Scrum Master Certification Guide: Requirements & Cost

Scrum is an increasingly popular agile software development methodology. Agile relies on self-organizing, cross-functional teams to produce high-quality work quickly while remaining flexible and adaptable in an ever-changing environment. To become a Scrum Master, one must complete a Certified Scrum Master training course and pass the related certification exam.

In this article, we’ll cover how to get a Scrum Master certification, so you can add this credential to your resume and better market yourself to potential employers.

Read more: Best Agile Project Management Tools for 2021

What Is a Scrum Master?

A Scrum Master (sometimes also referred to as SM) is responsible for ensuring that cross-functional teams function cohesively while developing products, improving processes, or accomplishing goals. A Scrum Master can be thought of as serving in a support role; they remove obstacles and ensure every person on the team can do their job.

A Scrum Master helps people learn how to work together in order to complete projects successfully. They monitor process and deliverables throughout each stage of development.

How Much Does a Scrum Master Make?

In general, a Scrum Master makes an average of $99,500 per year, according to Glassdoor.

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is an industry-recognized credential that validates your ability to implement and adapt Scrum in the workplace. The CSM designation indicates that you have been trained and tested by an independent third party against a well-defined body of knowledge. It proves that you can deliver business value through agile software development practices, specifically Scrum.

This benefits both current employers and future clients — it shows them that you are committed to staying up-to-date on best practices related to agile project management. And since the demand for agile talent will only increase over time, holding a CSM certification gives you an edge when competing for these sought-after roles.

Read more: Top 10 Paying IT Jobs in 2021

How Much Is Scrum Master Certification?

To become certified as a Scrum Master, you must attend an educational program provided by an accredited training organization. Then, you need to pass both your practical and written exams after the completion of your coursework.

The cost for Scrum Master certification depends on which one you’re pursuing, and there are many certifications available. These courses typically run from $400 to $2,795. The prices listed in the table below are average costs; certification costs may differ based on the course provider.

Course TitleCertification CostRenewal Cost
Certified ScrumMaster$1,295$100 and 20 SEUs, every two years
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster$1,299$175 and 30 SEUs, every two years
Disciplined Agile Scrum MasterPMI non-member price: $499
Member price: $399
$50 annual renewal fee
Scrum Inc. Scrum Master Certification$1,995$100 every year
SAFe Scrum Master$795 to $2,795Valid for a lifetime
Professional Scrum Master$1,299Valid for a lifetime

How to Get a Scrum Master Certification

In order to earn an industry certification, like CSM (Certified Scrum Master) or CPSM (Certified Professional Scrum Master), you’ll need to:

  • Attend formal training courses
  • Pass a certifying exam

You can learn how to be a Scrum Master without becoming officially certified. But if you really want to jumpstart your career as a Scrum Master, then it is recommended that you pursue certification. Here are some organizations offering accredited certifications in Scrum:

If you’re working in a company that has adopted an agile development model, there’s likely a Scrum Master on staff. Becoming certified as a Scrum Master is a way to display your expertise with business managers looking for someone to fill these positions within their teams.

Who Needs the Certified Scrum Master Course?

CSM courses are for people who are looking to acquire or improve their skills in working with agile teams.

Certification is specifically targeted towards Scrum team members, including (but not limited to) project managers, development team members, architects, and business analysts. The CSM certificate will also benefit others interested in learning about agile practices, including executive management, product owners, and project stakeholders.

Read next: Tips for Implementing Scrum Best Practices

Aminu Abdullahi
Aminu Abdullahi
Aminu Abdullahi is an award-winning public speaker and a passionate writer. He writes to edutain (Educate + Entertain) his reader about Business, Technology, Growth, and everything in between. He is the coauthor of the e-book, The Ultimate Creativity Playbook. Aminu loves to inspire greatness in the people around him through his actions and inactions.

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