In today’s Agile-driven world, Scrum Masters play a vital role in helping teams deliver high-quality products faster. But with so many certification options available, how do you choose the right one? Whether you're starting out or looking to boost your career, understanding the differences between certifications—and which are most in-demand—can make all the difference.
Below is a ranked guide to the most sought-after Scrum Master certifications, along with the reasons they’re favored by employers and Agile professionals alike.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Scrum Alliance
Why it's sought after: The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) by Scrum Alliance is often considered the gold standard in Scrum certifications. It's one of the oldest and most widely recognized, especially in the United States.
Key Benefits:
- Backed by a respected, nonprofit Agile body
- Offers interactive training by certified trainers (CSMs are required to take a 2-day course)
- Strong emphasis on servant leadership and coaching
Ideal for: Beginners and those looking to build a solid foundation in Scrum with industry-recognized credentials.
Professional Scrum Master (PSM I, II, III) – Scrum.org
Why it's sought after: Scrum.org, founded by Scrum co-creator Ken Schwaber, offers a tiered PSM program that is well-regarded globally for its rigor and no training requirement (self-study allowed).
Key Benefits:
- More affordable than CSM
- Tests a deeper understanding of Scrum principles
- PSM II and III are advanced certifications for experienced practitioners
Ideal for: Individuals who are confident in self-study and want a credential that demonstrates a strong theoretical and practical grasp of Scrum.
SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) – Scaled Agile
Why it's sought after: With enterprise-scale Agile adoption rising, the SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) credential is valuable for those working in large organizations implementing Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
Key Benefits:
- Focuses on team and program-level Agile delivery
- Includes Lean-Agile mindset, PI planning, and team coordination
- In demand in Fortune 500 companies and enterprises using SAFe
Ideal for: Scrum Masters working in or pursuing roles in large, enterprise-scale Agile environments.
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) – Scrum Alliance
Why it's sought after: A step up from the foundational CSM, the A-CSM helps experienced Scrum Masters sharpen their facilitation, coaching, and servant leadership skills.
Key Benefits:
- Focus on team dynamics and advanced Agile practices
- Required for those pursuing the Certified Scrum Professional (CSP-SM)
- Shows commitment to career-long Agile mastery
Ideal for: CSM-certified professionals ready to deepen their knowledge and demonstrate higher-level expertise.
Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) – Scrum Alliance
Why it's sought after: The CSP-SM is one of the highest-level certifications offered by Scrum Alliance and is ideal for those aiming for leadership or Agile coaching roles.
Key Benefits:
- Recognized as a mark of advanced Scrum knowledge and experience
- Demonstrates long-term commitment to Agile excellence
- Prerequisite for becoming a Scrum Alliance trainer or coach
Ideal for: Seasoned Scrum Masters pursuing elite recognition and career advancement.
PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – Project Management Institute
Why it's sought after: While not a Scrum-specific certification, PMI-ACP validates knowledge of multiple Agile approaches, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and more.
Key Benefits:
- Covers broader Agile methodologies
- Appeals to hiring managers looking for versatile Agile experience
- Backed by the globally respected PMI brand
Ideal for: Project Managers or Scrum Masters working in hybrid or diverse Agile environments.
Certified ScrumMaster by EXIN or ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)
Why it's sought after: These certifications are less mainstream but offer valuable training and often tie into specific learning paths (e.g., Agile coaching, DevOps, product ownership).
Key Benefits:
- Often part of broader Agile certifications
- Useful in niche or international markets
Ideal for: Those looking to expand into specialized areas of Agile beyond traditional Scrum roles.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Scrum Master certification depends on your career goals, industry, and learning style. If you're just starting out, the CSM or PSM I are top choices for building credibility. For enterprise-level work, SSM or PMI-ACP offer more comprehensive Agile frameworks. And if you’re committed to long-term growth, pursuing A-CSM and CSP-SM can position you as a thought leader in Agile practices.
No matter which path you choose, the key is continuous learning and application. After all, Agile is not just about frameworks—it's a mindset.
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Author: Kimberly Wiethoff