Is a Scrum Master Certification Required to Get a Job as a Scrum Master?
Definitely. To guarantee the quality of Scrum Masters, Scrum has created an official certification. This Scrum Master certification is an internationally renowned certification that demonstrates your extensive knowledge of Scrum Master.
Which Scrum Master certificate should you obtain?
There are two internationally recognized certificates, and both are endorsed by the creators of Scrum and authors of the Scrum Guide, Ken Schwaber, and Jeff Sutherland.
There is no right or wrong when choosing between Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Professional Scrum Master (PSM). Both certificates are equally suitable to place on your CV as proof of your knowledge of Scrum. You will have to weigh up the pros and cons of both workouts for yourself as it applies to your own situation. For example: in a two-day CSM training you get practical experience, networking opportunities with other ‘Agilists’, and access to an international expert. A PSM training, on the other hand, is a quick (although not always easy) and cost-effective way to obtain such a certificate.
Below is more information to facilitate this decision and help you with the process of Scrum Master Certification.
SCRUM CERTIFICATION: CERTIFIED SCRUMMASTER (CSM) — SCRUM ALLIANCE
To be certified, you must first complete a two-day training course delivered by a Scrum Alliance authorized trainer. The process of becoming a Scrum Alliance authorized trainer is long and quite arduous to ensure a high standard of training. Trainers must have their knowledge, experience, and training skills tested, and the training content itself must also be approved for consistency with the Scrum and Agile principles.
The exam consists of 35 multiple choice questions and true/false questions, 24 questions must be answered correctly to pass. The test takes about an hour and can be completed in several sessions. In addition, you are entitled to one resit at no extra cost. Consecutive retakes or attempts after 90 days cost $25 (approximately $22). The CSM certificate includes a two-year membership of the Scrum Alliance. Both the CSM certificate and the Scrum Alliance membership must be renewed every two years with a contribution of $100.
SCRUM CERTIFICATION: PROFESSIONAL SCRUM MASTER (PSM) — SCRUM.ORG
For the Professional Scrum Master certificate, it is not mandatory to first follow a training, for example, if you already have a lot of knowledge through self-study or practical experience. You can then immediately take the PSM exam to have your Scrum knowledge and skills certified.
There are three levels in PSM (foundation, intermediate and advanced) which are based on the Scrum Guide.
The PSM exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions (with one or more correct answers) and true/false questions. One must be 85% correct to pass. This test lasts exactly 60 minutes and although it is an open book exam you will need extensive knowledge of the Scrum Guide to pass the Exam. There are free online mock exams available to test your knowledge prior to the exam.
The costs for the exams are currently:
PSM I: $150
PSM II: $250
PSM III: $500
There are no costs associated with the renewal of a PSM certificate. The certificate, therefore, remains valid.
Who is this training intended for?
This training is a must for anyone aspiring or fulfilling the role of Scrum Master. For example, you now work as a team leader, project leader, or business analyst.
