How to Become a Scrum Master (Even Without Experience)

So, you want to become a Scrum Master—but you don’t have any formal experience?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How do I become a Scrum Master if I’ve never been one before?”

We get it. Breaking into a new role—especially one that directly impacts team performance and culture—can be intimidating. Most companies want someone proven, and without direct experience, it’s easy to feel stuck.

The good news? You can learn how to become a Scrum Master without waiting years to earn that title. It starts with building credibility, showcasing transferable skills, and finding creative ways to gain hands-on experience.

Let’s break it down.

How to Become a Scrum Master by Gaining Experience First

If you’re learning how to become a Scrum Master, your first step might not be in a paid role. And that’s okay.

Volunteer your skills in places that need structure—non-profits, schools, church groups, local food pantries—anywhere people work together to solve problems. Introduce them to Scrum, facilitate meetings, and help them stay focused on goals.

You’ll gain real-world experience applying Scrum, which creates stories you can tell in interviews. Hiring managers want more than titles—they want to know what you’ve done. Volunteering gives you a chance to do the work and build a foundation that proves you’re ready.

Already Building Scrum Master Skills? You Might Not Realize It

When exploring how to become a Scrum Master, take a second look at your current or past roles. You may already be practicing the skills—just under a different title.

Ask yourself:

• Have I coached teams or individuals through change?
• Have I helped groups resolve conflict or stay aligned?
• Have I promoted continuous improvement or goal focus?

If so, you’re already doing parts of what Scrum Masters do. Reframing your experience around Scrum values and responsibilities can transform your resume and make you stand out—even if you’ve never held the exact role.

Get Close to Scrum Teams—Even If It’s Not a Scrum Master Role

Another smart move if you’re figuring out how to become a Scrum Master is getting as close as possible to Scrum in action.

Maybe you’re currently a developer, QA tester, business analyst, or manager. Look around—do you see a team struggling to adopt Scrum? Step in. Help where you can. Support the Scrum Master or fill in gaps if there isn’t one.

These are golden opportunities to practice the mindset, hone your facilitation skills, and build credibility—even if you’re not officially in the role. Many successful Scrum Masters started this way, growing into the position by making an impact before getting the title.

Do Certifications Help You Become a Scrum Master?

If you’re serious about learning how to become a Scrum Master, certification can be a powerful tool—but it’s not everything.

A certification like the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) shows you’ve taken the time to study the framework and understand its foundations. It’s a signal of commitment and can help you get noticed.

But remember: the certificate opens doors—it doesn’t guarantee success. Pair it with stories, results, and lived experiences to truly stand out as a candidate.

Final Thoughts on How to Become a Scrum Master

Learning how to become a Scrum Master without experience may feel like a challenge—but it’s absolutely achievable. Volunteer, reframe what you’ve already done, find teams to support, and keep collecting those small wins that build your story.

And if you’re ready to grow your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and learn from seasoned Scrum professionals—we’d love to have you in one of our Professional Scrum training courses. They’re designed to help people like you make the leap into this impactful role.