Which Scrum Master Certification Should I Choose?

Reviewed by Punita Dave

CSM vs. PSM

If you’re thinking about becoming a scrum master, it’s a great career choice if you enjoy empowering people and changing culture in an organization. A scrum master helps teams become high-performing by coaching them through an agile mindset and practices to ultimately become self-managing.

Scrum masters also educate the organization on how to apply the scrum framework to adopt a more agile way of working. While scrum masters used to be found mostly in software development teams, today, their expertise is applicable across many industries and job functions, including Human Resources, Marketing, and Finance.

As you’re embarking on this new career path, becoming certified in scrum is an important first step. There are two main industry certifications available—the Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) from Scrum Alliance, and the Professional ScrumMaster™ (PSM) from Scrum.org. While both of them can help you launch your career, there are some key differences you’ll want to be aware of in order to make the right choice for you. 

Why You Should Take the CSM

The CSM is known as the gold standard of agile certification, topping charts as one of the most requested professional certifications by job recruiters. The CSM was the first scrum master certification in the industry, and it’s recognized by employers around the world.

When you take this course, you’ll learn practical applications of the scrum framework that you can immediately begin using on the job to help teams and organizations work more collaboratively, prioritize the right work, and improve speed-to-market. 

You don’t have to have any prior agile experience to take the CSM. In fact, it’s an entry-level course. If you choose to continue in this field, there’s a scrum master track to further your education.

The CSM is taught by top trainers in the industry, who will share real work situations and how to apply them to each part of the framework, as well as how to help your team adapt to scrum. A CSM may land you your first job as a scrum master, but sometimes you need to show experience, even if it isn’t in the corporate world. 

For ideas on gaining experience as a new scrum master, watch the video How to Land Your First Job as a Scrum Master.

An Overview of the PSM

The PSM certification from Scrum.org, a company formed in 2009 by scrum co-creator Ken Schwaber, is the equivalent entry-level certification to the CSM. You do not need to attend the class to take the PSM assessment, and there is no renewal of the certification.

With the Scrum Alliance CSM, you must renew your certification every two years. One reason we ask for Scrum Education Units as a renewal requirement is to make sure the CSM continues to prove your commitment to learning, growing, and continuously expanding your knowledge.

Instead of a one-and-done badge, with the CSM you'll have the opportunity to discuss with employers all of the continuing learning that you put into your certification every time you renew.

Key Differences Between the CSM vs. PSM

We often get asked if you need a CSM to take the PSM, and the answer is no—they’re both scrum master certifications from two different service providers. 

Let’s break down some of the apples-to-apples differences:

How Content Varies Between Certifications

What you will learn between the CSM and PSM has some variation. Here’s a high-level overview:

Is CSM or PSM Right for You?

Choosing the right certification for you depends a lot on your goals and your learning style.

At Scrum Alliance, our CSM will help you on your journey to becoming a scrum master or becoming a more agile professional in any industry. While many people pursue the certification to set their scrum master resume apart from the crowd, other people take the CSM to learn more about the scrum framework and agile principles so that they can apply what they learned to any career. After all, agile knowledge is expected across many job roles and industries today.

The CSM is the leader in the industry and has been one of the most sought-after certifications. In the United States, many employers are familiar with the CSM. You can apply what you learn in the course to a dedicated scrum master role as well as to any role where an agile mindset can make a difference. You’ll also notice a lot more variation between instructors because of their ability to personalize their course, so finding an instructor that teaches to your learning style is a big plus.

No matter which path you choose, working as a scrum master is a rewarding career choice where you can positively impact organizational culture and operations. According to PayScale, scrum masters earn an average of $90,000 in the US. According to the "Skills in the New World of Work" report by the Business Agility Institute and Scrum Alliance, 55% of organizations will pay higher salaries for people with relevant certifications.

Choosing a Scrum Master Certification

If you want to become a scrum master, you’ll be able to influence people and companies to work in ways that make people happier and improve their products, services, and productivity. By getting an industry-leading CSM certification from Scrum Alliance, you’ll be on your path to a new and rewarding career.

Are you ready to become a Certified ScrumMaster? Find an upcoming class.