Scrum is a popular agile methodology that helps teams deliver high-quality software products in a shorter amount of time. It has gained significant popularity in recent years, and many organizations are now adopting Scrum to improve their development processes.
As a result, there has been an increased demand for Scrum Masters who can guide teams through the Scrum process. Two of the most popular certifications for Scrum Masters are Professional Scrum Master (PSM) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM). In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between these two certifications and help you determine which one is better for you.
What Is a Professional Scrum Master?
Professional Scrum Master (PSM) is a certification offered by Scrum.org, an organization founded by Ken Schwaber, the co-creator of Scrum. The PSM certification is designed to validate your understanding of the Scrum framework, your ability to apply Scrum principles in real-world situations, and your knowledge of how to lead a Scrum team. There are three levels of PSM certification: PSM I, PSM II, and PSM III.
To become a PSM I certified Scrum Master, you need to pass an online exam that tests your knowledge of the Scrum framework, Scrum roles, Scrum events, and Scrum artifacts. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. The passing score is 85%.
To become a PSM II certified Scrum Master, you must first pass the PSM I exam. In addition, you must have at least one year of experience as a Scrum Master. While becoming a PSM III certified Scrum Master requires you to first pass the PSM II exam. In addition, you must have at least two years of experience as a Scrum Master and have demonstrated your knowledge and ability to apply Scrum principles in real-world situations.
What Is a Certified Scrum Master?
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization that was founded in 2001. The CSM certification is designed to validate your understanding of the Scrum framework, your ability to apply Scrum principles in real-world situations, and your knowledge of how to lead a Scrum team. To become a CSM certified Scrum Master, you need to attend a two-day training course and pass an online exam.
The CSM training course covers topics such as Scrum theory, Scrum roles, Scrum events, and Scrum artifacts. The exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. The passing score is 74%.
Which Is Better: Professional Scrum Master or Certified Scrum Master?
When it comes to choosing between PSM and CSM, there is no clear winner. Both certifications are widely recognized and respected within the Scrum community. However, there are some differences between the two that may help you decide which one is better for you.
First, the PSM certification is more focused on the Scrum framework and its underlying principles. The PSM exam is more challenging than the CSM exam, and it requires a deeper understanding of Scrum theory and its application in real-world situations. On the other hand, the CSM certification is more focused on practical application, and the training course provides more hands-on experience with Scrum.
Second, the Scrum.org organization is more focused on Scrum itself, while the Scrum Alliance is more focused on promoting agile methodologies in general. This means that the Scrum.org organization is more focused on the Scrum framework, while the Scrum Alliance is more focused on how Scrum fits into the broader agile landscape.
In summary, both PSM and CSM certifications are excellent options for Scrum Masters. The choice between the two depends on your personal preferences and career goals. If you want to focus on Scrum theory and principles, and are willing to put in the extra effort to pass a challenging exam, the PSM certification may be the better choice for you.
In addition to demonstrating your knowledge and leading to your certification, Agilemania offers 2-day PSM and CSM training programs.
