Olufisayo Deji wrote:Welcome Darcy,
Would you recommend the scrum master certification for someone looking to get their first role?
The case for Scrum Master certification
I would say that you definitely need to know the content covered by the Scrum Master Certification Exam if you want to understand Scrum and have any understanding of how to apply Scrum in the domain of product development.
For me, setting the goal of achieving the Professional Scrum Master designation (PSMI) helped motivate me, and having that document that says I passed the exam and acquired my certification is a great source of personal pride.
I also think employers look favorably on new Scrum Masters who have taken it upon themselves to get certified.
Certification isn't required
However, you can learn all of these things without taking a paid course, purchasing a Scrum Master Certification Guide book, or even taking the exam. And of course, the certification doesn't guarantee you a job.
To land your first job it might be just as important to network with people, attend meetups, share your passion by writing articles and posting in forums like CodeRanch.
Associating with like-minded people and maybe even finding a mentor in the field who can coach you are other ways to enter the product development field.
I consider my PSMI designation to be a bright feather in my cap. But there are lots of feathers out there, and everyone wears their own cap.
I don't know anyone who passed the exam and regretted it afterwards. But I also know plenty of amazing Scrum Masters who don't have any certifications at all!