This article will introduce you to what a Certified Scrum Master certification is, the details information of Certified Scrum Master certification and the necessary conditions to get a Certified Scrum Master certification. By reading this article, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the Certified Scrum Master certification.

1. What is Certified Scrum Master certification?

Certified Scrum Master is a globally recognized agile certification launched by Scrum Alliance. It focuses on verifying the professional ability of practitioners to play the role of "Scrum Master" in the Scrum framework. The core is to enable them to effectively guide the team to practice Scrum principles, eliminate obstacles and promote the implementation of agile practices. Scrum is a lightweight agile development framework that emphasizes the realization of product value through self-organizing teams, iterative delivery and continuous improvement. As the "enabler" and "service leader" of the team, the Scrum Master is not a "manager" in the traditional sense, but a key role responsible for ensuring that the Scrum process is correctly executed, helping the team to solve obstacles and maintaining the team's focus. 

2. Benefits of having Certified Scrum Master certification

As a basic certification in the field of Scrum, CSM is a "stepping stone" to understanding agile practices. It can better help practitioners master the core language and working methods of Scrum and quickly integrate into agile teams. Through standardized facilitation skills, CSM holders can reduce team internal friction, ensure the implementation of Scrum processes, and improve iterative delivery efficiency and team effectiveness. Certified Scrum Masters can also help practitioners expand their career adaptability. In agile-dominated fields such as the Internet, software development, and innovative companies, CSM is a basic requirement for recruiting positions such as "Scrum Master" and "Agile Coach." Combined with certifications such as PMP, for example, "PMP+CSM" can cover traditional and agile project management scenarios and enhance professional competitiveness.

3. Details of the Certified Scrum Master certification

The core structure of the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification exam is as follows. The entire exam lasts 60 minutes and is conducted in the form of an online computer-based exam. You can make an appointment at any time and participate anywhere. The exam questions are single-choice questions. The CSM exam does not have multiple-choice questions, judgment questions, or case analysis questions. It focuses on the understanding of the core concepts of Scrum and its application in scenarios. The exam covers the three core dimensions of the Scrum framework, focusing on the ability to combine theory with practice, including the three pillars of Scrum, the five values, and role definitions, the process design and execution principles of Scrum events, and the management logic and collaboration mechanism of artifacts. The core responsibilities and agile practices and scenario applications of Scrum Master. The exam contains a total of 50 single-choice questions. The total score is 100 points. To pass the CSM exam, you must answer at least 37 questions correctly. Results are displayed immediately upon completion. Those who pass can get an electronic certificate on the spot. Those who fail can retake the exam as many times as they want, and they need to pay the exam fee of about US$100-150 each time.

4. What Are the Qualifications to get a Certified Scrum Master Certification?

(1) Pre-training:

You must attend the "CSM training course" authorized by Scrum Alliance, which is usually 2 days and about 16 hours. It is taught by a certified Scrum trainer and includes practical sessions such as case exercises and team interaction.

(2) Examination and certification:

Following the training, you must pass an online exam with a score of at least 74%. No proof of work experience is required. Upon passing, you will earn membership in the Scrum Alliance and receive your Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification. 

(3) Renewal requirements

The certification is valid for 2 years. You need to accumulate 20 SEUs every 2 years and pay a renewal fee of about US$100 to maintain the validity of the certification.

5. What is the total cost for training and the exam to become a Certified ScrumMaster?

The cost of passing the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification varies by institution and course and mainly involves course fees, exam fees, and renewal fees. Generally speaking, the CSM certification course fee usually includes the exam fee and two-year membership fee, which includes the standard course fee of $995. During some promotional events, the course fee can be as low as $299, $695, etc. CSM certification candidates are entitled to two complimentary exam attempts within a 90-day testing window. If you fail both times, you will have to pay $25 for each subsequent retake. In addition, a renewal fee of $100 is required when renewing the certificate, and 20 SEUs must be accumulated every two years to renew the certificate.

6. Similar certifications of Certified Scrum Master certification

• Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
• Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) & III 
• SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
• Certified Scrum Professional – Scrum Master (CSP-SM)