Scrum Master Certification Comparison

Choosing a Scrum Master Certification learning event can be challenging.  There are many options.

Part 1: Philosophy for Choosing a Scrum Master Certification

Part 2: Choosing Based on Your Objective

Part 3: Detailed Benefit, Feature and Attribute Comparison

Philosophy for Choosing a Scrum Master Certification

The three options for Scrum Master Certification listed here are the ones offered by BERTEIG because these are the reputable ones.  These are the ones that we believe assist in our vision:

We will be done when all businesses are humane, inspiring places to work, economic activity is harmonious with the betterment of all of humanity, and individuals’ talents and interests find expression in the creation of knowledge and beauty.

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Professional Scrum Master (PSM) are reputable Scrum Master Certification learning events compatible with our vision.  Please be aware that there are a number of low-quality or deceptive certification programs out there that we do not recommend.

For comparison purposes on this page, we also list our BERTEIG Scrum Master (BSM) which is not a certified course.  And, for some situations, please be aware the Scrum Master certification (or training) is not really the best choice… so we also have some other options listed in the first table below.

If you are interested in reading more about our thoughts on Agile Certification, we have an in-depth article.

Choosing Scrum Master Certification based on Your Objective

This first table lists a few broad considerations that help you choose a Scrum Master certification depending on what your objectives are.  We have tried to reflect the objectives we hear from our customers, but if we are missing something in our list, please let us know and we will add it!

The difference between “Recommended” and the others is based mostly on the actual content of the learning events – the learning outcomes.  Also notice that sometimes the “Recommended” is not a Scrum Master certification, so we have listed a few other types of training we provide that might be better suited to your objective.

In the table below, PSM is both the virtual classroom learning and the exam even though the exam can be done without the virtual learning.

* ASD: Agile Software Developer, RAP: Real Agility Program, I2RA: Introduction to Real Agility, L2RA: Leading to Real Agility, KMP: Kanban Management Professional, LSAFe: Leading SAFe, TKP: Team Kanban Practitioner.

Scrum Master Certification Detailed Benefit, Feature and Attribute Comparison

The large table below lists out the various benefits, features and attributes of the Scrum Master certification options so that you can directly compare them.

After Your Scrum Master Certification…

Scrum Master certification is a common first step for many people in their journey to Real Agility.  The Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM) and BERTEIG Scrum Master (BSM) are all introductory classes – there are no prerequisites.  Follow-up training and certification depends on your objectives as well, but here are five common paths:

For people who would like to pursue Scrum Master excellence:

1. Scrum Master (CSM) – Training in diverse skills, rock-solid foundations
2. Team Kanban Practitioner (TKP) – Service to the Scrum Team
3. Product Owner – Service to the Product Owner
4. Advanced Scrum Master training – Service to the Organization

For people who would like to pursue an Agile Coach / Consultant career:

1. Scrum Master (CSM + PSM) – Two credentials, relatively low investment of time
2. Product Owner – Service to business results
3. Kanban System Design (KSD / KMPI) – Service to the organization
4. Kanban Management Professional (KMPII) – Service to the organization / leadership
5. Leading SAFe – Improve your hireability/promotability
6. Coaching Skills for the Agile Workplace – Learn some real coaching skills

For people who would like to have an Entrepreneurial career:

1. Scrum Master (CSM)
2. Team Kanban Practitioner – Practical approaches to build high-performance teams
3. Product Owner – Understand the business perspective of Agile methods for small organizations

For people who are in management:

1. Scrum Master (BSM or CSM) – Strong introduction to Scrum and Agile mindset
2. Kanban System Design (KSD / KMPI) – Improve your department’s effectiveness
3. Kanban Management Professional (KMPII) – Measure and report improved effectiveness

For people who are project managers and wish to advance in that field:

1. Scrum Master (CSM) – Mindset shift and practical skills
2. Product Owner – This has a high overlap with Project Management responsibilities
3. Team Kanban Practitioner (TKP) – Practical effective project teamwork
4. PMI-ACP – Credential to improve your hireability/promotability
5. Leading SAFe – Credential to improve your hireability/promotability

Other Options for Scrum Master Certification

There are other Scrum Master Certification options that should be avoided due to low quality.  BERTEIG has chosen not to participate in the program offered by Scrum Study known as the SMC.  If you would like details on our reasoning for not participating in these programs, please let us know and we will be happy to have a conversation with you about the options.

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Please let us know if we have missed anything in this comparison of Scrum Master certification options.  We offer virtual Scrum Master certification anywhere in the world and we have satisfied clients in the United States, England, Europe, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, and of course Canada.  Contact us to arrange Scrum Master certification training in your organization anywhere in the world, or for bulk discounts to our public virtual sessions.