How much does it cost to get agile certified?

Agile certification in the United States costs between $349 and $549. That price includes your two-day training course, the certification exam, and a two-year membership with the Scrum Alliance. The exact amount depends on which certification you're after and who's running the class.

Certification costs by type

Each Scrum Alliance certification carries its own price range:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): $349 to $499
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO): $349 to $499
• Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM): $499 to $599
• Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO): $499 to $599

The entry-level certifications (CSM and CSPO) sit at the lower end. The advanced tracks cost more because they assume you've already worked in a Scrum role and want to go deeper.

What drives the price

Three things move the needle on cost.

Provider matters. Different Scrum Alliance Licensed Training Providers set their own rates. ThinkLouder has trained over 55,000 practitioners since 2001, and our classes start at $349. Other providers may charge more or less depending on their overhead and instructor credentials.

Location affects pricing. Urban markets and high-cost regions typically charge more than rural areas. A class in San Francisco will run higher than one in Des Moines.

Format changes the bill. In-person training usually costs more than virtual options. You're paying for the instructor's time and, in some cases, the venue. Online classes cut those expenses, so you'll often see lower prices there.

What's included

When you pay for certification, you're getting the course, the exam attempt, and your first two years of Scrum Alliance membership. That membership gives you access to community resources and the ability to renew your credential every two years (usually for a lower renewal fee, around $100).

If you fail the exam on your first try, most providers let you retake it at no additional cost. Check with your trainer to confirm.

Next steps

Ready to get started? Check out our certifications page to see current class dates and enrollment. If you're still figuring out which certification fits your role, our guide on how to get agile certified walks through the options. And if you're prepping for the CSM exam specifically, grab our CSM exam study checklist to focus your prep time.