Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification Levels
The Scrum Framework is a powerful asset in projects involving Agile Methodology. This framework allows a team to address complex problems while delivering a product in the most productive and inventive way to meet the highest possible value. Scrum provides various tools and techniques that help to handle all the processes systematically, ensuring that everything stays on schedule.
A Scrum Master ensures that the team understands and works, following the Scrum rules and practices. They guide the Scrum Team throughout the whole process and help them to adapt to the Scrum Framework. They also work on clearing any obstacles that can hinder the Developer's progress. They communicate with both the Developer and the Product Owner and maintain a good relationship between them.
About 78% of organizations around the world are implementing Scrum. There is a massive increase in demand for Scrum across all organizations all over the globe. The profession of Scrum Master is one of the Top 10 on LinkedIn's Most Promising Jobs of 2019.
CSM Certification Levels
The Scrum Alliance classifies the Scrum Master Certification into three levels- CSM, A-CSM, and CSP-SM.
1. CSM Certification
CSM is an abbreviation for Certified Scrum Master. Every individual leading a Scrum project, who is likely to become a Scrum Master, must acquire the Scrum Alliance CSM certification.
Professionals who have completed the CSM training and proven their skills in Scrum terminologies, principles and practices in the CSM exam as per the guidelines of the Scrum Alliance are eligible for the certification.
The Scrum Master certification course provides an insight into the Scrum Framework and prepares an Agile mindset for each individual. So, one doesn't just get certified by taking this course, but one is also professionally trained to adapt to any kind of agile project
Eligibility Requirement
There are no set eligibility criteria for the Certified Scrum Master course. However, one must have some basic knowledge of the principles of the Scrum framework. It is also better to have some understanding of the Software Development process. Most importantly, the candidate must understand the roles of the Product Owner and the Developer.
Training and Certification Process
The candidate must take a 2-day CSM training from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). This training is focused on making the candidate exam ready with some amount of self-study. Post this training; the candidate must clear an online examination to get the certification.
Exam Procedure
CSM Certification exam is an online exam that consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The candidate has 60 minutes to answer those questions. 37 out of 50 questions must be correctly answered to clear the exam. The exam can be attended from the training center itself, as well as, from home using a PC or Laptop by logging in to the Scrum Alliance website using the login credentials.
Candidates will get login credentials from Scrum Alliance, after completing the 2-day training.
Certification and Exam Fee
The cost of CSM certification varies depending on the institute and the location. This fee includes both the training and the exam fee. In case a candidate fails to pass the exam in the first attempt, they can take a re-test anytime within 3 months of taking the CSM course for free.
However, after failing in the second attempt, one has to pay an additional exam fee of $25 to the Scrum Alliance.
The Renewal Process
CSM Renewal Requirements
- 20 SEUs (Scrum Education Units)
- $100 Renewal fee
The validity of the certificate ends after 2 years. The renewal process requires earning 20 SEUs (Scrum Education Units) by attending global or regional gatherings, writing blogs, reading books, watching the videos providing seminars related to Scrum and Agile processes. Each hour of such activities offers one SEU.
After completing 20 SEUs, one can log in to the Scrum Alliance website using their credentials and follow the process for the renewal. A $100 CSM renewal payment is required, and after that, their certificate is renewed for another 2 years.
2. A-CSM Certification
A-CSM (Advanced Certified Scrum Master) is a professional certification course designed for those Certified Scrum Masters who wish to uplift their skills to the next level. The course provides more skills to facilitate better communication between the Product Owner, Scrum Team members, customers, Stakeholders, and executives and also react confidently to any upcoming circumstances without the presence of any key people.
After the completion of this course, one can increase their engagements to encourage greater accountability, commitment, and will also be able to work with multiple Scrum Teams.
Eligibility Requirements
There are certain prerequisites for being able to apply for A-CSM certification.
- Hold a CSM certification acquired from Scrum Alliance
- Attend a Certified A-CSM educational training
- At least 12 months of experience as a Scrum Master within the last five years.
Training and Certification Process
The candidate must take a 2-day training from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) to gain more advanced techniques and skills, beyond the basics and mechanics of Scrum. It expands into interaction, facilitation, coaching, and team dynamics.
After completing the training offered by the Certified Scrum Trainer, one will get the A-CSM certification.
Exam Procedure
There is no particular exam that has to be taken to get the A-CSM course.
ents There are certain prerequisites for being able to apply for A-CSM certification. Hold a CSM certification acquired from Scrum Alliance Attend a Certified A-CSM educational training At least 12 months of experience as a Scrum Master within the last five years. Training and Certification Process The candidate must take a 2-day training from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) to gain more advanced techniques and skills, beyond the basics and mechanics of Scrum. It expands into interaction, facilitation, coaching, and team dynamics. After completing the training offered by the Certified Scrum Trainer, one will get the A-CSM certification. Exam Procedure There is no particular exam that has to be taken to get the A-CSM course. Certification Fee The cost of A-CSM certification varies depending on the institute and location. This fee will include all the expenses, including the training fee, certification cost, study materials, and membership with Scrum Alliance Community.
ents
There are certain prerequisites for being able to apply for A-CSM certification.
- Hold a CSM certification acquired from Scrum Alliance
- Attend a Certified A-CSM educational training
- At least 12 months of experience as a Scrum Master within the last five years.
Training and Certification Process
The candidate must take a 2-day training from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) to gain more advanced techniques and skills, beyond the basics and mechanics of Scrum. It expands into interaction, facilitation, coaching, and team dynamics.
After completing the training offered by the Certified Scrum Trainer, one will get the A-CSM certification.
Exam Procedure
There is no particular exam that has to be taken to get the A-CSM course.
Certification Fee
The cost of A-CSM certification varies depending on the institute and location. This fee will include all the expenses, including the training fee, certification cost, study materials, and membership with Scrum Alliance Community.
The cost of A-CSM certification varies depending on the institute and location. This fee will include all the expenses, including the training fee, certification cost, study materials, and membership with Scrum Alliance Community.
Renewal Process
The A-CSM certification renewal process is the same as the CSM certification. The same login credentials can be used to login to the Scrum Alliance website and renew the certificate. However, for A-CSM certification renewal, one must obtain 30 SEU, and the renewal fee is $175. This will again revalidate for another 2 years.
3. CSP-SM Certification
CSP-SM (Certified Scrum Professional - Scrum Master) is designed for Scrum Masters who wish to level up their Agile expertise. This course will help to master the Agile and Scrum and also improve the way of implementation of Scrum in the workplace.
After acquiring the certification of the CSP level, one can attend exclusive CSP events with other leaders of Scrum and Agile. It will attract more recruiters and help to get much higher pay.
Eligibility Requirement
- Hold A-CSM certification from Scrum Alliance
- Attend a Certified CSP-SM educational training
- At least 24 months of experience as a Scrum Master within the last five years.
Training and Certification Process
The candidate must take a 2-day training from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST)to gain advanced Agile facilitation and coaching skills, and learn more progressive techniques in service to the Product Owner and the Developer. After completing the coaching offered by the Certified Scrum Trainer, one will get the certification.
Exam Procedure
Just like A-CSM, there is no particular exam for CSP-SM certification. Upon the completion of the training with the institute, the institute will inform the Scrum Alliance about the completion. The candidate will receive the login credentials, and the link to download the Certificate.
Certification Fee
The CSP-SM certification cost varies depending on the institute and location. The fee includes all expenses and costs for acquiring the certification.
Renewal Process
After the expiration of the certificate in 2 years, one can log in to the Scrum Alliance website using the same credentials obtained during certification and then apply for renewal from the dashboard. The renewal process includes submission of 40 SEU, and a renewal fee of $250 must be paid.
| Certification | CSM | A-CSM | CSP-SM |
| Eligibility Requirements | None | 1 year of experience as a Scrum Master in the past five years | Must have 2 years experience as a Scrum Master in the past five years. Must have A-CSM certification. |
| Training | 2 days of basic training | 2 days of advanced training | 2 days of professional training |
| Exam | Online Examination with a minimum passing score of 37 from 50 marks. | No exam | No exam |
| Certification Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Renewal Credits | 20 SEU | 30 SEU | 40 SEU |
| Renewal fee | $100 | $175 | $250 |
Conclusion
It is easy to state from the certification eligibility that a professional needs to constantly work towards increased experience. Infact, Scrum professionals must also keep upgrading their skills and obtain the relevant certification to become a professional in the Agile landscape. It will help them in performing any job related to the Agile methodology and will also help them in mastering professional communication to reach higher positions in the corporate ladder , this, will in turn, also increase their earnings.
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