CSM vs. PSM, how do they compare?

CSM (Certified Scrum Master) vs. PSM (Professional Scrum Master)

CSM vs. PSM, how do they compare?

The CSM and PSM are the two most common certifications for a scrum master:

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 class 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.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

Interested in becoming a Professional Scrum Master?

What does it take to pass the PSM?

The Professional Scrum Master is a great first step to those learning to practice Scrum.

Our affordable self paced course will prepare you to pass the test with confidence.

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Comparing certification

CSM vs. CSPO, how do they compare?

If you’re looking for your first scrum certification, the CSM and CSPO are the most common. Both require you to take a class by a certified instructor and cost around $1,000.

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

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

CSM vs. PSM, how do they compare?

The CSM and PSM are the two most common certifications for a scrum master:

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 class 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.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

How does the PMI-ACP compare to other scrum certifications?

The PMI-ACP is in its own class regarding scrum certifications. It requires both documented experience as well as knowledge across multiple agile domains.

The test is long and comprehensive. I would place it as similar difficulty to the PMP as compared to the CSM or PSM.

This certification certainly demonstrates much higher agile and scrum competency. However, I don’t see it listed often on job requirements.

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

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

How does the PMP compare to other scrum certifications?

The PMP is kind of the grandfather of project management certifications. It’s a beast of a test and requires memorizing a ton of information. However, it’s rooted primarily in waterfall rather than agile approaches.

Unless you plan to work in a domain where waterfall is dominant, the PMP probably isn’t the best certification option for those getting started in project management, and certainly not for those getting started with scrum.

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

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

Developing a rhythm of focus and growth

Making an impact is hard

It’s easy to feel stuck or uncertain about how to move ahead. Maybe you feel overloaded or like you’re just spinning your wheels.

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