In the world of Agile, certifications have long been a point of contention. Lately, there’s been a growing trend of dismissiveness toward certifications, with many expressing skepticism about their value. As someone who has spent years in the Agile and Scrum space, I understand the frustration that certifications often evoke. While I agree with some of the criticism, I also see their value, but only when approached correctly.
The Impact of Certifications on Learning
Certifications have had a significant impact on the Agile industry. However, they often get in the way of learning. Here’s the challenge: people tend to chase certifications instead of pursuing the deep knowledge that those certifications are meant to assess. It’s common to see individuals land jobs solely because of the letters on their resume, not because they have the real-world experience needed to excel.
But this raises the question: What’s the true value of certifications, and how should we approach them?
The Trap of Chasing Credentials
- Certifications don’t equal capability – Too often, people equate passing a certification exam with being proficient in Agile or Scrum. This is a dangerous assumption.
- Jobs over skills – Many people secure positions based on their certifications rather than their ability to deliver real value.
- Learning gets left behind – When the focus shifts to acquiring a certificate, the pursuit of deep knowledge often takes a back seat.
As Agile professionals, we must recognize this and steer the industry toward valuing experience and learning over mere certification.
Certifications as a Starting Point
Let me be clear: there is no two-day course you can attend, pass a certification exam, and walk away as an expert. At best, a certification can be likened to passing your driving test. Think back to the time when you passed your driving test—were you the best driver on the road at that moment? Absolutely not. You had the minimum knowledge required to avoid being a danger to those around you. And, if we’re honest, even that minimum wasn’t enough for some of us!
Here’s the key takeaway: Certifications are just the beginning, not the end. They represent a starting point in your journey, not the pinnacle of your expertise.
Think of It Like Driving
- Driving test ≠ expert driver – Just because you passed your driving test doesn’t mean you can handle every vehicle or every road condition.
- Different licenses, different skills – Passing a driving test doesn’t mean you can ride a motorbike or drive a 10-ton truck. The same applies to Agile certifications—one size does not fit all.
If you’ve recently earned a certification, think of it as your learner’s permit in the Agile world. It’s the start of a long journey toward true mastery.
The Misuse of Certifications in the Professional World
Now, here’s where certifications become problematic. In the professional world, we often see certifications misused as badges of expertise. But here’s the hard truth: passing a certification doesn’t make you an expert. It doesn’t automatically qualify you as a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach, and if you’re putting those titles on your LinkedIn profile after passing an exam, it’s time for a reality check.
Real-World Examples
I’ve met some of the best Scrum Masters, and guess what? They didn’t become Scrum Masters after a certification course. They became Scrum Masters because their teams saw the value they brought and selected them for the role. These individuals demonstrated their effectiveness in the team context, long before they attended a Scrum course.
So, if you’re new to the Scrum Master role, don’t be in a rush to slap that title on your profile. Instead, focus on building your real-world skills and experiences.
Becoming a Scrum Master: The Right Way
If you’re aspiring to become a Scrum Master, certifications are just one piece of the puzzle. The real key is proving your value within a team. You need to demonstrate that you’re capable of enhancing the team’s effectiveness and adding tangible value to their work.
How to Earn Your Place as a Scrum Master:
- Join a team – Start by being part of a team that can benefit from the skills you already have.
- Demonstrate value – Show your team that you’re not just there for a title. Help them improve, work more effectively, and achieve their goals.
- Let the team select you – The best Scrum Masters are selected by their teams, not appointed after a course.
In the end, becoming a Scrum Master is about earning the role through action, not just passing a test.
Overcoming the Agile Certification Ghost
If certifications are haunting your Agile journey, it’s time to address them. These “ghosts” can undermine the effectiveness of your work and stifle your growth as a professional. While certifications aren’t inherently bad, they become problematic when used as the sole measure of competence.
How to Exorcise the Certification Ghosts:
- Focus on learning – Shift your focus away from just earning certifications and toward deep learning and experience.
- Get hands-on – Engage with teams, solve real-world problems, and practice the principles you’ve learned.
- Seek mentorship – Find experienced Scrum Masters or Agile Coaches who can guide you and provide valuable insights beyond the textbook.
Don’t let these certification phantoms haunt your career! Certifications should support your learning, not replace it.
Ready to Move Beyond Certifications?
If you’re struggling with the role that certifications play in your Agile journey, I’m here to help. Whether you need guidance, coaching, or just want to have a discussion about your unique situation, don’t hesitate to reach out. At NKD Agility, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of Agile and Scrum.
Let’s Talk
- Email me – Drop me a line at martin@nkdagility.com, and I’ll help you exorcise those certification ghosts!
- Book a call – Visit nakedagility.com to book a call or check out our public classes.
- Join us – We offer immersive training that goes beyond certifications, helping you build real-world expertise.
Remember, the journey to becoming a true Agile professional is about more than just passing a test. It’s about continuous learning, hands-on experience, and making a real impact within your teams. 🛠️ Certifications aren’t the destination—they’re just the start!