Papers Please: Scrum Cert Courses

Below is a list of possible Scrum Master certifications, and added context in terms of cost and course length. Of course, not all certifications are created equal. In the next update I’ll add some details around what the various certifications mean, to try and capture their relative value.

Certification, Offered By Requirements Renewal Cost Notes and Links
Agile Certified Practioner (PMI-ACP)     

Project Management Institute, PMI.org
  1. Ed + prof exp pre-requisites to take test
  2. Test
 Every 3 years + Additional training (30 Professional Development Units in agile topics)
  1. Training $0 (free e-book)
  2. Test $435 for PMI.org members, $495 for non-members 1st 3 tries; Additional tries $395 members, $335 non-members
  3. Renewal $60 members, $100 non-members
Agile Scrum Master (ASM)     

EXIN.com
  1. Test
 N/A
  1. $230 for just the exam
  • SimpliLearn.comoffers an online course for $699 and an in-person 2 day course for $1099, both of which include the $230 exam fee
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)     

ScrumAlliance.org
  1. In-person 2 day (16 hr) course
  2. Test
 Every 2 yrs + Additional training (40 Scrum Education Units earned within the last 2 yrs)
  1. Training $995 – $1,995, with some discounts possible for early registration
  2. Test fee included in course
  3. Renewal $250 every 2 yrs
 Find a course on ScrumAlliance.org
Professional Scrum Master (PSM 1)     

Scrum.org
  1. Test
  • Optional 2-day course
 N/A
  1. $150 per attempt
  • $1,495 ($1,295 early registration)
SAF(e) Scrum Master* (SSM)

(Scaled Agile Framework for Enterprises)

     ScaledAgile.com
  1. In-person 2 day class
  2. Test
 Every 1 year (!); $100
  1. Traing Cost varies depending on provider; $995 – $1299 local-to-me
  2. Test 1st attempt exam fee usually included in course; $50 fee per subsequent attempt
  • ASPE, SAFe 4.5 Scrum Master with SSM Certification, $995 Individual + $100 annual renewal fee
  • The i4 Group, SAFe 4.5 Scrum Master Certification, $1299 (early bird discount $1049)
  • The i4 Group may also offer an online course; see website
Scrum Master Accredited Certification (SMAC)     

Scrum-Institute.org
  1. Test
  • Free book
 N/A
  1. Test $49
 Follow link, scroll down page, click “Send Me My Free Scrum Book!” button
Link
Scrum Master Certified (SMC)     

ScrumStudy.com
  1. Test
  • Free book
 N/A
  1. Test $450
 Suggested reading: Free digital copy of the SBOK Guide
  Udemy.com ~$20 per course

It’s focused on PSM 1 certification, so there’s the $150 per attempt fee for the test. In the course FAQs (delivered during the course), there’s a Q along the lines of, “After this course, am I eligible to take the Scrum Alliance CSM exam?”

More Reading

Which Agile/Scrum Certificates? is a Scrum.org article with quotes from the experts.  It includes details like which exams are easier to pass.

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