How to Get CSM Certification

You need three things: a 2-day course, a passing exam score, and a Scrum Alliance membership. The whole process takes about 90 days from start to certification.

The Course: 2 Days, Multiple Formats

CSM certification starts with a 2-day Certified Scrum Master course. ThinkLouder and other Scrum Alliance Licensed Training Providers offer this in three ways:

• 2 consecutive days (back-to-back)
• 3 half-day sessions (spread across a week)
• Evening or weekend classes (flexible scheduling)

Cost runs $349 to $549 depending on your provider and location. Our courses start at $349.

The course covers Scrum roles, ceremonies, artifacts, and the mindset behind them. You're not memorizing definitions. You're learning how to actually run a Sprint, facilitate a standup, and handle the friction points that come up in real teams.

The Exam: 50 Questions, 74% to Pass

After your course ends, you have 90 days to sit for the exam. It's 50 multiple-choice questions. You need 37 correct answers (74%) to pass.

You get two attempts within that 90-day window. If you don't pass the first time, there's a $25 fee for the second attempt. Most people pass on the first try if they paid attention in class and reviewed the Scrum Guide.

Renewal: Every 2 Years

Your CSM certification lasts two years. To renew, you need to earn 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and pay a $100 renewal fee.

SEUs come from attending Scrum Alliance events, taking advanced courses, or contributing to the community. If you're actively working as a Scrum Master or in an Agile role, you'll hit 20 SEUs without much effort.

Why This Matters

If you're new to Scrum, the course fills gaps that reading alone won't. You get to ask questions, watch instructors model facilitation, and practice with other practitioners. Our Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) instructors have real Scrum Master experience, not just training credentials. We've trained over 55,000 practitioners since 2001.

Ready to start? Check our upcoming schedule or learn more about what CSM certification actually covers.