What is CSM certification?

CSM certification costs $349 to $549 in the US and includes a 2-day class, the exam, and a 2-year membership with Scrum Alliance. It's designed for people who want to become Certified Scrum Masters and demonstrate their understanding of Scrum principles and practices.

If you're new to Scrum, this certification gives you the foundation to run a team. You'll learn how to facilitate sprints, remove blockers, and protect your team from scope creep. Most people finish the class and pass the exam within 90 days.

What's Included in CSM Certification

The package breaks down like this:

• 2-day instructor-led class: Live training from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) covering Scrum roles, events, and artifacts.
• 50-question exam: Multiple choice, 74% passing score (37 correct answers). You get up to 2 attempts within 90 days of finishing the course.
• 2-year Scrum Alliance membership: Access to resources, community, and the credential itself.
• Renewal: Every two years, you'll need 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and pay a $100 renewal fee to keep your certification active.

Why Get CSM Certified

Most Scrum Masters we've trained say the certification forced them to think about why they do what they do, not just what they do. You'll be able to answer questions like: Why does the Daily Standup exist? What's the difference between a sprint goal and a task? When should you break a Scrum rule?

On the job market, CSM opens doors. It's the most widely recognized Scrum credential. Employers in tech, finance, and product teams expect it or actively prefer it. And if you're already a Scrum Master without the cert, it's often the fastest way to formalize what you already know.

ThinkLouder has trained over 55,000 practitioners since 2001 as a Scrum Alliance Licensed Training Provider. Our CSM classes start at $349 and run throughout the year.

How to Get Started

First, check our certification page for upcoming class dates and enrollment. You don't need prior Scrum experience, but familiarity with Agile teams helps. If you're curious how Scrum fits into product management, read about what a product manager actually does.

Once you pass, you'll have the credential for two years. Plan to earn those 20 SEUs before renewal by taking workshops, reading approved books, or attending conferences.

Related Resources

• Curious about career paths after CSM certification? Learn the key differences between a Scrum master vs project manager.