Here is the lowdown on the CSM Vs PSM Certifications for Scrum Masters, for those who have certification questions on the Certified Scrum Master Certification PSM or CSM Certifications.
1.
The Certification route
As most of the Scrum
skills are practical in nature and dependent on learning from working in teams
it is essential the Scrum Master undergoes Professional Scrum Master
course before certification. Most training institutes will
provide the password and link to enrol for the PSM Exams by Scrum.org to take
the PSM exams online. The exam mandates a certain level of experience or proof
of PDUs /SEUs of training and practical experience. The Professional Scrum Master
training provides
you with the required 16PDUs and 16 SEUs required to qualify for the PMS
level-I exams and certification.
The CSM certification by Scrum Alliance is
comparatively easier to earn by attending a two day-training/class with 8PDUs
/SEUs. CSM is a short course and you have a choice of training partners. Once
you complete the course you get 2 exam attempts which are conducted online and
by the training academy.
2.
Pass Score:
The CSM exam requires a qualifying score of 69{2572370716b3cd9f8d2de4355b55e967e8893f1cc4791d98e0ef1d7eb7a306ab}
in it. 35 objective type questions of which you need to score 24 rightly and
the 8PDUs/ SEUs earned are required for certification. This means a very level
of Scrum knowledge and practical experience is required. The PSM needs a score of 85{2572370716b3cd9f8d2de4355b55e967e8893f1cc4791d98e0ef1d7eb7a306ab} and 16 PDUs/SEUs.
3.
Type of Exam
The PSM exams have three levels with different
formats and one has to prove their ability at each level of Scrum mastery. The CSM is completely an objective type of test and is an
easier exam to take.
4.
Experience required for the exam
On
completion of the course, the academy conducts these exams and awards the
certification. No essential qualifications or experience is needed and you can
start from scratch. PSM-I does not require training but mandates comprehensive
implementation of Scrum knowledge.
5.
Costs
The fee for the CSM certification depends on
the institute and can be US 400-2500$. You can take the second attempt at the
exam within 60 days at an extra cost. The fee for the various levels charged
for certification is US150 or US 250 or US 500$ for levels I, II, and III.
6.
Renewal needs
The CSM course certification is valid for a
period of two years and can be renewed by paying up to US 100$.
7.
Certification attainment
The CSM certification can be attempted
immediately after course completion. The PSM certification attainment is purely
on the basis of your score at the exam. Just attendance of courses is
insufficient.
8.
Acceptance and reliability
Training content and processes may vary between
training partners. However, the exam is conducted by the Scrum Alliance
training partners and is also highly valued. The PSM
certification by scrum.org is more reputed.