Top 10 Scrum Master Certifications

Certifications are important for a Scrum Master in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to the role and provide evidence that a candidate has the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform as an effective Scrum Master. Certifications also give employers assurance that their potential hire is up-to-date on best practices, understands agile methodology and is familiar with the latest trends in scrum. Additionally, certifications can help differentiate job seekers from other applicants who may not have taken the time or effort to gain these qualifications. Finally, having certifications can be beneficial when negotiating salaries as employers may be more willing to offer higher salaries to those with certifications that demonstrate expertise in the field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Scrum Masters and how they can help enhance a Scrum Master's career.

What are Scrum Master Certifications?

Scrum Master certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in the Scrum framework. It is designed to demonstrate a person’s knowledge and understanding of the principles, processes, and practices associated with Scrum, as well as their ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. The certification is awarded by the Scrum Alliance and requires successful completion of a course or assessment.

Having a certified Scrum Master can help organizations in a variety of ways. It ensures that the team has an experienced leader who understands how to effectively manage projects using the Scrum framework. This helps teams stay on track and deliver results quickly and efficiently. Additionally, it provides assurance that all members of the team are working together toward a common goal and following best practices for project management. Having certified professionals also builds trust within the organization, which can lead to better collaboration across departments and improved results overall.

Pro Tip: When researching Scrum Master Certification programs, look for one that offers both online and in-person training. Having access to both types of learning opportunities will help ensure that you are able to gain the most comprehensive understanding of the role and how it fits into your organization.

Related: What does a Scrum Master do?

Top 10 Scrum Master Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Scrum Masters today.

1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification for individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework. It is designed to help individuals become effective members of a Scrum team, as well as to increase their effectiveness in leading and managing teams using the Scrum methodology.

The CSM certification is administered by the Scrum Alliance, an international organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum in organizations around the world. The certification requires applicants to attend a two-day course on the fundamentals of Scrum, pass an online assessment, and complete a post-course survey.

The cost of the CSM certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 to $2,000 USD.

Once you have completed all requirements for your CSM certification, you will receive your official certificate within 8 weeks of completing your course. You will also be listed in the Certified Scrum Master registry maintained by the Scrum Alliance.

2. Professional Scrum Master (PSM I)

Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) is a certification offered by Scrum.org that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the Scrum framework. It is designed to help individuals become better Scrum Masters, and to provide employers with a way to identify potential candidates for Scrum Master roles.

The PSM I certification is an online assessment that takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as the fundamentals of Scrum, the role of the Scrum Master, and how to apply Agile principles in practice.

In order to obtain the PSM I certification, you must first register for the exam on the Scrum.org website. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access and take the exam. Once you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive your certificate via email within three business days.

The cost of taking the PSM I exam is $150 USD per attempt.

3. Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)

Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) is a professional certification offered by the Scrum Alliance to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in the use of Scrum. The CSP certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their commitment to Scrum and further their career opportunities.

It typically takes 1-2 years to obtain the CSP certification. To become certified, you must first complete a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) course, followed by a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) course. You must also have at least two years of experience working on an Agile team or project. Finally, you must pass the CSP exam, which consists of multiple choice questions and scenario-based questions.

The cost of obtaining the CSP certification varies depending on where you take your courses and what type of training you choose. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 USD for all the necessary courses and exam fees.

4. Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) is a certification offered by the Scrum Alliance. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved an advanced level of understanding and mastery of Scrum principles, practices, and values. The A-CSM certification requires a deeper level of knowledge and experience than the traditional Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification.

The A-CSM certification process typically takes about two weeks to complete. To become certified, applicants must first complete the CSM course, which usually takes two days. After completing the course, applicants must take an online assessment that tests their knowledge of Scrum principles, practices, and values. Once they pass this assessment with a score of at least 80%, they are eligible to apply for the A-CSM certification.

To be eligible for the A-CSM certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience working on Scrum teams or in a Scrum environment. They must also have completed at least four different types of roles on a Scrum team or in a Scrum environment over that time period. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to lead and coach others in using Agile/Scrum practices through professional references or other evidence provided during the application process.

The cost for taking the CSM course and applying for A-CSM certification varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD.

5. SAFe® 4 Agilist

SAFe® 4 Agilist is a certification program offered by Scaled Agile, Inc. that provides training and certification for professionals who want to become Certified SAFe® 4 Agilists. The certification is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead agile teams, programs, and portfolios in organizations that are adopting the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

The SAFe® 4 Agilist certification requires successful completion of a two-day course led by a certified SAFe® Program Consultant (SPC). It typically takes two days to complete the course and receive the certification. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

To get certified as a SAFe® 4 Agilist, you must first register for an SPC-led course. After successfully completing the course, you will be issued your SAFe® 4 Agilist certificate. You can then use this certificate to demonstrate your expertise in leading agile teams, programs, and portfolios using the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

6. PMI-ACP®

PMI-ACP® (Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience with agile practices. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques.

To obtain the PMI-ACP® certification, an individual must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as agile principles and values, team dynamics and collaboration, estimating and planning, continuous improvement, product delivery and quality management.

The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The cost to take the exam is $435 for PMI members or $495 for non-members. Once you have passed the exam you will need to maintain your certification by earning 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years.

7. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead process improvement initiatives. It is based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, which combines the principles of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma quality management.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification typically takes about four weeks to complete. During this time, students learn how to identify areas for improvement, analyze data, develop solutions, and implement changes in order to improve processes and reduce waste. The program also covers topics such as project management, problem-solving techniques, and team dynamics.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must complete an accredited course and pass an exam. The cost of the course varies depending on the provider; however, most courses range from $1,000-$3,000 USD. Additionally, some organizations may require their employees to be certified before they can work on projects or manage teams related to process improvement initiatives.

8. PRINCE2® Foundation

PRINCE2® Foundation is a globally recognized certification program that provides project management professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage projects. It is based on an internationally accepted best practice framework for managing projects, and is used in many countries around the world.

The PRINCE2® Foundation certification takes two days to complete, and consists of a course taught by an accredited trainer followed by an exam. The course covers the seven principles, themes, and processes of the PRINCE2® methodology, as well as how to apply them in different situations. The exam tests your understanding of these topics and requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply them in different scenarios.

To get certified, you must first register for a PRINCE2® Foundation course with an accredited training provider. The cost of the course will vary depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. Once you have completed the course and passed the exam, you will be awarded your PRINCE2® Foundation certificate. This certificate is valid for three years after which time you must renew it by taking a refresher course or retaking the exam.

Overall, getting your PRINCE2® Foundation certification can be a great way to demonstrate your project management skills and expertise to employers and clients alike.

9. ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF)

The ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) is a certification that recognizes professionals who have the skills and knowledge to effectively facilitate agile teams. This certification is designed for those who are responsible for leading and managing agile teams, such as Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and Project Managers.

In order to obtain the ICP-ATF certification, candidates must complete a two-day course that covers topics such as team dynamics, communication techniques, conflict resolution, and facilitation methods. The course also includes an exam that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

The cost of the ICP-ATF certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

Once you have completed the course and passed the exam, you will receive your ICP-ATF certificate within 4-6 weeks.

10. ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC)

The ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a mastery of the skills and knowledge required to be an effective agile coach. It is designed to help individuals and organizations create high performing teams, foster collaboration, and deliver successful products.

The ICP-ACC certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of learning, which can be completed through self-study or through an accredited training provider. The 21 hours of learning can be achieved by completing the ICAgile Agile Coaching Track. This track consists of two courses: Foundations of Agile Coaching and Advanced Practices for Agile Coaching.

To get the ICP-ACC certification, you must complete the two courses mentioned above and pass the associated exams with a score of 80% or higher. Upon completion, you will receive your digital badge and certificate from ICAgile.

The cost for the ICP-ACC certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the courses online or in person. The cost also varies depending on which training provider you select. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 - $2,000 USD to get certified as an ICP-ACC.

Do You Really Need a Scrum Master Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Scrum Master certificate in order to be successful in the field of Scrum. While having a formal certification may look good on a resume and demonstrate your dedication to the field, there are many other ways to become an effective Scrum Master without the certification.

Scrum is an Agile methodology that relies heavily on collaboration and communication with team members. As such, it requires strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of how teams work together and communicate effectively. A good Scrum Master must also have a deep understanding of the product development process and be able to provide guidance and direction to their team as needed. These skills can be learned through experience, study, or even mentorship from another experienced Scrum Master.

Having said that, if you are looking for more formal recognition of your knowledge and abilities as a Scrum Master, then getting certified may be worth considering. A certification program will provide you with resources and materials to help you learn about different aspects of the Scrum process in greater detail, as well as assessments that test your understanding of key concepts. Additionally, many organizations now require their employees to have some sort of certification related to their job role; having a recognized certification could make you more attractive for certain roles and help boost your career prospects.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a Scrum Master certificate is up to you – it depends on what kind of recognition or validation you are looking for in your career path. However, it’s important to remember that certification alone won’t make you a great Scrum Master; it takes experience, dedication and continuous learning in order to truly excel in this field.

Related: Scrum Master Resume Examples

FAQs About Scrum Master Certifications

1. What is a Scrum Master Certification?

Answer: A Scrum Master Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the use of the Scrum framework for project management and agile software development. It is awarded by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Scrum.

2. How do I become a Certified Scrum Master?

Answer: To become a Certified Scrum Master, you must attend an official two-day Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) course and pass the CSM exam administered by the Scrum Alliance. After successful completion of the course and exam, you will be eligible to receive your certification.

3. Is there an expiration date on my certification?

Answer: Yes, your certification will expire two years after your initial certification date or two years after any recertification date. You can renew your certification by attending 16 hours of approved courses within that time period or taking an online recertification assessment every two years.

4. What are the benefits of becoming a certified scrum master?

Answer: The primary benefit of becoming a certified scrum master is increased job security and career advancement opportunities, as well as greater credibility with employers when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, it can help professionals develop their skills in leading teams using Agile methodology and learn best practices for implementing Agile successfully in their organizations.

5. Does having a scrum master certification make me an expert in Agile methodology?

Answer: No, having a scrum master certification does not automatically make you an expert in Agile methodology; however, it does demonstrate that you have knowledge of key concepts related to Agile and have taken steps to gain experience in leading teams using this approach. To become an expert in Agile methodology requires additional study, practice, and experience with actual implementations of Agile projects over time.