Scrum master certifications

The most common certifications for a scrum master are:

• CSM Certified Scrum Master from Scrum Alliance. 
• PSM Professional Scrum Master from Scrum.org.

The CSM is more common than the PSM but also more expensive. Both offer multiple levels of certification.

You are required to take a class by a certified instructor for the CSM, which will cost you around $1,000. The CSM course includes the test cost and is comparable in difficulty with the PSM test.

The PSM recommends but doesn’t require a course. So you can take the self-study route and then take a cheaper test ($200). This level of affordability can make the scrum.org certifications a more attractive first step for people exploring scrum certifications.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Also be sure to check out the essential Scrum glossary.

The best way to learn to be a scrum master is through practice. However, earning a certificate can provide helpful instruction, and some companies list it as a requirement for scrum master roles. 

If you're entering the world of scrum or trying to transfer your skills from one domain to another, having a certification like the CSM can help you get in the door.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms.

Unlike the PMP (Project Management Professional), most scrum certifications don’t require experience. There are pros and cons, though. It makes earning the certifications easier but also makes them a little less valuable. 

A typical CSM course will last between 3 and 5 days, depending on how much instruction is done each day. The PSM doesn’t require a course, so if you already have a solid understanding of scrum, you can just take the test today. 

To really be a Scrum Master your'e going to need practice.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Also be sure to check out the essential Scrum glossary.