Best Resources to Learn and Prepare for PSM I Certification
Your path to mastering Scrum and obtaining certification.
If you're on the path to earning your PSM I (Professional Scrum Master) certification, you likely already know that mastering Scrum is not just about learning the theory, but also understanding how to apply its principles in real-world situations. To help you along this journey, I’ve curated a list of books, videos, and online resources that will not only make your learning easier but also help you excel in your daily work in Agile environments.
1. Scrum – A Pocket Guide: A Smart Travel Companion
Author: Gunther Verheyen
This book is a true gem for anyone looking to grasp the fundamentals of Scrum. Gunther Verheyen is a leading expert in Scrum, and his guide is a compact yet incredibly rich source of information. Written in simple language, it is a great resource for both beginners and advanced Scrum practitioners. “Scrum – A Pocket Guide” explains the key principles of the framework and explores the values and responsibilities within Scrum, helping readers understand how these elements work together in daily practice.
I recommend starting with this book for those beginning their journey towards PSM I and PSPO I certification.
2. Mastering Professional Scrum: A Practitioners Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing the Benefits of Agility
Authors: Stephanie Ockerman and Simon Reindl
“Mastering Professional Scrum” is written by two experienced Scrum practitioners, Stephanie Ockerman and Simon Reindl. This book is not just a theoretical manual but also a practical guide that demonstrates how to deal with the challenges that Scrum teams face daily.
The authors walk you through step-by-step approaches to introducing changes that will help Scrum teams gain the maximum benefits of agility. The book also includes case studies that show how to respond to various challenges. With this book, you’ll be better prepared for the practical aspects of working as a Scrum Master or Product Owner, which will undoubtedly help you in your certification exams.
3. Fixing Your Scrum: Practical Solutions to Common Scrum Problems
Authors: Ryan Ripley and Todd Miller
If you’re already working as a Scrum Master or Product Owner and encountering challenges in your Scrum practice, “Fixing Your Scrum” is a must-read. Written by Ryan Ripley and Todd Miller, who both have extensive experience in Scrum, this book is full of practical advice and tips on how to resolve common problems that Scrum teams face.
The book addresses issues such as ineffective retrospectives, problems with teams that are not adhering to Scrum principles, and challenges in collaborating with stakeholders. It’s an incredibly valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their Scrum practice and be better prepared for certification, especially if you already have some experience in the role.
4. Zombie Scrum Survival Guide
Authors: Christiaan Verwijs, Johannes Schartau, Barry Overeem
Zombie Scrum refers to teams that follow Scrum mechanically but lack its true spirit. The “Zombie Scrum Survival Guide” is a book that helps you identify why your team might be working in “zombie mode” and what you can do to bring it back to full functionality.
This book provides tools and strategies to help teams rediscover their true engagement with Scrum by increasing transparency, involving stakeholders, and fostering empiricism. It’s an extremely useful read for Scrum Masters and Product Owners who want to revitalize their teams and ensure Scrum delivers real benefits.
5. Coaching Agile Teams
Author: Lyssa Adkins
If you aspire to move into an Agile Coach role, “Coaching Agile Teams” by Lyssa Adkins is a must-read. This book is a guide to the role of the Scrum Master and Agile Coach, but it also helps you understand how to support teams as they transition to Agile.
Adkins focuses on the skills Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches need to effectively lead teams and support them in their daily challenges. The book covers both the "soft" skills and coaching techniques that will enable your team to succeed in Scrum. It’s useful both for day-to-day work and in preparing for certification.
6. Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great
Authors: Esther Derby, Diana Larsen, Ken Schwaber
Retrospectives are one of the most important tools in Scrum for helping teams grow and improve. “Agile Retrospectives” is a classic that should be read by all Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches. The book provides practical techniques for conducting retrospectives that yield real benefits.
You’ll find plenty of examples and suggestions for various retrospective formats that will help engage your team and ensure retrospectives are a source of real change.
7. Retrospectives: A Scrum Master's Guide
Author: Daria Bagina
"Retrospectives: A Scrum Master's Guide" is an excellent resource for any Scrum Master looking to enhance their skills in leading retrospectives. Author Daria Bagina offers practical techniques to engage teams and extract maximum value from each retrospective. The book provides not only concrete examples and tips on how to improve the quality of retrospectives, but also ideas for various formats that can be adapted to the team's needs. This guide will help you facilitate retrospectives that truly contribute to the team’s growth and drive meaningful change.
8. Software in 30 Days: How Agile Managers Beat the Odds, Delight Their Customers, and Leave Competitors in the Dust
Authors: Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland
“Software in 30 Days” shows how Agile and Scrum can revolutionize the process of delivering software. Schwaber and Sutherland describe how companies can deliver value quickly to their customers while minimizing risk and complexity.
This is the ideal read for managers and leaders who want to understand how Agile can help their teams work more efficiently and effectively.
Online Resources and Videos:
In addition, be sure to check out the scrum.org website, which offers blog posts and videos curated by Professional Scrum Trainers (PSTs). It’s a great place to find the latest articles and videos on Scrum and to ask questions in the professional community.
These books, videos, and online resources form a solid foundation that will help you build the knowledge and confidence to work effectively with Scrum, as well as prepare you for the PSM I and PSPO I certifications. Whether you’re just starting or you’re already an experienced practitioner, these materials will help you understand Scrum better and apply it in practice.
If you need more tips or guidance on your certification journey, feel free to reach out!
