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Best scrum master certifications
Scrum master certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an scrum master to employers. However, not all scrum master certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a scrum master are Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Below is a list of the best scrum master certifications. Obtaining an scrum master certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
9 best certifications for scrum masters
| Rank | Scrum master certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 2 | Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 3 | Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI |
| 4 | Professional Scrum Master (PSM) | Scrum.org |
| 5 | Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 6 | Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC) | IEEE |
| 7 | Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) | Scrum Allianc... |
| 8 | Certified Agile Coach (CAC) | GAQM |
| 9 | Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS) | IAHCSMM |
9 best scrum master certifications
1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
Certified Scrum Product Owner professionals have been taught the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that enable them to fulfill the role of Product Owner on a Scrum team. CSPOs are typically the individuals who are closest to the "business side" of the project. They are charged by the organization to "get the product out" and are expected to do the best possible job of satisfying all the stakeholders. CSPOs maintain the product backlog and ensure that everyone knows the priorities.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
3. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
The Professional Scrum Master™ level I (PSM I) assessment is available to anyone who wishes to validate his or her depth of knowledge of the Scrum framework and its application. Those who pass the assessment will receive the industry recognized PSM I Certification to demonstrate their mastery of the content.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required?
5. Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)
Certified Scrum Professionals have demonstrated experience, documented training, and proven knowledge in the art of Scrum. CSPs challenge their Scrum teams to improve the way Scrum and other Agile methods are implemented for every project.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)
This professional competency certification requires successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in twelve key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, Software Engineering Maintenance, Software Engineering Configuration Management, Software Engineering Quality, Software Engineering Processes, Software Engineering Models & Methods, Software Engineering Management, Software Engineering Project Management, Software Engineering Economics and the successful completion of two advanced applied modules.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Certified Scrum Developer (CSD)
Certified Scrum Developers have demonstrated through a combination of formal training and a technical skills assessment that they have a working understanding of Scrum principles and have learned specialized Agile engineering skills.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Certified Agile Coach (CAC)
Agile Coach certification introduces participants to essential team coaching skills & team development ideas for starting and growing teams while focusing on teams and organizations as human systems. A key part of this certification focuses on developing an understanding of the professional coaching skillset and the value of honing these skills to serve professionals on an agile team. Our Agile Coach Certification focuses primarily on the mindset, roles, and responsibilities of an Agile Coach. After completion of this certification, you will be able to differentiate between and among mentoring, facilitating, professional coaching and teaching, and they will also gain the skills needed to create a safe environment for meaningful collaboration and healthy conflict resolution within a team. Whether the coach is internal or external to the organization, agile coaching covers a broad spectrum that covers teaching, mentoring, problem solving, planning, leadership, team-building and mastery of skills and knowledge. Agile Coaches must challenge organizations to change culture for establishing new paradigms which permit agile-lean thinking and quickly deliver value.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
9. Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS)
Technology changes. Standards update. Instrumentation evolves. The learning curve for Central Service professionals is steep and ever-changing, and the demands placed on them ever-growing. To help professionals stay abreast of rapidly changing medical technology, IAHCSMM offers the Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) exam, which tests knowledge and recognition of medical instruments, as well as reviewing instrumentation practice skills. The CIS exam will test your proficiency in the identification and cleaning of medical instruments, and upon completing and passing the exam you will hold the designation of Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a scrum master?
The best scrum master certification is Certified Scrum Master (CSM). The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is awarded by the Scrum Alliance. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this scrum master certification:
- To become a certified Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for scrum masters?
The most in-demand scrum master certification is Certified Scrum Master based on all active job postings. Having this scrum master certification will give you access to more scrum master jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a scrum master career and salary?
The Certified Scrum Master certification will help you to secure a agile coach position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A agile coach's average salary is $122,426 whereas scrum masters make an average salary of $86,329.
The most common combination of scrum master certifications include: Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Online courses for scrum masters to earn certifications
1. Agile and Scrum Course for Scrum Master and Product Owner
Complete Agile and Scrum Course with Expert Advice: Practice Agile and Scrum for Product Owner and Scrum Master...
2. Mastering The Complete Agile Scrum Master Workshop
Learn Agile Scrum Master Concepts for 2022 & 2023...
3. Agile Scrum for Beginners + Scrum Master Certification
Agile and Scrum Crash Course for Beginners - Pass the Scrum Master Certification PSM 1 - Master Agile Project Management...
4. Product Management Certification+Agile Product Owner+Scrum
Overview of Agile product management+Online Certification PSPO I Certification Tips for Scrum Product Owner+User Stories...
5. Introduction Agile & Scrum for Product Owners
[UNOFFICIAL] Learn about agility & Scrum. Prepare for your Project Manager or Product Owner certification in 2023!...
6. Mastering Agile Scrum Project Management
Review and master agile development & scrum methodologies for your career...
7. Scrum Product Owner & Scrum Product Owner Certification
Introduction to Agile and Scrum Product Owner Role + Preparation to Product Owner Certification Tests + Mock Exam...
8. Your complete guide to Agile, Scrum, Kanban
Scrum Master certification training + Agile Scrum Training + Scrum Product Owner training...
9. Robust Scrum Product Owner
Take Your Scrum Product Owner Skills To The Next Level!...
10. Scrum Master Certification 2023 + Agile Scrum Certification
Overview of Scrum Agile project management+common questions+tips to pass PSM scrum org ONLINE Scrum Master Certification...
11. Agile Scrum Mastery: Certification + Project Simulation 2023
Professional Scrum Master 1 (PSM1) Prep + Real World Agile Scrum Simulation + 500 practice questions...
12. #2 Scrum Product Owner -A Practical Guide For Product Owners
Product Owner Masterclass : Essential Skills for Product Owner, Scrum FW from Product Owner Viewpoint + Short PO Quiz...
13. Scrum and Agile Case Studies: Scrum in Real-Life Practice
A Real World Example across various Scrum Phases and Sprints. Practical Case Studies applying Agile & Scrum in real-life...
14. Agile Scrum Master Training: Case Studies and Confessions
Learn 7 case studies+project management+dealing w difficult people/challenging situations for scrum master certification...
15. Complete Agile Scrum Management: Scrum Master
Agile Scrum Course - Agile Project Management-Scrum Master Certification- Professional Scrum Master...
16. Product Management+Agile Requirements using Product Backlog
Learn to manage requirements as professional scrum product owner using user stories ( Business Analysis ,Scrum Master)...
17. Jira Crash Course: Agile Project Management;Bonus Confluence
Learn Jira Software and the Agile Framework including Scrum/Kanban - Bonus Confluence and Basecamp...
18. Scrum Testing: Learn Testing in Agile and Scrum from A to Z
A Complete Expert Advice for Scrum Beginners: Agile and Scrum Testing, Testing Mastery in Agile and Scrum...
19. Agile Scrum: An Overview
A quick guide on the Agile Scrum Framework - Scrum Values, Scrum Principles, Scrum Events, Scrum Roles & Scrum Artifacts...
20. Business analysis & Scrum with JIRA for Software development
Become a great Business analyst, Product owner & Scrum master with JIRA & Confluence. Business analysis & Scrum course...