Scrum Master Essentials
Master the art of servant leadership and agile facilitation
free · no signup · 6-8 hours · 6 modules · 21 lessons · beginner
What You'll Learn
6 outcomesBy the end of this curriculum, you will be able to:
- Understand Scrum values, principles, and the empirical process
- Facilitate all Scrum events effectively
- Coach teams toward self-organization and continuous improvement
- Remove impediments and shield the team from distractions
- Foster psychological safety and healthy team dynamics
- Scale Scrum practices across multiple teams
Who This Is For
- New Scrum Masters looking to build a solid foundation
- Developers transitioning into a Scrum Master role
- Team leads adopting Scrum practices
- Anyone wanting to understand Scrum deeply
Curriculum
6 modules · 21 lessons6 modules covering everything from foundations to advanced coaching
Agile Foundations
45 minBefore diving into Scrum mechanics, understand the principles and mindset that make agile work. This foundation will help you make better decisions when the textbook doesn't have the answer.
Learning Objectives
- Understand why agile emerged and the problems it solves
- Internalize the four values of the Agile Manifesto
- Apply the twelve principles to real-world situations
The Scrum Framework
50 minScrum is a lightweight framework for developing complex products. Learn its structure, the three roles, and how they work together to deliver value.
Learning Objectives
- Understand why Scrum is a framework, not a methodology
- Know the three Scrum roles and their accountabilities
- Recognize how roles complement each other
Scrum Events
75 minScrum defines five events that create opportunities for transparency, inspection, and adaptation. Master these events to keep your team aligned and continuously improving.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the purpose and timebox of each Scrum event
- Facilitate effective Sprint Planning sessions
- Run Daily Scrums that energize rather than bore
Scrum Artifacts
45 minScrum artifacts represent work or value. Each artifact has a commitment that ensures transparency and focus. Master these to keep your team aligned and stakeholders informed.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the three Scrum artifacts and their commitments
- Create and maintain an effective Product Backlog
- Build Sprint Backlogs that enable adaptation
Facilitation Skills
60 minBeing a Scrum Master is more than knowing Scrum—it's about facilitating effectively. Learn techniques to run engaging, productive sessions that drive real outcomes.
Learning Objectives
- Apply core facilitation principles to all Scrum events
- Handle difficult dynamics and conflict productively
- Create psychological safety for honest conversations
Coaching & Continuous Improvement
60 minA Scrum Master is more than a facilitator—they're a coach who develops the team's capability over time. Learn how to guide without dictating and drive sustainable improvement.
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish between coaching, mentoring, and teaching
- Apply powerful questioning techniques
- Build a culture of continuous improvement
Additional Resources
4 referencesRecommended reading and references for deeper learning
The Scrum Guide
websiteThe official Scrum Guide by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland - the definitive source.Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time
bookJeff Sutherland's accessible introduction to Scrum and its origins.Coaching Agile Teams
bookLyssa Adkins' guide to becoming a great agile coach and facilitator.The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
bookPatrick Lencioni's classic on building trust and healthy team dynamics.
Start Your Scrum Master Journey
This curriculum is completely free. No signup required. Start learning at your own pace and become an effective Scrum Master.
Start Module 1: Agile Foundations