Guaranteed to Run!
100% Live - Online
Love it or Learn Again for Free Guarantee™, small class size, experienced trainer
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, the Grow-Lean A-CSM emphasizes real-world skills and deep engagement.
Benefit from 46 exercises that help learn new techniques for coaching, facilitation, teaching, and mentoring. We review multiple frameworks including Kanban, XP, SAFe, LeSS, and S@S. You learn directly from a seasoned trainer and a group of experienced peers.
You learn the practical application of AI from a practitioner who uses agentic AI to build software.
The training offered by Grow-Lean for the Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster was a master class on advanced scrum methodologies and theory. The material compiled and presented by Arlen Bankston was high quality and it was clear that we were in great and experienced hand for the subject matter. I highly recommend this course for all who have chosen Scrum mastery as their career choice.
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.
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.
The practice sessions, lecture material all very informative and very detailed. It would be good idea to provide how to's on MIRO software, but not critical. Whole class was very well instructed
Grow-lean mentors are very welcoming and always check on their students to make sure they are receiving they knowledge being transferred. I will definitely recommend it who ever try to enroll with Grow-lean
Had an informative and engaging time over these last two days learning all things Scrum! Grow-Lean definitely prepared me and I feel confident proceeding both into this exam as well as into my career! Any and all should come and take this course!
Loved the course, really interactive and with lots of useful exercises and examples on how to apply the practices we have been taught during the class. Would totally recommend it!
The class was very engaging, lots of discussion and fun as well. Instructor had a unique ways of explaining the concept. Loved it. The Mural board was a bit annoying in start and eventually got used to it.
Key Details
Learn how to create a modern workplace where small, autonomous teams of teams leverage AI and evidence-based decisions to build better products, faster.
Live and Interactive
Stay Engaged with a 100% Live SessionUnlike self-paced, asynchronous A-CSM programs, our sessions are 100% live and highly interactive, requiring no offline work.
Gain Actionable Techniques to Drive PerformanceGain actionable techniques to facilitate, teach, mentor, and elevate your teams with the application of evidence-based, empirical, approaches.
Learn from a PioneerYou learn from Arlen Bankston, one of the world's first agile trainers, with over 25 years of experience helping organizations adopt and scale agile practices.
Learn Agile AI via ExercisesMaster agile AI through 30+ hands-on exercises that blend theory with real-world practice.
Practical and Real
Revisit Fundamentals with Fresh EyesRevisit foundational Scrum with fresh insight, uncovering meaningful improvements to implement.
Turn Theory into DecisionsExplore the practical implications of theory. For example, Conway's Law helps when designing and scaling "team of teams" structures by helping you understand how your organizational design directly shapes the products and systems your teams build.
Apply It at WorkEvery tool and mental model is grounded in real-world application. Leave knowing not just what, but how.
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.
Grow Your Career, Grow Your Organization
Learnings
When reviewing Scrum Events, we examine patterns that help you tailor practices to your unique environment. For example, instead of defaulting to a person-by-person Daily Scrum, you might shift to reading the board from right to left to emphasize fully completing items that are close to completion.
Make Every Concept TangibleThe samples below include embedded exercises; what you're seeing is the outcome. Most topics begin with hands-on activities, followed by deep discussion and reflection.
Thrive Despite Uncertainty
Thrive Despite Uncertainty
What is a Complex System?Organizations are complex systems with people, AI, process, technology, behavior, etc. interacting in ways that creates uncertainty.
Complex Systems GameThe sample shows a game to learn the basics of complex systems. We then go deeper with real-world examples.
Learn to use Scrum to Thrive with UncertaintyUse Scrum events as inspect and adapts points to better understand how internal decisions are impacting organizational outcomes.
Go Beyond Scrum
Go Beyond Scrum
Scrum is not the Only AnswerWe cover how Extreme Programming and Kanban are complements to Scrum for team level agility. You can choose Scrum + Kanban instead of Scrum or Kanban, with one example being the use of visuals boards that have work in process limits.
Scaling with SAFe, LeSS & Scrum@ScaleWe dispel the myth of choosing one scaling framework and show how they can complement each other. For example, Scrum@Scale’s Scaled Daily Scrum can roll issues up to the C-level in about 75 minutes and can be incorporated into SAFe.
Grow Your Organization
Grow Your Organization
Make Everyone BetterUltimately a ScrumMaster aims to make every better. Learn approaches to facilitate, mentor, teach and coach individuals and teams.
Make Conflict ConstructiveInvariably, along the way, those you are helping with have conflict. The game shown identifies conflict resolution approaches. We build on that and cover how to move from destructive (think blame passing) to constructive conflict, where we debate issues, learn from each other, and avoid personal attacks.
Build Great Product
Build Great Product
Teach Your Teams to Be Effective, Not EfficientLearn how to implement a repeatable process to identify what to build, for whom, in which sequence, ensuring learnings along the way.
Use Story Maps to PlanThe example Story Map visualizes a users path, left-to-right across our system, showing improved releases from top-to-bottom (colored bands).
Help Your PO with Multiple Approaches- Create Positioning Statements defining product/market fit.
- Delegate story details so they can focus on strategy and experiments.
- Align to value instead of to plan.
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.
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.
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.
Exclusive Bonus - One on One Coaching
60-minute coaching session with an agile expert
To ensure transformative value beyond certification, your trainer is offering an exclusive bonus a complimentary 60-minute, one-on-one coaching session to the first 10 registrants of each session.
This will help you translate your newly acquired knowledge into actionable strategies for your team, your organization and yourself.
Secure your spot now and seize this unique opportunity to work directly with an industry expert.
No Outside Work Required
Get Certified by taking the class
Earn your certification in a 100% live, online class, with no additional / outside work required. We do ask that you read the Scrum Guide which is at most 30 minutes of time.
The class has 40 exercises followed by discussion and reflection about real-world opportunities and challenges.
Avoid offline study and low interaction training by signing up today.
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.
Benefit from Experience and Interaction
Competitors often mimic our course descriptions, but they can't copy David's experience. Benefit from a trainer who delivers a real-world, deep, hands-on, workshop.
From Your Trainer
"Choosing a provider can be challenging, especially as competitors often mimic our site content. What other trainers can't match is my 40 years of product development experience, 25 years of experience in agile, and two decades of teaching.
I also maintain a light class load allowing me to stay actively involved in product development where I build product. Staying current allow me to be authentic covering applied theory / real-world application.
I personally guarantee that the class will be small, tailored to your specific needs, genuine, and highly interactive."
David A. Bulkin
No Offline Work Required
For our session, there is no required offline work. We do recommend you read the Scrum Guide, but even that is optional. Be aware of other options where you will be watching videos and doing independent work.
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).
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.
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...
- Deep discussion and learning.
- A 100% live collaborative session.
- Meaningful answers to questions.
- Case studies and real-life examples.
Plus, you will laugh! We provide edutainment so that you have energy that drives retention.
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.
Session Schedule
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)
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Advanced Certified ScrumMaster Wed, 6 May to Fri, 8 May 12:00 PM to 5:20 PM (EDT) Online - 3 days Discounts |
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Advanced Certified ScrumMaster Wed, 27 May to Fri, 29 May 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (EDT) Online - 3 days Discounts |
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Advanced Certified ScrumMaster Mon, 8 Jun to Tue, 9 Jun 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM (EDT) Online - 2 days Discounts |
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Advanced Certified ScrumMaster Mon, 15 Jun to Thu, 18 Jun 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT) Online - 4 days Discounts |
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Advanced Certified ScrumMaster Mon, 29 Jun to Thu, 2 Jul 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT) Online - 4 days Discounts |
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Wed, 6 May 12:00 PM (EDT) |
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Fri, 8 May 5:20 PM (EDT) |
Online - 3 days |
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Wed, 27 May 9:30 AM (EDT) |
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Fri, 29 May 3:00 PM (EDT) |
Online - 3 days |
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Mon, 8 Jun 10:30 AM (EDT) |
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Tue, 9 Jun 6:30 PM (EDT) |
Online - 2 days |
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Mon, 15 Jun 6:00 PM (EDT) |
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Thu, 18 Jun 10:00 PM (EDT) |
Online - 4 days |
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Mon, 29 Jun 6:00 PM (EDT) |
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Thu, 2 Jul 10:00 PM (EDT) |
Online - 4 days |
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