The GAQM CSM-001 is a certification exam designed to support Scrum professionals around the world. This in-demand validation determines your capability to effectively manage a project and create excellent products that customers adore. So, if you want to be proficient in this particular Agile framework, go over the key details below and start plotting your exam path.

Core Details of GAQM CSM-001

The CSM-001 is an exam containing 40 items in the multiple-choice type. You are given 60 minutes to answer all the questions. And to pass the test in question, you must get 28 correct answers. As to the mode of the exam, it is delivered online via ProctorU. Also, it is a proctored-based evaluation that requires a webcam and secure internet connection. Plus, no external materials are allowed while answering the official exam. With the delivery format, you can answer the test at any time and any place. Moreover, anyone can take the GAQM CSM-001 exam since it does not come with prerequisites. However, it’s highly suggested to accomplish the official GAQM E-Course. This way, you get a glimpse of the primary subjects covered in the test, most especially that the test questions are largely drawn from the training material.

Corresponding Certification

Successful passers of the CSM-001 exam are granted the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification. With this designation on hand, you signify that your knowledge has been verified and acknowledged by such a renowned vendor as GAQM. Additionally, it demonstrates your mastery of Scrum methodology and your ability to apply your knowledge in real-world tasks.

Topics Involved in Main Exam

From the fundamentals of Agile to the relevant processes of Scrum, the GAQM CSM-001 prepares your career strategically. The tested subjects are well-calculated so your skillset is at par with the demands of the industry. It includes how Agile started, how different project pains affect the organization as a whole, and how Scrum impacts the business processes. All these pertinent features are highlighted in the final evaluation, so it’s important to be familiar with Agile and Scrum in general.

Exam Domains

To completely understand the core processes, let’s take a closer look at the topics through the exam domains pertinent to the CSM-001.

• Module 1

  The outline of this tested portion begins with the history of Agile and carries on with a discussion of the project development game called Takeuchi & Nonaka. After that, the Agile frameworks such as XP, DSDM, FDD, and of course, Scrum are deliberated. The next key points looked at here are project management life cycle, project pains, and the brainstorming session in relation to a particular project pain. It’s essential to delve into the typical pain points so you can assess if Scrum can provide a solution for a specific issue. For example, some of the pains you might encounter in the future are inadequate analysis, poor planning, a growing backlog, erroneous estimates, changing priorities, and decision fatigue, among others.

• Module 2

  Now that you have an overview of the Agile methodology and its history, it’s time to focus on Scrum and its relevant features. The second part of the E-Course introduces you to Scrum, a lightweight framework that serves as an Agile development methodology and makes use of adaptive solutions to respond to complex issues. Normally, it is utilized for the software development of a project, helping people and the organization as a whole. It follows an iterative and incremental process, starting with planning and estimation. It continues with the elaboration of characteristics based on the order of priority and then assimilation of activities to create a structured plan. Subsequently, meetings are incorporated as well as the summary of exercises to finalize the methodology. Aside from the crucial steps, the exam also presses on the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master. Whilst the key goal of Scrum is to fulfill customer needs through a more practical, collective, and efficient environment, there are more extensive tasks assigned for a Scrum Master. These include but are not limited to implementing project management practices, keeping relevant teams informed, and presenting vital Agile practices. The Scrum Master’s role also depends on their work scope. If they are supporting product owners, their responsibilities may involve finding methods to handle backlogs, communicating product owner’s objectives to the assigned team, and organizing Scrum events. On the other hand, if they are working for an organization, then they are tasked to plan Scrum implementation, lead the Scrum adoption, deploy necessary changes, and collaborate with other Scrum Masters to increase productivity and improve methodologies. To complete the list of significant areas, the second module expounds on the applicable ceremonies and artifacts that surround the Scrum framework. The areas covered above are based on the E-Course, which is one of the main references of the CSM-001 exam. Therefore, it’s a must to enroll in the official training material and align your knowledge with the right set of topics.

Career Opportunities

Scrum has become more and more prominent over the years and is widely acknowledged by many businesses because of its adaptability, flexibility, and efficiency, which allow professionals to evaluate activities, reflect on problems and make practical plans effectively. Henceforth, pursuing a career in Scrum is a splendid idea. You will become a great asset in continuously improving business processes and goals. As a result, you will gain a significant advantage when applying for a managerial position. In addition, you enjoy better job security and a higher salary because of your skills. In fact, according to GAQM, Scrum Masters earn an average of $95,000 annually. Moreover, based on the latest data released by PayScale, Certified Scrum Masters get an average base pay of almost $93k per annum.

Certification Path

Completing the GAQM CSM-001 exam and becoming Certified Scrum Master is already an outstanding feat. However, if you want a more noteworthy recognition, you can expand your knowledge by obtaining either the Certified Agile Scrum Master (CASM) or the Certified Agile Scrum Product Owner (CASPO) designations. These two are impeccable additions to your thriving career. If you want more, other Scrum-related certifications under the GAQM Scrum/Agile certification category are the Certified Agile Developer (CAD), Certified SAFe Practitioner (CSP), and Certified Agile Coach (CAC). All these focus on a specific skill set that allows you to stand out and make a mark in your chosen profession.