Brolly Academy | Scrum Master
Scrum Master Certification
CSM, PSM, SAFe SSM and Which to Choose (2026)
Every major Scrum Master certification in one place for 2026: CSM, A-CSM, CSP-SM, PSM I to III, SAFe Scrum Master, PMI-ACP and ICAgile, with official exam facts, costs, renewal rules and a simple way to pick the right one for your career in India.
Scrum Master certification guide for 2026: CSM, PSM I to III, SAFe Scrum Master, PMI-ACP and ICAgile compared by exam, cost and renewal, and which to pick.
By Brolly Academy Team · Brolly Academy · Updated 22 October 2026
Table of Contents
1. What is a Scrum Master certification?
2. Why get a Scrum Master certification?
3. The main Scrum Master certifications in 2026
4. Scrum Master certifications compared
6. Which Scrum Master certification should you choose?
7. How to prepare for a Scrum Master certification
Quick answer
A Scrum Master certification is a credential from a recognised agile body that proves you understand Scrum and the Scrum Master accountability, and the two most popular choices in India are the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance and the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) from Scrum.org. CSM needs a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer before you take a 50-question test. PSM I needs no course: you buy an attempt, answer 80 questions in 60 minutes and need 85% to pass. If you work in a large enterprise that runs SAFe, the SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) from Scaled Agile is also worth a look.
- Best for classroom learners: CSM from Scrum Alliance
- Best for self-study on a budget: PSM I from Scrum.org
- Best for large SAFe programmes: SAFe Scrum Master from Scaled Agile
- Next steps after 1 to 2 years: A-CSM, PSM II, then CSP-SM or PSM III
- Broader agile options: PMI-ACP from PMI and ICAgile's ICP-ATF
Key takeaways
- CSM requires a 16-hour course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer, and the course fee includes two test attempts (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
- PSM I costs $200 per attempt, has 80 questions in 60 minutes, needs 85% to pass and never expires (Scrum.org, October 2026).
- CSM must be renewed every two years with 20 Scrum Education Units and a $100 fee (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
- A certificate opens doors, but employers in India still hire Scrum Masters mainly for real team experience, facilitation skills and tool knowledge.
- Pick one entry-level certificate, pass it, and then spend your energy on practice and experience instead of collecting more badges.
1. What is a Scrum Master certification?
Short answer: It is an official credential, issued by a body such as Scrum Alliance, Scrum.org or Scaled Agile, that shows you have learned Scrum and passed that body's assessment for the Scrum Master role.
Scrum itself is free. The Scrum Guide (Scrum Guide 2020, checked October 2026) defines the framework, and anyone can read it. It describes three accountabilities (Developers, Product Owner and Scrum Master), five events and three artifacts. Nobody owns the word "Scrum", so several organisations offer their own Scrum Master certifications.
Each body has its own rules. Some need a course before the exam. Some do not. Some expire every two years and some last for life. That is why the same job title, Scrum Master, can sit on top of very different certificates.
A certification does three things for you:
- It gives you a structured way to learn Scrum instead of picking up bits from videos.
- It proves a baseline to recruiters. Many job posts in India list CSM, PSM or SAFe as a requirement or a plus.
- It gives you a shared vocabulary with other Scrum Masters, coaches and managers.
It does not prove that you can run a team well. Only experience does that. Keep this in mind as you read the rest of this guide.
If you are new to the role itself, start by reading what a Scrum Master does in a Scrum Team.
2. Why get a Scrum Master certification?
Short answer: A certification helps you clear resume filters, learn Scrum the right way, switch careers with more confidence and show commitment to an agile career.
Here are the most common reasons people in India get certified:
- Getting past filters. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems often search for "CSM", "PSM" or "SAFe". Without one of these words, your resume may never reach a human.
- Switching roles. Developers, testers, business analysts and project coordinators use a certificate to show they are serious about moving into a Scrum Master role.
- Fixing bad habits. Many teams say they "do Agile" but skip events or misuse them. A good course teaches the framework as written, so you can spot what is missing.
- Client requirements. Service companies that work with foreign clients sometimes need certified Scrum Masters on the project.
- Career growth. Advanced certificates such as A-CSM and PSM II show depth when you aim for senior Scrum Master or Agile Coach roles.
Demand is real. On 22 October 2026, LinkedIn showed more than 4,000 Scrum Master jobs in India. LinkedIn matches loosely, so that number includes related agile and project roles, but it shows a healthy market.
3. The main Scrum Master certifications in 2026
Short answer: The main options are CSM, A-CSM and CSP-SM from Scrum Alliance, PSM I, II and III from Scrum.org, SAFe Scrum Master from Scaled Agile, PMI-ACP from PMI, and ICAgile's ICP-ATF as a broad agile foundation.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Scrum Alliance
CSM is the best-known entry-level Scrum Master certificate in India. According to the official CSM page (Scrum Alliance, October 2026):
- You must attend 16 hours of training, usually spread over 2 to 3 days, taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST).
- After the course you take an online test with 50 multiple-choice questions in one hour.
- The pass mark is 37 out of 50, which is 74%.
- You get 90 days and two attempts after the course, and the course fee includes those two attempts.
- Course prices on the page range from $250 to $2,495 USD, because each trainer sets a price by region and format.
You renew CSM every two years. Read our full CSM certification guide for the exam, renewal and a two-week study plan.
Advanced CSM (A-CSM) and CSP-SM, Scrum Alliance
These are the next steps on the Scrum Alliance Scrum Master track.
- A-CSM: You need a CSM (active or expired), an approved A-CSM course and 12 months of Scrum Master work experience within the last five years, logged before the certificate is awarded (A-CSM page, Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
- CSP-SM: You need an A-CSM, all course components and at least 24 months of Scrum Master experience within the last five years. It is the highest level on the Scrum Alliance Scrum Master track (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
Professional Scrum Master I, II and III (PSM), Scrum.org
Scrum.org certificates are assessment-based, which means you can take the test without a course.
According to the official PSM I page (Scrum.org, October 2026):
- The fee is $200 USD per attempt.
- The test has 80 questions and a 60-minute time limit.
- The passing score is 85%.
- A course is optional. Each password is valid for one attempt and does not expire.
- The certification is for life, with no renewal fee.
For the higher levels, Scrum.org lists PSM II at $250 per attempt with 30 questions in 90 minutes and an 85% pass mark, and PSM III at $500 per attempt with 24 questions in 150 minutes, scored as pass or did not pass (Scrum.org, October 2026). Both are lifetime certifications. Our PSM I certification guide explains the exam in detail.
SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), Scaled Agile
SAFe stands for the Scaled Agile Framework. Large banks, insurers and global capability centres often use it to run many Scrum teams together. The SAFe Scrum Master page (Scaled Agile, October 2026) lists it as a foundational certification for people new to SAFe. Key facts:
- The exam has 45 questions in 90 minutes.
- The page now says "Training course not required" and offers a proctored exam you can buy directly. Older material said the course was required, so this is a recent change.
- Scaled Agile publishes the passing score on its exam page, so check it there before you book.
- To keep the certificate, you need at least 24 continuing education units in each two-year cycle.
Scaled Agile's SSM exam study guide (Scaled Agile, October 2026) says your first two attempts are included in the course or exam fee if you take them within 60 days. Retakes cost $50 for the unproctored exam and $495 for the proctored exam.
PMI-ACP, Project Management Institute
PMI-ACP is PMI's agile certification. It is not a pure Scrum certificate. It covers agile approaches more broadly and requires agile work experience and agile training before you can sit the exam. PMI updated the exam recently, so check current fees and eligibility on the official PMI site before you plan for it. It suits project managers who already hold or plan to hold PMP.
ICAgile Certified Professional, Agile Fundamentals (ICP-ATF)
ICAgile is an accrediting body. Its Agile Fundamentals certification (ICAgile, October 2026) comes from an accredited course and is aimed at people with no previous agile experience. It covers agile ideas such as value-driven delivery, cross-functional teams and continuous improvement. It is a good general foundation, but Indian Scrum Master job posts ask for CSM, PSM or SAFe far more often.
4. Scrum Master certifications compared
Short answer: CSM and SSM are course-led, PSM is exam-led, CSM renews every two years, PSM lasts for life, and advanced levels need real experience.
The two tables below put the official facts side by side. All facts are from the official pages linked above, checked in October 2026.
Renewal facts for Scrum Alliance come from the official renewal page (Scrum Alliance, October 2026).
In rupees, $200 is about ₹19,000 and $100 is about ₹9,500, at about ₹95 per dollar (Wise mid-market rate, 22 October 2026). For a full breakdown, including hidden costs, read our guide to Scrum Master certification cost.
5. CSM vs PSM in short
Short answer: Choose CSM if you want a guided course and a well-known name, and choose PSM I if you want a cheaper, tougher, self-study exam that never expires.
These two certificates cover most entry-level hiring in India. The main differences:
- Learning style: CSM forces you to attend a live course. PSM I lets you study on your own.
- Difficulty: PSM I has more questions in the same hour and a higher pass mark (85% against 74%).
- Upkeep: CSM renews every two years for $100 plus 20 SEUs. PSM I lasts for life.
- Recognition: Both are widely accepted. Some employers list one by name, so read the job posts you target.
Many Scrum Masters eventually hold both. Our detailed CSM vs PSM comparison includes a decision checklist.
6. Which Scrum Master certification should you choose?
Short answer: Match the certificate to your experience and the companies you want to join: CSM or PSM I to start, SAFe SSM for SAFe enterprises, and A-CSM or PSM II once you have real team experience.
If you are a fresher
Be realistic. Most companies in India do not hire freshers straight into Scrum Master roles. A certificate helps you land roles such as project coordinator, junior analyst or delivery associate in agile teams, and you grow into the Scrum Master role from there. PSM I is a sensible first step because it is cheaper and needs no course. If you learn better in a classroom, choose CSM.
If you have IT experience
You already know how software teams work. CSM is a good choice if you want to practise facilitation in a live class. PSM I is good if you are confident with self-study. Read the job posts at companies you want to join, and pick the name they mention most.
If your company runs SAFe
Get SSM, ideally after CSM or PSM I. SAFe adds roles and events above the team level, such as Program Increment planning. You will understand them better once Scrum basics are solid.
Plan the certificate as one step in a longer career route, not the whole route.
7. How to prepare for a Scrum Master certification
Short answer: Read the Scrum Guide several times, take a good course or study plan, practise with mock tests, and connect every rule to a real team situation.
Most failures happen because people memorise answers instead of understanding Scrum. Use this plan for any entry-level exam.
A simple 3-week plan
- Week 1: Learn the framework. Read the Scrum Guide 2020 twice. Write down the 3 accountabilities, 5 events with their timeboxes, and 3 artifacts with their commitments (Product Goal, Sprint Goal and Definition of Done).
- Week 2: Understand the why. For each event, ask what goes wrong if the team skips it. Study the Scrum Master's services to the team, the Product Owner and the organisation.
- Week 3: Practise. Take free practice tests until you score well above the pass mark every time. Review every wrong answer against the guide.
Facts you must know cold
- The Sprint is one month or less and contains all other events.
- 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).
- A Scrum Team is typically 10 or fewer people.
- The Scrum Master is accountable for the team's effectiveness and is described as a true leader who serves.
Exam-day tips
- Read every word. Questions often hinge on "must", "should" or "may".
- When two answers look right, choose the one closest to the Scrum Guide, not to how your current company works.
- Watch the clock. PSM I gives you 45 seconds per question on average.
8. Is a Scrum Master certification worth it in India?
Short answer: Yes, if you pair it with real practice. It helps you get shortlisted and learn the framework, but your salary and growth depend on experience and results.
Look at the pay data. AmbitionBox puts the average Scrum Master salary in India at ₹17.4 lakh a year, based on 20.9k salaries from people with 5 to 14 years of experience (AmbitionBox, October 2026). Pay rises with experience, from ₹10.7 to 11.9 lakh for 3 to 6 years up to ₹20 to 22.1 lakh for 12+ years.
Notice that this data starts at 3 years of experience. That tells you the role is usually reached after some time in IT, not at entry level. A certificate speeds up that move, but it does not replace it. Salary figures by city and company follow the same pattern.
A certification is worth it when:
- You are moving from a related IT role and need proof of Scrum knowledge.
- Job posts you want list CSM, PSM or SAFe.
- Your company will pay for or reimburse it.
It is less useful when:
- You collect several entry-level certificates without any team practice.
- You expect the certificate alone to get you a Scrum Master job as a fresher.
9. Common mistakes to avoid
Short answer: Do not chase the cheapest unknown certificate, do not skip the Scrum Guide, and do not forget renewal dates.
- Buying unrecognised certificates. Many sites sell "Scrum Master certificates" that recruiters do not know. Stick to Scrum Alliance, Scrum.org, Scaled Agile, PMI or ICAgile.
- Relying on dumps. Memorised answers fail in interviews, where you must explain how you would handle a real team problem.
- Letting CSM lapse. Track your SEUs and pay the renewal fee on time. A PSM does not expire, but a CSM does.
- Ignoring tools. Most Indian employers expect Jira and Confluence skills.
- Skipping soft skills. Facilitation, listening and conflict handling matter more on the job than any exam score.
10. How Brolly Academy helps
Short answer: Brolly Academy's 1-week Scrum Master course in Hyderabad teaches Scrum foundations, events, Jira and team leadership, and then prepares you for the CSM, PSM and SAFe Scrum Master exams with role plays and mock interviews.
The Scrum Master training in Hyderabad runs in the classroom and live online, and you can switch between the two. According to the course page (October 2026), it includes:
- A 1-week plan: Agile and Scrum foundations and roles on days 1 and 2, Scrum events and backlog with a simple capstone project on days 3 and 4, Jira and team leadership on day 5, and CSM and PSM exam preparation, role plays, mock interviews, resume building and placement guidance on days 6 and 7.
- 11 modules, from Scrum roles, ceremonies and artifacts to burndown and burnup charts, agile estimation and scaling Scrum.
- Tools you practise: Jira, Confluence, Trello, Miro, Asana, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Kanban boards.
- A trainer with 15+ years in Agile and Scrum project management, who works as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach.
- Three fee options: Video Recording at ₹5,000, Online Course at ₹10,500 and Classroom Training at ₹15,000, with EMI available. CSM, PSM and SAFe exam fees are paid separately to the certifying bodies.
- Placement support: ATS-friendly resumes, interview question banks, mock interviews and interview scheduling.
- No coding or prior Scrum knowledge needed, so students, freshers and career switchers from IT and non-IT backgrounds can join.
You can attend a free demo class before you enrol.
Get ready for your Scrum Master certification in one week
Learn Scrum the right way, practise Jira and real team scenarios, and prepare for the CSM, PSM I and SAFe Scrum Master exams with mock tests, role plays and interview practice. 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 a Scrum Master certification?
A Scrum Master certification is an official credential that shows you have learned Scrum and passed an assessment for the Scrum Master role. The best-known ones come from Scrum Alliance, Scrum.org and Scaled Agile. Each body sets its own rules for courses, exams and renewal, so the same job title can sit on top of quite different certificates.
Which Scrum Master certification is best?
There is no single best certificate. CSM from Scrum Alliance and PSM I from Scrum.org are the most common entry-level choices in India. CSM suits people who want a guided live course, while PSM I suits confident self-learners. If your company runs SAFe, the SAFe Scrum Master certificate is the better match for your daily work.
What is the CSM certification?
CSM stands for Certified ScrumMaster, the entry-level Scrum Master certificate from Scrum Alliance. You attend a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer, then take an online test of 50 questions in one hour. You need 37 correct answers, which is 74%, and the course fee includes two attempts.
What is the PSM I certification?
PSM I is the Professional Scrum Master I certificate from Scrum.org. You buy an attempt for $200, then answer 80 questions in 60 minutes and need 85% to pass. No course is required, the password does not expire, and the certificate lasts for life without any renewal fee.
Can I get a Scrum Master certification without a course?
Yes. PSM I from Scrum.org needs no course, so you can study the Scrum Guide on your own and buy an attempt. Scaled Agile's SAFe Scrum Master page also says a training course is not required for its proctored exam. CSM, however, always needs the 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer.
Is there a free Scrum Master certification?
No widely recognised Scrum Master certification is completely free. The Scrum Guide itself is free to read, and free practice tests exist, but CSM needs a paid course, PSM I costs $200 per attempt and SAFe Scrum Master has a course or exam fee. Free certificates from unknown websites carry little weight with recruiters.
How much does a Scrum Master certification cost in India?
It depends on the certificate. PSM I costs $200 per attempt, which is about ₹19,000 at the Wise rate of about ₹95 per dollar in October 2026. CSM is priced by each trainer, between $250 and $2,495 on the Scrum Alliance page, and the fee includes two test attempts. Add renewal costs for CSM.
How long is a Scrum Master certification valid?
It depends on the body. CSM must be renewed every two years with 20 SEUs and a $100 fee. A-CSM and CSP-SM also follow a two-year cycle. PSM I, II and III from Scrum.org are lifetime certifications with no renewal fee. SAFe Scrum Master needs at least 24 continuing education units every two years.
Who is eligible for a Scrum Master certification?
Anyone can take CSM or PSM I. There is no degree or experience requirement for these entry-level certificates. Advanced certificates are different: A-CSM needs a CSM and 12 months of Scrum Master experience, and CSP-SM needs an A-CSM and 24 months of experience within the last five years.
How hard is the PSM I exam?
PSM I is considered tougher than CSM. You face 80 questions in 60 minutes, which gives you about 45 seconds per question, and you need 85% to pass. Questions test understanding of the Scrum Guide rather than memory, so read the guide several times and practise with mock tests before you book.
What is the pass mark for the CSM exam?
The CSM pass mark is 37 out of 50 questions, which is 74%. You have one hour to complete the online test. After the course, Scrum Alliance gives you 90 days and two attempts, and both attempts are included in the course fee you pay to the trainer.
What is the SAFe Scrum Master certification?
SAFe Scrum Master is the Scaled Agile certificate for Scrum Masters working in organisations that use the Scaled Agile Framework. The exam has 45 questions in 90 minutes. Scaled Agile publishes the passing score on its exam page, and you keep the certificate by earning at least 24 continuing education units every two years.
What is the difference between CSM and PSM?
CSM needs a 16-hour live course, has 50 questions in an hour, a 74% pass mark and renews every two years. PSM I needs no course, has 80 questions in an hour, an 85% pass mark and lasts for life. Both are widely accepted, so choose based on how you like to learn.
What is the A-CSM certification?
A-CSM means Advanced Certified ScrumMaster, the second level on the Scrum Alliance Scrum Master track. You need a CSM, an approved A-CSM course and 12 months of Scrum Master work experience within the last five years. It renews every two years with 30 SEUs and a $175 fee.
What is the highest Scrum Master certification?
On the Scrum Alliance track, the highest Scrum Master level is CSP-SM, which needs an A-CSM and 24 months of experience. On the Scrum.org track, the highest is PSM III, which has 24 questions in 150 minutes and is scored as pass or did not pass. Both suit experienced Scrum Masters.
Is PMI-ACP a Scrum Master certification?
Not exactly. PMI-ACP is the Project Management Institute's agile certification. It covers agile approaches more broadly than Scrum and needs agile work experience and agile training. It suits project managers who want an agile credential next to PMP, while CSM and PSM focus directly on the Scrum Master role.
Can a fresher get a Scrum Master certification?
Yes, a fresher can earn CSM or PSM I because neither needs work experience. Be realistic about jobs, though. Most companies in India hire Scrum Masters after a few years in IT. As a fresher, use the certificate to land coordinator or analyst roles in agile teams and grow from there.
Is a Scrum Master certification worth it in India?
Yes, when you combine it with real practice. It helps you clear resume filters and learn Scrum properly. AmbitionBox puts the average Scrum Master salary in India at ₹17.4 lakh a year in October 2026, but that data comes from people with years of experience, so the certificate is a starting point.
How long does it take to get a Scrum Master certification?
Most people need two to four weeks. The CSM course is 16 hours over 2 to 3 days, followed by the online test. For PSM I, a focused three-week plan of reading the Scrum Guide, understanding each event and practising mock tests works well for most learners with some IT exposure.
Do I need to renew my PSM certification?
No. Scrum.org lists PSM I, PSM II and PSM III as lifetime certifications with no renewal fee. This is one of the biggest differences from Scrum Alliance certificates such as CSM, which you renew every two years by earning SEUs and paying a renewal fee.
What are SEUs for CSM renewal?
SEUs are Scrum Education Units, the learning credits Scrum Alliance asks you to log for renewal. Every certification is on a two-year cycle from the date you earned it. To renew a CSM, you submit 20 SEUs together with a $100 fee. A-CSM needs 30 SEUs and CSP-SM needs 40.
How should I prepare for a Scrum Master certification exam?
Read the Scrum Guide 2020 at least twice and note the accountabilities, events, timeboxes and artifacts. Then learn why each event exists and what the Scrum Master does for the team, Product Owner and organisation. Finally, take practice tests until you score well above the pass mark every time.
Can I do both CSM and PSM?
Yes, and many Scrum Masters do. A common path is CSM first for the guided course, then PSM I to prove deeper knowledge, or the other way round. Holding both covers job posts that name either one, but get real team experience before adding more certificates.
Does Brolly Academy prepare students for Scrum Master certification?
Yes. Brolly Academy's 1-week Scrum Master course in Hyderabad, offered in the classroom and live online, covers Scrum foundations, events, Jira and team leadership, then spends two days on CSM and PSM exam preparation, role plays and mock interviews. The CSM, PSM and SAFe exam fees are paid separately.
What does the Brolly Academy Scrum Master course cost?
According to the course page in October 2026, Brolly Academy offers three options: Video Recording at ₹5,000, Online Course at ₹10,500 and Classroom Training at ₹15,000, with EMI available. These fees cover the training only. Certification exam fees for CSM, PSM and SAFe are paid separately to the certifying bodies.
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