Certifications have been around a long time, but they've really seen an uptick in recent years. If you are considering a certification, it's easy to feel overwhelmed trying to decide which to pursue. While I can't tell you which certification you need, I can share my journey with certifications. I hope it will help you as you navigate the road ahead of you.
As education evolves, certifications have found a home in the new ecosystem. They tend to be more accessible than a college degree regarding both time and money, more on that in a minute. They are also more accessible because they usually don't have entrance criteria or educational prerequisites, unlike a degree.
Certifications provide value by delivering the following
As education evolves, certifications have found a home in the new ecosystem. They tend to be accessible than a college degree regarding both time and money
While some certifications can be very extensive, they are still focused on specific topics. Certificates offer you a targeted approach when considering professional development and career growth. They allow you to upskill where you may have gaps.
By taking a focused approach, certifications get to the practical application quickly. Concepts and models are still taught, but in my experience, they are always in the context of how to apply the idea. Many certifications programs include hands-on projects that allow you to learn by doing.
If you're looking for a new job or making a career change, a certification can help close a gap, perceived or actual, in your past experience or education. The school or organization providing the certification is essentially saying on your behalf, "they have what it takes to do this." You demonstrate you're willing to put in the work and effort by completing a certification. You show a level of competency in the content. Those projects you completed also allow you to demonstrate what you've learned and can now do. They're great for building your portfolio.
Certifications now come in so many shapes and sizes. They can range from a day all the way up to a year. They can go from free to over $10k. On the whole, I've experienced you get what you pay for. That doesn't mean the free options offer less value. You're just usually paying with your time rather than your money.
Clarity about your priorities will clarify how to balance the trade-offs for the different certifications.
Questions to help you evaluate:
As that last question suggests, it really comes down to your goals and priorities. What outcome are you trying to achieve? And what role does a certification play in that outcome? Clarity about your priorities will clarify how to balance the trade-offs for the different certifications.
You demonstrate you're willing to put in the work and effort by completing a certification.
Some certifications programs are almost as involved as an apprenticeship. Others border on selling you keywords for your resume. If you understand what you're trying to achieve by pursuing a certification, you will be able to navigate where along this spectrum is most helpful to you.
Even when you know your priorities and have researched certification options, deciding to take the next step can still be intimidating. Here are a few steps you can take to get started.
When exploring something new, it's always helpful to learn from those ahead of you in the journey. Reading reviews is one way to hear about others' experiences. Two cautions I would give you:
Some certifications programs are almost as involved as an apprenticeship. Others border on selling you keywords for your resume.
Reviews are still worth reading because they are usually easy to find, and they at least allow you to see what the provider of the certificate thinks is great about it. I treat them more like marketing copy. If you want more, you're going to need to talk to real people.
If you really want to know about the value of a certification, talking to others can go a long way. This may seem intimidating, but a few messages on LinkedIn can go a long way. There are two groups of people you want to talk to:
Go to LinkedIn and search for the certification you're considering. Click on "People" to filter your results. If you were interested in becoming a Certified Scrum Master or CSM, your search results would return over 100,000 people! Let's narrow that down a little.
Use the search filters to focus your results further. You can filter by "Connections" to only see people you already know. You could filter by "Current Company" if you have a place you'd like to work and want to see how applicable the certification is to work there.
You can also use LinkedIn to find people in the industry or jobs where you want to apply the certification. Look for people in a role you want or work at a company you are interested in. If there is a specific job you think you need a certification for, reach out to a hiring manager over that kind of job and just ask.
Once you've found who you want to connect with, send a brief message to ask for an informational interview. Here is a script you could use or adapt.
Hey ____
I saw you have the _____ (whatever certification you want to discuss). I've been thinking about pursuing it too and would love to learn from your experience. Would you be up for a brief 30-minute interview on _____ (date and time)?
When I first considered various agile certifications, I started with the PSM. It's quite a bit cheaper, and plenty of free online resources are available. This allowed me to test the knowledge and experience I already had and consider pursuing it further. I enjoyed formalizing what I already knew and expanding my understanding. Since then, I've earned three other agile certifications.
You can also look into non-certification courses to get your feet wet. My go-to platforms for this kind of learning include:
You can also find a lot of long-form guides and tutorials online. Check out my everyday guides to see if any of them pique your interest.
What does it take to pass the PSM?
The Professional Scrum Master is a great first step to those learning to practice Scrum.
Our affordable self paced course will prepare you to pass the test with confidence.
I love to learn; it's in my top 5 strengths. This has led me to explore several certifications in recent years. Here is a brief overview of what I've tried. If you have any questions about one of them, definitely reach out.
Agile / Project Management
Marketing
Design Thinking
Other
These are certifications I've researched in the past and really liked. For some it was cost, some it was timing, and others I wasn't confident it matched my goals and priorities.
These are some areas I plan to explore in the next year.
This is just a tiny sample of the many certification options out there. If you want to know more about my experience or why I chose one over another, shoot me a message on LinkedIn.
We covered a lot in the post. I hope it's helpful as you navigate through all the options. If you're still feeling a little stuck, here are some next steps.
As a bonus next step, I'm currently offering a handful of free coaching appointments each month. If you want help identifying your next steps, you can sign up for one.
Are you looking for a challenge to motivate yourself to learn scrum better? Are you looking to land a specific job?
If you just want to take the next step in learning, the PSM has a low barrier to entry and should open some doors to allow you more opportunities to practice the scrum master role.
If you’re trying to land a job then it really depends on what that job is looking for certification-wise.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Want to learn the essential Scrum terms.
If you’re looking for your first scrum certification, the CSM and CSPO are the most common. Both require you to take a class by a certified instructor and cost around $1,000.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.
The CSM and PSM are the two most common certifications for a scrum master:
The CSM is more common than the PSM but also more expensive. Both offer multiple levels of certification.
You are required to take a class by a certified instructor for the CSM, which will cost you around $1,000. The CSM class includes the test cost and is comparable in difficulty with the PSM test.
The PSM recommends but doesn’t require a course. So you can take the self-study route and then take a cheaper test ($200). This level of affordability can make the scrum.org certifications a more attractive first step for people exploring scrum certifications.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.
The PMI-ACP is in its own class regarding scrum certifications. It requires both documented experience as well as knowledge across multiple agile domains.
The test is long and comprehensive. I would place it as similar difficulty to the PMP as compared to the CSM or PSM.
This certification certainly demonstrates much higher agile and scrum competency. However, I don’t see it listed often on job requirements.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.
The PMP is kind of the grandfather of project management certifications. It’s a beast of a test and requires memorizing a ton of information. However, it’s rooted primarily in waterfall rather than agile approaches.
Unless you plan to work in a domain where waterfall is dominant, the PMP probably isn’t the best certification option for those getting started in project management, and certainly not for those getting started with scrum.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.
The most common certifications for a scrum master are:
The CSM is more common than the PSM but also more expensive. Both offer multiple levels of certification.
You are required to take a class by a certified instructor for the CSM, which will cost you around $1,000. The CSM course includes the test cost and is comparable in difficulty with the PSM test.
The PSM recommends but doesn’t require a course. So you can take the self-study route and then take a cheaper test ($200). This level of affordability can make the scrum.org certifications a more attractive first step for people exploring scrum certifications.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Also be sure to check out the essential Scrum glossary.
The best way to learn to be a scrum master is through practice. However, earning a certificate can provide helpful instruction, and some companies list it as a requirement for scrum master roles.
If you're entering the world of scrum or trying to transfer your skills from one domain to another, having a certification like the CSM can help you get in the door.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Want to learn the essential Scrum terms.
Unlike the PMP (Project Management Professional), most scrum certifications don’t require experience. There are pros and cons, though. It makes earning the certifications easier but also makes them a little less valuable.
A typical CSM course will last between 3 and 5 days, depending on how much instruction is done each day. The PSM doesn’t require a course, so if you already have a solid understanding of scrum, you can just take the test today.
To really be a Scrum Master your'e going to need practice.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Also be sure to check out the essential Scrum glossary.
Scrum certifications are a great way to both grow and demonstrate your knowledge. The most common certifications for a product owner are:
The CSPO is more common than the PSPO but also more expensive. Both offer multiple levels of certification.
You are required to take a class by a certified instructor for the CSPO, which will cost you around $1,000. There is no test for the CSPO. Completing the class earns you the certification.
The PSPO recommends but doesn’t require a course. So you can take the self-study route and then take a cheaper test ($200). This level of affordability can make the scrum.org certifications a more attractive first step for people exploring scrum certifications.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Also be sure to check out the essential Scrum glossary.
Like becoming a scrum master, the best way to grow as a product owner is through practice. The CSPO class is helpful as it provides several practical facilitation techniques.
I’ve seen it listed as a requirement for various product owner or product manager roles. It can be beneficial if all other things are equal, but I don’t think it’s a game-changer for landing a PO job.
Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.
Want to learn the essential Scrum terms.
Goal setting is the process of identifying specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that you want to achieve. It involves determining what you want to accomplish, defining clear objectives, and developing a plan for achieving those objectives.
By setting goals, you can clarify your priorities, focus your efforts, measure progress, and ultimately achieve success.
Goal setting is an important skill that can help you in both your personal and professional life, enabling you to make progress towards your desired outcomes and improve your overall performance.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Goal setting is important for several reasons:
In summary, goal setting is important because it provides direction and focus, increases motivation, enhances productivity and performance, provides a sense of purpose and meaning, enables personal growth and development, and increases confidence and self-esteem.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
There are many benefits of setting goals, including:
Overall, setting goals is an important tool for personal and professional growth, enabling you to achieve success and realize your full potential.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Absolutely, goal setting can indeed help you find direction in your life. Goals act like a compass, guiding you towards the things you want to achieve and helping you determine the path to get there. Here's how goal setting can provide direction:
So, if you're feeling lost or unsure about the direction of your life, setting some goals might be a good place to start. Remember to make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to increase your chances of success.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Setting goals is an important process, but there are several common mistakes that people often make. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
By avoiding these common mistakes and setting clear, realistic, and aligned goals, you can increase your chances of achieving your desired outcomes.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Goal setting is a powerful tool that can lead to success in both your personal and professional life. Setting and achieving goals has been a significant part of my personal and professional life.
When done right, goal setting can act as your personal GPS, guiding you toward success in both life and work. With clear objectives, you can navigate your path and make consistent, intentional decisions that lead toward the life you want to live.
Here's why goal setting is a game-changer:
But for this to happen, your goals must be clear, actionable and your own.
Below, I’ll give a more in-depth look at five benefits, three pitfalls, and an opportunity I believe will help you not only set but also achieve your goal.
Let’s get started. Here's how setting goals can be your ultimate success tool:
Aligning your goals with your values and passions is crucial to ensure long-term motivation and satisfaction. Here are some steps to help you do this:
Remember, when your goals align with your values and passions, you're more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied when you reach them. It also makes the journey towards achieving your goals more enjoyable and rewarding.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Absolutely, goal setting can indeed help you find direction in your life. Goals act like a compass, guiding you towards the things you want to achieve and helping you determine the path to get there. Here's how goal setting can provide direction:
So, if you're feeling lost or unsure about the direction of your life, setting some goals might be a good place to start. Remember to make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to increase your chances of success.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Prioritizing goals can be a challenging task, but it's crucial to ensure you're working on what matters most. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your goals:
By following these steps, you can create a clear roadmap for achieving your goals based on their importance, urgency, resource requirements, and alignment with your overall life objectives.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Overcoming obstacles is an important part of achieving your goals. Here are some strategies you can use to overcome obstacles and stay on track:
By using these strategies, you can overcome obstacles that may prevent you from achieving your goals and stay on track towards your desired outcomes.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Prioritizing goals can be a challenging task, but it's crucial to ensure you're working on what matters most. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your goals:
By following these steps, you can create a clear roadmap for achieving your goals based on their importance, urgency, resource requirements, and alignment with your overall life objectives.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
The frequency with which you should review your goals can depend on the nature of the goals themselves. However, a common recommendation is to review them regularly to ensure you're making progress and staying on track. Here are some general guidelines:
Remember, these are just guidelines. The key is to find a review frequency that works best for you and your specific goals. Regular review ensures you stay accountable, track your progress, and make necessary adjustments to your plans.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
The number of goals you should have at one time can vary greatly depending on your individual capacity, resources, and circumstances. However, a common recommendation is to focus on a few key goals at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you can devote sufficient time and energy to each goal.
The truth is, fewer goals mean more focus. AND more achieving.
So, how many goals should you aim for?
It depends on your timeline.
If we’re talking about annual goals, then maybe 8-10 or just enough to cover different areas of your life—like your health, career, and relationships—without leaving you overwhelmed.
8-10 Annual goals will break down to about 2-3 goals a quarter, which allows you to focus your attention and energy long enough to make a significant impact.
Now, if we’re talking about daily goals, we teach in our Goal Focus Coaching Program to have no more than 3 priority actions a day. That may not seem like a lot, but when you stack it day after day, it has over 1,000 priority actions for the year. That impact is huge.
Having a limited number of goals allows you to focus and make meaningful progress. If you spread yourself too thin across many goals, you may find it difficult to make significant progress in any area.
Remember, it's not about the quantity of goals, but the quality of your focus and effort towards achieving them. It's better to fully commit to a few important goals than to juggle many goals without making substantial progress.
Keep in mind that everyone's capacity for goal-setting is different, and what works best for you might be different from what works for someone else. It's crucial to find a balance that feels manageable and aligns with your personal aspirations and lifestyle.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Goal setting is just the start. Goal achieving is what we all really want, and keeping track is where the magic happens.
At Everyday Design, we want to help you build momentum toward your goals. When you begin stacking daily wins, something magical happens—you feel progress. This momentum fuels your focus and commitment, even through setbacks and detours.
If you want to measure progress toward your goals, follow these steps.
Below I break down each step into more detail to help you stay on the path to success!
Celebrating your achievements is an important part of the goal-setting process. It helps to reinforce positive behavior, keeps you motivated, and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Here are some ways to celebrate achieving your goals.
Remember, the celebration should be proportionate to the size and significance of the achievement. Small victories deserve recognition too, but they might not warrant the same level of celebration as larger, more significant achievements. The key is to find a way to celebrate that feels rewarding and meaningful to you.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Learn about my Scrum 101: PSM Study Prep Course
Learn about my Scrum 101: PSM Study Prep Course
Are you striving to align your goals with your values and passions?
Wondering how to measure progress or break down large goals into manageable steps?
Are you ready to transform your dreams into reality?
Our Goal Focus Guide + Worksheet is designed for you to discover how effective goal setting can transform your personal and professional life.
Download the Goal Focus Worksheet