A-CSM® - Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®
The Advanced Certified Scrum Master (A-CSM℠) certification is the next step in your Agile journey to distinguish yourself as an experienced Scrum Master.
Description
Online Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM®) Programme — Self-Paced Mentorship with Two CSTs
Go deeper, at your own pace — rolling intake, start any time. Includes a FREE Certified LeSS Basics course worth £300.
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Format: Self-paced mentorship, fully online Sessions: Fortnightly Thursdays, 5–6pm UK time via Zoom |
Duration: 6 weeks to 6 months — you decide (up to 1 year if needed) Exam: None — certification via demonstrated practice |
Prerequisites: You must hold a current CSM® certification. To receive your A-CSM® credential, you’ll also need at least 12 months of ScrumMaster experience logged in your Scrum Alliance profile. You can start the programme before reaching 12 months — just complete the requirement before your final validation.
You already have your CSM®. You know the framework. Now the real questions start: how do you coach a team that doesn’t want to be coached? How do you shift an organisation that says it’s agile but isn’t? How do you grow from facilitator to leader?
The Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM®) programme is a self-paced mentorship — not a 2-day classroom sprint. You learn by doing real work with your real teams, supported by fortnightly sessions with experienced coaches who work in the field every day. Complete it in as little as 6 weeks or take up to 6 months. You set the pace.
Traditional A-CSM providers charge £799–€1,395 and ask you to take 2–3 days off work for a classroom event. We deliver the same Scrum Alliance credential through a live mentorship model that fits around your actual job — at a fraction of the cost, led by two Certified Scrum Trainers who coach in the field every week.
Not a Video Course. A Live Mentorship with Two CSTs.
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US self-paced rivals charge $699–$750 for a learning management system and some pre-recorded videos. Our programme includes live fortnightly sessions with two Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs) — Rickard Jones and John Barratt — who coach real teams every week. You bring real challenges. You get real guidance. That’s the difference between a video course and a mentorship. |
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At the same price as our closest UK competitor, our programme includes the Certified LeSS Basics (CLB) course bundled free — a second globally recognised certification worth £300. No other A-CSM provider at this price point includes this. |
What Will You Receive?
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Two Certifications for the Price of OneEarn both your Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM®) from the Scrum Alliance and the Certified LeSS Basics (CLB) from the LeSS Company — included free, worth £300. |
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Coaching, Not Just ContentFortnightly live mentoring sessions with two Certified Scrum Trainers who coach in the field daily. Bring real challenges, get practical guidance — not textbook theory. |
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Learn Around Your JobNo time off work required. The self-paced format means you practise with your actual teams and reflect on real outcomes — your workplace becomes your learning environment. |
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Peer Community Between SessionsBetween mentoring sessions you’ll connect with fellow participants via group chat, often arranging additional peer sessions to accelerate your learning. |
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Ongoing Community Access + 20% DiscountLifetime access to the Agile Affinity Discord and Scrum Event Meetup, plus 20% off all future Scrum Alliance courses we offer when you sign up for our newsletter. |
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 48+ verified Google Reviews
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★★★★★ 
“Great experience gaining my certificate with Agile Affinity. The mentoring sessions helped me gain valuable feedback across my training!” — Vasileios Manolas |
★★★★★ 
“Almost a year-long mentorship programme. The course really focuses on experience-based case evaluation. Hard, but worth it — fun and energizing.” — Pricillia G. |
Included: A 1:1 Close-Out Session with Your Trainer
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When you’re ready to validate your learning and close out the programme, your trainer will sit down with you one-on-one to review your journey, reflect on your growth, and ensure you’re confident applying everything you’ve practised. Review your learning log and reflect on the real outcomes you’ve achieved with your teams. Leave with clarity on your next steps as a more capable, confident ScrumMaster — and your certification confirmed. |
How the A-CSM® Programme Works
Self-Paced Mentorship — Your Workplace Is the ClassroomThis isn’t a course compressed into two days. It’s a rolling mentorship programme designed around the reality of being a working ScrumMaster. You join at any time and can complete the programme in as little as 6 weeks or up to 6 months — you set the pace. We meet fortnightly on Thursdays, 5–6pm UK time via Zoom. Between sessions, the group stays connected via online chat and often arranges additional peer sessions. Your trainers coach in the field more than they train — they’re on this journey with you. |
No Exam — You Earn Your Certification Through PracticeThere is no exam. During your first mentoring session, we’ll review the Agile Coaching Growth Wheel, discuss your self-learning log, and set your personal outcomes. As you progress, you’ll apply new techniques directly in your work environment, reflect on the results, and bring those insights back to the group. To achieve certification, you must attend at least four mentoring sessions and demonstrate competency across all learning objectives. The programme takes a minimum of 6 weeks to complete. |
Your Learning Log — In Any Format That Works for YouAs you progress, you’ll record what you learn in a concise log — the format is entirely yours to choose: written notes, slide decks, video reflections, sketches, whatever helps you learn and communicate that learning. A peer-reviewed reflection session evaluates how the programme has developed your skills. The hope is that everything you practise is something you can repeat with your teams, so your work becomes your proving ground. |
Is This Programme Right for You?
This programme is for practitioners who prefer learning by doing over a 2-day classroom. It is deliberately deep and challenging — your work is your proving ground.
ScrumMasters who want to deepen their coaching skills and move beyond facilitation into genuine team and organisational leadership.
Agile Coaches, Consultants, and Programme Managers who want to deepen their knowledge of Scrum and agile coaching in a structured mentorship setting.
HR, L&D, and People professionals who want to develop staff to the next level of Scrum Mastery within their organisation.
Anyone who prefers learning by doing over a 2-day classroom event — where reflection and real-world application matter more than passing a test.
Also Included: Certified LeSS Basics Course (Worth £300)
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Two Credentials. One Registration.Your A-CSM® registration automatically includes the Certified LeSS Basics (CLB) course at no extra cost — no separate sign-up needed. Learn how to use Scrum for descaling — not just scaling — and add a second certification to your profile. No other A-CSM provider at this price point includes a second certification. This is the tie-breaker. |
The Agile Coaching Growth Wheel — we use this to map your starting point and track your growth throughout the programme.
Meet Your Trainers
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Rickard JonesCST · Certified Team Coach (CTC) · LeSS Trainer · ICAgile Trainer · 20+ years Rickard has spent two decades coaching organisations, teams, and individuals through complex agile transformations. A former XP developer, programme manager, and transformation lead, he brings deep hands-on experience to every session. He is a co-author of the AgileHR Manifesto and an international conference speaker. |
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John BarrattCST · Enterprise Agile Coach · Military Background John combines a military background with extensive enterprise coaching experience to help organisations simplify and build resilience. His client results include helping IAG Loyalty meet ambitious targets during COVID while reducing staff turnover, creating an internal coaching capability for Maersk saving £50,000 annually, and helping Vodafone’s Secure Net product pass 20 million paid subscribers. |
Benefits of Training with Agile Affinity
Get CertifiedEarn both your A-CSM® and CLB credentials — two globally recognised certifications for the price of one programme. |
Save on Future CoursesReceive 20% off all future Scrum Alliance certifications we offer when you sign up for our newsletter. |
 Join the CommunityAccess the Agile Affinity Discord and Scrum Event — the largest Scrum Alliance meetup in Europe — for ongoing peer support long after you certify. |
 Live Mentorship IncludedFortnightly live sessions with two CSTs throughout your programme — not a video library you work through alone. |
Agile Affinity has served the agile community since 2019, certifying over 750 practitioners a year across Scrum Alliance and ICAgile programmes. We run Scrum Event — the largest Scrum Alliance meetup in Europe — alongside the Kanban Coaching Exchange, the Agile Coaching Exchange, and Agile Coach Camp UK. When you train with us, you’re joining a community of practitioners — not just attending a course.
Your Investment
£400 + VAT | €500 | $500 USD
Introductory price — may increase without notice. Traditional 2-day A-CSM courses charge £799–€1,395. Our live mentorship model costs a fraction of that — and includes a second certification worth £300.
Your investment includes the full A-CSM® mentorship programme, the Certified LeSS Basics course, all fortnightly group sessions with two CSTs, peer community access, a 1:1 close-out session, and the 20% future course discount.
Scroll up to register — rolling intake, start any time.
Money-back guarantee: We stand by the quality of our programme. If you’re not fully satisfied, contact us within 14 days for a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites?
You must hold a current CSM® certification. To receive your A-CSM® credential, you’ll also need at least 12 months of ScrumMaster experience logged in your Scrum Alliance profile. You can start the programme before reaching 12 months — just complete the requirement before your final validation.
Is there an exam?
No. There are no written tests or exams. You earn your certification by demonstrating that you can apply what you’ve learned with a real Scrum or Agile team. Your trainers look for evidence of practice, not exam scores.
When can I start? How long do I have to finish?
You can start immediately after registering. If you see a “start date” on the Scrum Alliance website, those are marker dates due to how their system works. You have up to one year to complete the programme and you go at your own pace.
How many people will be in the group?
Because the programme runs on a rolling basis, numbers vary from session to session. We deliberately keep groups small so everyone gets meaningful coaching time and space to discuss real challenges.
Are the sessions recorded?
No. Sessions are not recorded. Because the programme runs fortnightly on a rolling basis, if you miss a session you can simply attend the next one when it comes around. You have up to one year to complete, so missing a session won’t hold you back.
What software do I need?
A laptop or PC with a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone. Sessions are delivered via Zoom. Full details of any additional tools will be sent with your joining instructions.
Can I take a break if something comes up?
Yes. Life happens. You can pause and resume as needed within the one-year window. Just let us know and we’ll pick back up whenever you’re ready.
What’s the best way to approach the learning log?
The format is entirely up to you — written notes, slide decks, video reflections, sketches, whatever helps you learn and communicate that learning. The hope is that everything you practise in this programme is something you can repeat with your teams, so your work becomes your proving ground.
Can my employer pay, or can I get an invoice?
Yes. Select “Pay by Bank Transfer” at checkout and an invoice will be generated automatically. Payment must be received before joining instructions are sent. For larger corporate bookings or bespoke requirements, please contact us at talk@agileaffinity.com.
What if I have another question?
We’re happy to help. Email us at talk@agileaffinity.com and we’ll get back to you quickly.
To pay in another currency, select your location at the top right of the website. UK-based buyers must pay in GBP.
Certified ScrumMaster®, CSM®, Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®, A-CSM®, and CST® are registered trademarks of Scrum Alliance, Inc. Any unauthorised use is strictly prohibited.