What Is CSM Certification?
The CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) is a credential from the Scrum Alliance that validates your understanding of Scrum principles, values, and practices. Unlike the PMI-ACP (which covers multiple Agile frameworks), the CSM is laser-focused on the Scrum framework. It's an entry-level certification obtained after completing a 2-day workshop—no prior experience required.
The CSM proves you understand Scrum well enough to serve as a Scrum Master—facilitating events, removing impediments, and coaching the team.
What You'll Learn
The CSM certification covers the Scrum framework as defined in the Scrum Guide:
Key Topics
Scrum Framework
The roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), events (Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Retrospective), and artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment).
Scrum Master Role
How to serve the team, remove impediments, facilitate events, and coach toward self-management.
Scrum Values
Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect—and how to embody them.
Empirical Process Control
Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation as the foundation of Scrum.
Certification Path
Getting CSM certified is straightforward:
Complete a CSM Course
Attend a 2-day (16-hour) training course with a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). Courses are available in-person and online.
Pass the CSM Exam
After completing the course, take the online exam. You have 60 minutes to answer 50 questions. The pass mark is 74% (37 out of 50).
Accept the License Agreement
Agree to the Scrum Alliance's license agreement and code of ethics.
No prior experience is required. The certification focuses on learning through the workshop, not pre-existing knowledge.
Exam Details
Scrum Alliance Career Path
The CSM is just the beginning. The Scrum Alliance offers advanced certifications:
A-CSM (Advanced Certified ScrumMaster)
For experienced ScrumMasters ready to deepen facilitation and coaching skills. Requires CSM + 12 months experience.
CSP-SM (Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster)
The highest ScrumMaster credential. Requires A-CSM + 24 months experience + continuous learning.
Official Resource
Find CSM courses and complete certification details.
Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster® →Key Takeaways
- 1CSM is the entry-level Scrum certification from Scrum Alliance.
- 2Requires a 2-day workshop with a Certified Scrum Trainer—no experience needed.
- 3Exam is 50 questions, 60 minutes, 74% pass mark.
- 4Costs $995-$1,395 including training; renews every 2 years.
- 5First step toward A-CSM and CSP-SM advanced certifications.
