The Scaled Professional Scrum (SPS) exam is a challenging certification that validates one’s knowledge and expertise in scaling Scrum. It is a globally recognized certification that offers numerous benefits to individuals and organizations. However, passing the exam is not easy and requires adequate preparation and dedication. In this article, we will provide you with tips and strategies on how to pass the SPS exam and earn your certification.
Table of Contents
Understanding the SPS Exam
Purpose and Structure
The SPS exam is designed to assess your knowledge of the Nexus Framework and your ability to apply Scrum in large-scale environments. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, which you must complete within a specified time. A passing score earns you the SPS certification, a valuable credential in the agile community.
Syllabus and Assessment Criteria
The SPS exam covers the Nexus Framework, Scrum’s roles, events, artifacts, and the rules that govern them in a scaled context. It also evaluates your ability to implement this knowledge in practical scenarios. To pass the exam, you must demonstrate a deep understanding of Scrum principles and the skills required to scale Scrum effectively.
Preparation Tips for the SPS Exam
Familiarize Yourself with Nexus Framework
Begin your preparation by building a strong foundation in the Nexus Framework, which extends Scrum for scaling purposes. Understand the core concepts, roles, events, and artifacts that are specific to Nexus and how they integrate with Scrum.
Study the Nexus Guide
The Nexus Guide serves as the official source of knowledge for the SPS exam. Thoroughly study the guide, comprehend its principles, and memorize the key concepts. The exam questions may require you to apply these principles in real-life scenarios, so ensure you can translate theory into practice.
Attend a Scaled Professional Scrum Course
Enrolling in an SPS course conducted by an accredited training provider can significantly enhance your chances of success. These courses provide insights into the Nexus Framework, real-life examples, and hands-on exercises. Additionally, they allow you to learn from experienced Scrum practitioners and interact with fellow learners.
Join Online Study Groups and Communities
Participating in online Scrum communities and study groups can deepen your understanding of Scrum and Nexus concepts and offer valuable tips for exam preparation. Engage in discussions, share your knowledge, and learn from others’ experiences. These platforms can also provide moral support and encouragement throughout your preparation journey.
Practice with Mock Exams
Taking mock exams is crucial in assessing your readiness for the SPS exam. These practice tests help identify knowledge gaps, build confidence, and improve time management skills. Ensure you take several mock exams before the actual test, analyze your performance, and work on areas that need improvement.
Exam Prep for SPS offers high-quality practice tests and questions tailored explicitly for the SPS exam. The practice exams simulate the real test, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types. Additionally, Exam Prep for SPS provides detailed explanations for each question, enabling you to gain an edge in acing the SPS exam and obtaining the SPS certification.
Strategies for Taking the SPS Exam
Plan Your Time
Time management is critical for success in the SPS exam. Allocate appropriate time for each question, keeping in mind the total exam duration. Remember to factor in some extra time for reviewing your answers before submitting the test.
Read Questions Carefully
Thoroughly read each question and understand the context before attempting to answer. Misinterpreting a question can lead to incorrect choices, so take your time and ensure you grasp the question’s intent.
Eliminate Incorrect Choices
Use the process of elimination to narrow down your options and improve your chances of selecting the correct answer. Carefully consider each choice and eliminate those that seem implausible or contradict Scrum and Nexus principles.
Stay Calm and Focused
Maintaining a calm and focused mindset is essential for optimal performance during the exam. If you encounter a challenging question, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, re-read the question, and apply your Scrum and Nexus knowledge to find the best answer.
Conclusion
Passing the SPS exam requires dedication, effort, and a strategic approach to preparation. By understanding the exam’s structure, building a solid foundation in Scrum and the Nexus Framework, seeking guidance from courses and online communities, and practicing with mock exams, you will be well-equipped to succeed. Remember to apply effective exam-taking strategies and maintain a calm demeanor throughout the test. With determination and hard work, you can achieve the SPS certification and advance your career in the Scrum and Agile domain.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The SPS assessment evaluates your understanding of applying Scrum at scale and the Nexus framework. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. The passing score for the SPS assessment is 85%.
Official SPS™ exam details:
- Passing score: 85%
- Time limit: 60 minutes
- Number of Questions: 40
- Format: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer and True/False
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Language: English only
- Fee: $250 USD per attempt
- Carefully read and understand the Scrum Guide.
- Read the Nexus Guide and how it can be applied to scale the Scrum framework.
- Read the article Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework to understand framework application.
- Study the Scaled Professional Scrum with Nexus Practices.
- Repeat the Nexus Open and Scrum Open.
- Take ScrumPrep’s Exam Prep for Scaled Scrum Professional (SPS™) practices questions and simulation exam until you consistently score 90-100%.
The time it takes to prepare for the exam depends on your previous experience with Scrum and your learning style. On average, it takes 1-2 months of preparing for the exam, however, it can be taken in less time depending on how much you’ve already mastered.
The exam is updated periodically to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest practices. Be sure to check for updates and changes to the exam content before taking the exam.
The PSM exams tests your knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework and the underlying principles. The PSFS exam measures your ability to effectively facilitate people, teams, and organizations towards their desired goals. This complements the Scrum, other agile frameworks, and business agility.
Yes, you can take the exam multiple times if you don’t pass on the first attempt. However, you need to pay for each attempt.
Passing the SPS assessment demonstrates your ability to scale Scrum in large organizations and to optimize value delivery in large development efforts.
Benefits of passing the SPS assessment include demonstrating your ability to scale Scrum in large organizations and optimize value delivery, which can lead to career advancement opportunities and a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, passing the SPS assessment can increase your earning potential and provide a foundation for further Scrum certifications.
There is no prerequisite to taking the SPS Certification assessment. You can take the SPS assessment if you feel you already possess knowledge of how to scale Scrum and the use of the Nexus Framework. However, a good understanding of the fundamental Scrum framework and some experience in working with scaled Scrum teams is highly recommended.
The SPS certification does not expire, and there is no need for renewal. However, staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and skills are crucial for maintaining your professional edge.
