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Simon Buehring

What is Scrum certification? Guide to providers, costs, and benefits

Achieving a Scrum Certification can boost your career in Agile project management. Learn the steps, compare providers, and understand the benefits of becoming certified today.
What is Scrum certification? Guide to providers, costs, and benefits
Contents

Introduction to Scrum certification

Scrum certification demonstrates your knowledge and ability to apply Agile methodology within a Scrum team. Certified professionals are recognised globally and often sought after for roles such as Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Scrum team member. This guide provides a step-by-step overview for newcomers and experienced practitioners considering Scrum certification.

Guide to Scrum certification

  1. Understand Scrum roles and framework: Familiarise yourself with Scrum principles, the roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner, Developers), and terminology. Recommended to review the official Scrum Guide.
  2. Select the appropriate Scrum certification: Choose between entry-level certifications such as Professional Scrum Master (PSM) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or advanced certificates aligned to your career goals.
  3. Choose an Accredited Provider: Consider reputable bodies like Scrum.org, Scrum Alliance, PMI (Project Management Institute), and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
  4. Fulfil certification requirements: Meet any prerequisites (e.g., training, experience, or coursework). Many certifications require completing Scrum training from recognised providers.
  5. Exam Preparation: Practise with sample questions, mock exams, and utilise e-learning resources such as Scrum Essentials. Consider joining study groups and participating in workshops or Scrum courses.
  6. Pass the Scrum exam: Register and sit the examination online or at an authorised test centre.
  7. Update credentials and plan career advancement: Once certified, update your CV and LinkedIn profile. Leverage your credential for career progression or new job opportunities in Agile environments.

Types of Scrum certifications

Scrum certification can be categorised by role and expertise level. The main categories include:

Comparison of Scrum certification providers

Provider Popular certifications Exam structure Costs (approx.) Global recognition
Scrum.org Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) Multiple choice, online, no formal course required £150–£200 per exam plus £900 or more (training) Very high
Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Multiple choice, requires accredited training £900 or more (course + exam) Very high
PMI PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Multiple choice, requires Agile experience/hours £500 for training plus exam fee High
Scaled Agile (SAFe) SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Advanced Scrum Master Online proctored, requires official training £900 or more (course + exam) Growing
Knowledge Train Scrum Essentials Online £500 (course + exam) Growing

Note: costs can fluctuate based on location and training format. Check provider websites for the latest fees: Scrum.org, Scrum Alliance, PMI, Scaled Agile.

Certification requirements & training

Each provider has specific certification requirements:

  • Scrum.org: No mandatory training; demonstration of knowledge via exam.
  • Scrum Alliance: Must attend an accredited course before attempting the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) exams.
  • PMI: Agile project experience and prerequisite hours needed.
  • SAFe: Completion of official classroom or remote training required.

Recommended Scrum training includes accredited workshops, online courses, and interactive sessions.

Value and career benefits of Scrum certification

Holding a Scrum certification signals verified expertise in the Agile methodology and is associated with career advancement. According to global salary data, certified Scrum Masters and Product Owners command higher salaries and are preferred by employers seeking to implement or scale Agile frameworks. Certification validates your commitment to best practices in Agile project management.

  • Greater employability in industries adopting Agile (IT, finance, healthcare, consulting)
  • Higher salary potential, often exceeding non-certified peers
  • Global recognition of your skills and adherence to industry standards
  • Enhanced ability to support high-performing Scrum teams

Exam preparation tips

  • Review the official Scrum Guide, sample questions, and open assessments offered by the certification providers.
  • Join study groups and participate in workshops for real-world application.
  • Use online platforms such as Knowledge Train for self-paced revision.
  • Practise time management with full-length mock exams.
  • Focus on Scrum roles, events, artefacts, and common scenarios faced by Scrum Masters and Product Owners.

FAQs

How do you get Scrum certified?

To become Scrum certified, select a certification provider and relevant exam (such as PSM, CSM, Scrum Essentials, or SAFe Scrum Master), complete any required training, prepare using official materials, and pass the certification assessment. Update your CV and profiles to reflect your achievement.

Which organisations offer Scrum Certification?

Major organisations include Scrum.org, Scrum Alliance, PMI (Project Management Institute), Knowledge Train, and Scaled Agile (SAFe).

Is Scrum certification worth it?

Scrum certification is widely regarded as worthwhile for career advancement, salary increases, and securing roles within Agile environments. Many employers list Scrum certification as a key requirement for relevant roles.

How much does Scrum certification cost?

The cost varies from £150 for an exam (Scrum.org) to £900 and more for course-plus-exam bundles (Scrum Alliance, SAFe). More advanced certifications may cost more.

What jobs require Scrum certification?

Roles such as Scrum Master, Product Owner, Agile Coach, Project Manager, and members of Scrum Teams often require or benefit from Scrum certification. It is increasingly a standard for positions in Agile-driven organisations.

What is the difference between Scrum.org and Scrum Alliance?

Scrum.org does not require official training to attempt an exam, while Scrum Alliance mandates accredited training courses before examinations. Both are recognised internationally.

Can you take the Scrum exam online?

Yes, most leading providers, including Scrum.org, Knowledge Train, and SAFe, offer fully online, proctored Scrum exams.

IT Learning Library™ online training

Scrum certification and Agile certification overview

Scrum certification is essential for anyone seeking Agile certification or certification for Scrum. Certification in Scrum helps candidates learn Scrum methods, Scrum practices, and Scrum training. Certification of Scrum offers a recognised credential for project management professionals, product owners, and Scrum Masters. Scrum certification course options include Scrum certification classes, Scrum certification workshops, and Scrum certification programs. These certification Scrum options cover the Scrum syllabus, Scrum theory, and practical Scrum techniques.

Scrum certification exam and credential validation

Scrum certification exam and certification program validate core competencies and Scrum qualifications. Certified Scrum Master and Scrum Product Owner Certification are popular Scrum certifications. Scrum certifying helps professionals master Scrum, sprint planning, product backlog management, and delivery flow. Certified Scrum professionals gain coaching, facilitation, and leadership skills. Scrum cert, Scrum credential, and Scrum certified status demonstrate evidence of expertise in Agile and Scrum.

Scrum certification training and course content

Comprehensive Scrum certification training is available online and in class formats. Trainers and instructors teach Scrum, Agile methodologies, and scaling Scrum. Candidates learn how to use Scrum artefacts and tools, and apply Scrum in software development. Students, business analysts, developers, and managers benefit from these courses. Certification training covers Agile leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, and user story creation.

Comprehensive Scrum certification training is available online and in class formats. Trainers and instructors teach Scrum, Agile methodologies, and scaling Scrum. Candidates learn how to use Scrum artefacts and tools, and apply Scrum in software development. Students, business analysts, developers, and managers benefit from these courses. Certification training covers Agile leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, and user story creation.

Scrum certification tests and organisational benefits

Certification exams test understanding of Scrum values, sprint, backlog, and team accountabilities. Training includes practice tests, examples, and case studies to help candidates prepare. Upon passing, candidates earn digital Scrum credentials and join a global community. Organisations value Scrum certified professionals for their ability to improve product development, optimise delivery, and drive continuous improvement.

Recognition and opportunities for Scrum certified professionals

PMP, PMI, AWS, Microsoft, and CompTIA recognise Scrum certifications as beneficial for IT professionals. Companies seeking competitive advantage value certified Scrum Masters and product owners. Scrum accredited certification increases career opportunities and validates Agile and Scrum expertise. Prices for Scrum certification courses vary, with discounts and free resources available online. Visit the web for more information, course details, and to book your place.

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