We have gathered the following questions and answers about our courses for your convenience. We’ve divided them into the following sections for ease (click to jump to the FAQ section you’re looking for):
Course FAQ
Certified ScrumMaster 
How do I become a Certified ScrumMaster?If you would like to become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), you will need to attend a CSM course taught by an approved trainer. After the course, you will be eligible to take the Certified ScrumMaster exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your certification.
Do I take the CSM exam during class?You must take your CSM exam within 90 days of your CSM course. Although some providers choose to administer the exam at the end of class, we at 3Back believe that students should be allowed to utilize the 90-day timeframe to study or review if they wish. Additionally, we understand that many learners will be more comfortable taking the exam in an environment of their own choosing. Therefore, we do not offer the exam in class, instead allowing each student to take it at his or her own convenience. Please note, although you have 90 days during which to take your exam, you must take the exam in its entirety during one sitting. You will not be able to stop and restart the exam.
How and when do I take the CSM exam?After completing your CSM course, your instructor will notify the Scrum Alliance that you are now eligible to take the exam. You will then receive an email from Scrum Alliance that includes a link to create your login credentials. The first step will be to take the exam. The exam is online and non-proctored, so you can take it at your convenience from your home or work anytime within 90 days of your course. Once the test is complete, you will be asked to accept a license agreement and setup your online profile. It typically takes 1-2 days after course completion to receive your welcome email from the Scrum Alliance. Please note, although you have 90 days during which to take your exam, you must take the exam in its entirety during one sitting. You will not be able to stop and restart the exam.
What if I fail the CSM exam?Although 3Back students have a pass rate of over 99%, in the event that you should need to retake the exam, a second attempt is included at no cost. Additional attempts are $25 each. Please be aware that the exam is designed and administered by the Scrum Alliance. While we have done our best to provide the most up to date information, we do suggest checking the Scrum Alliance directly for additional details or confirmation of the above.
Do I have to pay extra for the exam?Your initial exam fee is included in your course registration. If necessary, the cost of a second attempt at the exam is also included. Additional attempts are $25 each. Also, if you do not take the exam within 90 days of your course, you will be required to pay a $25 fee to take the exam. Please be aware that the exam is designed and administered by the Scrum Alliance. While we have done our best to provide the most up to date information, we do suggest checking the Scrum Alliance directly for additional details or confirmation of the above.
Tell me more about the CSM exam.In order to obtain your certification following the CSM class, you will be required to pass an online exam administered by the Scrum Alliance. The exam is online and non-proctored, so you can take it from the convenience of your own home or work. You will need to take the exam within 90 days of your CSM course. It will be timeboxed to 60 minutes. You must take the exam in its entirety during one sitting. You will not be able to stop and restart the exam. The exam consists of 50 questions selected randomly from a battery of questions. A passing score requires a minimum of 37 correct answers. Please be aware that the exam is designed and administered by the Scrum Alliance. While we have done our best to provide the most up to date information, we do suggest checking the Scrum Alliance directly for additional details or confirmation of the above.
What is the Scrum Alliance?The Scrum Alliance is the world’s largest, oldest and most recognized Scrum certification organization. 3Back is a Registered Education Provider for the Scrum Alliance and therefore approved to teach courses that will lead to Scrum Alliance issued certifications.
Can I get PDUs, SEUs and/or CEUs for this class? How many?Yes, our CSM course is worth 14 PDUs each. As a Registered Education Provider for the Scrum Alliance, our CSM course is worth 14 SEUs as well (7 SEUs per day). In addition, our Minneapolis courses offered in partnership with Normandale Community College are worth 1.4 CEUs. For more information about obtaining CEUs for your course, please contact Normandale Community College directly.
Ready To Register For CSM? Enroll Now
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster 
What is the Scrum Alliance?The Scrum Alliance is the world’s largest, oldest and most recognized Scrum certification organization. 3Back is a Registered Education Provider for the Scrum Alliance and therefore approved to teach courses that will lead to Scrum Alliance issued certifications.
Ready To Register For A-CSM? Enroll Now
Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster 
What are the prerequisites for the CSP-SM course?You need to hold an Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) certification with the Scrum Alliance and have at least 24 months of work experience specific to the role of a ScrumMaster within the past five years.
What is the format of the course like?On-Demand is a blended approach of both instructor-led and independent, self-paced learning. As a learner, you can find your own rhythm and you choose how fast you go. You have up to 1 year to complete the course, though there could be exceptions for extenuating circumstances.
The typical Module includes 20-60 minutes of reading (depending on your reading speed), and a multiple-choice quiz. After you complete these, you need to work with 1-2 StudyBuddies to discuss the module/quiz and do one or more scenario-based exercises. Each module will take about 1-3 hours of your time, and will require you to work with StudyBuddies (either someone in the course or outside of the course).
How long does the CSP-SM On-Demand course take to complete?You have up to 1 year to complete the course. The average completion time is 2-4 weeks.
Fastest On-Demand: A fast pace would be two weeks for completion. You need to attend four Open Discussion Hours, and we are each planning to have two available per week.
Quick On-Demand: If you want to be quick, it makes sense to do it in a month. Do 3-4 modules a week, and attend an Open Discussion Hour each week.
Typical On-Demand: A typical path would be to spend 3 months on this, doing one module a week. During this period, attend four Office Hours as you can.
Minimum On-Demand: We expect you to be finished within a year of starting, though that is not a hard, fast rule – a formal exception to exceed 1 year for extenuating circumstances can be made.
Ready To Register For CSP-SM? Enroll Now
Certified Scrum Product Owner 
How do I become a Certified Scrum Product Owner?If you would like to become a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), currently you only need to attend a CSPO course taught by an approved trainer; no exam is required at this time to obtain your CSPO certification.
While we have done our best to provide the most up to date information, we do suggest checking the Scrum Alliance directly for additional details or confirmation of the above.
Is there an exam following the CSPO class?Currently, the Scrum Alliance does not require an exam to obtain certification following your CSPO class. We do suggest checking the Scrum Alliance directly for additional details or confirmation of the above.
What is the Scrum Alliance?The Scrum Alliance is the world’s largest, oldest and most recognized Scrum certification organization. 3Back is a Registered Education Provider for the Scrum Alliance and therefore approved to teach courses that will lead to Scrum Alliance issued certifications.
Can I get PDUs, SEUs and/or CEUs for this class? How many?Yes, our CSPO course is worth 14 PDUs each. As a Registered Education Provider for the Scrum Alliance, our CSPO course is worth 14 SEUs as well (7 SEUs per day). In addition, our Minneapolis courses offered in partnership with Normandale Community College are worth 1.4 CEUs. For more information about obtaining CEUs for your course, please contact Normandale Community College directly.
Ready To Register For CSPO? Enroll Now
Advanced Certified ScrumProduct Owner 
What is the Scrum Alliance?The Scrum Alliance is the world’s largest, oldest and most recognized Scrum certification organization. 3Back is a Registered Education Provider for the Scrum Alliance and therefore approved to teach courses that will lead to Scrum Alliance issued certifications.
Ready To Register For A-CSPO? Enroll Now
Before and During Class
What do I get with my enrollment?
Enrollment in all of our public courses includes the following: Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks on all days of the course, a course workbook and other class materials, and certification or badging fees. In addition, our CSM, CSPO, and A-CSM courses include a 2-year membership to the Scrum Alliance. Our CSM course also includes a Scrum Study Guide with two practice exams and Scrum Alliance exam fees.
What is the dress code for the class?Our classes do not have a required dress code. However, most participants opt for casual or business casual attire. Our courses include a variety of activities which require that you stand, walk and move about repeatedly, so it is important that you wear something that will be comfortable to move about in.
How do I prepare for class?Although most of our courses are introductory level, we strongly recommended that students have a basic understanding of agile and/or Scrum. The ebook,
Scrum 101, is a prerequisite for many of our courses and will provide a basic understanding of Scrum. If you would like additional reading, we suggest checking out
our blog, or perusing the
Scrum Dictionary. Our KMP II course requires completion of a KMP I level class or a demonstrated working knowledge of Kanban.
Do I need any prior knowledge of Scrum, Kanban and/or agile?Although most of our courses are introductory level, we strongly recommended that students have a basic understanding of agile, Kanban and/or Scrum. The ebook,
Scrum 101, is a prerequisite for many of our courses and will provide a basic understanding of Scrum. If you would like additional reading, we suggest checking out
our blog, or perusing some
Scrum Glossary terms. Our KMP II course requires completion of a KMP I level class or a demonstrated working knowledge of Kanban.
Do I need to bring a laptop to class?No, you do not need a laptop for the class. In fact, we prefer that students keep their laptops and smartphones tucked away during class as they can often hinder the level of engagement that the class requires.
When does the class begin and end each day?All of our classes with the exception of those we offer in partnership with colleges run from 9am-5pm each day. Our courses in partnership with Normandale Community College in Minneapolis and Northwestern University in Chicago run from 8:30am-4:30pm each day.
Will there be breaks during class?Yes, breaks will occur regularly during class. Although the break times may vary slightly from class to class in order to accommodate questions, discussion or activity, the breaks typically occur around the following times: morning break from 10:15-10:30am, lunch from noon-1pm, afternoon break from 2:30-2:45pm
What is the agenda for the class?We maintain a flexible agenda during class so that we can adapt to the skill and experience level of each group and address the unique questions and situations that arise in each course. However, for a list of topics that will be covered in your particular class, please locate the appropriate course page on our Training Menu at the top of the page.
What if I can only attend part of the class?Due to the interactive nature of our classes, missing large portions not only impacts your own learning, but that of your teammates as well. For this reason, we strongly recommend that students make arrangements so they can attend class in its entirety. Also, missing a large portion of class will result in an our inability to approve your eligibility for certification or badging. For more information, please see our Public Course Policies. If you have an idea of which portion of the class you will be missing, please contact us at 855-32-3BACK (
855-323-2225) x1 or
[email protected] so that we can determine whether this will be an issue.
What if I need to leave class early?Due to the interactive nature of our classes, missing large portions not only impacts your own learning, but that of your teammates as well. For this reason, we strongly recommend that students make arrangements so they can attend class in its entirety. Also, missing a large portion of class will result in an our inability to approve your eligibility for certification or badging. For more information, please see our Public Course Policies. If you have an idea of which portion of the class you will be missing, please contact us at 855-32-3BACK (
855-323-2225) x1 or
[email protected] so that we can determine whether this will be an issue.
Will there be free parking?While most of our venues offer free parking for our students, it does depend on the location of your class. To check on the parking situation for a specific course or for other logistical questions about the venue or location, please contact us at 855-32-3BACK (
855-323-2225) x2 or
[email protected].
How large is the class?Every class is a bit different. However, most of our classes have somewhere between 15-25 students in them.
Will this course run?When you register for one of our classes, we take your commitment seriously and will do everything we can to ensure your class will run. Although we do reserve the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to unforeseen events (such as illness, family emergency or inclement travel weather), it is extremely rare that we do so. In the event that we do find it necessary to cancel or reschedule your class, you will be given the option of rescheduling your attendance to a future class or receiving a full refund.
Course Delivery
What is the difference between Live Online and On-Demand courses?Live Online is 2 eight hour days of instructor-led training. Class will be held using a video conference software and will deliver live, instructor training at a scheduled time and date.
On-Demand is driven by ‘you’ the learner and allows you to self-pace through the material with Open Office Discussion Hours to supplement your learning, completed at your convenience. On-Demand is a blend between instructor-led and independent, self-paced learning. The On-Demand course supports the following StudyBuddy pattern: read 1 Module at a time on your own, complete an exercise, and then meet with a StudyBuddy to review before moving to the next Module. On-Demand courses can be completed in 2 weeks or you have up to 1 year to work through the material.
|
Live Online
View Schedule |
On-Demand
View Schedule |
In-Person
None Scheduled |
| Pace |
This facilitator led course is complete in two 8 hour days |
This course does not follow a set schedule but needs to be completed within a year. The quickest pace for this course is 2 weeks |
This facilitator led course is complete in two 8 hour days |
| Assignments |
Will be completed before course end |
Must complete each assignment/quiz before moving on to next Module |
Will be completed before course end |
| StudyBuddy |
Group work with small breakout room sessions with the other students taking this course |
Remote StudyBuddy sessions – you can work with the same StudyBuddies throughout OR partner with new ones each Module. StudyBuddy can be someone from class or outside of class |
In person group work with the other students taking this course |
| Office Hours |
Not needed as this course is facilitator lead |
Must complete 4 Open Office Discussion Hours with the trainer |
Not needed as this course is facilitator lead |
What is On-Demand?On-Demand is a blended approach of both instructor-led and independent, self-paced learning. As a learner, you can find your own rhythm and you choose how fast you go. There is no expectation of how fast you will complete the course. The On-Demand course supports the following StudyBuddy pattern: read 1 Module at a time on your own, complete an exercise, and then meet with a StudyBuddy to review before moving to the next Module. On-Demand is like reading a book, you read when you want and take as long as you want. However, there is an overall time limit for our On-Demand courses of one year that will require a formal approval to exceed.
What is Live Online?Live Online refers to training done when the learner and the instructor are in separate locations. We use video conferencing technology to deliver Live Instructor interactions and pre-recorded content.
How will I get all the required materials?We will provide all materials required for the class electronically and email the Zoom link the day before class begins. Physical copies of the Scrum Books are also available for purchase to reference during and after class if you prefer a physical copy. How are Live Online classes being delivered?Trainers will use a common video conference tool like Zoom, Google Hangouts or Webex to facilitate classes. All students are required to participate using their microphone and webcam. A video conference account is not required.
What is the style of On-Demand courses? How long does it take to complete?There are 13 Modules to complete and 4 Open Discussion hours you must attend.
- Fastest On-Demand: A fast pace would be two weeks for completion. You need to attend four Open Discussion Hours, and we are each planning to have two available per week.
- Quick On-Demand: If you want to be quick, it makes sense to do it in a month. Do 3-4 modules a week, and attend an Open Discussion Hour each week.
- Typical On-Demand: A typical path would be to spend 3 months on this, doing one module a week. During this period, attend four Office Hours as you can.
- Minimum On-Demand: We expect you to be finished within a year of starting, though that is not a hard, fast rule – a formal exception to exceed 1 year for extenuating circumstances can be made.
The typical Module includes 20-60 minutes of reading (depending on your reading speed), and a multiple-choice quiz. After you complete these, you need to work with 1-2 StudyBuddies to discuss the chapter, help ‘grade’ the quiz, and do a scenario-based exercise. In order to complete the module your StudyBuddy must verify that you completed the module. No restart of the quiz is required if you get a question incorrect, but a StudyBuddy review of your answers is essential to understanding the material.
Is the certification you get after completing the course (CSM, CSPO, A-CSPO, or A-CSM) the same whether the course was taught Live Online, On-Demand, or In-Person?Yes, once you complete the CSM, CSPO, A-CSPO, or A-CSM course, no matter what the course delivery method is, we will submit you to the Scrum Alliance and you will be certified.
Who can be a study buddy for On-Demand classes?Anyone! You can use students from the class or a StudyBuddy can be anyone outside of class with Scrum experience. If you are using a student in class as a StudyBuddy, they do not need to be on the same Module as you either.
Payment, Rescheduling and Cancellation
Are there additional fees I should know about?There are no additional fees for any of our courses. Your course registration includes the following: Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks on all days of the course, course workbook and other materials, and all applicable certification or badging fees. In addition, our CSM and CSPO courses include a 2-year membership to the Scrum Alliance. Our CSM course also includes a Scrum Study Guide workbook with two practice exams and Scrum Alliance exam fees. If you would like to purchase an Exploring Scrum book, you can do so in advance or during class for $30 per book.
How do I guarantee my seat in the class?Our classes often sell out. You must provide payment in order to guarantee your your seat in the class. If the class reaches capacity and we have not yet received your payment, you will be moved to a waitlist and notified if a seat becomes available.
What are my payment options?We accept all major credit cards, including American Express. We also accept payment by check or money order and can send you an invoice if necessary to do so. However, please be aware that payment is due upon receipt of invoice. If the course reaches capacity and your payment has not been received, you will be moved to waitlist and notified if a seat becomes available. Payment must be received by 3Back in advance of your course.
Do you accept corporate checks?Yes. If you would like to pay by check, please select the “Invoice” option when enrolling in the course. Our Finance Department will then send an invoice due upon receipt. For question, please contact our Finance Department at 855-32-3BACK (
855-323-2225) x2 or email us at
[email protected].
What happens if the course gets cancelled?When you register for one of our classes, we take your commitment seriously and will do everything we can to ensure your class will run. Although we do reserve the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to unforeseen events (such as illness, family emergency, or inclement travel weather), it is extremely rare that we do so. In the event that we do find it necessary to cancel or reschedule your class, you will be given the option of rescheduling your attendance to a future class or receiving a full refund.
Can I take the class again?Yes, you can. 3Back reserves two complimentary seats at each of its public courses for students who have successfully completed a previous course from 3Back, but would like to take it a second time to brush up on their learning or attend a session led by a different trainer. This offer is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and must be used for the same type of course as the original. This offer is only available within the first six months following the your original course. For more information, please see our Public Course Policies. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please contact us at 855-32-3BACK (
855-323-2225) x2 or email us at
[email protected] to reserve your seat.
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