CSM Certification

The CSM (Certified Scrum Master) is issued by Scrum Alliance and requires attending a 2-day course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer before taking a 50-question online exam. It is the most recognized entry point into Agile practitioner credentials.

Updated April 9, 2026

Certification

CSM (Certified Scrum Master) by Scrum Alliance

Who Is Eligible?

Requirements

No prerequisites. The 2-day course is the only requirement before taking the exam. Prior Scrum or Agile experience is helpful but not required.

What Does It Cost?

$995 to $1,500 for the 2-day course (exam and 2-year Scrum Alliance membership included). Course price varies by trainer and format.

Exam Details

Duration	60 minutes
Questions	50 questions
Format	Online multiple choice exam taken after completing the 2-day course. Candidates have 2 attempts included with the course fee.
Passing Score	74% (37 of 50 questions correct)

What Is the CSM Certification?

The CSM (Certified Scrum Master) is issued by Scrum Alliance and is the most widely held Agile practitioner credential globally. It validates that the holder understands the Scrum framework, the Scrum Master role, and the principles behind Agile delivery. Unlike the PMP, which tests applied judgment across hundreds of scenarios, the CSM tests comprehension of Scrum fundamentals and is designed to be accessible to practitioners new to Agile.

The Course and Exam Experience

CSM requires attending a 2-day course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The course is interactive and covers Scrum theory, events, roles, artifacts, and the Scrum Master’s responsibilities. After completing the course, candidates have 90 days to take the online exam: 50 multiple choice questions, 60 minutes, 74% passing threshold. Two attempts are included with the course fee. The exam is taken through the Scrum Alliance online portal.

Is CSM Worth the Cost?

At $1,000 to $1,500, CSM is one of the more expensive entry-level certifications on a per-exam-hour basis. Whether it is worth it depends on your context. If your target employers list CSM as preferred or required, the cost is easily justified by the salary premium. If you are primarily self-funding and budget is a constraint, PSM at $150 for the exam delivers similar market recognition at a fraction of the cost. The tradeoff is the course itself: many practitioners find the 2-day CSM course genuinely valuable as a learning experience, not just a credential path.

Common Questions About CSM Certification

How hard is the CSM exam?

The CSM exam is considered one of the more accessible professional certifications, largely because it follows a mandatory 2-day course that covers the exam content directly. Candidates who pay attention during the course and review the Scrum Guide afterward typically pass on their first attempt. The 85% first-attempt pass rate reflects this structure.

How does CSM compare to PSM?

CSM requires a 2-day training course ($1,000 to $1,500) and has a 74% passing threshold on a 50-question exam. PSM from Scrum.org is self-study with no required course, costs $150 for the exam, and requires 85% on 80 questions in 60 minutes, making it more challenging. Both are widely recognized. PSM is generally preferred by technical hiring managers; CSM is more recognized by HR and non-technical hiring managers.

Does CSM certification expire?

Yes. CSM is valid for 2 years and requires renewal through 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and a renewal fee ($100 for Scrum Alliance members). Compare this to PSM, which does not expire. The ongoing renewal cost is a legitimate consideration when choosing between the two credentials.

Can I take the CSM course online?

Yes. Scrum Alliance certified trainers offer the 2-day course in both in-person and live online formats. The online format covers the same content but is conducted via video conferencing. In-person courses often provide stronger networking opportunities, while online courses are more flexible for scheduling.