CSM vs PMP: which certification is better?

Choosing between CSM and PMP depends on your career focus. CSM certification, which costs $349 to $549, is ideal for those working with Scrum teams. In contrast, PMP certification is more suited for project managers overseeing broader project scopes and requires 35 contact hours of formal education and 36 months of leadership experience.

Key Differences

• Focus: CSM centers on Agile and Scrum methodologies, while PMP encompasses traditional project management practices.
• Certification Body: CSM is awarded by Scrum Alliance; PMP is awarded by PMI.
• Exam Format: CSM has a 50-question exam with a 90% pass rate; PMP has 180 questions over 230 minutes.

Cost and Maintenance

CSM costs between $349 and $549, which includes a 2-day class and a 2-year membership. To maintain CSM, you need 20 SEUs every two years and a $100 renewal fee. PMP requires 60 PDUs every three years for renewal, with a renewal fee paid to PMI.

Which to Choose?

If you're a Scrum Master or want to work within Agile frameworks, CSM is the better choice. For roles that require oversight of diverse project management practices, PMP is more appropriate. ThinkLouder offers both CSM and PMP classes, with over 55,000 practitioners trained since 2001. Explore our certifications for more details.