Brolly Academy | Scrum Master
CSM Certification
Course, Exam, Cost and Renewal (2026)
Everything you need to know about the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) in 2026: who can take it, the 16-hour course, the exam format and pass mark, what it costs, how renewal works, a two-week study plan and whether it is worth it for your career in India.
CSM certification in 2026: who can take it, the 16-hour course, 50-question exam and 37/50 pass mark, cost in India, renewal with SEUs and a two-week plan.
By Brolly Academy Team · Brolly Academy · Updated 22 October 2026
Table of Contents
Quick answer
CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) is Scrum Alliance's entry-level Scrum Master certification: you attend a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer, then pass an online test of 50 questions in one hour with at least 37 correct answers (74%). The course fee includes two test attempts, and you have 90 days after the course to use them. Trainers set their own prices, so the course costs between $250 and $2,495 on the official page. You renew every two years with 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and a $100 fee.
- Full form: Certified ScrumMaster
- Body: Scrum Alliance
- Course: 16 hours, usually over 2 to 3 days, with a Certified Scrum Trainer
- Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions, 1 hour, 74% to pass, two attempts included
- Renewal: 20 SEUs + $100 every 2 years
Key takeaways
- You cannot take the CSM test without first completing the 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
- The exam is 50 questions in one hour, and you need 37 correct to pass (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
- The course fee covers the test, with two attempts within 90 days of the course.
- CSM is valid for two years. You keep it active with 20 SEUs and a $100 renewal fee (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
- CSM gets your resume noticed, but your growth as a Scrum Master depends on real team experience.
1. What is CSM certification?
Short answer: CSM, or Certified ScrumMaster, is a course-based certification from Scrum Alliance that confirms you understand Scrum and the role of the Scrum Master.
CSM is the first step on its Scrum Master track, followed by Advanced CSM (A-CSM) and Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM).
What makes CSM different from many other certificates is the course. You cannot just buy an exam. You must learn from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) for 16 hours first. This live, interactive format is the main reason people choose CSM. You discuss real problems, practise facilitation and ask questions of an experienced trainer.
The course teaches Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide 2020 (checked October 2026). That means:
- 3 accountabilities: Developers, Product Owner and Scrum Master.
- 5 events: the Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective.
- 3 artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog and Increment, each with a commitment (Product Goal, Sprint Goal and Definition of Done).
For a full view of every Scrum Master certificate, including PSM and SAFe, read our Scrum Master certification guide.
2. CSM eligibility: who can take it?
Short answer: Anyone can take CSM. There is no degree, experience or prior exam requirement. The only rule is that you must complete the 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer.
According to the official CSM page (Scrum Alliance, October 2026):
- The course is 16 hours of training, usually spread over 2 to 3 days.
- A Certified Scrum Trainer teaches it, online or in person.
- An online multiple-choice test follows the course.
That is the entire eligibility rule. This makes CSM open to:
- Students and freshers who want to understand agile delivery before their first job.
- Developers and testers who want to move into a Scrum Master role.
- Business analysts and project coordinators who already work with Scrum teams.
- Project managers who want to add agile skills to a PMP or traditional background.
- Non-IT professionals in roles such as operations or marketing, where teams also use Scrum.
Having no experience does not stop you from earning CSM. It does affect how quickly you land a Scrum Master job, which we cover later.
3. The CSM exam: questions, time and pass mark
Short answer: The CSM test has 50 multiple-choice questions, a one-hour limit and a pass mark of 37 out of 50 (74%), and you get two attempts within 90 days of the course.
Here are the exam facts from the official CSM page (Scrum Alliance, October 2026):
What the questions cover
The questions test your understanding of Scrum as taught in the course and written in the Scrum Guide. Expect questions on:
- The Scrum values and the three pillars of empiricism: transparency, inspection and adaptation.
- What each accountability owns. For example, the Product Owner is accountable for ordering the Product Backlog.
- The purpose and timebox of each event. For a one-month Sprint, Sprint Planning is up to 8 hours, the Daily Scrum is 15 minutes, the Sprint Review is up to 4 hours and the Sprint Retrospective is up to 3 hours (Scrum Guide 2020).
- How the Scrum Master serves the team, the Product Owner and the organisation.
- Scenario questions, such as what a Scrum Master should do when a manager interrupts the team during a Sprint.
How hard is it?
If you attend the full course and review the Scrum Guide, the test is very manageable. The 74% pass mark is lower than PSM I's 85%, and you get 72 seconds per question on average. That said, careless reading causes failures. Questions often turn on one word such as "must" or "should".
4. CSM certification cost
Short answer: You pay one course fee to the trainer, and it includes the exam with two attempts; the official page shows a range of $250 to $2,495 because each trainer sets a price by region and format.
There is no separate CSM exam fee for your first two attempts. Scrum Alliance explains that course prices vary because trainers set their own prices for their region and format, online or in person (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
The rupee figures are conversions at about ₹95 per dollar, the Wise mid-market rate on 22 October 2026. Your actual price depends on the trainer, the currency they charge in and any taxes.
What drives the price
- Format: online classes are often cheaper than in-person classes.
- Region: trainers price for their market.
- Extras: some trainers add study material, follow-up coaching or practice sessions.
Before you pay, confirm that the trainer is a Certified Scrum Trainer listed by Scrum Alliance, and that the fee includes the test. For a full comparison with PSM and SAFe costs, including hidden costs, read our Scrum Master certification cost guide.
5. How to get CSM certification, step by step
Short answer: Pick a Certified Scrum Trainer, attend the 16-hour course, take the online test within 90 days and accept your certificate in your Scrum Alliance account.
- Read the Scrum Guide first. Even one reading before the course helps you follow the discussion.
- Choose a course. Find a Certified Scrum Trainer on the Scrum Alliance site. Compare format, timing and price.
- Attend all 16 hours. Participate actively. Ask questions and join every exercise.
- Get your test link. After the course, Scrum Alliance gives you access to the online test.
- Revise and take the test. Most people take it within a few days, while the course is fresh. You have 90 days and two attempts.
- Receive your certification. Once you pass, Scrum Alliance issues your CSM.
- Add it to your resume and LinkedIn. Write it as "Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Scrum Alliance" with the year.
6. CSM renewal: SEUs and fee
Short answer: CSM is valid for two years from the day you earn it, and you renew by submitting 20 Scrum Education Units together with a $100 fee.
The official renewal page (Scrum Alliance, October 2026) says every certification is on a two-year renewal cycle from the date it was earned, and the SEUs and fee must be submitted together.
SEUs are learning credits. Log them as you learn over the two years, so you are not rushing at the end. Set a calendar reminder a few months before your renewal date.
If you move up to A-CSM, your CSM renewal is handled as part of that certificate. The A-CSM page (Scrum Alliance, October 2026) says an expired CSM renews automatically when you earn the A-CSM.
7. A 2-week CSM preparation plan
Short answer: Spend the first week learning Scrum from the guide and the course, and the second week practising questions and fixing weak areas.
This plan assumes about one to two hours a day, around your course dates.
Study tips that work
- Learn the why, not just the what. Know why the Daily Scrum exists, not only that it lasts 15 minutes.
- Use the course scenarios. CSM questions often look like the situations your trainer discusses.
- Do not use exam dumps. They are often wrong and they leave you unready for interviews.
- Keep the Scrum Guide's wording in mind. For example, it calls the Scrum Master a "true leader who serves".
8. CSM vs PSM in short
Short answer: CSM is course-led, easier to pass and renews every two years, while PSM I is exam-led, harder to pass and lasts for life.
PSM I is Scrum.org's entry-level certificate. According to the official PSM I page (Scrum.org, October 2026), it costs $200 per attempt, has 80 questions in 60 minutes, needs 85% to pass and requires no course. It never expires.
Choose CSM if you value a live class with a trainer. Choose PSM I if you are a strong self-learner and want a lower one-time cost. Our CSM vs PSM comparison goes deeper, with a decision checklist.
9. What comes after CSM?
Short answer: After at least a year of real Scrum Master work, move to A-CSM, then CSP-SM after two years, or add SAFe if your company scales Scrum across many teams.
The Scrum Alliance Scrum Master track has three levels:
- CSM: the entry level, no experience needed.
- A-CSM: needs a CSM, an approved A-CSM course and 12 months of Scrum Master work experience within the last five years (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
- CSP-SM: needs an A-CSM and at least 24 months of Scrum Master experience within the last five years. It is the highest level on the track (CSP-SM page, Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
Each higher level renews on the same two-year cycle with more SEUs and a higher fee, as shown in the renewal table above.
10. Using CSM on your resume and in interviews
Short answer: List CSM clearly in a certifications section, then prove it in interviews with stories of how you applied Scrum, not by reciting the Scrum Guide.
A certificate only helps if recruiters can see it and interviewers believe it. Here is how to make CSM work for you.
On your resume
- Write it in full once: "Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Scrum Alliance, 2026". Recruiters and applicant tracking systems search for both "CSM" and "Certified ScrumMaster".
- Put it near the top if you are switching into a Scrum Master role, so it is seen in the first few seconds.
- Link it to action. Under your current job, add a line such as "Facilitated Daily Scrums and Retrospectives for a team of 7" if you have done it. Use your own real numbers.
- Keep it current. If your CSM has lapsed, renew it before you apply, or list the year you earned it honestly.
In interviews
Interviewers know that most candidates hold a certificate. They test whether you can use Scrum. Expect questions such as:
- How would you handle a Product Owner who keeps adding work in the middle of a Sprint?
- What would you do if the Daily Scrum keeps running past 15 minutes?
- How do you help a team that skips the Retrospective because it is "too busy"?
Answer with a short situation, what you did and what changed. If you have not been a Scrum Master yet, use examples from your current team, a college project or the capstone work from your course.
On LinkedIn
Add CSM under "Licenses and certifications" and mention it in your headline if you are actively looking for Scrum Master roles. Share one short post about what you learned in the course. It shows recruiters that you engage with the subject, not just the exam.
11. Is CSM certification worth it in India?
Short answer: Yes, for most people moving into Scrum Master roles, because it is widely recognised and the live course builds practical skills, but it works best alongside real team experience.
CSM commonly appears in Scrum Master job posts in India, along with PSM and SAFe. That makes it a practical filter-clearing credential.
Here is what the salary data says about the role. AmbitionBox reports an average Scrum Master salary in India of ₹17.4 lakh a year, based on 20.9k salaries from people with 5 to 14 years of experience (AmbitionBox, October 2026). The band for 3 to 6 years of experience is ₹10.7 to 11.9 lakh, and it rises to ₹20 to 22.1 lakh for 12+ years.
These figures come from experienced professionals, not fresh graduates. So treat CSM as the key that opens the door, not the house itself.
CSM is most valuable when:
- You already work in IT and want to move into a Scrum Master role.
- Your target employers list CSM in their job posts.
- You learn better in a live class than on your own.
It is less valuable when you have no plan to get hands-on team experience. For the full route from where you are today, read our guide on how to become a Scrum Master.
12. Common CSM mistakes to avoid
Short answer: Do not choose a course only on price, do not skip revision, and do not let your certificate lapse.
- Choosing an unlisted trainer. Only Certified Scrum Trainers can run a real CSM course. Check the trainer on the Scrum Alliance site.
- Waiting too long to take the test. You have 90 days, but your memory of the course fades fast.
- Ignoring the Scrum Guide. The course is the base, but the guide is the reference for every rule.
- Forgetting renewal. Track your SEUs and pay the $100 fee on time every two years.
- Stopping at the certificate. Learn Jira, practise facilitation and volunteer to run events in your current team.
13. How Brolly Academy helps
Short answer: Brolly Academy's 1-week Scrum Master course in Hyderabad builds your Scrum foundations and Jira skills, then spends two days on CSM and PSM exam preparation, role plays and mock interviews.
The Scrum Master training in Hyderabad runs in the classroom and live online, with the option to switch. According to the course page (October 2026):
- Days 1 and 2: Agile and Scrum foundations and roles.
- Days 3 and 4: Scrum events and backlog, with a simple capstone project.
- Day 5: Jira and team leadership.
- Days 6 and 7: CSM and PSM exam preparation, role plays, mock interviews, resume building and placement guidance.
- 11 modules, including Scrum roles, ceremonies, artifacts, burndown and burnup charts, agile estimation and scaling Scrum.
- Tools: Jira, Confluence, Trello, Miro, Asana, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Kanban boards.
- Fees: Video Recording ₹5,000, Online Course ₹10,500 and Classroom Training ₹15,000, with EMI available.
Note that the CSM certificate itself is issued by Scrum Alliance after its own course with a Certified Scrum Trainer, and the CSM, PSM and SAFe exam fees are separate from Brolly's fees. You can attend a free demo class before you enrol.
Prepare for CSM with hands-on Scrum practice
Learn Scrum events, artifacts and Jira through a capstone project, then get ready for the CSM and PSM exams with role plays, mock interviews and resume support. Classroom batches in Hyderabad and live online batches start every week. Book your free demo class with Brolly Academy today.
Frequently asked questions
What is CSM certification?
CSM certification, or Certified ScrumMaster, is Scrum Alliance's entry-level certificate for the Scrum Master role. You complete a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer and then pass an online test of 50 questions in one hour. It confirms that you understand Scrum and how a Scrum Master serves the team and organisation.
What is the full form of CSM?
CSM stands for Certified ScrumMaster. It is awarded by Scrum Alliance and is the first level on its Scrum Master track. The next levels are Advanced Certified ScrumMaster, known as A-CSM, and Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster, known as CSP-SM, which need real Scrum Master work experience.
Who is eligible for CSM certification?
Anyone is eligible. Scrum Alliance does not require a degree, work experience or another certificate for CSM. The only requirement is that you complete the 16-hour course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer. Students, freshers, developers, testers, analysts and project managers can all take it.
How many questions are in the CSM exam?
The CSM exam has 50 multiple-choice questions. You get one hour to answer them online, which is about 72 seconds per question on average. Questions cover the Scrum framework, the three accountabilities, the events and artifacts, and how the Scrum Master serves the team and organisation.
What is the CSM passing score?
You need 37 correct answers out of 50 to pass the CSM exam, which is 74%. That pass mark is lower than PSM I's 85%, so the test is very manageable if you attend the full course and review the Scrum Guide. Read every question carefully because single words change answers.
How many attempts do I get for the CSM exam?
Your CSM course fee includes two test attempts. Scrum Alliance gives you 90 days after the course to use them. Most people take the test within a few days of the course while the content is fresh, which improves the chance of passing on the first try.
How much does CSM certification cost in India?
CSM is priced by each trainer. The Scrum Alliance page shows a range of $250 to $2,495, which is roughly ₹23,700 to ₹2.37 lakh at the Wise rate of about ₹95 per dollar in October 2026. The fee covers the course and two exam attempts. Renewal costs $100 every two years.
Is the CSM exam fee separate from the course fee?
No. For your first two attempts, the exam is included in the course fee you pay to the Certified Scrum Trainer. You do not buy the CSM test on its own, because the course is mandatory. Confirm with your trainer that the price you are quoted includes the test.
How long is CSM certification valid?
CSM is valid for two years from the date you earn it. To keep it active, you renew every two years by submitting 20 Scrum Education Units together with a $100 fee. If you do not renew, the certification lapses, so track your renewal date and SEUs.
How do I renew my CSM certification?
You renew CSM by logging 20 Scrum Education Units and paying a $100 fee every two years, submitted together in your Scrum Alliance account. Log learning activities as you go over the two years, and set a reminder a few months before your renewal date so you never miss it.
What are SEUs in CSM renewal?
SEUs are Scrum Education Units, the learning credits Scrum Alliance uses for renewal. CSM needs 20 SEUs every two years along with the fee. Higher levels need more: A-CSM needs 30 SEUs with a $175 fee, and CSP-SM needs 40 SEUs with a $250 fee every two years.
How long does it take to get CSM certification?
Most people finish in about two weeks. The course itself is 16 hours, usually over 2 to 3 days. Add a few days of reading the Scrum Guide before the course and a few days of revision and practice questions after it, then take the one-hour online test.
Is the CSM exam difficult?
The CSM exam is moderate. With 50 questions in an hour and a 74% pass mark, it is easier than PSM I, which has 80 questions in an hour and an 85% pass mark. Careless reading is the most common reason for failure, so slow down and read each option fully.
Can I take the CSM exam without the course?
No. Scrum Alliance requires you to complete the 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer before you can take the CSM test. If you want a Scrum Master certificate without a course, PSM I from Scrum.org is the main option, because its course is optional.
Is CSM certification worth it?
Yes, for most people moving into Scrum Master roles. CSM is widely recognised in Indian job posts and the live course builds practical facilitation skills. AmbitionBox puts the average Scrum Master salary at ₹17.4 lakh a year in October 2026, but that data comes from experienced professionals, so pair CSM with real team experience.
Can a fresher do CSM certification?
Yes. CSM has no experience requirement, so a fresher can attend the course and take the test. Be realistic about jobs, though, because most Scrum Master roles go to people with a few years in IT. Use CSM to show agile knowledge and target coordinator or analyst roles in Scrum teams first.
Which is better, CSM or PSM?
Neither is better for everyone. CSM suits people who want a live course and a lower pass mark, but it renews every two years. PSM I suits confident self-learners, costs $200 per attempt, needs 85% to pass and lasts for life. Check which one your target employers mention more often.
What is the difference between CSM and A-CSM?
CSM is the entry level and needs only the 16-hour course. A-CSM, the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster, needs a CSM, an approved A-CSM course and 12 months of Scrum Master work experience within the last five years. A-CSM renews with 30 SEUs and a $175 fee every two years.
What should I study for the CSM exam?
Study the Scrum Guide 2020 and your course notes. Focus on the three accountabilities, the five events with their timeboxes, the three artifacts with their commitments, the Scrum values and empiricism, and how the Scrum Master serves the team, Product Owner and organisation. Then practise with scenario questions.
Is the CSM course online or in person?
Both formats exist. Certified Scrum Trainers run CSM courses online and in person, and they set their own prices by region and format. Online courses are often cheaper and easier to fit around work. Either way, the course is 16 hours and is followed by the same online test.
Does CSM certification guarantee a job?
No certificate guarantees a job. CSM helps your resume pass filters and proves Scrum knowledge, but employers also look for real team experience, facilitation skills and tool knowledge such as Jira. Combine the certificate with hands-on practice, volunteering in your current team and strong interview preparation.
What comes after CSM certification?
After CSM, the Scrum Alliance path is A-CSM, which needs 12 months of Scrum Master experience, and then CSP-SM, which needs an A-CSM and 24 months of experience within the last five years. Some people also add SAFe Scrum Master if they work in large organisations that use the Scaled Agile Framework.
Does CSM certification expire if I do not renew?
Yes. CSM runs on a two-year cycle, and without the 20 SEUs and $100 fee it lapses. Scrum Alliance's A-CSM page says an expired CSM renews automatically when you earn the A-CSM, so moving up the track is another way to bring it back to active status.
Does Brolly Academy prepare students for the CSM exam?
Yes. Brolly Academy's 1-week Scrum Master course in Hyderabad spends days 6 and 7 on CSM and PSM exam preparation, role plays and mock interviews, after covering Scrum foundations, events, backlog and Jira. The CSM certificate itself is issued by Scrum Alliance after its own course with a Certified Scrum Trainer.
Is the CSM exam fee included in Brolly Academy's course fee?
No. According to Brolly Academy's course page in October 2026, CSM, PSM and SAFe exam fees are separate from the training fee. Brolly offers Video Recording at ₹5,000, Online Course at ₹10,500 and Classroom Training at ₹15,000, with EMI available, and a free demo class before you enrol.
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