Advanced Certified ScrumMaster

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster Logo

Unlike other providers' sessions, our A-CSM course stands out as a true advanced, 100% live, interactive, slide-free, workshop experience. While many courses rely on self-directed study with minimal interaction or focus heavily on theory, ours is designed to emphasize applied theory / real-world skills and deep engagement.

Experience the difference with our dynamic sessions, where you benefit from 46 exercises that help learn new techniques for coaching, facilitation, teaching, and mentoring. You review multiple frameworks including Kanban, XP, SAFe, LeSS, and S@S. You learn directly from a seasoned trainer and a group of experienced peers.


David A. Bulkin has delivered the A-CSM since early 2008. A key differentiator is that David continues to do agile product development, and as such, his sessions provide practical insights that can immediately benefit you.

David's sessions are high-energy and fun. The class is exercise-based, so you do approximately four exercises per hour, where exercise is followed by discussion.

Student Testimonials

Vetted reviews from class attendees

4.89 - 206 reviews
5.00 - 77 reviews
4.90 - 683 reviews

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) Testimonials

Key Details

Benefit from Deep Agile Experience of Your Trainer

Live and Interactive

Not all A-CSM Sessions are equal. With many you work on your own, with little classroom interaction. Some sessions lack intellectual depth, with all theory and no practice.

In our 100% live session you gain new techniques to facilitate, teach, mentor and grow you, your teams, and your organization.

You will leave ready to practically apply empirical approaches to grow your team and organization horizontally (across role and function) and vertically (scale).

You learn from agile experts Arlen and David, both of whom have well over 20 years of agile experience.

This workshop is 100% live, with over 30 exercises, and is built from the collaborative efforts of of the Grow-Lean Training Team, ensuring you get the perfect mix of theory and practice.

Practical and Real

  • You’ll see how tools and mental models used in class can also be used when forming teams and to and collaborate more fluidly with teams and stakeholders.
  • You’ll review basics, like walking a task board, but with a new, enlightened, perspective, so you can return to work with opportunities for improvements.
  • As one example, we will review Conway's Law and review it's practical impact when you are creating team of teams.

Session Schedule

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)

Three 5.25-hour sessions - Live Online
Trainer: David Bulkin

Mon
14
Oct
Wed
16
Oct
USD 1,095
11:30 AM - 4:45 PM (EDT)
USD 895
Live Online / Virtual
valid till 11 Oct
David Bulkin
$75 a month
11:30 AM (EDT)
4:45 PM (EDT)
USD 1,095 USD 895
valid till 11 Oct
Three 5.25-hour sessions - Live Online
Trainer: David Bulkin

Mon
2
Dec
Wed
4
Dec
USD 1,095
11:30 AM - 4:45 PM (EDT)
USD 895
Live Online / Virtual
valid till 19 Oct
David Bulkin
$75 a month
11:30 AM (EDT)
4:45 PM (EDT)
USD 1,095 USD 895
valid till 19 Oct
Two 8.00-hour sessions - Live Online
Trainer: David Bulkin

Thu
5
Dec
Fri
6
Dec
USD 1,095
10:30 AM - 6:30 PM (EDT)
USD 895
Live Online / Virtual
valid till 26 Oct
David Bulkin
$75 a month
10:30 AM (EDT)
6:30 PM (EDT)
USD 1,095 USD 895
valid till 26 Oct
Want to bring a training to your team or organization?
Contact us to discuss options for private workshops.

Training Discounts

A variety of discounts to fit your situation.

Request your discount on the session (a class on date/time with a trainer) you want. If more than one discount applies explain in your comments.

You can pay in up to 12 installments by choosing Splitit at checkout.

For Grow-Lean Alumni, log in or use your account email when registering, and receive an automatic discount. If you also qualify for another discount, request it, and, if your email matches, we know you are an alumni.

If you have a Visa or Mastercard credit card you can pay in up to 12 monthly installments. There are no fees or interest if you pay on time! Your available credit must be enough to cover the full cost and there is a hold on your credit card for the amount that you have not paid.

For example, if your final fee is $1,000 and you chose 10 installments:

  • You would pay $100 today and have a $900 hold placed on your credit card.
  • The following month your credit card would be charged another $100 and the hold would be reduced to $800.
  • Each month you pay $100 and each month the hold is reduced by $100.

If you are not familiar with the term "hold" this is similar to what hotels do when you check in, to cover extra expenses you may incur including the mini bar.

The benefit to you is that you do not pay any interest or fees if all payments are on time.

Find Session

Find the session you want on the class list, then click "Discounts" link. Early-bird discounts do not need to be requested.

Choose Discounts

You will be on the discounts tab for the class.

Select Discount

Choose the appropriate discount then click the link for it. Not all discounts are available for all sessions.

Enter & Submit

Provide the requested information then click "Submit".

Early Bird
Early Bird

Combines With: Everything

Able to register in advance?

The Early Bird discount is available on many of classes.

There is no need to request it. Simply register while it is available.

If you receive another discount it will combine with the Early Bird.

Out of Pocket
Out of Pocket

Combines With: Alumni, Early Bird

Paying yourself and won't be reimbursed?

The Out of Pocket is for you if you won't be reimbursed. If you are unemployed, a military veteran, or a student request the appropriate discount.

Choose a specific session (class on a date with a trainer), click on Discounts, and complete the request form. If you are not sure of the date, choose a session and explain in the comments.

Group & Private
Group & Private

Combines With: Early Bird

Bringing friends or colleagues to one or more sessions or want a private session?

The Group and Private Discounts are for sending three or more attendees to one or more events or for private events (i.e. just for your team).

To request, choose a session (class on a date with a trainer) you are interested in, click the Discount Link, and when filling out the form describe your situation.

Our Training Team will reach out to you.

Alumni
Alumni

Combines With: Early Bird, Hardship, Out of Pocket, Student, Veteran

Get 5% off for each public session, over $495, you took with us, up to 20%.

The Alumni Discount provides you discounted rates to future Grow-Lean training.

For each Grow-Lean session* you take with us, at a rate of $495 or above, you accumulate another 5% off of a future training, up to 20% off*.

* We have a small number of partner events where the alumni discount does not apply.

Hardship
Hardship

Combines With: Early Bird, Alumni

Suffering an economic hardship and able to provide an unemployment notice or separation agreement?

The Hardship Discount is for you if you are suffering an economic hardship and are able to provide an unemployment notice or separation agreement and are not being reimbursed.

Choose a specific session (class on a date with a trainer), click on Discounts, and complete the request form. If you are not sure of the date, choose a session and explain in the comments.

Student & Educator
Student & Educator

Combines With: Early Bird

Are you a full-time student or educator, with a .edu email address?

The Student Discount is for you if you are a full-time student or educator with a .edu email address.

Choose a specific session (class on a date with a trainer), click on Discounts, and complete the request form. If you are not sure of the date, choose a session and explain in the comments.

When completing the request tell us your major and expected graduation date or explain what you teach and where.

Military & Veteran
Military & Veteran

Combines With: Early Bird

Are you active duty military or a veteran?

The Military / Veteran Discount is applicable if you are active duty, reserve, or retired from the military.

Choose a specific session (class on a date with a trainer), click on Discounts, and complete the request form. If you are not sure of the date, choose a session and explain in the comments.

When completing the request tell us if you will be reimbursed or not.

Have a Visa or Mastercard Credit Card?
Pay in up to 12 installments by choosing Splitit at checkout.
You pay zero interest!

Choose an Experienced Trainer


David Bulkin

Scrum Alliance: CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL 1 | SAFe | SPC | PMI: PMI-ACP

David Bulkin is a managing director and head of training services at Grow-Lean. He assists teams as a coach / mentor; delivers training, and builds product. He has trained 20,000 students, and impacted thousands via public speaking and coaching. Unlike many trainer/coaches, he continues to build systems.

David delivers training, including the CSM, A-CSM, CSPO and A-CSPO courses; and has trained over 20,000 students with over 10,000 being with the Scrum Alliance.

David mentors and coaches teams and individuals.

He does all of this while actively building software, filling various roles at different times, including designing, coding, testing, PO and Scrum Master (think about that, someone who does what they teach).

David's commitment to helping others and his continued work as a team member positions him to deliver a practical perspective that will help you boost your career.

David's thought leadership in 2009 on progressive elaboration for agile requirements influenced what is now known as refinement (entering Scrum in 2011). David has successfully applied agile to manufacturing, marketing, sales, finance, and other areas outside of IT. He was an independent reviewer of the original PMI-ACP body of knowledge that fed the creation of the PMI-ACP Exam and has worked on the exam questions for the Certified Scrum Master Exam. David’s broad background ensures you are getting up-to-date ideas to apply.

David is an industry veteran with 40 years of product development experience. In 2001, David's eBanking Team at JP Morgan Chase implemented agile with Kent Beck, the Father of Extreme Programming (XP), and perhaps also Agile, was the team coach. In addition to eBanking, David was also responsible for Online Account Opening, Insurance and Retirement Services.

David's deep experience, his high energy level, and his continued hands-on work helps David stay practical and level-headed . He can understand your needs so you benefit from his experience.

Arlen Bankston

CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL | A-CSM | CSM | A-CSPO | CSPO | LSS MB | SAFe SPC5

Arlen Bankston, a pioneering figure in the agile movement, was one of the first to integrate lean systems thinking and user experience practices with agile software development methodologies. His innovative approach has left a lasting impact on the field.

Currently, Arlen is a sought-after coach and trainer, specializing in advanced courses such as the Advanced CSPO, Certified Scrum Professional PO, Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster, Certified Agile Leadership Essentials and Team, as well as custom sessions including the Grow-Lean Remote and Hybrid Work. His expertise extends beyond the realm of software, exploring Lean, Six Sigma, BPM and other process management and systems thinking approaches to provide organizations with a comprehensive perspective.

Arlen's journey in the agile world began with his early involvement in the Scrum Alliance (member number 41) and as one of the first Certified Scrum Trainers . He further expanded his knowledge by becoming a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt during his six-year tenure leading a Lean-Agile practice. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the consultancy LitheSpeed, which he successfully led for fifteen years before joining Grow-Lean.

Known for his thought leadership and dynamic, entertaining, and practical training style, Arlen has trained and mentored thousands of ScrumMasters, Product Owners, team members and executives. He designed the Agile Leadership Academy to address the leadership and structural challenges that many successful companies still face.

Arlen's client list spans across every industry and includes notable names such as RBC, Monster, Marriott, NBC Universal, CNBC, NGA, Capital One, T. Rowe Price, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the Armed Forces Benefits Association. His book “HR and the Agile Organization” provides valuable insights on how human resources departments can adapt to support organizations striving for adaptability while enhancing employee engagement and retention.

"We know the impact that a great workshop experience can have so all of our trainers have a minimum of 18 years of agile experience and 15 years of training experience."

The Grow-Lean Training Team

Everything Included

With Grow-Lean, there are no nasty surprises!

Be careful of the company you pick. With Grow-Lean everything is covered including the certification fees and renewal of your CSM license if it has expired. There are no surprise costs when you register or accept your license.

As an added bonuses you get:

  • Practice quizzes.
  • 1-on-1 time with your trainer.
  • Free class retake with 120 days.
  • Discounts off of the Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM).

What You Learn

Advanced material and techniques to grow your career

The topics are covered in an advanced manner. For example, for the Scrum Events we review multiple patterns, allowing you to identify a variation appropriate for your environment. For example, you can do a Daily Scrum column-by-column, right to left instead of person-by-person to focus on getting a small number of items all the way to done.

If you need a refresh on you CSM, talk to us about a discounted package of CSM plus A-CSM, but don't worry if you CSM is expired as it will automatically be renewed.

We start with powerful questions so we can apply them throughout the session. We briefly review the basics, then we go deep into a number of topics, such as practically applying empirical approaches, differences between scaling models like SAFe, LeSS and FAST, how to move beyond proximate cause with root cause analysis, etc.

In all cases, instead of pure theory, we make the topics tangible so you can employ them in your workplace.

Benefits You Earn

Valuable post class benefits including membership, a free class retake, etc.

By taking the session, you earn the chance to become a Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) as long as you meet requirements for work experience (one year as a ScrumMaster) and have a CSM (note your CSM does not need to be active).

The advanced certification will differentiate you, but more importantly, the deep learning will allow you to interview with confidence and apply advanced techniques in the work place.

Go Beyond Scrum

There is more to agile than just Scrum, we help you grow with other frameworks

As an advanced class we go beyond Scrum and cover how to grow with practices from other agile frameworks:

  • XP and DevOps: Engineering practices to continuously integrate and deliver.
  • SAFe®, LeSS® Scrum@Scale®:  FAST®p; Align multiple teams on one endeavor.
  • Kanban: Limit WIP, increase focus and create flow.
  • Lean: Apply the mindset from the mother of agile.
  • Lean Startup®: Apply build-measure-learn loops to improve outcomes.
  • Operational and Plan Driven Approaches: Sometimes agile is not the answer

Don't stop at Scrum. Come to this session and learn how to apply ideas from a variety of frameworks.

What's Different?

Lots! Experienced trainer, 100% live session.

Grow-Lean: 100% live, interactive, session
Others: Watch videos and work alone

Grow-Lean: Trainer does agile product development

Others: Trainer who did product development once

Grow-Lean: True advanced material

Others: Rudimentary material

Grow-Lean: Trainer with 24 years in agile

Others: Trainer with less than 10 years agile experience

Grow-Lean: Leave with actionable ideas

Others: Leave with vague concepts

Why choose David as a Trainer?

Live Online Workshop with an Agile Expert.

If you want to take a live online A-CSM Workshop you have options, but, one thing you can't get with the others is David Bulkin who:

  • Has been actively applying agile since 2001 when his team at JP Morgan Chase applied XP for eBanking development.
  • Has been building product since 1984.
  • Still is part of an agile product development team, filling various roles at different times.

Because you will...

  • Experience a blend of exercises, real-world case studies, engaging games, deep problem solving, and more.
  • Oscillate between theory and application to illustrate the gap between what is possible most often done in business environments.

Because you get...

  1. Deep discussion and learning.
  2. A 100% live collaborative session.
  3. Meaningful answers to questions.
  4. Case studies and real-life examples.

Plus, you will laugh! We provide edutainment so that you have energy that drives retention.

Why Choose Grow-Lean?

Longest tenured trainers, smaller classes and higher quality.

  • Small group of elite, experienced, experts.
  • The highest quality for a fair price.
  • Caring customer support before and after training.
  • Interactive class experience.
  • Everything is included. No hidden fees!
  • Trainers are practitioners, not talking heads!
  • Unique exercises, templates and approaches.
  • Small class size so you get personal attention.

Practice Quizzes?

There is no exam, but the quizzes reinforce learnings

You might remember taking your CSM Exam. Although there is no exam for the A-CSM or CSP-SM you can still get significant benefit from our quizzes as the review the CSM material and go beyond, covering advanced topics.

  • The practice quizzes are active learning that increases retention.
  • They apply what cognitive science calls retrieval practice.
  • Retrieval practice makes learning challenging which helps you remember the material.

If you have time prior to the session use them as a refresher. Or perhaps, during the session you notice some weak spots and review the quizzes post class to fill in the knowledge gaps.

Immersive Classroom Experience

A mix of technologies and interactive approaches.

In our 100% live, instructor led session, you get the benefit of learning with other experienced peers. In addition you get interactive, engaging, exercises.

The interactive exercise cover everything from the history of agile, to basic topics, all the way to advanced topics like scaling and maintaining flow.

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