the Paper vs the Story
Before I made the change from design to the software industry, I was freelancing as a designer. In order for software recruiters to take me seriously, it was advised I get my CSM — Certified Scrum Master certificate.
After much thought and research, I decided to take the plunge and get certified as a Scrum Master. That certificate was and still is, like gold to me. Why? because I paid for it myself, with my own hard earned freelance money.
Two years later I received an email to say that my certificate is about to expire.
At the time I did my CSM, I knew about the expiry date and that I had the option of renewing my certificate. What fascinates and disturbs me however is Scrum Alliance’s renewal process for the CSM.
Renewing is easy (too easy). All it takes is $100…
CSM®: Certified ScrumMaster. To renew your CSM certification, log in, go to your dashboard, and click on the “Renew Certification” option under “Actions.” The fee is $100 and covers two years, extending from your current expiration date.
$100. Every 2 years you want to renew. No other training required. No further level or development to work toward.
Just money, and those with money can easily pay this.
In order to stand a chance in the job market as a Scrum Master, it’s required that you have your CSM. A piece of paper anyone with money could get whenever they wanted (again too easy).
What about the knowledge, experience and time it took to gain all I know about Agile and Scrum? What about the story behind the paper?
No paper. No interview. No job.
What a loss to the industry when we lose sight of the person and their story.
My CSM will expire in a few days. It cuts deep because of what it means to me and the financial effort it took to acquire this piece of paper.
As Scrum Masters, Programmers, or Designers, we need to keep our papers — our certificates — up-to-date. It’s important for our learning and career growth. It’s also important for hiring managers.
Still…
I won’t be renewing my CSM and I’m not sure what comes after this either.
All I can do is remain a continuous learner and teach by living the values of a Scrum Master through what I do.
Someday, could the paper be less valuable than the story itself?
Probably not.
If nothing else, remember the story behind the paper. For a piece of paper is worth nothing without a human story behind it.
