PSM Trainer Selection Process and Application
Step 1: Prerequisites
Scrum.org is looking for people with deep experience in software development using Scrum. To apply as a PST candidate for the PSM program, you must first:
- Have 4+ years experience as a Scrum Master. Experience shows that 4-5 years of intense experience in the role of Scrum Master is indispensable.
- Have provided real-world training and coaching to people using Scrum.
- Achieve at least a 95% score on the PSM I assessment.
Step 2: Submit Application
If you possess the qualifications we're looking for and want to join an amazing community of fellow trainers, we want to get to know you! Our application (below) gives you an opportunity to tell us about your experience and motivations for becoming a PST. Please include on your application some challenges you’ve faced as a Scrum Master and how you and your teams have dealt with them. Applications will be reviewed and follow-up conversations will be scheduled to determine next steps. If you are invited to move to the next step, a passing score on the PSM II assessment will be needed before joining a train-the-trainer course.
Fee: There is no application fee. Instead, a score of 95% on PSM I assessment is needed to submit your application ($150 USD per attempt).
Step 3: Pass PSM II Assessment
All candidates must pass the PSM II assessment before being invited to join a designated train-the-trainer (TTT) course.
Fee: Qualifying candidates will be granted one free attempt at the PSM II assessment through December 31, 2016 (normally $250 USD).
Step 4: Get Trained
Scrum.org invites qualified trainer candidates to attend a designated train-the-trainer (TTT) course. Do not register as a trainer candidate for a TTT-qualifying course until your application has been approved. The TTT for PSM is a special 3-day event consisting of a 2-day Professional Scrum Master course followed by a 1-day session for trainer candidates only. All candidates are evaluated and given feedback by the instructor. Instructor approval is required to continue the PST process.
Fee: Typically $1500-$2000 USD registration fee (plus travel and expenses). Note that trainers in secondary markets may be eligible to receive discounted registration.
Step 5: Assessments and Interviews
Once candidates attend the training and receive instructor and Scrum.org approval to move to the next step, we delve deeper into your knowledge, training skills, and your plans to contribute to the PST community.
- Achieve at least a 95% score on the PSM III assessment (limit of 2 attempts within 6 months).
- Take part in an online one-hour interview with a Scrum.org staff member and receive approval to move forward.
- Take part in an online one-hour peer-review with a panel of existing PSTs and pass peer-evaluation.
Fee: $300 USD for PSM III assessment (using $200 USD discount granted to candidates at the point they receive approval to move forward following the PSM TTT).
Step 6: Join the PST Community!
Review and agree to all the terms of being a PST, which are contained in the trainer license. Two key terms include teaching Professional Scrum Master courses using only standard Scrum.org PSM courseware and participating in one in-person Global Trainer Meeting each year (called a Face-to-face or "F2F").
Fee: For trainers who teach in primary markets, the first year license fee is $3500 USD ($2500 USD for trainers who teach exclusively in secondary markets).
Total Startup Fees: ~ USD $5,900 USD ($4,400 USD for trainers who teach exclusively in secondary markets)
Ongoing costs once licensed to teach PSM: Each time you teach the course, you pay a per-student fee to Scrum.org. This fee is $200 USD for public courses in primary markets and can be much lower for private courses and in secondary markets. Your students receive one free PSM I assessment attempt ($150 USD value) after taking the PSM course. Note that trainers in secondary markets receive discounted pricing on courseware licensing.
Cost to join a F2F: All PSTs attend one exclusive F2F Global Trainer Meeting each license-year term. There is no fee to join these events, however travel is necessary for most PSTs. Several choices are available each year in the US and Europe. December 2016 heralds our first F2F in Asia-Pacific (Australia).
How to Start?
Do you want to speak with a member of the Scrum.org staff or a PST before submitting your application? Contact Us and we can help you. If you are ready to apply, submit your application below.