What does a Certified Scrum developer do?
A certified scrum developer builds usable product increments through iterative software development practices within a Scrum team. This role transforms prioritized product backlog items into working code during fixed-length sprints while maintaining technical excellence and sustainable pacing. Developers in this position apply specific engineering disciplines such as test-driven development and refactoring to support the team’s ability to deliver value continuously.
- Transform product backlog items into usable increments of value each sprint by writing clean, maintainable code that meets acceptance criteria. You forecast a sustainable amount of work for the next increment using the sprint backlog and execute those tasks through daily synchronization with your team members. This process requires you to balance speed with quality so that every delivered increment functions as intended without accumulating excessive technical debt.
- Apply architectural and design principles to support technical excellence while collaborating with other developers and stakeholders during Scrum events. You participate in the daily scrum to synchronize work, identify blockers, and adjust plans based on real-time progress rather than rigid long-term schedules. Your active engagement in these ceremonies helps the team self-manage its workflow and improve collaboration across the entire development cycle.
- Use test-driven development and refactoring techniques to maintain high code quality metrics throughout the project lifecycle. You write automated tests before implementing features to ensure that new code integrates smoothly with existing systems and reduces the risk of regression errors. Regular refactoring keeps the codebase adaptable to changing requirements while preserving the structural integrity needed for future enhancements and rapid iteration.
How to hire a Certified Scrum developer on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define the technical and collaborative skills your team needs to build usable product increments. The Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI drafts a post after you describe your needs in a few sentences. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.
- Specify experience with Test-Driven Development and refactoring techniques to maintain code quality.
- List required familiarity with sprint backlog forecasting and daily Scrum synchronization.
- Clarify if the role focuses on transforming product backlog items into shippable software.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Look for portfolios that show built deliverables and accountable work output from previous Scrum teams. Uma runs instant video interviews and builds shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess fit.
- Check for evidence of applying architectural principles to support technical excellence in past projects.
- Verify that candidates have authored usable increments of value in iterative development cycles.
- Review work history for consistent participation in Agile and incremental software development practices.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss how candidates plan work and execute tasks through Scrum events. Schedule and conduct these conversations within Upwork Messages, which generates an immediate transcript and summary after each session.
- Ask how they forecast a sustainable amount of work for the next product increment.
- Explore their approach to self-management and collaboration during daily Scrum meetings.
- Request examples of how they improved team workflows using specific Scrum events.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Set clear milestones for delivering the next product increment derived from sprint backlog work. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Define the specific usable increments of product value expected at each milestone.
- Agree on code quality metrics and refactoring standards for the engagement.
- Establish a rhythm for reviewing built deliverables and adjusting the sprint backlog.
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.