Scrum Alliance’s Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) requires a 16-hour course taught by a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), followed by an online test. There is no universal course price: approved providers set their own fees. The test includes two attempts, and renewal currently costs $100 plus 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) every two years.
What the CSM certification covers
Scrum Alliance describes CSM as an introductory credential for current or aspiring Scrum Masters, as well as people new to Scrum or agile. Its course covers the Scrum framework—including roles, accountabilities, and events—and practical Scrum Master skills. The organization also identifies software engineers, business analysts, project managers, and people in other professions as potential learners. These are Scrum Alliance’s descriptions of the program, not evidence that a credential guarantees a particular job outcome.
What the course requires
You must complete 16 hours of training with a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer, usually delivered across two days, either live online or in person. The class must be an approved course listed by Scrum Alliance. Work experience or another organization’s certification does not replace attendance; Scrum Alliance says it does not accept those credentials or experience as a course waiver (course-waiver policy).
Scrum Alliance says course registration includes training, test access, a Scrum Alliance account, a complimentary two-year membership, and training materials supplied by the training company. Schedules, agendas, and materials can vary by listing, so check the specific course details and ask the provider about anything unclear. After course completion, the trainer arranges the candidate’s account and test access.
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How much CSM certification costs
Course fee: set by the provider
There is no single organization-wide CSM course price. Independent trainers and training partners set their own prices, and the official guidance is to compare current listings in Scrum Alliance Course Search. The final cost depends on the particular listing; verify its price, schedule, delivery format, and inclusions before registering rather than relying on a general estimate.
Test retakes: included attempts and later fees
The course arrangement includes two test attempts. Scrum Alliance allows 90 days from the account activation email to complete the test. After two failed attempts, or after that 90-day period has passed, each additional attempt costs $25 until you pass, according to its CSM test guidance.
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Renewal: fee and learning requirement
CSM is in Scrum Alliance’s foundational certification category. Renewal is required every two years and currently costs $100, with 20 SEUs required for each renewal term. Scrum Alliance’s renewal page lists the fee in USD.
What to expect from the CSM test
The online test has 50 multiple-choice questions and a 60-minute time limit. You need 74%—37 correct answers—to pass. You can bookmark questions and return to them while the test timer is running. Scrum Alliance says the test is not proctored at an in-person location; consult its current test information for details.
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The test draws on the CSM Learning Objectives and the Scrum Guide. Scrum Alliance lists test availability in English, Castilian Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Latin American Spanish, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Danish, Czech, Polish, and Russian. Language availability can change, so check the current test page if you need a particular language.
How to prepare without buying unnecessary materials
Start with the CSM Learning Objectives and the Scrum Guide. The official Scrum Guide download page identifies the English November 2020 edition as the current official version at the time of the cited information. The guide is available to read and download; a printed retail copy is optional, not a certification requirement.
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- Read the official Scrum Guide. Use the free Scrum Guide download page to access the guide.
- Review the CSM Learning Objectives. Use them alongside the guide to focus study on the material covered by the certification test.
- Use the included attempts within the deadline. Your 90-day period begins with the account activation email, so note that date when it arrives.
How to compare CSM with a Scrum.org assessment
Scrum.org offers a different route through its Professional Scrum assessments. Its stated requirement is passing the relevant online assessment with at least 85%; taking a Scrum.org class can help candidates prepare but is not required. Scrum.org says assessments use the latest English Scrum Guide. See its Professional Scrum Master I certification requirements.
| Factor | Scrum Alliance CSM | Scrum.org Professional Scrum assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Training prerequisite | Required: 16-hour approved course with a Scrum Alliance CST. | Class is optional; passing the relevant assessment is required. |
| Pass threshold | 74% (37 of 50 questions), according to Scrum Alliance. | At least 85%, according to Scrum.org. |
| Course price or assessment fee | Course price is set by the provider; compare current official listings. | Not stated on the cited requirement page; check Scrum.org’s current assessment information. |
| Renewal details | $100 and 20 SEUs per two-year renewal term. | Not stated on the cited requirement page. |
Compare the required training, assessment conditions, current total cost, language availability, and any renewal obligations that matter to you. The cited Scrum.org requirement page does not establish every current fee or maintenance detail, so it is not enough by itself for a full lifetime-cost comparison. Neither route should be treated as a guarantee of hiring, salary, or employer recognition; check the credential requirements relevant to the roles you are considering.
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Renewing CSM and earning SEUs
For renewal, Scrum Alliance requires 20 SEUs per two-year term. It counts one hour of qualifying learning as one SEU. Examples include reading relevant material, attending events, volunteering, or taking courses. Scrum Alliance also says a separate certification course can automatically renew existing Scrum Alliance certifications under its rules; review the current renewal requirements before relying on that option. The organization explains SEUs and qualifying activities on its SEU information page.
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