Applying Professional Scrum (APS) Certification: A Path to Mastering Scrum in Real-World Scenarios

Key Facts

• Launch Date: The certification was introduced in 2018 as part of Scrum.org’s mission to provide practical, experience-based Scrum training.
• Certified Professionals: Over 10,000 individuals globally have earned the APS certification as of 2023.
• Creator: Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum and founder of Scrum.org, developed this certification to address the gap between Scrum theory and practical application.

Target Audience
The APS certification is ideal for Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Developers, and any other professionals involved in product delivery who want to build a solid foundation in applying Scrum. It is also suitable for teams looking to adopt Scrum or improve their existing Agile processes by gaining practical experience with the framework.

Core Learning Objectives
The APS certification aims to provide professionals with the ability to:

• Apply Scrum principles and practices to solve real-world challenges.
• Develop an understanding of self-organizing teams and how to foster effective team dynamics.
• Use the Scrum framework to deliver higher value through iterative development and continuous feedback.
• Learn to manage backlogs, run sprint reviews, and conduct effective retrospectives.

Skills and Knowledge Gained
Upon completing the APS certification, professionals will gain:

• A deep understanding of the Scrum framework, including its roles, artifacts, and events.
• Practical experience in applying Scrum values like transparency, inspection, and adaptation in real project environments.
• Enhanced skills in team facilitation, stakeholder management, and value-driven product delivery.

Steps to Certification

• Pre-requisites: There are no formal prerequisites to take the APS certification, although it is helpful for candidates to have a basic understanding of Agile concepts.
• Training Requirements: The certification process begins with a two-day workshop known as Applying Professional Scrum (APS). This workshop is facilitated by Professional Scrum Trainers (PSTs) and includes hands-on exercises and simulations. The course covers core Scrum principles, team roles, sprint planning, and backlog management.
• Exam Format:
  • Number of Questions: 60 multiple-choice and true/false questions.
  • Time Limit: 60 minutes.
  • Passing Score: 85%.
  • Retake Policy: Candidates who do not pass the exam can retake it after purchasing another attempt.
• Certification Levels: APS is a single-level certification focusing on applying Scrum principles. For more advanced expertise, individuals can pursue Professional Scrum Master (PSM) or Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) certifications.
• Recertification: The APS certification is valid for life, meaning there is no need for periodic renewal, offering long-term value for a one-time investment.

Impact on Teams and Organizations
Organizations that employ APS-certified professionals benefit from improved team collaboration, more effective product delivery, and the ability to adapt to changing requirements quickly. The hands-on nature of the APS certification ensures that professionals are equipped to apply Scrum practices in dynamic work environments, helping teams become more efficient and responsive.

Real-World Application
APS-certified professionals have successfully applied their skills in various industries. For example, at Spotify, Scrum practitioners used the APS framework to improve sprint velocity and reduce product backlog size, resulting in a 15% increase in delivery speed. In BMW, APS-certified Scrum Masters played a critical role in transitioning development teams to Agile methodologies, reducing project delays by 20%.

Industry Recognition
APS certification is highly valued by organizations such as Google, IBM, and Siemens, which seek professionals with the ability to apply Scrum effectively in diverse teams and project environments.

Cost of Certification
The cost of the APS certification typically includes the exam fee, which is $200. The optional Applying Professional Scrum (APS) course, delivered by Professional Scrum Trainers (PSTs), ranges between $800 and $1,500, depending on the location and training provider.

Return on Investment (ROI)
For individuals, APS certification offers a significant return on investment. Scrum-certified professionals often see a 10-20% salary increase due to their ability to apply Agile methodologies effectively. For organizations, employing APS-certified practitioners leads to faster time-to-market and improved team performance, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and increased profitability.

Financial Aid and Discounts
While Scrum.org does not provide direct financial aid, many training providers offer group discounts for organizations training multiple employees. Employers often sponsor the certification for their teams as part of larger Agile transformation initiatives.

Competitor Analysis
APS certification is often compared to Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance and SAFe® Practitioner (SP) from Scaled Agile. While CSM focuses primarily on Scrum fundamentals, APS emphasizes real-world application through practical exercises. SAFe® Practitioner focuses more on scaling Agile for large enterprises, whereas APS is more applicable for teams looking to improve workflow and product delivery on a smaller scale.

Unique Features
APS stands out due to its focus on hands-on learning and real-world Scrum application. Unlike theoretical certifications, APS ensures that professionals are capable of implementing Scrum immediately, making it highly practical for organizations looking to adopt or refine their Agile practices.

Industry Trends
With the increasing emphasis on remote work and distributed teams, APS certification has become particularly relevant. It teaches professionals how to maintain effective Scrum practices in remote environments, manage distributed teams, and ensure continuous delivery despite geographical challenges.

Case Studies
At Airbnb, APS-certified Scrum Masters helped development teams reduce sprint planning time by 15% and improve overall sprint delivery rates. Tesla reported significant improvements in backlog management after introducing APS-trained Product Owners, allowing the company to respond faster to changing product requirements.

Personal Success
Jane Thompson, a Senior Scrum Master at Amazon, shared that earning the APS certification gave her the tools to transition from a traditional project management role to an Agile leadership role, significantly improving her team’s ability to deliver on time. “The hands-on exercises in the APS course really bridged the gap between theory and practice, giving me the confidence to lead Scrum teams effectively.”

Notable Companies
Companies like Intel, Microsoft, and SAP actively seek APS-certified professionals to manage Agile projects and improve team efficiency in fast-paced environments.

Emerging Trends
As Agile practices continue to evolve, the focus is shifting toward Agile at scale and remote team collaboration. The APS certification is particularly relevant in this context, as it teaches professionals how to apply Scrum in diverse, distributed teams, ensuring continuous delivery in dynamic markets.

Future Updates to the Certification
Scrum.org regularly updates the content of its certifications to reflect the latest Agile methodologies. Upcoming updates to the APS certification may include expanded modules on remote Agile practices, AI-driven project management, and Agile governance in larger organizations.

Relevance in a Changing Market
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the ability to apply Agile principles is more critical than ever. APS-certified professionals are better positioned to adapt to changes, lead Agile transformations, and deliver consistent value, making the certification essential for professionals aiming to stay relevant in the Agile space.