DASM is a mid-range agile certification launched by PMI that flexibly combines Scrum according to specific scenarios, rather than being limited to a single framework.

1. Introduction to the Disciplined Agile Scrum Master certification

The Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) is an agile certification launched by the Project Management Institute (PMI), belonging to the Disciplined Agile (DA) framework system. It focuses on cultivating professional talents who can flexibly apply Scrum and other agile practices in complex and changing environments, guide teams to deliver value.

DASM emphasizes "situational adaptation," which means selecting the most suitable agile method based on factors. It is a mid-range agile certification that balances flexibility and practicality.

In practical work, a single agile framework often struggles to handle complex scenarios. The core positioning of DASM certification is to cultivate "contextualized agile practitioners and flexible guides" rather than "executors of a single framework."

The certificate holder needs to master the "lean agile thinking" of the DA framework, be able to choose suitable practices from various agile methods such as Scrum, Kanban, XP, etc. according to specific situations, balance "agile flexibility" and "organizational standardization," and ultimately promote efficient team delivery and support organizational level agile capability building. These types of talents usually play the role of "tailors and team enablers of agile practices," balancing method adaptation with business objectives.

2. The Competitive Edge of a DASM Certification

DASM is launched by PMI, the world's largest project management organization, which combines PMI's authority in project management with the contextual advantages of DA framework. It is highly recognized in traditional enterprises and is particularly suitable for industries that need to balance "agile innovation" and "compliance management."

Compared to pure Scrum certification, DASM provides a "Method Selection Guide" to help practitioners avoid a "one size fits all" approach in complex scenarios, quickly find suitable agile practice combinations, and enhance flexibility in solving practical problems.

For traditional project managers, DASM is a smooth path for agile transformation, which can be integrated with PMI's certification system to form a composite capability of "project management + agile practice."

By obtaining the DASM certification and joining PMI's agile community, you can access the latest practice cases and tool templates of the DA framework, and communicate with global agile practitioners on complex scenario solutions.

3. Core Components of the DASM Certification

DASM certification is based on the Disciplined Agile framework, which constructs a complete capability system covering agile thinking, practical methods.

DASM certification breaks through the limitations of a single agile method and focuses on selecting the most suitable combination of agile practices in different business scenarios. The DA framework deeply analyzes the core concept of "agile methods" and masters the art of balancing the three pillars of agile mindset, lean thinking, and governance compliance.

Team guidance techniques utilize the team maturity model for diagnosis, mastering comprehensive guidance skills from improving internal team skills to clearing cross departmental obstacles The organizational collaboration mechanism promotes the deep integration of team practice and organizational strategy, ensuring that agile delivery serves the overall goals of the enterprise.

Scrum extension application is based on proficiency in standard Scrum practices, learning how to expand role configuration according to team size complexity, optimize event flow, and introduce risk management tools Situational approach selection cultivates the ability to select agile practice combinations based on project characteristics through systematic decision flowcharts, achieving precise matching between methodology and business scenarios.

Establish a continuous improvement system that covers delivery cycles, quality indicators, and team satisfaction, and continuously optimize agile practices through data-driven approaches.

DASM certification places special emphasis on cultivating your judgment and adaptability in complex environments. It includes in-depth analysis of theoretical frameworks and full process skills from team practice to organizational collaboration, helping you build a comprehensive ability to flexibly apply agile methods in different business scenarios.

4. What are the requirements to be a DASM?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

DASM certification does not have strict educational or work experience requirements, but PMI recommends that you have basic knowledge of Agile or Scrum. Certification does not require mandatory training, but PMI recommends attending authorized DASM training courses to systematically master the DA framework and contextualized practice methods.

(2) Training and examinations:

DASM has a total of 50 multiple-choice questions, with a test duration of 90 minutes. Answering 30 or more questions correctly will result in passing. The individual exam fee is $300 for PMI members or $400 for non members. If attending the training, the cost will increase appropriately. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The DASM certificate is valid for 3 years and requires the accumulation of 60 professional development units during the validity period. It can be obtained through participating in agile training, writing articles, and participating in community activities; No renewal fee is required, but PMI membership must be maintained.

5. Comparable Certifications to Disciplined Agile Scrum Master Certification

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
• Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
• Professional Kanban Foundation (PKF)
• SAFe 5 Scrum Master (SSM)