Both the PSM and CSM certifications have their place. The following table will help you decide which one is right for you.
There are essentially two certifications: the Certified Scrum Master® (CSM®) from Scrum Alliance and the Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) from Scrum.org.
Both the PSM and CSM certifications have their place. The following table will help you decide which one is right for you.
| Professional Scrum Master (PSM) | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150 USD | approx. €1,500 |
| Special feature | Can be taken without training | Only with a training partner |
| Exam questions | 80, Multiple Choice | 35, Multiple Choice |
| Passing score | Min. 69% correct answers | Min. 85% correct answers |
| Language(s) | English | English, German, etc. |
| Validity | Valid for life | 2 years |
In summary, the PSM certification is significantly cheaper and, most importantly, valid for life! As an IT consultant and developer who mostly participates only as a Scrum team member, the PSM certification was therefore absolutely the right choice for me.
“But CSM is surely better?”
No! Both organizations offer a good course level.
In the end, it comes down to how well each individual has understood what it’s all about.
How do I best prepare for the PSM exam without a training partner?
Read through the Scrum Guide and do plenty of practice exams.
Whizlabs has a good exam simulator.
