Whether you’re new to Scrum or have been working with it informally, the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is often the first formal step. This guide covers everything you need to know: what the role actually involves, how certification works, what training looks like, what the exam involves, and where you can go from here.

What Is a Certified ScrumMaster?

Let’s start by addressing the name. “Scrum Master” is not a great title. “Master” suggests you’re either the boss or an expert with nothing left to learn. Both interpretations are wrong, and both are dangerous. “Scrum Servant Leader” would be more accurate, but we’re stuck with what the Scrum Guide gives us.

A ScrumMaster is a coach, not a commander. They guide their team (Product Owner and Developers) with Scrum principles and practices, helping them become more autonomous, self-organizing, and effective. They don’t assign work, prioritize tasks, judge performance, or solve every problem alone. Instead, they focus on creating the conditions where the team can do its best work: removing impediments, facilitating communication, and helping people learn to work together more effectively.

The ScrumMaster role is not limited to software development. I’ve seen Scrum used successfully in education, healthcare, aviation, marketing, and sales. Anywhere a team is working on a complex problem with changing requirements, a skilled ScrumMaster can make a real difference.

CSM Certification Requirements

There are no formal prerequisites. You don’t need a degree, a prior certification, or any specific work experience. Some familiarity with project management or team-based work is helpful, but it’s not required. Many of my workshop alumni came to training specifically because they had been handed the ScrumMaster role and had no idea what was expected of them.

The Scrum Alliance requires two things:

1. Attend and participate in at least 14 hours of CSM training delivered by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST).
2. Pass the CSM exam (more on that below).

The full path looks like this:

1. Attend a CSM course. A two-day workshop led by a Certified Scrum Trainer. This is interactive, hands-on training, not a lecture.
2. Study the Scrum Guide. Familiarize yourself with the framework before and after the workshop. The Scrum Guide is only 18 pages. It’s worth reading carefully.
3. Pass the certification exam. An online test you take after the workshop, at your convenience.
4. Accept the Scrum Alliance License Agreement. You’ll be listed on their global database of CSM professionals.
5. Maintain your certification. Valid for two years; earn Scrum Education Units (SEUs) through ongoing education to renew.

What to Expect in CSM Training

If you’ve ever sat through a two-day training that was essentially PowerPoint slides read aloud, this is not that.

In our Certified ScrumMaster workshops, the core of the experience is a Scrum simulation exercise. You’ll work on a product as a Scrum team, running through actual Sprints with real decisions to make. We use gameplay, group discussions, coaching exercises, and case studies. The workshop is run using the principles of Scrum itself, so by the end, you’ve already had hands-on practical experience.

The workshop culminates in a coaching problem: I give you a team in trouble and ask how you would coach them. This is where the real learning happens, because it forces you to think beyond the rules and into the human dynamics that make or break Scrum in practice.

We also send preparatory material before the workshop so you can learn the terminology at your own pace. That way, class time is spent doing Scrum well, not memorizing minor details.

There’s an in-class practice test at the end, not the official exam, but a way to surface any remaining questions or misunderstandings. I address those before you leave, so nobody walks out confused.

The CSM Exam

The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within 60 minutes. You need 37 out of 50 correct (74%) to pass. It’s taken online, at your convenience, anywhere with an internet connection. You have 90 days after completing the course to take it.

Your first two attempts are included in the workshop registration fee. In over 13 years of training and 8,000+ people certified, no one has ever needed more than two attempts.

One important rule: the Scrum Alliance clearly prohibits writing the exam during the training course. If other trainers offer this, they are doing so in violation of Scrum Alliance policy.

How to prepare:

1. Review the Scrum Guide. It’s the only document the test is based on.
2. Revisit areas that were challenging during the in-class practice test.
3. Do not take practice tests online. The authors of those tests haven’t seen the official exam, and many of them have a poor understanding of Scrum. I’ve tried some, and I can tell you that my workshop attendees have a deeper understanding of Scrum than most of those test writers.

Stop, halt: don’t overthink this. It’s a short multiple-choice test based on the Scrum Guide. You don’t need a study group.

One of my attendees in Toronto went to the Mill Street Pub at Union Station after the workshop. Within 30 minutes he sent me a photo of his completed certification alongside a completed pint of beer. I don’t endorse the consumption of beer during the CSM exam, but it didn’t seem to harm this person.

The hard part isn’t the exam. The hard part is doing Scrum in real life.

How Much Does CSM Certification Cost?

The workshop fee covers everything: the two-day training, the exam (two attempts), and your first two years of Scrum Alliance membership. Check our CSM course page for current pricing.

After two years, certification renewal costs $100 plus logging Scrum Education Units. We provide several free resources on this site to earn SEUs.

Yes, workshops cost more than a Udemy video. The difference is in what’s on offer. In a workshop, you experience how Scrum actually works. You gain an understanding of how to coach it in the real world. You dig into your real problems with answers based on real experience. You won’t get that from Udemy or ChatGPT.

Discount training will get you discount results. Look for a Certified Scrum Trainer who provides value and support well after the two-day workshop.

The indirect costs are worth considering too: time invested in preparation, possibly time off work. But these are modest compared to the return. Teams with skilled ScrumMasters see lower overhead, less time wasted in unnecessary meetings, better focus, greater agility, and consistent incremental increases in productivity that compound over time. Improved team morale means less employee turnover. Better risk identification means fewer costly surprises. The investment can pay for itself within the first few months.

Benefits of CSM Certification

A real understanding of Scrum. Not just the mechanics, but the why behind the framework. You’ll understand where Scrum can be used, where it has limits, and how to coach a team through both.

Better career opportunities. CSM certification sets you apart in the job market and demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning. As more industries adopt Agile practices, ScrumMasters are in demand well beyond software development.

Stronger team performance. A good ScrumMaster removes obstacles, fosters open communication, and helps teams resolve conflicts. The result is improved productivity and better outcomes.

Organizational change. ScrumMasters are agents of change. They help shift organizations toward more flexible, adaptive, collaborative ways of working. This matters in an environment of rapid change and uncertainty.

A global community. CSM certification connects you to the Scrum Alliance’s community for knowledge exchange, learning, and staying current with evolving practices.

Personal growth. The skills you develop as a ScrumMaster (leadership, communication, problem-solving, adaptability) transfer to any career path. This is an investment in yourself, not just a credential.

Regarding salary: CSMs typically earn more than their non-certified counterparts. Each subsequent level of certification (A-CSM, CSP-SM) deepens your skillset and increases your market value further. But the real return isn’t just the pay bump. It’s the ability to make a meaningful difference for your team and organization.

Getting a Scrum Master Job with No Experience

Landing a ScrumMaster position without prior experience is hard work. But it can be achieved with the right preparation and strategic steps.

1. Understand the role. A ScrumMaster is not a project manager with a better title. Read the Scrum Guide and understand what servant leadership actually means.
2. Get educated. Start with resources like our “What Is Scrum in a Nutshell” overview.
3. Attend a CSM course. This demonstrates commitment and gives you a foundation.
4. Pass the CSM exam.
5. Gain practical experience. Apply Scrum principles in whatever team setting you’re currently in. Start where you are right now. Document what you learn.
6. Network. Attend local Agile and Scrum meetups. Join online communities.
7. Build soft skills. Communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution matter more than any tool or framework.
8. Show passion and commitment. Tailor your CV and cover letter. Highlight your CSM designation and any practical experience.
9. Prepare for interviews. Anticipate common ScrumMaster interview questions. Be ready to discuss real situations, not just theory.
10. Start small. An entry-level role on a Scrum team can be a jumping-off point. You can demonstrate your ability to apply Scrum principles from any seat at the table.

CSM Certification Levels: CSM, A-CSM, and CSP-SM

The Scrum Alliance offers three levels on the ScrumMaster track:

Level 1: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). The starting point. Suitable for ScrumMasters, project managers who want to evolve, team leaders, and anyone who wants to understand the role. Often considered the most important credential for getting your foot in the door.

Level 2: Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM). For people who want to deepen their practice. The A-CSM teaches you to facilitate effective dialogue between all stakeholders, respond to change resistance, improve team morale, ensure psychological safety, encourage conflict resolution, and scale Scrum beyond a single team. As of 2025, there are only several thousand A-CSMs worldwide. Our Advanced Certified ScrumMaster training builds on CSM foundations with facilitation, coaching, and scaling skills spread over several weeks, giving you time to practice and apply what you learn.

Level 3: Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM). The highest level on the ScrumMaster track. This is about developing practical solutions to complex challenges and enhancing your Scrum implementation strategies. CSP-SM also serves as a gateway to becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) or Certified Agile Coach (CAC). Even fewer people hold this certification than the A-CSM.

A-CSM requires at least one year of ScrumMaster experience within the last five years. All certifications are valid for two years, with a $100 renewal fee plus Scrum Education Units.

CSM vs. PSM: Which Certification Should You Choose?

The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2001. The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) is offered by Scrum.org, a for-profit organization founded in 2010.

The key difference: CSM requires a training workshop; PSM I is exam-only. With PSM, you study, pay your fee, take your test, and you’re done. The exam tests your ability to read and memorize the Scrum Guide. It’s entirely academic, with no questions about applying Scrum in real life, no practice or discussion of challenging scenarios, and no exploration of the why behind principles.

The general consensus is that the CSM exam is easier than the PSM exam. While arguably true, that misses the point. Learning how to deal with challenging real-world problems doesn’t happen on a test about what you read in a book. Instead, you learn by running experiments to see what did and didn’t work.

Both certifications can boost your credibility. If your priority is theoretical depth and you prefer self-study, PSM may suit you. If you want interactive learning, practical understanding, and hands-on experience with real coaching scenarios, CSM is the stronger choice.

The ultimate goal is to be an effective ScrumMaster. That means not just understanding Scrum, but being capable of facilitating teamwork, resolving conflicts, and helping your team deliver the highest value products.

What Does a Certified ScrumMaster Actually Do?

Day to day, a ScrumMaster facilitates Scrum events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective), removes impediments that slow the team down, coaches the team and the broader organization on Scrum principles, promotes self-organization, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

The competencies required go well beyond knowing the Scrum framework. You need strong communication skills, leadership that’s rooted in service rather than authority, emotional intelligence for navigating complex team dynamics, and a genuine commitment to continuous learning.

A reality check: this is not easy, nor will you be finished in a month or two. Becoming an effective ScrumMaster is a journey. The certification gives you a solid foundation, but the real learning happens when you start working with real teams facing real problems. That’s where continuous education, a supportive community, and ongoing coaching make the difference between someone who holds a certification and someone who actually helps their team succeed.

Related Reading

• Why Having a Tech Lead or Manager as Scrum Master Is a Bad Idea explores why the ScrumMaster role requires independence from the management hierarchy.
• Recommended Books for Scrum Masters offers a curated reading list to deepen your practice beyond certification.
• The Modern Guide to the Daily Scrum Meeting covers one of the most important events a ScrumMaster facilitates.