Scrum Master Certification Cost Breakdown
Explore the costs, renewal fees, and salary benefits of Scrum Master certifications to enhance your career in agile project management.
Here’s what you need to know: Scrum Master certifications are a valuable investment, with costs ranging from $150 to $2,000, but they can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities. Whether you're just starting or aiming to scale in enterprise environments, there’s a certification for you.
Key Points:
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): $500–$2,495 (includes training + exam). Best for beginners.
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM): $200 per exam attempt. Ideal for self-learners, no renewal fees.
- SAFe Scrum Master (SSM): $600–$1,099. Focuses on enterprise-level scaling.
Quick Comparison:
| Certification | Cost | Renewal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSM | $500–$2,495 | $100 every 2 years | Beginners & team-level work |
| PSM | $200/exam | None (lifetime) | Self-directed learners |
| SSM | $600–$1,099 | $100 annually | Enterprise environments |
Why It Matters: Certified Scrum Masters earn an average of $113,381 annually, with advanced certifications boosting salaries by up to $35,000. Choose the right certification based on your career goals and budget.
Read on for a detailed breakdown of costs, renewal fees, and salary impacts.
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Main Scrum Master Certification Types
There are three main Scrum Master certifications, each tailored to different needs and organizational settings. Here's a breakdown of their key features to help you understand the options before diving into the cost details.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification, provided by Scrum Alliance, is a popular choice for beginners. It doesn't require any prior experience . This certification is focused on practical application and team-level use of Scrum. To earn it, you’ll need to attend a two-day training course and pass an open-book exam .
Prices for CSM training range between $250 and $2,495, and it has a strong recommendation rate, with 95% of CSM holders endorsing it .
Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
Offered by Scrum.org, the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) certification provides a flexible path. Unlike CSM, training is optional, although it’s often suggested. The PSM I exam costs $200 per attempt .
PSM certification includes three levels (PSM I, II, and III), allowing professionals to showcase deeper knowledge of Scrum principles as they progress. This certification is ideal for those who prefer self-directed learning and want to validate their understanding without mandatory training.
SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
The SAFe Scrum Master certification, offered by Scaled Agile, Inc., is designed for large-scale enterprises. It focuses on applying Scrum within Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and managing program-level activities like PI Planning . Courses for this certification typically cost between $600 and $1,099 .
| Feature | CSM | PSM | SSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Single team use | Framework understanding | Enterprise-level scaling |
| Prerequisites | None | None (self-study allowed) | Agile experience suggested |
| Primary Scope | Team facilitation | Framework application | Multi-team coordination |
| Exam Format | 50 questions, 60 mins | Format varies | 45 questions, 60 mins |
| Best For | Beginners | Independent learners | Large organizations |
"As someone coming from a non-IT/engineering background, I was keen to expand my knowledge of agile methodologies and team collaboration. Scrum Alliance provided the perfect platform for me to achieve these goals." - Scrum Alliance Member
When choosing a certification, think about your career objectives and the needs of your organization. For smaller teams, CSM might be the best fit, while SSM is better suited for enterprise-level agile practices .
Cost Components
Certification Test Fees
The cost of certification exams varies depending on the type of Scrum Master certification. For example, the Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I) exam costs $200 per attempt . On the other hand, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and SAFe certifications include the exam fee in their training packages, but retakes cost $25 and $50 respectively .
| Certification | Initial Exam Fee | Retake Fee |
|---|---|---|
| PSM I | $200 | $200 |
| CSM | Included with training | $25 |
| SAFe | Included with training | $50 |
| Disciplined Agile | Varies by level | $150 |
Now, let’s look at training program fees, which often make up the bulk of certification costs.
Training Program Fees
Training programs are usually the most expensive part of obtaining a certification. For instance, two-day Certified ScrumMaster courses typically cost between $500 and $2,000, and this price includes the certification exam . If you opt for online training, prices range from $400 to $1,000, offering a more budget-friendly option . Online platforms like Upskillist help reduce costs by eliminating travel and venue expenses. For advanced certifications, such as Scrum Product Owner Certified (SPOC™) or Expert Scrum Master Certified (ESMC™), fees range from $600 to $1,500 .
Additional Expenses
In addition to exam and training fees, there are other potential costs to consider:
- Study Materials: You may need to purchase additional practice guides or reference books to supplement basic resources.
- Practice Exams: Mock tests can help boost your chances of passing on the first try.
- Travel and Accommodation: If you attend in-person training, you’ll need to budget for transportation, lodging, and meals.
The total cost of certification depends on your chosen approach, whether it’s a more affordable online self-study program or a comprehensive in-person training experience .
Ongoing Certification Costs
Keeping your Scrum Master certification up to date means handling renewal fees and earning education credits regularly.
Certificate Renewal Fees
Most Scrum Master certifications need to be renewed periodically, with fees varying by provider and certification level. However, the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) from Scrum.org stands out because it doesn't require renewal - it's valid for life .
For Scrum Alliance certifications, renewal is required every two years, with the following fee structure:
| Certification Level | Renewal Fee (2-year term) | Renewal Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational (CSM, CSPO, CSD) | $100 | Every 2 years |
| Advanced (A-CSM, A-CSPO) | $175 | Every 2 years |
| Professional (CSP-SM, CSP-PO) | $250 | Every 2 years |
If you're certified under Scaled Agile (like SAFe Scrum Master), expect to pay $100 annually. Be aware that if you delay renewing your CSM certification for more than six months, you'll need to retake the exam .
Required Education Credits
Along with renewal fees, you’ll need to earn continuing education credits. For Scrum Alliance certifications, the requirements are:
- Foundational levels: 20 SEUs every two years
- Advanced levels: 30 SEUs every two years
- Professional levels: 40 SEUs every two years
For Scaled Agile certifications, 10 Professional Development Units (PDUs) are required annually .
Here’s how you can earn these credits without breaking the bank:
- Self-paced online courses: Typically range from $200 to $300
- Professional development activities: Count as one SEU per hour
- Conferences and seminars: Start at around $1,000 per day
Interestingly, 77% of hiring managers say certifications are essential when reviewing candidates, and 55% are willing to pay higher salaries for professionals with relevant certifications .
One smart strategy: If you're pursuing another Scrum Alliance certification, it can automatically renew your existing certifications within the same track. This can save time and money while advancing your career .
Investment Returns
Salary Impact
Earning a Scrum Master certification can lead to impressive salary growth. Entry-level positions start at an average of $76,623, mid-career roles reach around $113,381, and senior-level professionals can expect about $131,437, with some totals climbing to $168,807 . These figures highlight the strong earning potential for certified Scrum Masters.
Here’s a closer look at how salaries evolve with experience:
| Experience Level | Average Base Salary | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (<1 year) | ~$76,623 | Bonuses averaging ~$7,443 |
| Mid-Career (3–6 years) | ~$113,381 | Performance-based bonuses |
| Senior Level (7+ years) | ~$131,437 | Premiums for advanced certifications |
Advanced certifications can significantly increase earnings. For instance, professionals with credentials like PSM II may earn up to $16,000 more annually than those without certifications. Additional qualifications such as SCM, ICP-ACC, and PMI-ACP can boost salaries by as much as $35,000 per year .
Job Market Benefits
Certification doesn’t just impact salary - it also improves career flexibility. High-paying locations include Fort Collins, Seattle, the Greater Boulder Area, New York City, and Colorado . Additionally, certifications like the Advanced Certified Scrum Professional Product Owner offer a 10% salary premium and have seen an 11% market value increase within six months .
Maximizing Certificate Value
To get the most out of your Scrum Master certification, follow these tips:
-
Strategic Certification Path
Start with foundational certifications like CSM or PSM I, then move on to specialized ones. This approach can lead to higher salary growth . -
Practical Application
Use your certification skills at work to improve team workflows, streamline communication with stakeholders, conduct effective Sprint Retrospectives, and boost project outcomes . -
Continuous Development
Stay current by engaging with Agile communities, reading industry blogs, attending workshops, and finding mentors. Ongoing learning helps maintain and grow the value of your certification .
With average salaries around $113,381, the cost of certification - typically between $300 and $2,000 - is a worthwhile investment. Many professionals see their certification pay for itself within the first year through salary increases and better career opportunities.
Summary
The Scrum Master certification exam starts at $150, with optional training costing around $1,299 . On the other hand, the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification requires mandatory training, with combined costs ranging from $500 to $2,000 .
Lifetime Certification Cost Breakdown:
| Certification Type | Initial Cost | Renewal Requirements | Total 5-Year Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSM | $150 – $1,449 | None (lifetime validity) | $150 – $1,449 |
| CSM | $500 – $2,000 | $100 + 20 SEUs every 2 years | $750 – $2,250 |
| SAFe SM | $1,099 | None (lifetime validity) | $1,099 |
| DASM | $150 | $50 annually (plus 7 hours of professional development each year) | ~$350 |
*Includes initial certification and renewal fees over 5 years
These costs provide a clear picture of the financial commitment involved and help weigh the long-term value of each certification.
Certified Scrum Masters often see a strong return on their investment. For example, certified professionals earn about 24% more than those without certification , and advanced certifications can increase annual salaries by up to $35,000 . Additionally, the demand for project management roles is expected to grow by 7% through 2033 .
While certifications like PSM and SAFe offer lifetime validity with no renewal fees, others, such as CSM and DASM, require periodic renewals, which add to the long-term cost. Despite higher upfront costs, many certifications pay off quickly, often within the first year.