Scrum is a widely used agile project management framework. As one of the most popular agile methodologies, scrum is commonly used by software development teams but can be applied to any industry. Organizations that use the scrum framework benefit from higher productivity, improved product quality, reduced risk, and happier team members.
The scrum framework requires three key team roles:
- Product owner.
- Scrum master.
- Development team.
Product owner and scrum master certifications are often sought after by aspiring leaders who wish to guide scrum teams to project success. There are many scrum certifications out there to choose from, depending on your goals.
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Top scrum master certification comparison
See how the top scrum certifications compare in terms of prerequisites, cost, training, and exam duration.
SEE: Discover the top project management certifications to accelerate your career growth.
Best for easy-paced training: Agile Scrum Certification by Master of Project Academy
The Agile Scrum Certification by Master of Project Academy is designed to teach agile and scrum project management foundations. The course is designed to be easy-paced, so you can complete the training even if you are working full-time.
Prerequisites
There are no specific qualifications needed; however, it is recommended that the candidates have some knowledge of and experience with scrum and agile methodologies.
Key skills taught
- Theoretical agile and scrum concepts explained in real-world examples.
- Scrum events, frameworks, and artifacts.
- agile manifesto and scrum theory.
- Common misconceptions about agile and scrum.
Key differentiators
- 100% online course.
- Easy-paced training.
Duration of training and exam
The training is 10 hours long and consists of 150+ practice questions to help prepare for certification exams. There is no exam in this course, though there is a sample Agile Scrum certification exam.
Cost of training
You can choose from different types of subscriptions:
- Monthly subscription: $67.
- Annual subscription: $297.
- Lifetime access: $527.
Best for professionals leading scrum teams: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) by Scrum Alliance
Scrum.org offers three levels of Professional Scrum Master: PSM I, PSM II, and PSM III. The Professional Scrum Master certification solidifies your knowledge of the scrum framework and how it’s used. While the Professional Scrum Master I certification is perfect for beginners, PSM II and PSM III are best for those with more advanced scrum skills.
Scrum.org offers the Professional Scrum Master certification exams to professionals with or without previous scrum training. However, they also offer training courses for those just getting started with scrum. PSM I is required to obtain the PSM II and III certifications.
Prerequisites
There are no formal eligibility criteria or required skills to obtain the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) by Scrum.org. However, you must have completed the previous level of PSM to progress to the next. For example, to get the PSM III certification, you must have completed PSM I and PSM II.
Key skills taught
The skills taught in this certification depend on the level of the program:
- PSM 1: Basic understanding of scrum framework, development teams, and management of products.
- PSM II: Managing technical risk and developing an understanding of organizational design and culture.
- PSM III: Deep understanding and application of scrum practices.
Key differentiators
- Three distinct levels of scrum training and certification.
- Deep understanding of scrum framework.
Duration of training and exam
The training lasts for two days and goes for eight hours each day, for a total of 16 hours of training. The format and duration of the exam depend on the level of the program. The duration varies from 60 to 150 minutes, and the number of questions varies from 30 to 150.
Cost of training and exam
The cost of training depends on the level of the program. It varies from $150 to $500.
Best for individuals looking to coach agile teams: SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) by Scaled Agile
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a leading framework for scaling Agile, according to Gartner. SAFe is provided through Scaled Agile, which also provides the SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) certification for SAFe-specific organizations.
During the training course, you’ll learn how to lead agile teams in a SAFe environment, how to conduct iteration planning, and more. Once you complete the training program, you’ll be prepared to take the SAFe Scrum Master certification exam, which is best for those with intermediate-level skills.
Prerequisites
There is no formal requirement for the SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) by Scaled Agile. However, it is recommended that the candidate has basic scrum and agile experience.
Key skills taught
- Empower and lead an agile team.
- Help teams plan and execute their work.
- Coach agile teams.
- Implement DevOps for continuous flow.
- Facilitate agile events, discussions, and meetings.
Key differentiators
- Emphasis on Lean-Agile mindset.
- Focus on Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
- Testing of candidates on their ability to apply scrum principles to real-world situations.
Duration of training and exam
The training takes place over the course of two days, lasting eight hours each day for a total of 16 hours of training. The exam for SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) by Scaled Agile consists of 45 multiple-choice questions, and the duration is 90 minutes.
Cost of training
The cost of training depends on several factors, including location and mode of delivery. You can expect the SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) by Scaled Agile training and certification to cost from $500 to $2000. Retake fee is $50; $250 for SAFe Program Consultant Certification (SPC).
Best for agile product owners: Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) by Scrum Alliance
The Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification is for those wanting to learn how to bring new products to life. During this course, product owners, project managers, and other agile team members can dive deeper into the scrum framework as well as the principles required for success.
The CSPO certification is one of the most popular options for product owners simply due to its benefits. For example, according to a survey completed by Indeed, 39% of the CSPO-certified product owners stated that the certification helped them achieve a higher salary.
Prerequisites
The Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) by Scrum Alliance does not have any specific required skills.
Key skills taught
- Hands-on training for creating product vision.
- Innovative methods to generate product value.
- Product backlog management.
- Agile planning and estimation.
- Release management.
Key differentiators
- Ideal for existing product owners.
- Does not have an exam.
- Practical and hands-on learning.
Duration of training and exam
Every CSPO class offers at least 14 hours of interactive instruction. There is no exam required to earn a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification.
Cost of training
Expect to spend around $399-$780 for training and certification for the Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) by Scrum Alliance. There is also a $100 certification fee paid upon the successful completion of the program.
Best for introduction to product owner role: Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) by Scrum.org
The Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) certification is similar to the PSM certification, as there are three distinct certifications depending on your skill level: PSPO I, PSPO II, and PSPO III.
This certification is built on professional scrum competencies, including understanding the scrum framework, developing teams, and managing products from plan to launch. PSPO I is required to be able to obtain the PSPO II and III certifications.
Prerequisites
There are no specific eligibility criteria or required skills for the Professional Scrum Product Owner certification. However, each level of the PSPO builds on the previous level, so you will need to pass each level to proceed.
Key skills taught
- Deployment of scrum framework.
- Value-driven deployment.
- Creation and management of product backlog.
- Collaboration with stakeholders.
Key differentiators
- Focus on the product owner role with emphasis on real-world application.
- Continuous learning and improvement and a clear progressive path with three levels of certification.
Duration of training and exam
The entry-level PSPO I has two days or 16 hours of live training. The duration and format of the exam depend on the level of certification. The exam for the PSPO ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the certification level.
Cost of training
The Professional Scrum Product Owner certifications are typically priced between $1000 to $1500. You also have a test attempt fee in the range of $200 to $500, though the training course includes a free attempt at the exam.
Best for a combination of product manager and product owner training: SAFe Product Owner/Manager (POPM) by Scaled Agile
The SAFe Product Owner/Manager (POPM) certification is specifically for product owners who wish to learn how to build products using the scaled agile framework. Inside the course, you’ll learn how to thrive in your role as a product owner, how to test projects, and how to collaborate with others on your scrum team.
Prerequisites
Candidates for the SAFe Product Owner/Manager must have attended a SAFe PO/PM or LEADIng SAFe course. If they don’t fulfill this requirement, then they must have a minimum of one year of experience in a PO/PM role in a SAFe environment.
Key skills taught
- Comprehensive understanding of product development process.
- Preparation for the roles of POs and PMs.
- Training on how to design, build, test, and deliver products with high quality and maximum productivity.
- Lessons on how to prepare for and lead PI Planning.
- Collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams.
Key differentiators
- Combination of two key roles: product manager and product owner.
- Focus on a lean-agile mindset.
Duration of training and exam
The training duration for this certification is two days. The duration of the SAFe Product Owner/Manager (POPM) exam is 90 minutes. It consists of 45 multiple-choice questions.
Cost of training
The cost of the SAFe Product Owner/Manager (POPM) ranges from $1000 to $1500, depending on the instructor, location, study materials, and other factors.
Best for advanced training for scrum professionals: Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)
The Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) is an advanced and immersive course for the scrum master role. The program is designed to use real-world examples and encourage a collaborative learning experience. The course teaches attendees practical tools and techniques that can be applied to their work.
Prerequisites
The candidate must meet all the following requirements for the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster:
- Active CSM certification.
- At least one year of experience as a scrum master.
- Completion of all pre-course work as deemed necessary by the instructor.
Key skills taught
- Learn how to explain agile and lean methods to your team.
- Help your organization adopt scrum and lean frameworks.
- Facilitate dialogue between product owner, customers, executives, and other stakeholders.
Key differentiators
- Focus on advanced skills for scrum masters.
- Practical application with real-world examples.
- Customized learning with a variety of scrum topics.
Duration of training and exam
The training takes place over the course of two days, lasting eight hours each day for a total of 16 hours of training. There is no exam for the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM).
Cost of training
The cost of training for the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) varies from $1000 to $2000 depending on availability, location, instructor, and other factors.
Best for learning practical scrum skills: Scrum Master by Scrum Inc. (RSM) Certification
The Scrum Master by Scrum Inc. (RSM) is designed to be highly interactive and includes a variety of exercises and games. Attendees will get to experience the scrum master role first-hand. This includes how to create a product backlog and manage a burndown chart.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites or specific eligibility criteria for the Scrum Master by Scrum Inc. (RSM).
Key skills taught
- How to lead teams in any industry and environment as a scrum master.
- Experience with scrum framework and agile principles.
- How to facilitate, coach, and build a scrum team.
- Training on organizational design.
- Preparation for lean thinking.
Key differentiators
- Focus on practical skills.
- Customized learning experience.
- Real-world experience.
Duration of training and exam
The Scrum Master by Scrum Inc. (RSM) is a two-day course including training and certification. There is no separate exam for this certification. However, the attendees must demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of scrum and their ability to apply their learning to their work.
Cost of training
The Scrum Master by Scrum Inc. (RSM) certification costs range from $1200 to $2000.
Best for beginners in agile and scrum: Scrum Master Certification Specialization by LearnQuest
The Scrum Master Certification Specialization by LearnQuest on Coursera is a comprehensive four-course series designed for beginners who want to understand and apply scrum methodologies. The course covers key scrum principles, the role of a scrum master, agile frameworks, and practical applications of scrum.
This certification specialization is suitable if you’re looking to develop foundational knowledge and skills as a scrum master and prepare for relevant certification exams.
Prerequisites
There are no specific eligibility criteria for the Scrum Master Certification Specialization by LearnQuest, as it is designed to help scrum beginners.
Key skills taught
- How to manage tasks and events within a sprint.
- Scrum terminology and roles.
- Scrum reporting and managing risks.
- Continuous integration.
- Test-driven development (TDD) and behavior driven development (BDD).
Key differentiators
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects.
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts.
Duration of training and exam
Approximately 1 month if you dedicate around 10 hours per week.
Cost of training
You can explore the course content for free for seven days. After the free trial, it costs $39 per month to continue accessing the course materials.
The final cost will depend on how quickly you complete the course, but since it’s designed to be completed in about 1 month (with 10 hours of work per week), it could cost approximately $39 if finished within that time frame. However, if you take longer, the total cost will increase based on the number of months you need to complete the program.
Why earn a scrum certification?
Scrum certification provides the knowledge you need to lead teams through successful initiatives. In addition, many organizations looking to take advantage of scrum methodology are searching for certified scrum masters and product owners to fill open roles.
Obtaining a certification can help you remain competitive in your job search or solidify your place in your current organization. You will also learn how to apply the scrum techniques to project management tools such as kanban boards.
Key benefits of scrum certifications in project management
Scrum certifications provide attendees with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence to apply scrum techniques and frameworks to their projects. Here are some of the key benefits of scrum certifications in project management:
Solid knowledge base
With Scrum certification, you get a solid knowledge base of core scrum principles and best practices. This helps you guide teams and remove impediments to boost your team’s effectiveness.
Improved risk-assessment skills
One of the major goals in project management is to anticipate problems and events before they occur. With scrum master certification, you will strengthen your risk-assessment skills. This will help you eliminate any impediments or bottlenecks that threaten to stall your project.
Career advancement
Whether you are a project manager, IT professional, or executive, you can prepare yourself for more career opportunities with scrum certifications. It can also increase your earning potential and make your résumé stand out.
Better project outcomes
Scrum certifications teach you skills and tools that enable you to improve project outcomes by applying scrum learning. This is achieved through better management of processes, enhanced collaboration and communication, and increased productivity.
How do I choose the best scrum certification?
To pick the best scrum certification for project management, you need to evaluate your current needs, experience level, and future goals.
If you are new to the scrum methodology and want an introduction to the framework, you will be better suited to choose a basic certification program. On the other hand, if you already have experience with scrum, you can choose a more advanced certification program. There are some certifications that offer multiple levels of training, providing a clear progressive path from basic to advanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CSM or PSM better?
It depends on your goals. The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is more widely recognized and offers hands-on workshops, while the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) focuses more on assessing your understanding through a tougher exam.
CSM is offered by Scrum Alliance and the certification requires you to take a course before attempting the exam, making it more guided. Whereas PSM, offered by Scrum.org, doesn’t require taking a course to sit for the exam, allowing for more flexibility but requiring deeper self-study.
Which scrum master certification pays the most?
The Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) and Professional Scrum Master III (PSM III) certifications are among the highest-paying scrum certifications due to their advanced level and expertise required. However, salaries can also vary based on experience, location, and industry.
What should I learn first — scrum or agile?
It’s best to start with agile principles, as scrum is one of the frameworks within agile. Understanding agile first provides a solid foundation for learning scrum.
Which is the easiest scrum certification?
The Certified ScrumMaster is often considered the easiest scrum certification for beginners, as it requires minimal prerequisites and provides a strong foundational understanding of scrum practices.
What is the toughest agile certification?
The PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), and Professional Scrum Trainer (PST) are considered among the toughest agile certifications due to their advanced requirements and comprehensive knowledge testing.
What is the most recognized scrum certification?
The most recognized scrum certification is the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification, offered by the Scrum Alliance. Keep in mind that the CSM certification needs to be renewed every two years.
Is it worth getting scrum certified?
Yes, it’s worth it. Scrum certifications can boost your career prospects and prove your knowledge and skills in agile project management. It enhances your credibility in the agile community and also highlights your dedication to continuous professional development.
How long does it take to become a certified scrum master?
The duration of becoming a certified scrum master can vary depending on the training provider and the training format. It mostly includes attending a two-day training course (usually 8 hours per day) and passing an exam.
Is the scrum exam hard?
The scrum master exam is considered moderately difficult. The difficulty level may vary from person to person, depending on your knowledge and experience in scrum.
How much does the scrum certification exam cost?
The cost of the scrum certification exam can vary depending on the certifying body and the training provider. Generally, it ranges from $150 to $2,000. Some training providers include the exam fee in their training costs.
Review methodology
This list of best scrum certifications was compiled through extensive research and analysis of several certifications. We looked at the different parameters, including the usefulness of the certification and the skills taught in the program.
