April 19, 2022 · 5 min read

Updated October 30, 2026

I Want Scrum Training - Preparation For Your CSM or PSM

Looking for Scrum training? Six free resources to prepare for your CSM or PSM, plus ten questions to ask any Scrum trainer before you pay.

To get ready for Scrum training, do three things: prepare with the free resources below, talk directly to the person who will teach your class, and ask them the ten questions in this guide. That works whether you take a Scrum Alliance CSM, a Scrum.org PSM, or training from someone other than me.

I’m Michael Vizdos, a Certified Scrum Trainer^® (CST) with the Scrum Alliance. I’ve delivered Scrum and Agile training to thousands of people, in person and remotely, all over the world since 2006. Bookmark this page (iWantScrumTraining.com); I update it as I learn what people ask.

Schedule your training event · See training options

Which Scrum training should I take?

Both major certifying bodies, the Scrum Alliance (CSM, CSPO) and Scrum.org (PSM, PSPO), build their training on the same source: the Scrum Guide. The trainer matters more than the logo. If you want the Scrum Alliance route, I teach the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) courses. For a shorter, 4-hour live option, see the Scrum Essentials Certification.

A seat in one of my public CSM or CSPO classes is $997, all in. Reserve one for $97 and I’ll schedule the class when four or five people confirm.

Want to compare options with zero sales pressure? Send me a direct message on LinkedIn or contact me.

I also know you have many options from other excellent trainers, and most are priced lower than mine. I don’t compete on price alone. So instead of telling you how awesome my training is, I’d rather you spend a few minutes on information you can use, even if you never take a class with me.

Should I spend money on Scrum training right now?

Be careful here:

1. If you’re unemployed or under-employed, please don’t spend money you don’t have on training (mine or anyone’s).
2. This certification alone will not get you a new job. I wouldn’t advise payment plans or borrowing money to take a class.
3. If you’re job hunting, or know someone who is, see 3 Steps to Landing Your Dream Job.

How do I prepare for CSM or PSM training?

Use these six free resources. They take about five minutes to skim and are worth it even if you train with someone else. If you take my class, I’ll expect you to know the fundamentals first. I don’t spend class time reading the Scrum Guide to you. You’re an adult. You got this.

1. Scrum Fundamentals. Every CSM course must cover the Scrum Alliance learning objectives. This page lays them out, with a self-check so you can see what you already know.
2. Interactive Scrum Guide. The online, interactive version of the 2020 Scrum Guide that every CST and PST teaches from. Ctrl-F is your friend.
3. 2020 Scrum Guide audiobook. I’ve recorded a free audiobook of the Scrum Guide for over 10 years, and it’s listed as an official resource by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland. It runs just under 30 minutes, or about 15 at 2x speed (a hack I use often). The Interactive Scrum Guide links to each section of the audio.
4. 2020 Scrum Guide YouTube playlist. One 2-4 minute video for each section, 23 in all, using the text of the official guide: sg20_playlist.mvizdos.com.
5. ImplementingScrum.com. Over 100 “Scrum Chicken and Pig” cartoons I published from 2006 to about 2012, which I still use in class. They help people who are starting, practicing, coaching, leading, or even “managing” Scrum (but do not click that last link, sigh).
6. A weekly Scrum cartoon by email. A free Scrum Chicken and Pig cartoon lands in your inbox every Saturday morning, with something I’ve learned about implementing Scrum. I’ve sent millions of emails since 2006. Subscribe.

Bonus: follow me on LinkedIn, or send a direct message if this page helped.

How do I choose a Scrum trainer?

Before you sign up for ANY Scrum training, speak directly to the person who will teach it. Not an assistant, not a delegate, not a marketing rep. Many marketing organizations sell training delivered by different people, so ask who your trainer will actually be. This can be harder than it should be, and how hard it is tells you something about what you’ll get.

Also ask friends and colleagues for a recommendation, either of who to go to or who to avoid.

How to use the Scrum Trainer Evaluation Guide

1. Contact at least three Scrum trainers. Really. List them:
   • Michael Vizdos → mvizdos@vizdosenterprises.com. My answers are in 10 Questions Answered.
   • Trainer 2 → ____________________________
   • Trainer 3 → ____________________________
2. Speak directly with each one.
3. Ask each one the ten questions below in a conversation with the actual trainer, for either public or private training. Each question links to my own answer as an example.

10 Questions to ask your Scrum trainer

Created by Michael Vizdos at iWantScrumTraining.com.

1. How long have you been delivering Scrum training? My answer
2. How often do you update your Scrum training? My answer
3. How has your Scrum training evolved over the years? My answer
4. What else do you do besides deliver Scrum training? My answer
5. How much does your Scrum training cost (and what’s included)? My answer
6. What kind of preparation do I need to make before attending your Scrum training? My answer
7. What resources will I leave with after your Scrum training? My answer
8. Do you offer remote (virtual) or in-person training? My answer
9. Will the Scrum training guarantee me a new job or higher salary? My answer
10. ______ (insert your own relevant question) My answer

Read all 10 answers together (Michael Vizdos, CST).

Can my whole team get Scrum training together?

Yes. I bring training to your company on-site or remote, so your whole team learns the same language at the same time. See private team training, or contact me to talk it through. Beyond the class, I also work with teams through consulting.

What next?

• Ready to register? See training options, or schedule private training.
• Still learning? Start with Scrum Fundamentals, then the Interactive Scrum Guide. Curious where the name came from? See where Scrum’s name came from.
• Questions about my answers? Contact me or connect on LinkedIn. Feedback is welcome.
• Weekly: Subscribe for Saturday morning emails about implementing Scrum in the real world.

Whichever way you go: speak with the real person who will teach you, and use the free resources. You’ll arrive better prepared for your Certified ScrumMaster or Certified Scrum Product Owner certification (or the Scrum.org equivalent).

Written by Michael Vizdos

Certified Scrum Trainer^® since 2006. About me · LinkedIn

35+ years working with teams around the world on Implementing Scrum. Found this useful? Feel free to share it with your team, or send feedback — I read all of it.

I sometimes use AI tools to brainstorm and create, including the background image. How I use AI.