Practicing Scrum·4 min read

Scrum Trainer Evaluation Guide: 10 Questions Answered

Michael Vizdos, CST with the Scrum Alliance, answers the 10 questions you should ask any Scrum Trainer before you pay and register for a class.

By Certified Scrum Trainer^® (CST) Michael Vizdos with the Scrum Alliance.

If you haven’t taken a look at the free Scrum Trainer Evaluation Guide, get it at 10_training_questions.mvizdos.com — print it and use it to have a conversation with ANY Scrum Trainer you’re considering, before paying and registering. Speak directly with the actual trainer, not an assistant or marketing rep.

View upcoming public training dates.

1. How long have you been delivering Scrum training?

Since 2006, as an official CST with the Scrum Alliance. I’m one of the original CSTs, mentored directly by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland (the two people who created Scrum) — I received my CSM training from Ken Schwaber in January 2004, and Ken has referenced me as one of the “early pioneers” in this industry. I’ve also helped train and mentor dozens of other CSTs over the years (yes, they’re my “competitors” today).

Have you seen the “Scrum Chicken and Pig” cartoons? Those are mine, from ImplementingScrum.com.

2. How often do you update your training?

Prior to every new training event. You’re guaranteed my latest work and lifetime access to future updates.

3. How has your training evolved over the years?

Each event is a unique experience — look at training as an ongoing conversation between me, you, and the other attendees. Read more about the CSM Training experience here.

4. What else do you do besides deliver Scrum training?

I don’t travel city-to-city delivering training every week — this matters because I bring real, current experience to your event. My company applies Scrum daily to run our business. I spend time consulting with clients around the world, work with an internal team building custom software (yes, using Scrum), and I’m on staff part-time at Blueprint Education as an agile consultant working with their leadership team, teachers, and students (see ScrumInSchool.org). I’m also Scrum Master in Residence at the VCU da Vinci Center, and a co-founder of AgileRichmond.com and ScrumRVA.org.

I usually deliver training about once a month publicly and integrate real-world examples — literally from yesterday sometimes. No recycled stories.

Watch out for this from other trainers: “Guaranteed to Run” is mostly marketing hype from a marketing company, not the trainer. If I schedule a training and it’s just you and me, we’ll do it if you want.

5. How much does your training cost (and what’s included)?

I’m not the cheapest Scrum trainer out there — do your own research. Contact a few trainers and ask the questions from iWantScrumTraining.com. If lowest price is your only concern, I’m probably not a good match. Current prices at training.mvizdos.com (individual, team, and bulk organizational pricing). Almost everyone who attends a course with me was personally referred by someone I trained before.

6. What preparation do I need before attending?

If you want to “show up” and have slides read to you for two days, please go somewhere else. I’ll email preparation information leading up to the training, real-time updates during, and follow-up after. You can read the most current preparation info at csm_preparation.mvizdos.com. No matter who you train with, you’re required to understand the Scrum Fundamentals as a prerequisite — read the official learning objectives at ScrumFundamentals.com, or read, watch, or listen to the 2020 Scrum Guide at InteractiveScrumGuide.com.

7. What resources will I leave with?

Already included in every Certified Scrum Master delivery from any CST: your exam fee (2 chances to pass), 2 years Scrum Alliance membership, and SEUs/PDUs. Almost every CSM course lists these like they’re something “special” — they’re not, they’re included in your course fee.

Attendees of my training also get a detailed study guide — view a draft at csm_study_draft.mvizdos.com, usable even if you don’t take training with me. You can also get VIP access to talk with me anytime at vip.mvizdos.com.

8. Do you offer remote or in-person training?

Both. I currently use Zoom and Google Jamboards for remote CSM and CSPO training — read the full experience here. I also offer in-person training (let’s talk). It’s either/or — I’m not a big fan of “hybrid” just yet, since a mix of in-person and remote attendees is a worse experience for everyone.

9. Will training guarantee me a new job or higher salary?

No, and no. If anyone guarantees this, run away. Is it helpful to have a CSM or CSPO certification? It can’t hurt, and it might help you get through search filters. Read my tips on landing your dream job too.

10. ______________ [Insert Your Own Question]

You probably still have other questions to ask your Scrum Trainer. Good — ask away. Contact me via email or schedule some time for a sales-pressure-free conversation. Become an informed buyer and recognize there’s a real difference in who becomes your Scrum Trainer.

See current public training dates at training.mvizdos.com, or contact Michael Vizdos directly to discuss your team’s needs.

What Next?

Please consider me for your Scrum Training — learn more and register at training.mvizdos.com. If you’d like to speak with me about any of these answers, contact me.

Download your FREE copy of “10 Questions to Ask Your Scrum Trainer” at 10_training_questions.mvizdos.com.

Contact me (with feedback) or connect with me on LinkedIn to discuss this Scrum Trainer Evaluation Guide together.