Top PSM Books: Preparation Tips, PSM Certification

Scrum is a widely used project management framework by large-scale organizations that encourages teamwork using Agile principles. Scrum originated from Rugby and uses the same concept used in this game. Like rugby teams training for a game, Scrum helps teams learn from their experiences, work on a problem with self-organization and reflect on their achievements and failures to maintain consistency. A Scrum Master helps facilitate Agile development for a team.

They manage the flow of information and communication across teams and team members. To become a successful Scrum master, you first need to be PSM certified by passing the assessment by Scrum.org online. To get started, you can refer to a reliable PSM book or even take up PSM online course.

Who is a Professional Scrum Master?

A Scrum master holds a leading position in Scrum and facilitates the integration of Agile methodology in organizational teamwork. Agile conducts daily Scrum meetings to help self-organizing teams to communicate, share progress and plan ahead. Some teams have fixed Scrum masters, while others might have multiple members assigned to that position on different days. To kick-start your career in Agile, enroll in KnowledgeHut Agile Management training. During these routine meetings, the Scrum master addresses the team members with three questions:  

• What did you do the day before? 
• What do you plan to do today? 
• Are there any challenges in your work?

With the answers to these questions, the Scrum master plans to make practical changes to the team's process, if required. To know more about the responsibilities of a Scrum master, you can refer to a reliable and professional Scrum master book.

Top 5 Professional Scrum Master Books

The unparalleled advantage of using Scrum based on Agile principles has enabled organizations to adopt this framework for maximum workforce optimization. Qualifying for the Scrum certification assessment is the only way to become a professional Scrum master. A good PSM exam book will help you prepare well for PSM certification exam. Here is a reliable Professional Scrum Master book list that we have consolidated for you.

Scrum

A Breathtakingly Brief and Agile Introduction 

Author Name   

Chris Sims & Hillary Louise Johnson

Source

Year of Release and Version  

This 40446th edition of this book was first released on 3rd April 2012.  

Good Reads Rating 

This book has a 3.95 out of 5 rating on Goodreads. 

Publisher Info 

The publisher, Dymaxicon, a company run by Agile Learning Labs, specializes in releasing tech-related and fictional books. It aims to bridge the connection between both fields.  

Book Info 

Detailed information about this book is listed below: 

• Page count: 54 
• Language: English 
• ISBN-10: 193796504X 
• ISBN-13: 978-1937965044 

Overview of What is Covered in the Book 

This book is a compact pocket-sized guide that will give you an overview of the roles, responsibilities, notions, and Scrum’s sprint cycle in a nutshell. It presents the core facts, definitions, and concepts, written down to serve as a handy ready-reckoner. Key benefits and takeaways 

This book is the perfect Professional Scrum Master book for beginners. Although it is far from being a suitable study material, it can act as a handy guide during training courses and exams. The key benefits of referring to this book for your SCRUM preparation are:

• You will get a brief idea about the fundamentals of Scrum as well as the basic roles and responsibilities of a PSM.  
• This book can be a reference guide while preparing for both PSM and CSM  certification.  
• It can be handy when memorizing concepts before sitting for the PSM exam.  
• Although brief, every single piece of information about Scrum and Scrum masters.  

Scrum Mastery

From Good to Great Servant-Leadership  

Author Name   

Geoff Watts

Source

Year of Release and Version 

This book was first released on the 30th May 2013. 

Good Reads Rating  

This book has a 4.24 out of 5 rating on Goodreads. 

Publisher Info 

The publisher of this renowned book is Inspect & Adapt Ltd, one of the top-notch professional training platforms, ideal for individuals looking to maximize their talents, adapt to change, and more.  

Book Info  

A detailed list of information about this book is given below: 

• ISBN-13: 978-0957587403 
• ISBN-10: 0957587406 
• Pages: 288 
• Language: English 

Overview of What is Covered in the Book 

This book is considered the best book for PSM preparation. Authored by one of the most renowned faces of Scrum, he elucidates the basics of becoming a phenomenal  ScrumMaster. The straightforward and easy language makes it easy to grasp the concepts with ease. With this book, you will learn how to facilitate the Scrum process and eliminate any hiccups you encounter.  

Key Benefits and Takeaways 

In this book, the author has illustrated how to reach your maximum potential as a Scrum Master. George Watts has over 10 years of experience as a Scrum coach and has identified the patterns that distinguish a novice Scrum Master from an excellent one. This book serves as a practical guidebook in your Scrum journey. The key takeaways of this book are as follows:

• Characteristics and skills required of a great Scrum Master  
• How to maintain and improve team engagement  
• How to enhance the operational efficiency of the Scrum meetings (daily Scrums and retrospectives) 
• How to build a collaborative and creative team 
• How to enhance team performance 
• How to determine if you are successful as a Scrum Master 

The Elements of Scrum

Author Name   

Chris Sims & Hillary Louise Johnson

Source

Year of Release and Version 

This book was first released in the year 2011.  

Good Reads Rating  

This book has a 3.98 out of 5 rating on Goodreads.  

Publisher Info 

This book was released by Dymaxicon, which is a publishing company dedicated to offering a platform via which authors of both fiction and non-fiction can grow their potential by releasing their books.  

Book Info  

Some of the important details of this book have been listed below: 

• ISBN: 0982866917  
• ISBN 13: 9780982866917 
• Pages: 184 
• Language: English 

Overview of What is Covered in the Book 

This is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed books used by Scrum aspirants worldwide. It garnered a good reputation internationally for being the only book on software development authored by one of the top scrum trainers and pioneers of experiential learning, Chris Sims, and Hillary Louise Johnson, a business journalist and a novelist. It is a bestseller because of its detailed demonstrations of the practices, principles, and problems related to the scrum framework via the storytelling method and illustrative examples. 

Key Benefits and Takeaways 

This book uses an illustrative and descriptive approach to Scrum by vividly explaining the key concepts. It offers insights into the industry in association with the Scrum theory. Some of the key benefits and takeaways of this book are:

• Illustrative step-by-step example of how the life of a scrum team progresses.  
• Brief idea about Scrum's origins and history with a comparison with the traditional methodologies.  
• Learn about how Scrum is relevant to the software industry’s cultural history.  
• Principles and practices imposed by the Agile Manifesto via illustrative and real-world examples. 
• You will learn about every aspect of the scrum process, such as team composition, workflow management, and scheduling.  
• The concluding section includes relevant technical practices such as Pair Programming and Test Driven Development to help the reader apply Scrum at a practical level.  

Scrum, Mega Pack

Author Name

Paul VII

Source

Year of Release and Version  

This book was released on 28th March 2013. 

Good Reads Rating  

This book has a 3.77 out of 5 Goodreads rating. 

Publisher Info 

This book was released by Createspace, an independent publishing platform owned by Amazon. Established in the year 2000 in South Carolina, this publishing platform is renowned worldwide and has released books of numerous genres.  

Book Info  

Some important information about this book has been listed below:

• Pages: 198 
• ISBN: 1482681730 
• ISBN13: 9781482681734 
• Language: English 

Overview of What is Covered in the Book 

Paul VII is a renowned Scrum Master with over 20 years of experience in this field. It is a compilation of some of the most prominent texts on the Scrum framework. With an in-depth overview of the Scrum concept and a plethora of illustrative real-life examples, it offers a basic yet detailed understanding of the Scrum concept.  

As a reader, you will learn about the crucial elements of the Scrum framework, the benefits of implementing Scrum in the workforce, and the conditions that fall under this methodology. With its helpful project tips, this book aims to offer you a phenomenal reading experience with a practical approach. 

Key Benefits and Takeaways 

This book is known to be one of the most important guidebooks. It is a valuable source of information provided in a consolidated manner from several books relevant to the Scrum framework. If you want to upgrade your career as a Professional Scrum Master, this book is ideal for you. It is a compilation of the following books:

• The Power of Scrum, In the Real World, For the Agile Scrum Master, Product Owner, Stakeholder, and Development Team 
• 72 Reasons Why Scrum Works, For the Agile Scrum Master, Product Owner, Stakeholder, and Development Team 
• The Scrum Checklist, For the Agile Scrum Master, Product Owner, Stakeholder, and Development Team 
• Scrum of Scrums, Agile Programme Management, For the Agile Scrum Master, Product Owner, Stakeholder, and Development 
• Scrum Top Tips, For the Agile Scrum Master, Product Owner, Stakeholder, and Development Team 
• How to Become a Scrum Master, In 7 Simple Steps, For the Agile Scrum Master, Product Owner, Stakeholder, and Development Team 
• How to Meet a Project Deadline with Scrum, In 7 simple steps For the Business, Agile Project Manager, Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team 
• Kanban, The Kanban guide, For the Business, Agile Project Manager, Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Support Team 

The Scrum Field Guide

Practical Advice for Your First Year

Author Name

Mitch Lacey

Source

Year of Release and Version  

This book was first released on 18th March 2012. 

Good Reads Rating  

This book has a 4.16 out of 5 rating on Goodreads. 

Publisher Info 

This book was released by the Addison-Wesley Professional, a renowned publishing company known for releasing many critically acclaimed titles.  

Book Info  

Here is a list of important information about this book: 

• Page Count: 146 
• ISBN: 10: 0321554159 
• Language: English 

Overview of What is Covered in the Book 

This is the most reliable choice if you are looking for the best PSM book for advanced learners. Authored by a highly-experienced Scrum practitioner, this book is a solid reference book explaining what to do and what to avoid when implementing Scrum in an organization or a project.  

Key Benefits and Takeaways 

This text acts as one of the best reference guides or training manuals that help in the detailed understanding of the practical importance of Scrum. Some of the key takeaways from this book are: 

• You will learn every facet of Scrum implementation 
• You will learn in detail about how to get a team onboard 
• You will learn about how to implement emergency procedures for recovering a project and getting it back on track 
• You will learn about the core agile concepts of Scrum. 

Wondering about project management certification prerequisites? Our project management course has got you covered. Designed to help you become an expert in the field, our course will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Enroll now and start your journey to mastery today!

Preparation Tips for a Professional Scrum Master

Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM) is an activity-based immersive course that enables students to attain a robust understanding of Scrum and the responsibilities of a Scrum Master. If you are a Scrum aspirant looking to become a Scrum agilest in an organization, the following tips will help you become a Scrum expert:

• Thoroughly research Scrum master courses to make an informed choice when signing up for a course. Make sure the course is convenient for you, and choose an instructor who is right for you.
• Make sure that you review the objectives of the certified Scrum master course. With numerous courses and practice exams online, be careful not to take one unrelated to Scrum Alliance learning.   
• Sit for an official Scrum Master practice exam conducted by a certified Scrum trainer. 
• One thing to remember is that the test is an open book. You can prepare with the help of PSM prep books, notes, and worksheets provided by certified Agile management training or online resources before sitting for the test.  

More Ways to Learn for PSM

A Scrum master plays an integral role as a key facilitator in an Agile project using the Scrum methodology. They are responsible for conducting daily meetings, optimizing team interactions, and developing methods to remove roadblocks that can hamper operational efficiency. To become a Scrum master, you can follow the below simple steps: 

1. Learn about the Scrum basics  
2. Select the Scrum certification ideal for you 
3. Sign up for a reliable Scrum course 
4. Register for the PSM exam 
5. Study thoroughly for the exam 
6. Take the exam and qualify for it  
7. Renew the certification after every two years 

Conclusion

The popularity of Scrum as a framework is undeniable on a global scale. Used by a considerable number of large-scale organizations all around the world, the job market has seen a demand surge for Scrum masters. To become a Scrum master, you need to sit for a certified PSM exam conducted online. 

To prepare for this exam, you can take up KnowledgeHut PSM online course and develop a fundamental understanding of Agile principles associated with this framework. If you are looking for the latest PSM book 2023, the aforementioned list will help you choose a reliable source of relevant information.