Introduction
The Scrum Master plays a key role in any project that uses the Scrum framework. They function as agile team leaders, working as mediators between project managers and developers. In addition, Scrum Masters are responsible for arranging the daily meetings, improving team interactions, and maximising productivity.
Becoming a certified Scrum Master is not difficult
Becoming a certified Scrum Master is easy. Scrum Masters do not require the same in-depth industry knowledge as project managers as they’re not responsible for setting budgets, timeless and liaising with stakeholders.
Steppingstone
Becoming the role of Scrum Master is a great steppingstone on your way to more senior agile positions. All you need to be a Scrum Master is to understand how developers work in your industry, the tools they use, and the ability to communicate effectively. You usually have 2 choices to gaining this knowledge. Take basic Scrum training or seek a qualification.
In both routes you will learn about Agile Scrum and the core Scrum Development processes.
What is the best Scrum Master certification?
The first step to becoming a certified Scrum Master is earning a recognised Scrum qualification. Unlike project management, where industry knowledge is equally (if not more) important than a qualification, Scrum Master training is essential for learning the role.
There are 2 primary Scrum trainers – Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org. Below, we’ve outlined the key differences between these two accreditation bodies, so you can choose which type of Scrum Master certification suits you best.
Unlike other management qualifications such as PRINCE2 Agile or AgilePM, there is no copyright associated with Scrum and Scrum tools. In theory, even unaccredited certification bodies can create and sell a Scrum course. However, as there is no established standard of Scrum training, the quality of a Scrum course and its’ associated Scrum certification is only as good as the training provider and certifying body.
The number of Scrum certifications available is increasing rapidly, with APMG International and PMI now joining the growing list of Scrum certification providers.
At Knowledge Train, we provide certification from Scrum.org and Scrum Alliance. These organisations were founded by two co-creators of creators of Scrum – Ken Schwaber and Mike Cohn, respectively.
While both base their Scrum training on the original Scrum Guide (Ken Schwaber, Jeff Sutherland, et al.), each has a unique approach to training and certification. Read on to learn how each approach differs and why we recommend earning a certification from Scrum.org or Scrum Alliance.
Scrum Alliance certifications
Scrum Alliance is one of the largest certification bodies in the Agile community, having certified more than 750,000 practitioners worldwide to date.
The Scrum Alliance also organises a global gathering and several regional gatherings twice a year and supports agile community events.
The Scrum Alliance website states:
Scrum Alliance certifications are somewhat unique in that training is tightly controlled by Scrum Alliance, Scrum Alliance exams are reasonably easy, and Scrum Alliance qualifications must be renewed regularly.
Scrum Alliance offer 3 distinct training paths:
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
- Certified Scrum Developer (CSD).
Each has a unique target audience and learning outcomes, keep reading to learn more!
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Certified Scrum Master courses are aimed at those new to Agile and who want to serve as a Scrum Master, want to adopt Scrum, or need the tools to be more agile. This can include:
- New Scrum Masters
- Software Engineers
- Business Analysts
- Project Managers
- New Scrum Team members.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) training teaches a general understanding of Scrum and practical ways to apply Scrum in your agile development teams and throughout your organisation.
Advanced Certified Scrum Master (A-CSM)
Advanced Certified Scrum Master (A-CSM) certification is aimed at candidates who already possess a CSM qualification and build on that knowledge with enhanced implementation skills.
A-CSM training teaches techniques and skills that go beyond the basic mechanics of Scrum, expanding into interaction, facilitation, coaching, and team dynamics.
Earning this qualification requires candidates to have at least 1 year of applied experience in a Scrum Master or related Scrum role.
Certified Scrum Professional – Scrum Master (CSP – SM)
Those who hold a valid A-CSM qualification and have acquired at least 2 years of applied experience working in a Scrum Master or related role can apply for Certified Scrum Professional – Scrum Master (CSP – SM) certification.
This qualification paves the way for those who would like to become a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), Certified Team Coach (CTC) or Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC).
- A Certified Enterprise Coach (CTC) applies coaching skills at the team level and can serve as a mentor to Scrum Master and Scrum teams.
- A Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC) applies coaching skills at the organisational transformation level and is equipped to advise Agile change managers and other enterprise-level management roles.
- A Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) is licensed to provide CSM training through accredited training organisations.
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
For those who want to advance their careers to a more senior role, or enjoy collaborating with stakeholders and clients, a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) course will teach you how to ensure your customers receive valuable, impactful products. This Scrum certification can benefit:
- New Agile Product Owners
- Agile Business Analysts
- Project Managers
- Product Managers
- Scrum Team members
- Data Analysts.
Acquiring this qualification demonstrates your ability to balance multiple stakeholders’ needs, create a product vision, and communicate effectively with customers so that you can choose projects to bring to market for them.
Advanced Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO)
Advanced Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO) certification is aimed at those who already possess the entry-level CSPO qualification, have at least 12 months of applied experience as an agile Product Owner, and want to refine their ability to manage multiple business initiatives from competing stakeholders.
The A-CSPO training builds on those ideas taught to CSPO certification holders and can help distinguish yourself in the global marketplace.
Certified Scrum Professional – Product Owner (CSP – PO)
Those who hold a valid A-CSPO qualification and have acquired at least 2 years of applied experience working in an Agile Product Owner or related role can apply for Certified Scrum Professional – Product Owner (CSP – PO) certification.
This qualification paves the way for those who would like to become a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), Certified Team Coach (CTC) or Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC).
- A Certified Enterprise Coach (CTC) applies coaching skills at the team level and can serve as a mentor to Agile Project Managers and Programme Managers.
- A Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC) applies coaching skills at the organisational transformation level, and is equipped to advise Agile Product Owners, and other enterprise-level management roles.
- A Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) is licensed to provide CSPO training through accredited training organisations.
Scrum.org certifications
Scrum.org was founded by Ken Schwaber (who was also a founding member of Scrum Alliance). Differing opinions on how Scrum certification and training should be administered led to Schwaber leaving Scrum Alliance to found their primary competitor – Scrum.org.
Scrum.org takes a different approach to Scrum training. While Scrum Alliance tightly controls its course materials and the way training is delivered, Scrum.org trainers are given more freedom in how they deliver course information. Scrum.org training courses choose to focus on validation of learned skills through testing.
That means Scrum.org exams are more difficult than those required by Scrum Alliance, with longer exams, harder questions, and a required pass rate of 85%. You’ll be expected to master course content before attempting the exam if you wish to pass.
A major benefit of Scrum.org qualifications is that, unlike Scrum Alliance qualifications, Scrum.org qualifications do not expire and are valid for life.
Like Scrum Alliance, Scrum.org offers distinct training paths that cater to specific roles within the Scrum framework.
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
- Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSMO)
- Professional Scrum Developers (PSD
- Scaled Professional Scrum (SPS)
- As well as several others.
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM-I)
The Professional Scrum Master, level 1 (PSM-I) assessment is available to anyone who wishes to validate their knowledge of the Scrum framework and its application. Those who pass the assessment will receive the industry recognised PSM I Certification.
The PSM I course is suitable for:
- New Scrum Masters
- Software Engineers
- Business Analysts
- Project Managers
- New Scrum team members.
Much like its Scrum Alliance equivalent, this course is aimed at those new to Scrum and want to learn the basics of the method.
Professional Scrum Master II (PSM-II)
The Professional Scrum Master level 2 (PSM II) assessment is aimed at those who want to demonstrate their ability to apply the Scrum framework to practical scenarios and solve complex problems in the real world. Passing the exam will award you with an internationally recognised PSM II Certification as proof of your advanced knowledge of Scrum and the role of the Scrum Master.
Professional Scrum Master III (PSM-III)
The Professional Scrum Master level 3 (PSM III) assessment is available to anyone who has passed the PSM I and PSM II. PSM III certification is proof that holders have a deep understanding of the application of Scrum, Scrum practices, and the Scrum Values and have the ability to apply Scrum in a variety of complex team and organisational situations.
Professional Scrum Developer I (PSD-I)
Professional Scrum Developer qualifications demonstrate your ability to work effectively as part of a Scrum Development Team, and your understanding of how Scrum can be used to develop products.
Over the 3 days, students gain a real-world view of what it is like to build software with Scrum. You’ll collaborate over a series of Sprints applying agile practices and using the Scrum framework to manage complexity.
The focus of the class is on how to use Scrum to deliver functional iterations of software and how to improve the way you work.
What is the best Scrum certification?
Each training path fulfils a specific need within a Scrum team. Both Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org offer similar qualifications. All that differs is how courses are delivered and how your knowledge is validated. We’ve outlined some of the main differences below for easy comparison.
| Scrum Alliance | Scrum.org | |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications offered | Scrum Master Scrum Product Owner Scrum Developer |
Scrum Master Scrum Product Owner Scrum Developer Scrum with Kanban Agile Leadership |
| Training provision | Tightly controlled delivery and course materials. Accredited trainers. | Course quality and delivery depends on course providers. Accredited trainers. |
| Exams | Short exams. Easier questions. 65% required to pass. | Long exams. Hard questions. 85% required to pass. |
| Renewal | Certifications valid for 3 years. Can be renewed through retaking exams or CPD points. | Certifications do not expire and are valid for life |
Both Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org are leaders in Scrum training and certification. Both are equally well-recognised and respected in agile circles.
Your choice of Scrum course may be dictated by what local training providers can offer or your preferred training format. At Knowledge Train, we offer Scrum courses from both Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org.
Make sure you see our list of available Scrum courses including online Scrum courses to learn more.
