrum Guide.
As an aspiring Scrum Trainer, knowing this guide inside and out should be at the top of your to-do list. The Scrum Guide is the playbook for all things Scrum-related, so it’s imperative to get familiar with it. And don’t just give it a quick once-over — read it with a fine-tooth comb (or a highlighter) to truly absorb the material.
But why stop there? I’ve found audio versions of the guide beneficial, particularly on long drives. So be sure to check out my favourite edits in the comments. With the Scrum Guide as your foundation, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Scrum expert.
Tip 7 of 10 — Develop a unique training style
Everyone has a unique way of doing things and teaching others, so why not apply this to your Scrum Training?
By developing your training style, you’ll give your audience an experience they will remember. Like a gourmet dish, you can add real-world examples, rich case studies, and interactive exercises that resonate with your audience so they can better understand the topic.
What sets your training style apart is authenticity. Sharing your personal stories and successes will add an unmatched flavour to your training and make it memorable for those attending. Plus, this unique blend of experiences, teaching methods, and engagement tactics will become your signature. Your Scrum Training style will be your brand.
Tip 8 of 10 — Embrace Continuous Learning
As a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), embracing continuous learning isn’t just a suggestion. It’s a commandment.
To excel in this field, you must be prepared to commit to a lifetime of education, soaking up knowledge like a sponge. Every training session allows you to add another chapter to your own story of growth and development.
Whether exploring new visual facilitation techniques or engaging in reflective learning, the key is to keep moving forward. By carving out time to reflect and record your observations and seeking honest feedback from your peers, you can continue to chase excellence and guide others through the principles of Scrum.
Tip 9 of 10 — Crafting a Winning Application
Crafting a winning application for the Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) certification is no easy feat.
It’s more like a personal retrospective — an opportunity to showcase your Scrum journey, pedagogy, and expertise. To make your application truly shine, some essential factors must be considered.
Firstly, ensure your application aligns with the latest Scrum Guide, demonstrating how you live and breathe Scrum in its purest form. Secondly, use storytelling to capture the moments that have shaped your journey and pinpoint the moments where your training has had a profound impact. Additionally, guidance utilisation is critical, with mapping guides and videos provided to help you stay on track.
Remember to keep the student experience at the forefront, presenting a clear picture of what learners will walk away with after a session with you. Clarity is also crucial, with simple, easy-to-navigate language throughout your application. Lastly, get feedback from other Scrum professionals to ensure your application is the best.
Remember, your application isn’t just paperwork; it’s an opportunity to share your passion for Scrum and showcase the value you add to the community.
Tip 10 of 10 — Market Yourself With Generosity
In the fiercely competitive world, distinguishing yourself as a Certified Scrum Trainer requires more than just expertise — it demands visibility. Embrace the essence of Agile by showcasing your talents with a generous spirit; here, the currency is not cash but knowledge and connections.
Establish your digital presence, a virtual realm teeming with valuable resources, personal anecdotes, and professional insights — a go-to destination for Scrum enthusiasts. But don’t limit yourself to the digital realm alone; immerse yourself in the Scrum community by actively participating in events and conferences, not merely as an attendee but as a connector.
Expand your thought leadership beyond physical spaces by authoring a blog or contributing to existing ones, infusing the Agile discourse with your unique experiences and insights. Dive into the vibrant world of online forums, becoming an indispensable guide to fellow enthusiasts.
Cultivate alliances with fellow CSTs, sharing leads, tools and creating a collective force that embodies the unity and collaborative spirit of Scrum.
Remember, your generosity in sharing knowledge solidifies your reputation as a trusted expert and amplifies your presence within the Agile community. By giving freely, you enrich others, strengthen your standing and lay the foundation for a thriving practice rooted in shared growth and collective wisdom within the Scrum ecosystem
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Throughout this blog post, I have explored ten valuable tips to help you on this path. Each tip has provided further insights and strategies to enhance your skills and knowledge, from writing your client stories to becoming a Scrum and Agile Ambassador. We have discussed the importance of building a dream team, finding a mentor, and selecting the right certification provider. Additionally, we have emphasised the significance of mastering the Scrum Guide, developing a unique training style, embracing continuous learning, crafting a winning application, and marketing yourself with generosity.
By following these tips, you will elevate your professional status and contribute to the success of your clients and the Agile community. The journey to becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer is continuous, requiring dedication, perseverance, and a passion for ongoing growth. However, the rewards are immeasurable — from gaining a deeper understanding of Agile principles to having the opportunity to inspire and educate others.
As I conclude this blog post, thank you for joining me on this journey, and I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences. I value your feedback and would love to hear from you.
What other support would you like on your CST journey? Whether it’s additional resources, webinars, or training materials, I am here to support you. So, please leave a comment to let me know how I can assist you further.
Remember, becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer is not just about the destination but also about the friendships and connections you make. I look forward to being part of your journey and wish you every success in becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer. Let’s make a difference together and shape the future of Agile!
To view my upcoming courses, visit www.agileaffinity.com