What does a scrum master do?

A scrum master keeps a team accountable to the scrum framework—the agile method that organizes work into short, iterative sprints. They coach the development team, facilitate scrum ceremonies like sprint planning and daily standups, and remove the obstacles that slow delivery down.

The role is most common in software development, but it adds value anywhere a team ships work in iterative cycles. Here’s what scrum masters do, how the role differs from product and project management, and how to become one.

What is a scrum master?

A scrum master is responsible for keeping everyone accountable to the scrum framework. They use coaching methods to support engineers and ensure the development team understands their tasks.

The scrum master serves in a leadership role, overseeing the sprint lifecycle and development process. A strong scrum master creates an environment of for the developers.

Scrum master vs. product manager

A scrum master is different from a traditional product manager.

A product manager leads a team aiming to multiply the product’s value and solve user problems. They also determine what the company should develop next, based on roadmap data.

A scrum master is essentially responsible for:

Motivating, coaching, and training the development team
Troubleshooting programming hiccups
Facilitating scrum meetings
Creating burn charts
Increasing development productivity

Scrum master vs. project manager

Project managers also differ from scrum masters.

A project manager oversees the entirety of a project. This may include creating and managing budgets and calculating risk.

A scrum master is a key player in the development team’s performance.

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What is a scrum master’s role?

Understanding the role of a scrum master means taking a closer look at what they do day to day. Each project varies in responsibilities and scope.

While scrum duties vary, here’s a typical routine you can expect. A scrum master:

Establishes scrum processes
Coaches and educates the team on scrum values and goals
Assists the team in resolving development hiccups, conflicts, or challenges
Protects the scrum team from influence, interference, and distractions
Leads team meetings, including sprint planning, sprint retrospectives, and daily scrum
Reduces friction throughout the sprint cycle and monitors improvements
Creates burn charts and other relevant documents for their role and the agile framework

Who needs a scrum master?

Scrum masters are most prevalent in software development.

But countless industries, niches, and projects can benefit directly from scrum master leadership. A scrum master can be instrumental in any industry that has a specific product to develop or platform to launch.

A scrum master can make a positive impact in:

Technology
Design
Marketing and advertising
Government and municipal projects
Office administration
Construction

Benefits of employing a scrum master

Working with a scrum master brings several advantages for your project’s development team.

Scrum masters improve delivery by identifying and removing obstacles, ensuring quicker turnaround. That’s essential in rapidly changing project environments.

A scrum master also ensures quality assurance testing isn’t just an end-of-sprint activity—testing early surfaces issues sooner.

Beyond that, scrum masters bring:

Improved progress visibility
Fact-based decision-making
A more collaborative environment for the engineers

The scrum master holds a broader project perspective, helping the team meet deadlines.

How to be an effective scrum master

If you want to become a scrum master, certain skills and characteristics will make the transition from your current position smoother.

Here are some tips on being effective in the role:

Be diligent about coaching and guiding teams first.
Explore methods to make scrum ceremonies more collaborative.
Gain consensus on the meeting and scrum approach the team wants to take.
Confirm the scrum structure is in place.
Build strategic and supportive relationships with the product and technical teams.
Engage with team members individually to cultivate trust and productivity.
Improve communication between team members and stakeholders.

How to become a scrum master

It helps to be a great coach and project leader, but you can also obtain certifications and take courses to earn a scrum master designation.

Qualifying yourself for the company you want to work for is a good idea—each scrum master job outlines its own criteria and requirements.

Completing a Certified Scrum Master® or Advanced Certified Scrum Master® program is also encouraged. Coursework from Certified Scrum Trainers introduces best practices and responsibilities, teaching scrum masters how to be effective in the role.

What skills are essential for a scrum master?

Maybe you’re looking to hire a scrum master for your company, or you’re interested in a new career.

Do you have a scrum master’s foundational skills? Consider these top qualities:

Naturally focused on team cohesiveness
Organized
Good at problem-solving
Technical knowledge with a mechanical view of processes
Able to relate to non-technical teammates
Enthusiastic about helping team members grow and develop
Flexible and dynamic
Empowers others
Able to see the big picture
Understands priorities and goals
A top-notch communicator
A well-versed relationship builder

What scrum master certifications are available?

With several certifications available, you can start with the standard Certified Scrum Master® and continue to the Advanced Certified Scrum Master®.

There are many types of scrum master certificates, including:

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
Professional Scrum Master (PSM I)
Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)
SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I)
Certified Scrum Developer (CSD)

You can also find a course taught by a Global Registered Education Provider (REP) of Scrum Alliance or a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST®).

Scrum masters are established performance drivers for project-driven businesses, and the role appeals to career seekers looking for collaborative leadership.

If you believe you have the necessary transferable skills, start researching the role. Explore how your workday would look as a scrum master and the certifications that can help relaunch your career.

If you’re a business looking for a more effective way to manage projects and teams, a scrum master could increase your team’s capacity, focus, and process workflow.