Scrum adoption is increasing fast and organisations are looking for Scrum qualified personnel. One way to show your worth is with a recognised Scrum Master certificate. In this article, I compare the two main options to help you decide which one is for you.
Update: 20 Sep 2021
Since this article was published, I completed both the Professional Scrum Master and Certified Scrum Master courses. I then went on to become a Professional Scrum Trainer with Scrum.org and a Certified Scrum Trainer with the Scrum Alliance. Having checked the article, I think it remains valid but wanted you to know that it has been reviewed and, where necessary, updated.
Why get a Scrum Master certificate?
I’ve been involved with agile and Scrum for almost two decades and in that time, I’ve never needed any formal qualifications. I’ve successfully moved from post to post and plied my craft. Then I discovered that potential employers were asking for Scrum skills.
In March 2012, I searched cwjobs and discovered that 10% of web developer vacancies required knowledge of Scrum. That’s a massive change from when I performed my first agile installation in 2000. Back then agile and Scrum were still considered cutting edge!
So, the message is clear. To give yourself the best chance of securing a new job, or contract, get a Scrum Master certificate. That was the easy part. I then spent the best part of a month researching the options. This article condenses what I learned and I hope that it will prove useful to you.
Scrum Master Certificates
There are two well-known, and generally accepted, Scrum Master certificate routes available.
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM) with the Scrum Alliance
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM) with Scrum.org
This article addresses these two certificates only. Note there are two other certificates you may wish to consider:
- PMI_ACP. The Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner. Offered by the Project Management Institute
- CIP. Certified ICAgile Professional. Offered by the International Consortium for Agile.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Offered by the Scrum Alliance
Probably the best-known Scrum Master certificate is the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). The certificate was originally issued by Ken Schwaber in 2002 and 2003. In 2004, Ken went on to form the Scrum Alliance asking Esther Derby and Mike Cohn to join him. The Scrum Alliance then continued delivering courses and, as at 31 Dec 2011, over 150k certificates had been issued.
Prior to 2012, anyone attending an official Scrum Alliance course automatically received the CSM certificate. There was no assessment or examination. There were 125,286 certificates in existence in Mar 2012, making it the most widely issued at that time. A combination of longevity and number of certificates issued means that the CSM certificate is the most widely recognised.
However, there has been criticism that simply attending courses does not justify the issue of a certificate. The Scrum Alliance have accepted this and changed the certification process in the early part of 2012. Candidates are now required to go through a three stage process to earn the CSM certificate:
1. Familiarize themselves with Scrum basics.
2. Attend a CSM course.
3. Obtain their CSM certification after completing the course and taking the CSM evaluation (a link to the evaluation is available on their dashboard following their course).
In March 2012, the average cost of a Certified ScrumMaster course in the USA is between $850 and $1200. You can pay up to $1300 for better-known presenters like Mike Cohn. In the UK, expect to pay between £895 and £1095 and up to £1400 for better-known presenters. The lower prices are usually achieved by taking advantage of early booking discounts. Today, in September 2021, these prices have hardly changed.
Certified ScrumMaster courses can only be taught by Certified Scrum Trainers. Each trainer develops their own training material, which is approved by the Scrum Alliance. However, with no two trainers presenting the same material, there may be issues with consistency.
With a nod to the Project Management Institute, a CSM course will earn Professional Development Units (PDUs). The number of PDUs earned varies and candidates are referred to their Certified Scrum Trainer to see how many PDUs their course earns. The average appears to be between 14 and 21 PDUs for taking the CSM course. Try this link for more information on PDUs.
To maintain currency, a CSM certificate must be renewed every two years, at a cost of $100.
Professional Scrum Master – PSM – Offered by Scrum.org
In 2009, a split developed between Ken Schwaber and the Scrum Alliance. Ken went on to create Scrum.org and offer the Professional Scrum Master course, among others.
Scrum.org offer two classes: The Professional Scrum Master I course and the Professional Scrum Master II course. PSM I and PSM II respectively. PSM I indicates a basic level of understanding and PSM II indicates an intermediate level of understanding. In Mar 2012, Scrum.org had issued 6000 PSM I certificates and 111 PSM II certificates.
Both PSM I and PSM II certificates are earned by the candidate scoring 85% or more in an online assessment. Neither assessment requires that the candidate attends a course. The cost of the PSM I assessment is $150. The cost of the PSM II assessment is $500.
Research indicates that course attendance is helpful if the candidate wishes to pass the PSM II assessment and practically mandatory if they want to take the PSM III assessment. However, if you take an authorised course, the cost of the PSM I assessment is included and the cost of higher assessments is discounted.
The Professional Scrum Master course is delivered by Professional Scrum Trainers. In Mar 2012, the cost varied between $1295 and $1995 in the USA and £950 and £1095 in the UK. Prices have hardly changed as at September 2021. You may pay more for a course delivered by better-known presenters like Ken Schwaber (though he has not taught for some time). Lower prices are usually achieved via early booking discounts.
Professional Scrum Master courses are taught by Professional Scrum Trainers who all work from a common set of training materials. Attendance at a training course is not required to take a PSM assessment, A PSM I certificate can be earned through appropriate study and revision. I’ve covered exactly how to do this in my article, How to Pass the PSM I Assessment.
With a further nod to the Project Management Institute, attending a PSM course will earn the candidate 14 PDUs. Try this link for more information on PDUs.
Scrum Certification UK
If you’re looking to gain Scrum certification in the UK and are looking for a trainer to deliver either CSM or PSM, there are a number to choose from. Searching the Scrum Alliance or the Scrum.org site will provide plentiful opportunities.
However, there is currently only one trainer who is qualified as both a CST and a PST in the UK (in fact, in Europe) and can deliver either course for you. If you’d like me to deliver your Scrum course, check our training schedule. It would be a pleasure to welcome you onto one of my classes.
Summary
1. The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certificate is probably more widely recognised than the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certificate.
2. The cost of acquiring, and maintaining, the CSM certificate is more than acquiring a PSM certificate (there are no maintenance costs for the PSM certificate).
3. The cost of PSM training is (on average) greater than the cost of CSM training. This seems to affect the USA and Europe both.
4. The value of CSM certificates issued prior to 2012 is variable as the delegate was not required to pass an assessment.
5. The material presented at CSM courses varies depending on the instructor. PSM course material is standardised.
This table summarises the main points. Data accurate as at Mar 2012 (look for an update imminently):
| Scrum Alliance | Scrum.org | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | CSM | PSM I | PSM II |
| Certificates Issued | 125285 | 6000 | 111 |
| Mandatory Pre-requisites | Training course | None | PSM I Pass (85%+) |
| Training course required? | Yes | No | No |
| Training course cost | $850 – $1300 | $1295 – $1995 | $1295 – $1995 |
| Assessment required | Yes (since 2012) | Yes | Yes |
| Assessment cost | $0 (incl in course) | $100 (or $0 if you do course) | $500 (or $300 if you do course) |
| Renewal required | Yes | No | No |
| Cost to acquire certificate | $850 – $1300 | $100 | $500 |
| Cost to renew certificate | $100 (2 yearly) | $0 | $0 |
Professional Scrum Master training course
After doing the research, I opted to self-study and then sit the PSM I assessment. This was successful and I wrote an article on how you too can pass your Professional Scrum Master (PSM) assessment.
Later, I went on to complete the Professional Scrum Master course and earn the PSM III certificate. I wrote an article on how to prepare for the PSM III assessment. If you’d like to earn your PSM III certificate, check out my Scrum training course schedule to see upcoming courses. I hope to see you there!
Thats a very detailed assessment. Thanks a lot. Looks like CSM is more expensive. I will prepare for PSM I and will go from there. Thanks Derek.
You’re very welcome. I’ve another article that you may find interesting on how to pass the PSM I assessment. I’d be interested in your thoughts.
Hi Derek,
Thanks for the detailed information. I would like to know whether both CSM and PSM(I and II) values the same?
I have 6 years of experience and which one do you prefer me to do?
Scrum certificates may have greater importance in other markets but in the UK, in all the years that I have been involved with Scrum, no-one has ever asked me to provide a Scrum certificate.
What I can tell you is that the assessment for CSM is MUCH easier than the assessment for either the PSM I or PSM II.
Thanks for the sublime information. Even a layman can decide which way to go… Thanks a lot for the valuable information.
You’re very welcome. Thanks for your feedback.
Hi Derek,
Great research and really very helpful. Thanks for your good work helping SCRUMers in the right path. Keep it up.
Hi Anand
You’re very welcome and thanks for the kind words.
Thanks for adequate details on CSM and PSM. I thought to write PSM I & II but looks like i don’t need it since i’m already SM Certified.
What’s your thoughts on PMP-ACP, would it bring any additional value to CSM certified professional? As far as my understanding, PMP-ACP is specific to agile and not any one form of agile such as scrum, etc. rather it touches every process of ALM.
– Dave
Hi Dave
I think taking the PSM II and/or the CSP would be a good move. I have written an article on taking the CSP examination and hope to do the same for the PSM II exam as well. Briefly, a Scrum Master certificate signifies that you have understood the basic requirements of Scrum. Companies looking to hire Scrum Masters often look for a higher level of achievement and a CSP / PSM II does exactly that.
I have not examined the PMP-ACP assessment in detail yet. At present, I have contrasting views. Firstly, project management practices (ie: the PMP element) and scrum / agile practices (ie: the ACP element) approach managing software projects in entirely different ways. It seems odd to have a Project Management authority certifying an Agile approach. Secondly though, I think that broadening an Agile approach to encompass a requirement to understand Agile software terminology is an excellent idea and one I endorse.
Hi Derek,
Thanks for a detailed assessment. This is what I was looking for.
I also found out that [Scrum training organization] offers scrum certification. Is that a recognized scrum certification?
(nb: Edited by site admin to remove link to site)
Hi Jacqueline
I hadn’t heard of that organization until you mentioned them and, on reflection, that could be the most damning thing I could say about them.
For a certificate to be worth anything, it has to be recognized. For example, you and I could go and buy a Doctorate on the Internet tomorrow from an unknown, or non-existent organisation but, what would it be worth? Compare that with earning a PhD from somewhere like Oxford which is recognized the World over.
The comparison, while extreme, serves to underline the point.
Thanks a lot for your comment. I completely agree with you.
I have practiced scrum in my previous organization 2 years back , I was scrum developer in the team. And for 2 years now, I haven’t followed Agile methodologies.
I am looking for a job change as a scrum master and thinking of giving CSM. I see a lot of job openings for certified scrum masters. Will the certification help me in changing my career as a scrum master?
What would be your advice for someone who is looking for a job change as a scrum professional?
I think that’s a good idea. Here in the UK, recruiters often ask for CSM at a minimum. In any case, doing a Scrum course will get you back up to speed quickly.
If you’re not in the UK, I’d suggest scanning through the job ads for ScrumMasters in your area and see what qualifications are required.
Good luck.
Hi Derek,
Thanks for the crisp information.
I also wanted to know how good is this certification body “GAQM – Global Association for Quality Management” – Heard of them? How good are these folks? Recognised?
I am based out of India – hows the scope? Any advices here related to scrum and its adoption across the service based firms ?
Thanks,
Nishanth T
Hi Nishanth
I readily admit that I haven’t heard of GAQM. In my experience, Scrum adoption is on the increase worldwide.
Hope that helps.
You can go ahead with Certified Scrum Master (CSM) from [Redacted], my company has approved CSM from either [Redacted].
You have sent me four comments under three different pseudonyms from the same IP address. Please don’t pervert the intent of the article by attempting to promote yourself.
Hi Derek,
Is the [certificate title] by the [certifying authority] the same as CSM? I mean can I say I am ‘CSM’ if I pass this exam?
Thanks,
Priya
nb: Editied by Admin to remove names of certificate and certifying authority
Hi Priya
No, I’m afraid not. Only the Scrum Alliance can issue Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certificates.
hi Derek,
very informative post. I would like to know how many pdus you applied and earned for psm1 certification.
Thanks,
Vikram
Hi Vikram
I’ve never applied for PDUs. However, I’ve heard of some PSM students that have. Here’s a topic on the Scrum.org site that might help: http://www.scrum.org/Forums/aft/320
Hi Derek, thank you for this good post, very illustrative.
I’ve a question about becoming a Professional Scrum Trainer. When you obtain that certification you can offer courses or do you need permission from Scrum.org?
Thanks in advance
Hi Leonardo
The certification is not enough to teach Scrum. The path to becoming a Professional Scrum Trainer is very well covered here: https://www.scrum.org/Become-a-Trainer
Great article, thanks!
I’ve found another provider & would welcome clarification on their provenance. The [Name of Organization redacted] offer a [Name of certificate redacted]. I am guessing that this is another flavor of the Scrum training (you mentioned just two of them).
Given the competitive price, I’m keen to understand whether the [certificate name redacted] will have as much appeal to potential employers as a CSM.
Link: [redacted]
I’d welcome your observations!
Hello David
Thanks for your question. I’ve redacted the name of the organization you refer to. I’m sure you’ll understand why.
There are many different types of scrum certificates available today. The value of a certificate is based upon why someone wants to get it. Maybe it’s needed to get a job? Or perhaps it’s a way to show the knowledge you have acquired? Whatever the reason, the certificate needs to be recognizable and accepted.
In the article, I compare the two best known scrum certificates. I am unaware of any others that are both universally recognized and accepted.
Hi Derek,
Thanks a lot for the information on the difference between CSM and PSM. I would like to know the jobs prospects of CSM vs PSM in the current market.
Thanks a lot
Amit
Hello Amit
Job prospects for scrum masters will vary greatly on a broad range of factors. In my experience, your scrum certificate isn’t one of them.
Hello Derek, question, you mentioned that “a split developed” with Ken and scrum alliance. Wikipedia says that it was a bike accident, and the last blog post from Ken’s blog talking about scrum alliance has the title “Greed and Control Can Ruin an Industry and Movement”. Do you know what really happened?, thanks.
Hello David
Ken did write an impassioned article about it some years ago but I can no longer find it. Maybe Ken prefers it that way>
I did find this, though: https://www.scrum.org/About/Origins
Very informative article. The salary of a CSM certified professional surely increases and also gives the professional an edge over others. Even opening lot of new opportunities in Project Management.
Hey Derek
Thanks for detail information. I want to know how the agile certification is helpful to a QA. Does it helpful?
Hello Vikas
Only you can gauge how valuable a certificate is. Some people find value in study, others in courses and some in certification.
If you have a need to prove scrum knowledge to a prospective employer, then a certificate may well help.
Hi Derek,
I am currently in UK and am looking for doing a certification as Scrum Master.
I see that both certificates as valued and I was planning to do a certification in PSM I without training and then once I have cleared apply for Jobs in it. I have 6 Years of experience in various fields of IT such as JAVA, SAP, DB2 and so on. Been working in a scrum team since last 6 months and the role has given me a good understanding of Scrum master’s roles and responsibilities.
What would you suggest, read through all the articles posted by you for certification and prepare and give the certification PSM I or go through a course for CSM (If I have to pay for training then would prefer CSM over PSM) as I have just 6 months of experience in SCRUM as a developer?
Awaiting your valued feedback!
Thanks,
Mahaveer Jain
Hello
I’d be inclined to give the PSM I assessment a go first. Good luck with it!
Please advise if the *** certification has any value in the market.
(Edited by admin to remove name of certificate)
I reviewed only the two mainstream scrum certificates for this article. Whether there is value in any other certificate depends on your personal view of value, something I’m unqualified to comment upon.
What about the *** certification from ***?
(edited by admin to remove certification and organisation name)
Hello Mike
I considered only the two mainstream certificates for this article.
Hi Derek,
I worked in startups in product manager roles (mobile/digital) and recently shifted to the UK. I am interested in CSM which will boost my job hunt in UK’s software sector. Do you think that’s a good strategy ?
Thanks,
Anuj
Hello Anuj
Rather than rely on certificates, I encourage you to forge relationships with people that are working in the sector where you want to work. I believe that the best way to get that perfect job is through personal recommendation.
Hi, I have untypical question. I am not native english speaking and have some problem sometimes with understanding of english speach (especially native speakers). Is it any source of english where I could practice english especially dedicated for scrum masters? Especially most frequent phrases used by scrum masters, some less and more typical vocabulary etc. That would be very helpful for me – and also maybe there are mre people like me – I am going to change the country where I work and English in my recent work was not used as a primary language. Thank You!
The scrum guide is available, free of charge, in multiple languages but still uses the core scrum phrases in English. Perhaps try reading the guide in your language and see if that helps? http://scrumguides.org
Hi Derek,
I do not have any experience working on an Agile/Scrum project, though I’m of course familiar with agile concepts in general, having been in software development for the last 12 years. I’m thinking about getting a CSM/PSM certification and came upon your article. Is ti necessary to have prior work experience in a Scrum project for these certifications to hold any value? For e.g., if I clear the PSM I and/or II certification exams but have no work experience in a Scrum project, will these certifications be useless from a job seeking perspective? [I’m talkign here about jobs that ask for a Scrum Master certification].
Thanks a lot in advance for your reply.
RevK
Hello RevK
My experience is that no scrum certificate will guarantee a job. I have a mass of scrum qualifications, but almost all contracts I earn are through personal recommendation from people I have worked with. This makes sense to me. Potential employers want a degree of confidence that a candidate can do a job. A personal recommendation from a trusted employee goes a long way in that regard.
Hi…I am into testing stream…and have 10 yrs of exp on testing…..kindly let me know which certification Wil add value to my resume
Hi,
I have been involved in QA industry as Tester for over 6 years. However, i am planning to switch career and Scrum Master seems a good fit. If it take CSM course will it be enough to get a good job. Besides, do you think it would be a right move? Thanks.
HI Derek,
It is very help to compare which one to take as I was unable to decide which one to pursue. Greatly appreciated your research on it and putting it together.
Thanks again
DP
Nice article, great information.
Hi Derek,
Thanks for sharing this information, very helpful. After reading your article it almost looks like PSM is a good option then why do people go for CSM certification? is that simply lack of information? Or is it some companies specifically ask for CSM certification. If I take the PSM I assessment, will I be considered a Scrum certified professional?
Thanks
Ruth
This is indeed a great comparison and a ready reckoner for anyone to decide on which certification to choose. With PRINCE2 Agile also in picture now, can you please provide a view in this certification too?
PRINCE 2 Agile seems like a contradiction in terms to me. PRINCE is all about PRojects IN Controlled Environments. Agile is anything but that.
The Scrum master certifications from Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org seems to be same and it doesn’t make any sense to go after both.
PSM certifications from Scrum.org looks better in comparison if we see on all the parameters.
No consistent course material(Trainers quality)and renewal required every 2 years are big negative for CSM.
Hi, I wish to venture into IT from a non IT background. Friends suggested to do Scrum Master certification. Is that a good entry point in IT without having no background.
Thanks
Saher