What is a CSM certification?

A Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification in Scrum that proves an individual has skills in Scrum methodologies, values, and team performance. This certification is administered by the Scrum Alliance.

This certification is great for those in the project and product management field, as agile practices are gaining popularity. In particular, this certification is highly recommended for the role of Scrum Master, which is an important leadership role in agile development.

The CSM certification is an entry-level certification displaying that professionals are aware of the methodologies and values of Scrum, including team performance, accountability, and iterative progress.

This certification is strongly recommended for professionals in product delivery who utilize the Scrum framework or those tasked with optimizing Scrum, including Scrum masters and their teams.

The benefits of obtaining a CSM certification are:

• Credibility as a leader

• Additional opportunities and responsibilities at organizations using agile practices

• Display proficiency and knowledge of Scrum

There are not any requirements for enrolling in Scrum training, although training in Scrum is required to be certified. To obtain a CSM certification candidates must have a comprehension of the Scrum framework, its practices, and principles.

The Scrum Alliance offers several resources on the foundations of Scrum, including:

• Scrum Alliance expert blog

• Scrum Alliance member articles

• Scrum Alliance videos

• Scrum Alliance presentations

• Scrum Alliance reports

To obtain the certification candidates must attend a two-day course( eight hours per day) taught by a certified Scrum trainer. The course is designed to give a macro view of how to oversee, organize, and support a Scrum team.

The course also covers these specific areas:

• Scope

• Lean

• Agile

• Scrum

• Agile facilitation

• Coaching

• Service to development teams

• Service-to-product owner

• Service to organizations

At the end of the course and training, applicants must pass an exam that consists of 50 multiple-choice true or false questions. The time limit for the exam is one hour. To pass you must answer at least 37 questions correctly, for a passing score of 74 percent.

CSM certifications are valid for two years, after which they must be renewed. Renewing a CSM certification requires a total of 20 hours of Scrum Educational Units (SEUs) and costs $100.