Updated 25 Feb 2010
Questions about our certification philosophy
Questions about the Certified ScrumMaster certification
Questions about the Certified ScrumMaster evaluation
Questions about the Certified Scrum Product Owner certification
Questions about the Certified Scrum Professional certification
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 evaluation is not offered as a replacement for formal training.
Questions about the Certified ScrumMaster certification
What does it mean to be a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)?
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 for someone to truly master Scrum. To demonstrate deep understanding and experience with Scrum, CSMs are encouraged to apply for and become Certified Scrum Professionals.
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 evaluation, 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 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.
How do I renew my CSM?
This process is currently being developed. For CSMs who have never taken the evaluation, recertification will require that you take the evaluation.
Maintaining your certification not only secures the investment you have already made, but also demonstrates your commitment to retaining competency or even 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.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
For further questions please contact our membership and certification liaison.
Questions about the Certified ScrumMaster evaluation
Why has the Scrum Alliance added a Certified ScrumMaster evaluation?
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—but it would be very difficult to standardize training and impossible to provide adequate oversight to ensure trainers are adhering to a single standard. Likewise, using the judgments of trainers to determine if individuals meet the minimally acceptable standards for certification introduces subjectivity and unreliability into the mix. However, we can provide trainers with 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 evaluation content.
Those who took a course after 1 October 2009 will have to take the evaluation to receive their CSM credentials. Those who took a course before 1 October 2009 will be required to take the evaluation when they renew their certifications.
Do I have to take a CSM evaluation to become certified?
- If you take a CSM course on or after October 1, 2009 you will have to take and pass the evaluation to complete your CSM certification. The cost of the online exam is included within your course fees. Individual exceptions to this will be made for those students who are unable to interpret the English language until the exam is rolled out in multiple languages. This should be discussed in more detail with your CST during your course.
- If you are a current CSM, you will take the evaluation to renew your certification. You will be notified via email prior to expiration. Renewal will be $150 for the subsequent 2 yrs and includes the cost of the evaluation.
Can I retake the evaluation if I score poorly?
No. Currently, you are allowed only one attempt at the evaluation. Once you have completed the evaluation you will be granted Certified ScrumMaster status regardless of your score. If you score poorly, however, you will receive feedback detailing where you are deficient and what resources you should study to improve. When you apply to become a Certified Scrum Professional, you will be held accountable for all of the information contained in the evaluation.
Where can I find the link to take the CSM Evaluation?
After completing your CSM course, you’ll receive an email from the Scrum Alliance that includes a link to the Scrum Alliance website and instructions for creating your profile. Create your online profile and click the Self-Evaluation link under the “Pending Exams” section of your profile dashboard. Then click OK to begin (you should view the tutorial before starting the exam; it will show you how to use the online test application).
What can I expect from the CSM Evaluation?
The evaluation consists of 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions. You have 60 minutes to complete it. You’ll be required to demonstrate your understanding of key Scrum elements, including:
- Scrum Terminology
- Scrum Practices
- Scrum Principles
What is the cost of the CSM Evaluation?
The cost of the evaluation is included in the cost of your CSM course. You will pay no additional evaluation fee.
How soon after my course do I have to complete the CSM Evaluation?
After receiving your membership email, you have 90 days to take and complete the evaluation. When you have completed the evaluation, regardless of your score, you will be granted full Certified ScrumMaster benefits. If you score poorly, you will receive feedback on what you missed and resources to study. After completing the evaluation, your Scrum Alliance membership becomes active for 2 years from the date of your CSM course.
Can I take the evaluation without taking a CSM course?
No. The evaluation 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.
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 (CSM)?
The level of certification that all practitioners of Scrum should strive for is Certified Scrum Professional. Before becoming a CSP, applicants must be CSMs or CSPOs. CSPs have proven experience and expertise in the art of Scrum.
I was granted Certified Scrum Practitioner status prior to 1 March 2010. What do I need to do to become a Certified Scrum Professional?
Nothing. You are considered a Certified Scrum Professional. New logos will be available for download soon.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
For further questions please contact our membership and certification liaison.
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