Scrum as a profession is becoming increasingly popular as it helps companies and organizations manage large projects and teams, reduce costs, and increase team accountability. So, if you’ve been considering signing up for the Scrum Master certification program, you need to know the specific costs and course fees associated with the certification. 

This guide will give you a breakdown of the Scrum Master Certification cost, different certifications, exam fees, renewal fees, etc.  

Let’s first define what a scrum master is and what they do before discussing the specifics of Scrum Master certification cost. This will help you decide whether earning a scrum master certification is worthwhile.

What is a Scrum Master? What do they do?

Scrum is a light framework and a part of the agile framework. A scrum master often referred to as a “servant leader,” acts as a coach to the team. A good scrum master streamlines the process and guides the team to improve their workflow.

It helps the team and the management generate value through adaptive solutions to complex problems. Let us state some more facts about the role of a scrum master that will help you better understand how to become a scrum master. Furthermore, a scrum master certification cost will be justified by the amount of responsibility a scrum leader takes.

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The role a scrum master plays for the team includes:

1. To train and coach the team members in self-management and cross-functionality.
2. To assist the scrum team in concentrating on producing high-value updates that satisfy the Definition of Done;
3. To remove any obstacles that come in the way of the team’s progress.
4. Ensure every Scrum event is successful, productive, and adheres to the timeframe.

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The role a scrum master plays for the organization includes:

1. First, to lead and coach the organization to adopt the Scrum framework.
2. Second, to help the employees and stakeholders understand the empirical method for complex tasks.
3. Third, to remove obstacles between Scrum teams and stakeholders.

What are Scrum Master Certifications?

A Scrum Master Certification allows you to understand the framework and guiding principles. But, more importantly, a certified scrum master will be capable of steering the team and the organization with responsibility and experience toward a defined goal. 

These certificates range from entry-level to those targeted at seasoned Scrum practitioners.

Types Of Certifications For Scrum Master

Many organizations offer certification, but to know the scrum master certification cost, you must be aware of the specific course you must enroll in that offers various levels of advancement. The classification of the courses, the knowledge and features you are searching for in the institutions and instructors, and other factors all affect how much a Scrum Master certification costs.

So, let us concentrate on the types of courses offered. There are three main types of Certifications- Certified, Professional, and Agile Certified Professional.

 The different scrum certifications include the following.

1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
2. Advanced Certified Scrum Master (A- CSM)
3. Certified Scrum Professional (CSP-SM)
4. Certified Scrum Product Owner
5. Certified Scrum Developer
6. Certified Agile Leadership
7. Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

Certified Scrum Master: The Scrum Alliance offers an entry-level certification known as CSM. This certification demonstrates that you have a firm grasp of Scrum and Agile processes and can effectively lead Scrum teams to accomplish their objectives. In addition, it covers the fundamental components of the Scrum framework.

Professional Scrum Master: This certification has three levels. Scrum.org offers this certification for professionals who want to advance their careers. Therefore, it is a wonderful choice for people who wish to coach and mentor people or teams using the Scrum framework. There are no requirements for the course.

Agile Certified Professional: This certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the agile framework, practices, and methods. Applicants must have eight months of Agile project experience during the last three years and one year of general project experience over the previous five years.

How long does it take to clear the Scrum Master Certification?

You can anticipate devoting roughly two days to coursework and one day to the exam for each certification. Your time commitment will vary based on how much studying you need to undertake because this timeframe does not account for preparation time.

The cost of CSM certification, which includes the exam fee, can range from $500 to $2,000 for your certification course and exam. Depending on the certification, the cost for each retake could range from $25 to $500. To pass the exam and be awarded the certification, you must score 85% or higher. 

While some certifications, such as the PSM credentials, are valid for a lifetime,  the majority demand a renewal fee every year or every two years. The cost of renewals can go from $20 to $250.

How much do Scrum Masters earn?

According to Glassdoor, a Scrum Master typically earns $99,492 a year. On average, most salaries of product owners, program managers, and development managers range from $90,778 to $1,05,815.

As more and more firms are embracing Agile and Scrum approaches for project management, the demand for trained and experienced Scrum Masters is expanding. 

A CSM certification gives you a competitive advantage when applying for these in-demand positions because the demand for agile talent will only grow over time. Scrum Masters offer experience above and beyond traditional project managers because they have been trained in a few distinct, well-established techniques.

Conclusion: Is the Scrum Master Certification cost justified?

In the end, no amount of training can replace real-world experience, but certification elevates a Scrum Master’s experience to a higher level of expertise and credibility, which increases his or her appeal to future employers. A Certified Scrum master certification is highly respected as your knowledge is validated through the test.