Brolly Academy | Scrum Master
CSM vs PSM
Course, Exam, Cost and Which to Choose (2026)
A clear, side-by-side comparison of the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance and the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) from Scrum.org: course rules, exam, pass mark, cost in rupees, renewal, recognition and which one suits you.
CSM vs PSM I compared for 2026: course rules, exam format, pass mark, cost in India, renewal, recognition with Indian employers and which one to choose.
By Brolly Academy Team · Brolly Academy · Updated 22 October 2026
Table of Contents
Quick answer
CSM and PSM I are both respected entry-level Scrum Master certifications: choose CSM if you want a guided course with the exam included, and choose PSM I if you want a cheaper, self-study route with a certificate that never expires. CSM comes from Scrum Alliance and needs a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer. PSM I comes from Scrum.org and needs no course. CSM renews every two years. PSM I is valid for life. Both test the same Scrum framework, so the right choice depends on your budget, learning style and goals.
- CSM: course required, 50 questions in 1 hour, pass mark 74%, renew every 2 years
- PSM I: course optional, 80 questions in 60 minutes, pass mark 85%, lifetime
- Cost basis: CSM course fee set by the trainer ($250 to $2,495 USD on the official page), PSM I $200 USD per attempt
- Best for guided learning: CSM
- Best for low cost and self-study: PSM I
Key takeaways
- Both certifications are based on Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide. The knowledge you need is largely the same.
- CSM's main cost is the mandatory course. PSM I's main cost is the $200 USD exam, about ₹19,000 at the current rate.
- PSM I has the harder exam on paper: more questions and a higher pass mark (85% vs 74%).
- CSM must be renewed every two years with 20 SEUs and $100. PSM I has no renewal fee.
- Many Scrum Masters eventually hold both. If you can afford only one, use the checklist at the end of this guide.
1. CSM vs PSM at a glance
Short answer: CSM is a course-based certification from Scrum Alliance with an easier exam and a two-year renewal. PSM I is an exam-only certification from Scrum.org with a harder exam and lifetime validity.
Sources: the Scrum Alliance CSM page, the Scrum Alliance renewal page (Scrum Alliance, October 2026) and the Scrum.org PSM I page (Scrum.org, October 2026).
Note that "PSM" on its own usually means PSM I, the entry level. Scrum.org also has PSM II and PSM III, which we compare with Scrum Alliance's advanced levels later.
2. What is the CSM?
Short answer: The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is Scrum Alliance's entry-level Scrum Master certification. You earn it by attending a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer and then passing an online multiple-choice test.
Scrum Alliance describes the CSM course as 16 hours of training, usually spread over two to three days, taught by Certified Scrum Trainers. After the course, you take an online test (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
Key CSM facts:
- Course price: The official page shows a range of $250 to $2,495 USD. Trainers set their own prices by region and format, online or in person.
- Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions in one hour. You pass with 37 correct answers (74%).
- Attempts: The course fee includes two test attempts, to be used within 90 days of the course.
- Renewal: 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and $100 every two years.
The biggest benefit of CSM is the live course. You learn from a certified trainer, ask questions, and practise Scrum with other learners. For full details on CSM, read our guide to CSM certification.
3. What is PSM I?
Short answer: Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is Scrum.org's entry-level Scrum Master certification. You earn it by passing an online test of 80 questions in 60 minutes with at least 85%, and no course is required.
Key PSM I facts from Scrum.org (Scrum.org, October 2026):
- Fee: $200 USD per attempt.
- Exam: 80 questions in 60 minutes, in multiple choice, multiple answer and true/false formats.
- Pass mark: 85%, which means at least 68 correct answers.
- Course: Optional. You can buy a password and take the test without any class.
- Password: Does not expire, but is valid for one attempt only.
- Validity: Lifetime, with no annual renewal fee.
The biggest benefit of PSM I is flexibility. You study at your own pace from the free Scrum Guide and practise with Scrum.org's free Open Assessments, then test whenever you are ready. For a full prep plan, read our guide to PSM I certification.
4. Course and eligibility compared
Short answer: For CSM, the course is the entry ticket: you cannot take the test without it. For PSM I, anyone can take the test, with or without a course. Neither requires a degree or prior work experience.
What this means for you:
- If you learn best with a teacher, the CSM course gives you structure and discussion. You may also meet other professionals and build your network.
- If you are disciplined and on a budget, PSM I lets you avoid course fees completely.
- If your company pays for training, CSM's course cost matters less, and the guided learning is a bonus.
Scrum.org course pages say a Professional Scrum Master class includes a free PSM I attempt, and a free second attempt if you test within 14 days and score below 85% (Scrum.org, October 2026). So a PSM course is an option, not a requirement.
5. Exam compared: which is harder?
Short answer: PSM I is generally considered harder because it has more questions in the same time and a higher pass mark of 85%, compared with CSM's 74%. CSM also gives you two attempts within the course fee.
Both tests focus on the Scrum framework: accountabilities, events, artifacts, values and the Scrum Master's role. Both reward understanding the Scrum Guide exactly as written.
What makes PSM I feel harder:
- Less time per question. You must read and decide faster.
- Higher pass mark. There is less room for errors.
- Scenario questions. Many questions ask what a Scrum Master should do, and more than one answer can look right.
What makes CSM feel easier:
- The course prepares you directly for the test, and you take it soon after.
- Two attempts are included, so one bad day does not cost you extra within the 90-day window.
Neither exam is easy if you skip the Scrum Guide. Study the guide for both.
6. Cost compared in rupees
Short answer: PSM I costs $200 USD per attempt, about ₹19,000. CSM's cost is the course fee, which the official page lists between $250 and $2,495 USD, about ₹23,700 to ₹2.37 lakh, with two test attempts included. CSM also adds a $100 renewal every two years.
Using the Wise mid-market rate of about ₹95 per dollar (22 October 2026), here is an approximate view. Rupee figures are conversions, not official prices.
Indian CSM course prices are set by each trainer. The official range is wide, so compare trainers on what they include before paying. Do not choose on price alone.
Hidden costs to remember:
- Bank charges on dollar payments
- Retakes: PSM I needs a new paid password for each attempt
- SEU activities for CSM renewal, if you choose paid learning to earn them
- Your time for study and course days
For costs across every Scrum certification, see our guide to Scrum Master certification cost.
7. Renewal and validity
Short answer: CSM is valid for two years and must be renewed with 20 SEUs and $100. PSM I is a lifetime certification with no renewal fee.
CSM renewal
Scrum Alliance puts every certification on a two-year renewal cycle from the date you earned it. You submit the SEUs and the fee together (Scrum Alliance, October 2026):
SEUs (Scrum Education Units) are credits for continued learning. The renewal page explains the activities that count. One useful detail from the A-CSM page: an expired CSM renews automatically when you earn the A-CSM.
PSM I validity
Scrum.org describes PSM I as a lifetime certification with no annual renewal fee (Scrum.org, October 2026). Once you pass, you keep it.
What this means: renewal is not just a cost. It also pushes you to keep learning. Some professionals see CSM renewal as useful discipline, while others prefer PSM I's one-time payment.
8. Advanced levels: A-CSM and CSP-SM vs PSM II and PSM III
Short answer: Scrum Alliance's path goes CSM, then A-CSM, then CSP-SM, each needing a course and logged Scrum Master experience. Scrum.org's path goes PSM I, then PSM II, then PSM III, each earned by passing a tougher exam.
These details come from Scrum Alliance's A-CSM and CSP-SM pages (Scrum Alliance, October 2026), and Scrum.org's PSM II and PSM III pages (Scrum.org, October 2026). Two Scrum.org pages describe PSM III's format differently, so check the current page before planning for it. PSM II and PSM III are lifetime certifications.
The two paths reward different strengths. Scrum Alliance's path rewards logged experience and ongoing learning. Scrum.org's path rewards proven knowledge through tough exams.
9. Recognition in India
Short answer: Both CSM and PSM I are widely recognised by Indian employers. Job postings often list "CSM or PSM" together. Neither guarantees a job, and experience usually matters more than which badge you hold.
We have not found a reliable, sourced study that shows Indian employers prefer one over the other, so we describe this in words only. Here is what you see in practice:
- Job ads often accept either. Many Scrum Master postings ask for "CSM, PSM or equivalent".
- Some teams have a preference. A company that trains its staff through one body may lean towards that body's certificate.
- Scaled agile roles in large organisations may ask for SAFe credentials as well. These are a separate track, covered briefly below.
- Experience beats certificates for most mid-level and senior roles.
For a picture of the job market, read our guide to Scrum Master jobs.
10. Which is better for whom?
Short answer: CSM is better for beginners who want guided learning or whose employer pays. PSM I is better for self-learners on a budget and for anyone who wants a certificate that never expires.
For freshers and students
PSM I is often the practical first choice because of its lower cost. It also forces you to learn the Scrum Guide deeply, which helps in interviews. Pair it with hands-on practice, for example using Jira on a sample project.
For working IT professionals
If you are a developer, tester or BA moving into a Scrum Master role, either works. If your employer funds training, CSM's course adds discussion and practice. If not, PSM I is a strong self-funded option.
For experienced Scrum Masters
You may already hold one. Adding the other is optional. Moving up a level, to A-CSM or PSM II, usually adds more value than collecting a second entry-level badge.
11. Can you do both CSM and PSM?
Short answer: Yes. The two certifications are from separate bodies, so you can hold both. Because they test the same framework, studying for one prepares you well for the other.
Common orders:
- CSM first, then PSM I: Use the course to learn Scrum, then take PSM I soon after while your knowledge is fresh. The higher PSM I pass mark is a good test of your understanding.
- PSM I first, then CSM later: Start cheap with PSM I. Take a CSM course later if a job or employer asks for it, or if your company pays.
Is it worth holding both? For most beginners, one is enough to get interviews. Holding both can help when you apply widely, since you match job ads that name either certification. But practical experience will always add more than a second entry-level certificate.
12. A quick look at SAFe Scrum Master and PMI-ACP
Short answer: SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) from Scaled Agile is for Scrum Masters in organisations using the Scaled Agile Framework. PMI-ACP is PMI's agile certification. Both are separate tracks from CSM and PSM.
- SAFe Scrum Master: The Scaled Agile SSM page lists a 90-minute exam with 45 questions and says the training course is not required to buy a proctored exam. You keep it active with at least 24 CEUs in each two-year cycle (Scaled Agile, October 2026). Check the page for the current pass mark and fees.
- PMI-ACP: PMI's agile certification. Check current fees and eligibility on pmi.org.
If your target companies run SAFe, consider SSM in addition to CSM or PSM I. For the full landscape, read our guide to Scrum Master certification.
13. Decision checklist: CSM or PSM?
Short answer: Answer six questions about budget, learning style, employer support, renewal, timeline and target jobs. If most answers point one way, choose that certification.
Go through each line and note which way it points:
- Budget: Can you spend more than the PSM I exam fee? If not, choose PSM I.
- Learning style: Do you need a teacher and group practice? If yes, lean CSM.
- Employer support: Will your company pay for a course? If yes, CSM becomes easier.
- Renewal: Do you want to avoid renewal fees? If yes, choose PSM I.
- Timeline: Do you need a certificate within weeks and can study alone? PSM I lets you test any time. CSM depends on course dates.
- Target jobs: Do the job ads you want name one body? Follow the ads.
- Long-term path: Do you prefer exam-based levels (PSM II, III) or experience-based levels (A-CSM, CSP-SM)? Choose the matching body.
If the answers are mixed, start with PSM I for cost reasons, build experience, and add CSM later if a role asks for it.
14. How Brolly Academy helps
Short answer: Brolly Academy's 1-week Scrum Master course in Hyderabad prepares you for both CSM and PSM I, with Scrum foundations, Jira practice, exam preparation, role plays and mock interviews, in classroom or live online batches.
The Scrum Master training in Hyderabad is designed for students, freshers, career switchers and working professionals from IT and non-IT backgrounds. According to the course page (October 2026), it includes:
- A 1-week plan: Agile and Scrum foundations and roles, Scrum events and backlog with a simple capstone project, Jira and team leadership, then two days of CSM and PSM exam preparation, role plays, mock interviews, resume building and placement guidance.
- An 11-module syllabus covering Scrum roles, ceremonies, artifacts, burndown and burnup charts, product planning, 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. CSM, PSM and SAFe exam fees are separate.
- Important note: The CSM itself needs Scrum Alliance's mandatory course with a Certified Scrum Trainer, and the certificate is issued by Scrum Alliance. Brolly's course helps you prepare.
You can attend a free demo class before you enrol.
Not sure whether to choose CSM or PSM? Start with the skills both need
Learn Scrum the way the Scrum Guide defines it, practise with Jira and real Scrum events, and get CSM and PSM exam preparation with mock interviews in one week. Join a classroom batch in Hyderabad or a live online batch. Book your free demo class with Brolly Academy today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CSM and PSM?
CSM is the Certified ScrumMaster from Scrum Alliance and needs a 16-hour course before the test. PSM I is the Professional Scrum Master I from Scrum.org and needs no course. CSM has 50 questions with a 74% pass mark and renews every two years. PSM I has 80 questions, an 85% pass mark and lifetime validity.
Which is better, CSM or PSM?
Neither is better for everyone. CSM suits people who want a guided course, especially if an employer pays. PSM I suits self-learners who want a lower cost and a certificate that never expires. Both are respected and test the same Scrum framework, so choose based on budget, learning style and the jobs you target.
Are CSM and PSM the same?
No, they are different certifications from different bodies. CSM comes from Scrum Alliance and PSM comes from Scrum.org. They cover the same Scrum framework from the Scrum Guide, but they differ in course rules, exam pattern, pass mark, cost and renewal. Many professionals treat them as equivalent entry-level credentials.
Which is more recognised in India, CSM or PSM?
Both are widely recognised by Indian employers, and many job ads ask for CSM, PSM or an equivalent. We have not found reliable data showing that employers prefer one over the other. Some companies lean towards the body they use for internal training, so check the job ads you are targeting.
Is PSM harder than CSM?
Yes, PSM I is generally harder. It has 80 questions in 60 minutes, about 45 seconds each, and an 85% pass mark. CSM has 50 questions in one hour with a 74% pass mark, and the course prepares you directly for it. Both still require a solid understanding of the Scrum Guide.
What is the cost difference between CSM and PSM?
PSM I costs $200 USD per attempt, about ₹19,000 at the Wise rate on 22 October 2026. CSM's cost is the mandatory course, listed on Scrum Alliance's page between $250 and $2,495 USD, roughly ₹23,700 to ₹2.37 lakh, with two test attempts included. CSM also needs a $100 renewal every two years.
Does CSM expire?
Yes. CSM must be renewed every two years from the date you earned it. Scrum Alliance asks for 20 Scrum Education Units and a $100 fee, submitted together. SEUs are credits for continued learning, and Scrum Alliance's renewal page explains which activities count. Plan your SEUs early so the renewal date does not catch you by surprise.
Does PSM expire?
No. Scrum.org describes PSM I as a lifetime certification with no annual renewal fee. PSM II and PSM III are also lifetime certifications. Once you pass, you keep the certification without paying again, which makes PSM a one-time cost compared with CSM's two-year renewal.
Is a course required for CSM?
Yes. Scrum Alliance requires a 16-hour CSM course, usually over two to three days, taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer. After the course you take an online test. The course fee includes two test attempts, which you must use within 90 days of finishing the course.
Is a course required for PSM?
No. A course is optional for PSM I. You can buy a password from Scrum.org and take the online test whenever you are ready. If you do take a Scrum.org Professional Scrum Master class, it includes a free PSM I attempt and a free second attempt in some cases.
What is the CSM pass mark?
The CSM pass mark is 37 out of 50 questions, which is 74%. You get one hour to complete the test. The course fee includes two attempts, to be used within 90 days of your course, according to Scrum Alliance. This is lower than the 85% pass mark for PSM I.
What is the PSM pass mark?
The PSM I pass mark is 85%, which means at least 68 correct answers out of 80. PSM II also needs 85%. This high bar means you must know the exact meaning of the Scrum Guide. Scrum.org's free Scrum Open practice test is a good way to check your readiness first.
Can I do both CSM and PSM?
Yes. CSM and PSM come from separate bodies, so you can hold both. Because they test the same framework, preparing for one helps a lot with the other. A common route is to take CSM first and then PSM I while your knowledge is fresh, or to start with PSM I and add CSM later.
Should a fresher choose CSM or PSM?
Most freshers find PSM I the practical choice because no course is required and the exam costs about ₹19,000. It also makes you study the Scrum Guide deeply, which helps in interviews. If you strongly prefer guided learning and can afford the course, CSM is also a good start.
Which is better for career switchers, CSM or PSM?
Career switchers who want structure and a teacher often prefer CSM, because the mandatory course explains Scrum with practice and discussion. Switchers who learn well from reading and want to save money can choose PSM I. Either way, combine the certificate with practical skills such as Jira and running Scrum events.
Do employers ask for CSM or PSM in job ads?
Many Scrum Master job ads in India mention CSM or PSM, often together with words like "or equivalent". Large organisations using the Scaled Agile Framework may also ask for SAFe credentials. Experience, communication and facilitation skills usually matter more than which entry-level certificate you hold.
What comes after CSM?
After CSM, Scrum Alliance's next step is A-CSM, which needs an approved course and 12 months of Scrum Master experience within the last five years. After A-CSM comes CSP-SM, which needs 24 months of experience within five years. A-CSM renews with 30 SEUs and $175 every two years.
What comes after PSM I?
After PSM I, Scrum.org's next step is PSM II, which costs $250 USD and has 30 questions in 90 minutes with an 85% pass mark. After that comes PSM III, which costs $500 USD and uses essay-based questions. Both are lifetime certifications with no renewal fee.
Is CSM or PSM better for salary?
There is no reliable sourced data showing that one certification pays more than the other in India. Salary depends mostly on your experience, skills, company and city. A certification helps you get shortlisted, but real Scrum Master experience and results drive pay growth over time.
How long does it take to get CSM vs PSM?
CSM takes the length of the 16-hour course, usually two to three days, plus the online test soon after. PSM I depends on your study speed. Many beginners prepare in two to three weeks of daily study and then take the test online whenever they feel ready.
What about SAFe Scrum Master vs CSM and PSM?
SAFe Scrum Master is from Scaled Agile and is aimed at Scrum Masters working in organisations that use the Scaled Agile Framework. Its exam has 45 questions in 90 minutes. It is a separate track from CSM and PSM, and is a useful addition if your target companies run SAFe.
Is PSM I from Scrum Alliance?
No. PSM I is from Scrum.org. Scrum Alliance offers the CSM, A-CSM and CSP-SM. The two organisations are separate, with different rules for courses, exams and renewal. This is why you can hold both a CSM and a PSM I at the same time.
Can I take CSM or PSM online from India?
Yes. The PSM I test is fully online, so you can take it from home after buying a password. CSM courses are offered both online and in person, and Scrum Alliance says the test after the course is online. Course prices vary by trainer, region and format.
Does Brolly Academy prepare for both CSM and PSM?
Yes. Brolly Academy's 1-week Scrum Master course includes two days of CSM and PSM exam preparation, along with Scrum foundations, Jira, role plays and mock interviews. Note that the CSM itself needs Scrum Alliance's mandatory course with a Certified Scrum Trainer, and exam fees are paid separately.
How much is Brolly Academy's Scrum Master course?
Brolly Academy lists three options on its course page: Video Recording at ₹5,000, Online Course at ₹10,500 and Classroom Training at ₹15,000, with EMI available. These are training fees only. CSM, PSM and SAFe exam or certification fees are paid separately to the certifying bodies.
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