Detailed Review Of Preparation

While I'd really love to help and answer the questions I got related to passing the PAL certification from Scrum.org, I also want to be fair toward Scrum.org, remain ethical and not reveal too much about the exam.

What I can say, though, is: (in random order)

• Most questions in the real exam are (much) harder than in the Open Assessment. So, don't underestimate it.
• Understand EBM (Evidence Based Management). I repeat: Understand EBM!
• Go through the proposed Agile Leader Learning Path. It's really complete and useful. Experienced Scrum Masters may want to skip some parts, although it's sometimes good to re-read some theoretical stuff learned long ago. (and that might help you during the exam)
• Understand the Professional Scrum Competencies.
• Understand the role of Scrum Master, Product Owner, Development Team. (yes, you definitely need to study and understand the Scrum Guide if you haven't already done so (isn't that amazing?!))
• It's all about bringing value! (not about team performance, for instance)
• Collaboration is key!
• Don't compare teams!
• Beware of what you measure, and how.
• Future is very hard to predict, if at all possible. --> Remember: Empiricism.
• Daring to experiment and to fail is OK, as long as you learn from it.
• Take the Open Assessments for the PSM, PSPO, PSD, PAL, and Agile Measurement.
• Read only literature that relates to Scrum.org. Avoid mixing ideas, principles, concepts, vocabulary etc. from other organizations. (at least until you pass the exam if you want to avoid confusion!)
• The list could go on, but basically, if you follow the recommendations on the certification page, you should be good.
• Should you buy books and/or take a class? That depends of your current understanding and experience of Agile and Scrum, and the time you have to study. I personally bought an electronic version of "Agile Leadership Toolkit Book".

Good luck, and keep on learning!

Source text here.