CSM vs. PSM, 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.

• The CSM - Certified Scrum Master requires a test at the end of the course to earn the certificate.
• The CSPO - Certified Scrum Product Owner does not require a test, as completing the course provides you with the certificate.

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.

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

• 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 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.

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.

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.