Guaranteed to Run!
With Grow-Lean, you get six complete practice exams, four attempts at the actual exam, access to our community, one-on-one exam coaching, and a small class size (get the attention you deserve).
This class is being delivered in a Grow-Lean / Xebia Academy partnership. Xebia Academy policies for registration, pricing, and cancellation apply.
Arlen is awesome instructor and I would love to take another class from him and I learn a lot from this class and would recommend Scrum Master from my company to take this class.
Our trainer, Arlen, gave me an incredible experience. I appreciated the way he translated industry-specific terms into broader vocabulary so that people from different professional backgrounds could really connect with the content. He paced the curriculum perfectly to fit our needs and was mindful of creating space for us to interact. The session was a perfectly sized learning environment - intimate enough to have meaningful interactions, but enough variety to make every activity feel fresh.
Arlen was amazing, he took the time and effort to answer every question that I asked and others asked. I would definitely sign up for a course with him again.
Arlen was AWESOME in the CAL E & O course. I took away tons of stuff to try out with my organization. I will be back! I'll also send some colleges your way.
It was a great class and Arlen was an excellent instructor. He adapted and adjusted the focus of the course as we went to make sure that everyone in the class got the most they could out of it.
David Bulkin and Arlen (Grow-Lean) are great instructors! I've already taken part on three certifications provided by them, and am every time grateful that I took the time to do it. They have a lot of experience and thrive on teaching us how to use Scrum on an real-life Agile Environment! Would recommend to anyone!
Arlen is a wonderful instructor and comes prepared to coach up and down. He brings a wide variety of domain knowledge, practical shared experience, and remains open to ideas from students. A class is only as good as the instructor leading it. Thank you!
The entire course was well structured and started with asking attendees what they wanted from the course. Arlen made sure to check in multiple to make sure we were covering the topics we asked for from the beginning. I found the exercises to be very well thought out and beneficial to applying the techniques and topics reviewed.
Arlene was very much experienced and knowledgeable instructor who answered all our questions. Provided us opportunities to work on product. All the different breakout sessions helped us a lot.
This was an excellent class. There are several educational options out there, and I am glad I chose this one because Arlen's real-life experience and skill in designing this course made it valuable and fun. It was two days, and Arlen made it so relevant and interesting, I would be happy to spend many more days learning from him! Thank you!
Arlen is knowledgeable and clearly explained all the concepts
Great course. Interactive and very interesting. Arlen Bankston was a great instructor.
ARLEN IS A GREAT INSTRUCTOR! Scrum is about people > process, and Arlen made everyone feel like they were a part of the training! GREAT TRAINER!
Great course! The content was very relevant and the way it was presented made it immediately applicable. The collaborative nature of the course also enabled for more meaningful delivery of the concepts AND different perspectives on how to apply it. Arlen is great and I would definitely attend another session led by him in the future. Thanks!
Arlen is a skilled facilitator and brings a wealth of experience to the table. This enriches the experience significantly.
Great training with lots of additional, personalized material. Arlen was terrific.
Arlen was excellent and brought some excitement to the course. Perfect blend of practical exercises, class discussion and instructor lead information.
One of the better Agile courses I have taken. The content was very well presented, interesting, and useful. The format was engaging and interactive, and it moved at a smart pace (I didn't doze off once). The instructor (Arlen) clearly put a lot of effort into preparing the course material/resources. I would definitely recommend.
One reason I selected this course is it was completed without one PowerPoint slide. The instructor, Arlen Bankston, would facilitate the lesson and move the participants into break outs using a Mural board. It was beneficial to be hands on and partnering with others while learning.
Arlen was well organized and the class ran smoothly. I enjoyed that he not only knew the material but also the history behind it. The exercises were great.
The trainer was highly engaging and used real-world examples to highlight the concepts throughout the course. Based on the practice exams, this course is very efficient at preparing you for the CSM exam.
The CSM training was very detailed. The class offered several ways to learn and understand SCRUM and AGILE foundation. The class is fast paste, but it allowed everyone time to understand each concept. The class targeted diverse organization. Allowing individuals to share their input and reasoning for decision making.
The course provided a good overview of the SCRUM team with a focus on the SCRUM Master. It also filled in some gaps that I had relating to how the SCRUM process is implemented in our company. The class was not perfect, we had some technical issues that while frustrating did provide an opportunity to work through issues.
The class provided insights about Scrum, Scrum Masters, roles involved in the process, and how each participates in SCRUM activities. Slides were instructive snd provided information that distinguished SCRUM as one of the Agile frameworks. Very helpful, informative, and preparatory for the CSM exam.
Working Grow-Lean was a very professional company to work with. Their materials were informative and all of their correspondence was thorough and helped with learning the material.
A unique CSM course taught by highly engaging agile experts with decades of real-world Scrum experience
Exercise samples shown throughout this page are representative. Visual materials vary by trainer.
Key Details
100% Live and Engaging
Live workshop with no slides and no PowerPoint. Master the Scrum Master role through hands-on exercises, real-world scenarios, and practical facilitation techniques.
30+ Exercises for Deep Learning
Exercises drive the session so you learn concepts in an engaging manner. Exercises are done in small breakout rooms and then the entire class reviews to ensure practical learning and skill development.
Enable Good Practice
Give your team tools and techniques to execute better.
Take Bill Wake's INVEST model (shown here). You leave with a concrete checklist to evaluate and shape user stories. Move from describing good practices to actually enabling them.
Build a Toolkit
You will build a toolkit of models, frameworks, and facilitation techniques you can use to integrate AI, coach Developers, guide a PO, or remove impediments.
Learn via Exercises
Our session has 30+ exercises and deep discussion leaving no time for fluff, fillers, long videos and other non-value added content.
Avoid Myths
We avoid oversimplified answers and common myths. For example...
- No, you're not a secretary taking notes and booking meetings.
- No, you don't have to be a project manager in disguise.
- No, servant leadership doesn't mean being a pushover.
Get the best discounts specific to your situation
At Grow-Lean, we understand that job loss and financial hardships can be overwhelming. Many of our customers and community members have shared their challenges, and we want to help.
For a limited time, we are providing even deeper discounts, making it easier for you to continue learning and advance your career. This program applies courses taking place between now and 15 March 2026 and includes early bird (automatically applied), alumni, groups (3+ at one or many events), hardship, out of pocket, student, teacher and military. Apply for a discount on the session date you are interested in.
Use your mouse wheel, or finger to choose a discount, then click on it.
What You Learn
Coverage in the Certified ScrumMaster
The Agile Manifesto & Principles
A deep dive into the 4 values and 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto gives you the philosophical foundation you need to understand why Scrum works the way it does. You will explore what each value and principle means in practice, not just on paper.
Understanding the Manifesto deeply allows you to answer the toughest questions from your team with confidence and help your organization make better decisions grounded in agile thinking.
Applying the Scrum Framework
Go beyond memorizing the Scrum Guide. You will learn how to run Scrum effectively through hands-on exercises covering all three pillars of the framework:
- Roles: Help Developers and the Product Owner excel as a self-managing team.
- Events: Facilitate Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and the Retrospective with skill and purpose.
- Artifacts: Ensure the Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog are lightweight, actionable, and maximizing value.
How the Scrum Master Serves the Team
A great Scrum Master is a servant leader who empowers the team rather than directing them. You will learn how to coach Developers toward self-management, support the Product Owner in maximizing product value, and help the broader organization understand and adopt Scrum.
Through hands-on exercises, you will practice removing impediments, facilitating productive conversations, and creating an environment where your team can do their best work consistently.
Facing a hardship?
We’re offering extra support.
When we lift each other up, we all rise to new heights
We have heard from many students about their challenges with job loss and the fear of it.
We have expanded our discounts from now through March 15, 2026, to help you keep moving forward.
Deep discounts are available for:
- Students, Vets, Active Military
- Groups and Not-Profit-Organizations
- Individuals facing financial hardship
Browse our upcoming sessions, pick a session, and select the “Discounts” link to apply.
Let’s navigate this journey together.
Love it or Learn Again
for Free Guarantee™
Ensure Your Quality
Want more value from the session we will work with you to make it happen with options including a free retake and/or one-on-one support.
Get the best quality training from a provider you can trust.
Pass With Confidence
Practice Exams and Personalized Help
Grow-Lean goes beyond just delivering content. We help you succeed after class with realistic practice exams that simulate the real test, helping you find gaps and build confidence.
Unsure about a topic or not feeling ready? We’re here to help with personalized guidance from experienced trainers who want to see you pass.
Train with confidence, practice with purpose, and pass with Grow-Lean by your side.
Small Class Size. Big Impact!
Get Individual Attention
Other providers often pack 50+ students into a class. At Grow-Lean, we keep class sizes small, so you can get more personalized attention, deeper engagement, and direct access to your trainer.
With fewer distractions and more chances to ask questions, you'll leave the course better prepared to apply your learning in real-world situations.
Secure your spot and experience the Grow-Lean difference.
Choose an Experienced Trainer
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.
Who Should Attend
The CSM is often the launching point on an agile journey regardless of role
The CSM is the de facto training to checkpoint or start an agile journey to build practical agile skills. Although it is titled "ScrumMaster," it is applicable regardless of your role or planned role. As such, attendees come from a wide variety of backgrounds:
- Scrum Masters and Aspiring Scrum Masters:
If you're currently serving as a Scrum Master or aspire to become one, the CSM course is a great fit. You'll learn how to guide teams, facilitate conversations, manage impediments, and coach team members. - Professionals from Various Industries:
Scrum principles extend beyond software development. Marketing, manufacturing, data science, HR, and other fields benefit from applying Scrum practices. - College Students:
If you are in college and want to increase your job prospects upon graduating the CSM may be right for you. - Anyone Interested in Agility and an Agile Mindset:
The CSM course emphasizes an agile mindset. Learn how to lead self-organizing teams, remove impediments, facilitate growth and apply the Scrum framework effectively.
After completing the Grow-Lean CSM, you'll be prepared to pass the CSM exam and continue your journey. If you want to perform better at work or expand your career opportunities, the Grow-Lean CSM course is an excellent choice!
By taking the session you earn the right to take the certification exam. Once you pass the exam, you are a Certified ScrumMaster.
The certification will help differentiate you , but more importantly, the learning will allow you to interview with more confidence and apply core agile product development techniques in the workplace. The session, plus actual work experience, will allow you to pursue the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) and Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) certifications.
Will this Training Benefit You?
This course rewards the right mindset. Find out if it's yours.
Appropriate use of agile requires a mindset and approach that may differ from your current approach. Read the points below to see if the session is right for you.
If You Are a Continual Learner
Our Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) course is designed for those who are ready to embark on a continuous learning journey across any field or discipline. Agile and Scrum are deep topics, and excelling in an agile role requires dedication and effort beyond the classroom. Our course provides a solid foundation from which to grow, not a final destination, so you will need continued hard work outside the classroom.
If You Think Critically
Agility is about adapting as the context changes. If you thrive in environments where flexibility and critical thinking are valued over following rigid, detailed instructions, our session will be a good fit for you.
If You Embrace Nuance
The principles of agile are universal, yet their application can vary across different industries. This session is ideal for those who can embrace nuance and apply agile thinking to their unique situations.
If You Appreciate Constructive Feedback
We build our sessions on constructive feedback. Our trainers are committed to guiding you toward deeper understanding, helping you learn and grow. This requires that you be open to feedback that may challenge your current mental models.
In Summary
If you are someone who is always learning, and you are willing to apply critical thinking, work through ambiguity, embrace nuance, and question your own mental models, our CSM will likely benefit you . If not, you may want to consider a different certification or training provider.
Choose your training company wisely. With Xebia everything is covered including the exam certification fees, and one free exam retake.
There are no surprise costs when you register or accept your license. For the free exam retake, you won't likely need it as you will pass on the first
time with a high score.