A Scrum Master is the process guardian and coach of a Scrum team. You help the team collaborate more effectively, remove obstacles and ensure Scrum is properly applied.
More and more organizations are looking for Scrum Masters — not only in IT, but also in marketing, HR and product development. In this article you will learn exactly how to become a Scrum Master, what you can earn and which certification suits you best.
How do I become a Scrum Master? The 5-step plan
You can become a Scrum Master without specific educational background. This is the proven path that most successful Scrum Masters follow:
Step 1: Learn the Scrum theory
Start by reading the Scrum Body of Knowledge (SBOK) and the Scrum Guide (free, 13 pages). Understand the three roles, five events and three artifacts. This is your foundation.
Step 2: Take a recognized Scrum Master training
Theory alone is not enough. A good training teaches you to apply Scrum in practice: how to facilitate a Retrospective, how to deal with resistance, how to coach a team towards autonomy.
Tip: Choose a training with an experienced, certified trainer and small groups (max 8-10 participants) for personal attention.
Step 3: Get your certification
A certification proves your knowledge to employers. The most recognized certifications are:
- SMC (Scrum Master Certified) – ScrumStudy, focus on business applications
- PSM I (Professional Scrum Master) – Scrum.org, popular in technical environments
- CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) – Scrum Alliance, oldest certification
Step 4: Start gaining practical experience
Look for a role as (junior) Scrum Master or start facilitating Scrum events in your current team. Many organizations have teams that "do something with Scrum" but lack a real Scrum Master.
Step 5: Keep learning and growing
A Scrum Master never stops learning. Deepen your knowledge of facilitation techniques, coaching skills and organizational change. Consider PSM II/III or Agile Coach training later.
Difference between Scrum Master, Product Owner and Project Manager
A frequently asked question: what exactly is the difference between these roles? Here's an overview:
| Scrum Master | Product Owner | Project Manager | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Process and team | Product and value | Planning and budget |
| Responsible for | Proper Scrum application | Product Backlog | Project deliverables |
| Hierarchical power | No (servant leader) | No | Often yes |
| Determines "what" | No | Yes | Yes |
| Determines "how" | No (team decides) | No | Often yes |
| Exists in Scrum? | Yes | Yes | No (traditional) |
Important: In Scrum there is no Project Manager role. Tasks are divided between Product Owner (what), the team (how) and Scrum Master (process). This is a fundamental difference from traditional project management.
What does a Scrum Master earn?
A Scrum Master is a well-paid position. These are the current salaries in the Netherlands (2025-2026):
| Experience level | Salary (gross/year) | Hourly rate freelance |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Scrum Master (0-2 years) | €45,000 - €55,000 | €60 - €75 |
| Medior Scrum Master (2-5 years) | €55,000 - €75,000 | €75 - €95 |
| Senior Scrum Master (5+ years) | €75,000 - €95,000 | €95 - €120 |
| Agile Coach | €85,000 - €120,000+ | €100 - €150 |
Sources: Indeed.nl, Glassdoor, Nationale Vacaturebank (January 2026)
Factors that influence your salary:
- Sector: Financial services and tech typically pay the best
- Experience: Proven track record with successful teams
- Certifications: Multiple certifications (PSM II, coaching credentials)
- Scale: Enterprise Scrum Masters supporting multiple teams
Which Scrum Master certification to choose?
There are three major providers of Scrum Master certifications. These are the differences:
| Certification | Provider | Strengths | Exam price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMC | ScrumStudy/VMEdu | Business focus | Included in training |
| PSM I | Scrum.org | Strict exam, lifetime valid | $200 |
| CSM | Scrum Alliance | Largest community, many resources | ±$100 + renewal |
Our recommendation: For beginners, SMC (Scrum Master Certified) is an excellent choice. It has a strong multidisciplinary business focus, is internationally recognized and the training is practice-oriented. After several years of experience you can consider getting PSM II for further deepening. Read more about it here.
Can I become a Scrum Master without an IT background?
Yes, absolutely. Although Scrum is often associated with software development, it is successfully applied in:
- Marketing teams
- HR departments
- Product development in industry
- Education and government institutions
- Creative agencies
What you do need as a Scrum Master:
- Communication skills – You facilitate meetings and coach people
- Patience and empathy – Change takes time, people need to adjust
- Observation skills – You spot problems before they escalate
- Courage – You also address difficult topics
Common mistakes of beginning Scrum Masters
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Playing "police officer" too much – You don't enforce Scrum, you help the team embrace it
- Taking over tasks from the team – Let the team find solutions themselves
- Filling in the Product Owner role – Stay out of the content, focus on the process
- Leading meetings instead of facilitating – The team talks, you guide
- Stopping to learn – The best Scrum Masters keep developing themselves
Next steps
Ready to become a Scrum Master? Here's what you can do:
- View our Scrum Master Training – 2-day practice-oriented training with certification
- Read more about Scrum – Deepen your knowledge of the theory
- What does a Scrum Master do exactly? – The role in detail