With the growing popularity of Agile methodologies in the IT industry, it is becoming increasingly important for professionals to have a solid understanding of Scrum. Employers are looking for candidates who are knowledgeable about the Agile and Scrum framework, principles, and processes. This is where certifications like Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) and Professional Scrum Master (PSM™) come into play. In this article, we will explore the benefits of these certifications and how they can significantly enhance your Scrum career.
A recent study found that IT professionals with certifications earn an average of \$13,000 more per year than those without certifications. In fact, certified individuals earned \$8,000 more on average than their colleagues without credentials in most IT positions asks csm vs psm which one is better
Employers want certified IT professionals. 82% of employers face skills gaps, so get certified to get a job and earn more.
Here are some of the benefits of getting IT certifications:
Why you should Pursue Scrum Certification?
The CSM and PSM certifications are highly regarded and globally recognized. Adding these certifications to your resume adds credibility and demonstrates your commitment to professional development to potential employers worldwide.
The certification courses provide a comprehensive understanding of Scrum, its principles, and its application in real-world projects. You will gain insights into the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master and learn how to facilitate successful Scrum teams.
CSM is a certification offered by the Scrum Alliance, a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Agile practices. The CSM certification provides individuals with a solid foundation in Scrum principles, allowing them to effectively facilitate and support Scrum teams. This certification is recognized worldwide and has gained significant popularity since its inception.
On the other hand, PSM is a certification offered by Scrum.org, founded by Ken Schwaber, one of the co-creators of Scrum. Scrum.org aims to provide consistent and high-quality Scrum training and certifications. PSM focuses on providing professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the Scrum framework and the skills required to effectively guide and empower Scrum teams.
Accreditation body
Certified Scrum Master (CSM): CSM Certification is issued by the Scrum alliance
Professional Scrum Master (PSM): PSM certification is issued by Scrum.org
Training Options
CSM & PSM training
Both the Certified Scrum Master® (CSM®) and Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM™) training courses have a duration of 2 days (14 to 16 hours). The CSM course is led by a CST®, while the PSM course is led by a PST®.
Certification Level
The Certified Scrum Master® (CSM®) certification has only one level, while the Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM™) certification has 3 levels: PSM I, PSM II & PSM III
CSM®
PSM™
How up-to-date is the training content?
The training content for the CSM certification is not as consistent across all training providers as the PSM I certification. This is because the CSM certification exam is not based on a single source of authority, such as the Scrum Guide. Instead, the CSM certification exam is based on a set of learning objectives that are developed by the Scrum Alliance, the organization that offers the CSM certification
The training content for the PSM I certification is consistent across all training providers. This is because the PSM I certification exam is based on the Scrum Guide, which is the official guide to the Scrum framework. The Scrum Guide is written and maintained by Scrum.org, the organization that offers the PSM I certification
How difficult is the exam?
The difficulty level of the CSM and PSM certifications will depend on your individual experience and knowledge of Scrum. If you are new to Scrum, then the CSM certification may be a good option for you. However, if you have a strong understanding of Scrum, then the PSM certifications may be a better choice. the PSM certifications have a higher passing grade than the CSM certification. The PSM I certification requires a passing grade of 85%, while the CSM certification requires a passing grade of 74%. This means that the PSM I certification is more challenging to pass, as you need to answer a higher percentage of questions correctly
How much it will cost you?
The CSM certification cost varies from $1,000-1500(Depending upon the training provider & mode of training you choose) . But this price includes both Training(2 days) & Exam Fee. To Get a CSM certification training is mandatory.
The PSM I certification exam cost $150(Without training just the exam fee). If you do training, Then you have to pay an additional fee. The best part about the PSM1 is you can take the exam even without training by paying $150 only(Training is not Mandatory)
Renewal Process?
CSM® Certification Renewal
After working hard to earn your CSM® certification, you need to renew it every two years to maintain its validity. To do this, you must earn a certain number of Scrum Education Units® (SEUs) to demonstrate your continued participation and proficiency in the fundamental principles and practices of Scrum. All SEUs must be earned within the past two years. You will also need to pay a renewal fee.
How to Earn SEUs
There are many ways to earn SEUs, including:
How to Renew Your CSM® Certification
To renew your CSM® certification, you can follow these steps:
Your CSM® certification will be renewed within 24 hours of completing these steps
PSM Certification Renewal?
The PSM I certification does not require renewal. Once you pass the exam, your certification is valid for a lifetime.
What you Will Learn?
Comparing CSM and PSM Certification
Now that we have an overview of both certifications, let’s compare them based on various factors to help you decide which one is better suited to your needs.
| Factor | CSM | PSM |
| Accrediting Body | Scrum Alliance | Scrum.org |
| Duration of Training | 2 days (14-16 hours) | No mandatory training |
| Levels of Training | CSM only | PSM I and PSM II |
| Learning Outcomes | Scrum Framework and servant leadership skills | In-depth understanding of Scrum principles and ability to apply them in complex situations |
| Certification Process | Attend a CSM course and pass the exam | Pass the PSM I or PSM II exam |
| Passing Grade | 37 out of 50 | 85% on PSM I and PSM II exams |
| Exam Format | Multiple-choice questions | Multiple-choice and true/false questions |
| Recognition | Widely recognized in the industry | Highly respected for its rigor and practical focus |
| Renewal | Every two years, 20 SEUs and a renewal fee required | Lifetime validity, no renewal required |
In conclusion, both the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certifications hold value and can significantly contribute to your career growth in the field of Scrum. CSM provides comprehensive training and community support, while PSM offers rigorous assessments and standardized knowledge. Assess your career aspirations, research job market demands, and choose the certification that aligns best with your goals. Remember, continuous learning and practical application of Scrum principles are key to becoming a successful Scrum Master.
Both CSM and PSM certifications are suitable for beginners. However, CSM might be more beginner-friendly due to its comprehensive two-day training course, which provides a solid foundation in Scrum.
Both CSM and PSM certifications are recognized by employers. However, the recognition may vary based on geographic location and specific industry requirements. It is advisable to research the job market in your target location to assess the demand for each certification.
Yes, you can switch between CSM and PSM certifications based on your career goals and preferences. The knowledge gained from one certification can complement the other, enhancing your overall understanding of Scrum.
There are no specific prerequisites for either certification. Anyone interested in Scrum can pursue CSM or PSM based on their needs and goals.
The preparation time for CSM or PSM certification depends on your existing knowledge and experience with Scrum. It is recommended to allocate sufficient time for studying the Scrum Guide, attending training (for CSM), and practicing assessments (for PSM).
Both CSM and PSM certifications can contribute to career advancement in the field of agile project management. The choice between the two depends on factors such as personal preference, career goals, and the specific requirements of job opportunities
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