Frequently Asked Questions
Updated January, 2013
Questions about our Certification Philosophy
Why does the Scrum Alliance offer a certification program?
When Scrum was first introduced, the only available training was in the form of articles, presentations, and books. By reading these resources, many grasped the iterative nature of Scrum but missed the principles and practices that are necessary for successful implementation. In response, the Scrum Alliance developed a certification program.
What makes the Scrum Alliance certification program different from other
Scrum training programs?
The certification courses posted on the Scrum Alliance site are all taught by Scrum Alliance Registered Education Providers (REPs) and Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs). All of these providers have been vetted by their peers to verify that they have the depth of knowledge,
experience, and training ability to teach others about Scrum. Their courseware has been approved as being consistent with Scrum and agile principles. You can be assured that a course from a Scrum Alliance REP or CST is an accurate representation of Scrum and is being taught by a recognized authority on Scrum and agile practices and principles.
Can I become certified without taking a course?
No. It is our belief that true learning requires hands-on practice and in-person training. The CSM test is not offered as a replacement for formal training.
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Questions about the Certified ScrumMaster Certification
What does it mean to have a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) designation?
A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is someone who has been taught (by a Certified Scrum Trainer) the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that will enable them to fulfill the role of ScrumMaster or Scrum team member. A Certified ScrumMaster course is a first step on the path to growing more Agile. Experience and continuing education are necessary next steps to become a true, practicing Scrum professional. To demonstrate deep understanding and experience with Scrum, CSMs are encouraged to apply for and become Certified Scrum Professionals (CSPs).
Does the Scrum Alliance offer an online CSM course?
No. While we acknowledge that online seminars can be an effective teaching forum for some subjects, we believe that understanding Scrum requires a greater level of personal interaction than can be delivered in a virtual environment.
The Certified ScrumMaster courses engage participants in live, interactive learning, free from the obstacles inherent in an online activity. Additionally, students of online courses do not have the same opportunity to connect and exchange their perceptions that students in live courses do. There is no virtual coffee break that could replace meeting real people with real experiences. For this reason, online learning has a place in preparing participants for the Certified ScrumMaster course and for passing the test, but is insufficient to fully prepare Scrum participants, which is ultimately the goal of Certified ScrumMaster program.
Do I receive PDU credits for a CSM course?
Yes. Please follow PMI's procedure for Category B: Continuing Education. According to the PMP handbook: “Contact hours of project and/or program management education may be earned by attending relevant educational courses offered by organizations not registered with PMI. To calculate the number of PDUs earned, use the following formula: one contact hour of learning relevant to project and/or program management within a structured activity or course equals one PDU. Documentation required upon PMI audit/request: registration form, certificate or letter of attendance, and a brochure or course materials outlining the subject matter covered and the qualifications of the instructor/lecturer.” Most CSTs can tell you how many PDUs their course offers.
What is the membership fee?
Our Certified Scrum Trainers pay the initial membership fee for each student who successfully completes a Certified ScrumMaster course. This membership fee covers the cost of the CSM Test and the first two years of membership.
How do I renew my CSM?
Maintaining your certification secures the investment you have already made and demonstrates your commitment to retaining competency and broadening your skills in the practice of Scrum. The Scrum framework is evolving and growing as a result of the engagement and contributions of those who share their ideas and practical experiences in the workplace. Recertification validates your participation in this evolution and your continued proficiency in the fundamental principles and practices of Scrum.
Please visit http://www.scrumalliance.org/pages/fee_payment_links for detailed instructions regarding how to renew your certification.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
For further questions please contact us at support@scrumalliance.org.
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Questions about the Certified ScrumMaster test
Why has the Scrum Alliance added a Certified ScrumMaster test?
Training is an important part of the certification process—all certification candidates must complete a training course in the domain for which they seek certification. However, it is very difficult to standardize training and impossible to provide adequate oversight to ensure trainers adhere to a single standard. Likewise, using trainer judgment to determine if individuals meet minimally acceptable standards for certification introduces subjectivity and unreliability into the process. To help ensure consistency, we provide trainers with a content outline and course objectives, offer teaching guidelines, and recommend course materials. The objectives that are provided to trainers and the recommended reading found here are used to develop the test content.
Do I have to take the CSM test to become certified?
If you take a CSM course on or after October 1, 2009 you will have to complete the test to obtain your CSM certification. The cost of the online test is part of your initial membership fee that is paid for by the trainer.
Can I retake the test if I score poorly?
The CSM test has a passing score of 24 out of 35 questions. You will have two attempts within 90 days after you receive your welcome email to pass the test at no cost. After two attempts or 90 days, you will be charged $25 for each additional attempt.
Please note that when you apply to become a Certified Scrum Professional (CSP), you will be held accountable for all of the information contained in the test.
Where can I find the link to take the CSM test?
After completing your CSM course, you’ll receive an email from the Scrum Alliance that includes a link to create your login credentials. The first step will be to take the test. Once the test is complete, you will be asked to accept a license agreement and setup your
online profile. It could take up to two weeks after course completion to receive your welcome email.
If you are already a member, the CSM test will be a link from your dashboard. Once the test is complete, you will be asked to accept a license agreement and your CSM badge will appear on your profile.
What can I expect from the CSM test?
The test consists of a combination of multiple-choice and true/false questions. It will take approximately 60 minutes to complete it. You’ll be required to demonstrate your understanding of key Scrum elements, including:
• General Scrum Knowledge
• Scrum Roles
• Scrum Meetings
• Scrum Artifacts
What is the cost of the CSM test?
The cost of the test is included in the cost of your CSM course and paid by your trainer. There will be two free attempts paid by the trainer but each subsequent attempt will cost $25.
How soon after my course do I have to complete the CSM test?
After receiving your membership email, you have 90 days to take and complete the test.
Can I take the test without taking a CSM course?
No. The test is not intended as a substitute for formal training.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
For further questions please contact our membership and certification liaison.
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Questions about the Certified Scrum Product Owner
Certification
What does it mean to be a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)?
A Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is an individual who has been taught (by a Certified Scrum Trainer) the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that will enable them to fulfill the role of Product Owner for a Scrum team. A Certified Scrum Product Owner course is a first step on the path to growing more Agile. Experience and continuing education are necessary for someone to truly master Scrum. To demonstrate deep understanding and experience with Scrum, CSPOs are encouraged to apply for and become Certified Scrum Professionals.
Do I receive PDU credits for a CSPO course?
Yes. Please follow PMI's procedure for Category 4: Courses offered by Other Education Provider. According to the PMP handbook: "Contact hours of project and/or program management education may be earned by attending relevant educational courses offered by organizations not registered with PMI. To calculate the number of PDUs earned, use the following formula: one contact hour of learning relevant to project and/or program management within a structured activity or course equals one PDU. Documentation required upon PMI audit/ request: registration form, certificate or letter of attendance, and a brochure or course materials outlining the subject matter covered and the qualifications of the instructor/lecturer." Most CSTs can tell you how many PDUs their course offers.
Questions about the Certified Scrum Professional Certification
What does it mean to be a Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)?
A Certified Scrum Professional has proven experience and expertise in the art of Scrum. CSP is the level of certification that all practitioners of Scrum should strive to attain. Before becoming a CSP, applicants must be CSMs, CSPOs, or CSDs.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
For further questions please contact our membership and certification liaison.