Key takeaways
- Choose by role first (Scrum Master, Product Owner or Developer), then by experience level.
- Certified levels (CSM, CSPO, CSD) are for beginners and validate a solid understanding of Scrum.
- Professional levels (PSM, PSPO) are recommended after at least one year of experience in a Scrum environment.
- The Scrum Global Expert (SGE) level is for senior practitioners, with an additional expert interview.
- All SCRUM Framework exams are online, with 5 attempts per voucher and a lifetime certificate.
Step 1: choose by role
Start with the accountability you hold, or want to hold, in a Scrum Team:
- You facilitate the team, coach Scrum and remove impediments: Scrum Master track (CSM, then PSM).
- You define the product vision and decide what gets built (product manager, business analyst, project owner): Product Owner track (CSPO, then PSPO).
- You build the product (developer, tester, designer, engineer): Developer track (CSD).
- You coach several teams or lead an Agile transformation: Scrum Global Expert (SGE).
Learn more about each accountability in Scrum roles explained.
Step 2: choose by experience
Certified (Beginner)
CSM, CSPO, CSD. For newcomers to Scrum or professionals moving to Agile. Validates a solid understanding of the framework.
Professional (Advanced)
PSM, PSPO. Recommended after at least one year of experience in a Scrum environment. Validates the ability to apply Scrum in complex situations.
Expert
SGE. For senior practitioners with at least three years in a leading Scrum role. Includes an interview with a senior Scrum expert.
Compare the exams
| Certification | Level | Questions | Passing score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | Beginner | 50 in 75 min | 60% | USD 50 $55 10% OFF |
| Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) | Beginner | 50 in 75 min | 60% | USD 50 $55 10% OFF |
| Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) | Beginner | 50 in 75 min | 60% | USD 50 $55 10% OFF |
| Professional Scrum Master (PSM) | Advanced | 60 in 75 min | 65% | USD 171 $180 5% OFF |
| Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) | Advanced | 60 in 75 min | 65% | USD 171 $180 5% OFF |
| Scrum Global Expert (SGE) | Expert | 70 in 75 min | 75% | USD 212 $250 15% OFF |
All exams are taken online, with up to 5 attempts per voucher and a lifetime certificate. See how our exams work.
Recommended paths
- New to Scrum, aiming at a Scrum Master position: CSM → one year of practice → PSM.
- Product manager or business analyst: CSPO → PSPO.
- Developer joining a Scrum Team: CSD, then CSM or CSPO to understand the other accountabilities.
- Experienced Scrum Master already practicing: PSM directly (CSM is not a prerequisite), then SGE.
- Agile coach or transformation lead: PSM and PSPO, then SGE.
Questions to ask before choosing any certification
Whatever provider you consider, these questions help you compare offers objectively:
- Is the exam content based on the official Scrum Guide?
- Are the number of questions, the passing score and the price published before you pay?
- Is training mandatory, and how much does it add to the total cost?
- How many attempts are included, and does the voucher expire?
- Does the certification expire or require renewal fees?
- Can an employer verify your certificate online?
Ready? Compare all certifications and prices or read how to prepare for your exam.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, The Scrum Guide, November 2020.
- Manifesto for Agile Software Development, 2001.
- SCRUM Framework, How our certification exams work.
Exam content is based on the Scrum Guide by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0). SCRUM Framework is an independent certification body. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Scrum.org, Scrum Alliance or Scrum Inc., whose names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
