Paul Lister
If you are looking forward to adding “Certified Scrum Master” before your name, I am here to help you out!
CSM Exam: Ultimate Preparation Guide [2025]
Did you know that around 1,000,000 people hold a CSM certification? Well, it is one of the most popular and in-demand certifications worldwide.
To give you an idea of what you are up against when taking the Scrum Master test, you need to know the answers to the following questions:
- What’s a CSM exam passing score?
- How many Certified Scrum Master exam questions are there?
- What is CSM exam duration?
- What is the CSM certification validity?
- Can I sit for CSM exam as a beginner?
- What are the CSM certification requirements?
- What is the CSM exam cost /fee?
- Before sitting for this Certified ScrumMaster or CSM test
In this article, I will provide you with all the answers to the questions you might have regarding CSM exam. After that, you are ready to proceed to the preparation for the examination proper, which involves an array of different activities.
So, let’s dive in...
What is CSM (Certified Scrum Master) certification
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is an entry-level certification that provides the foundational knowledge or understanding of the Agile project management framework/methodology to professionals. This certification teaches the candidates about the major Scrum values, such as teamwork and leading a team towards progress with better accountability.
CSM exam requirements and eligibility
CSM exam eligibility and CSM certification requirements
To become a Certified Scrum Master®, one must sit for a two-day Accredited CSM course offered/led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST).
A basic knowledge or understanding of Scrum principles and framework, or experience in Scrum, is advisable.
CSM certification cost breakdown
| Cost Segment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified Scrum Master Training Cost | USD 1,000–2,000 |
| CSM Exam Cost | CSM exam fee is included in the training/program fee |
| CSM Retake Cost/Fee | If the first two attempts are taken within the period of 90 days, it will be free of cost. After which $25 will be charged |
| CSM Renewal Cost | Renewal cost is $100 |
CSM training cost in different countries:
In order to sit the CSM exam, you first needed to go through CSP training. The costs of training vary with the locality and the service provider. For instance CSM Certified Scrum Master certification cost in India is between INR 22,000–28,000, while in the USA it’s between USD 1,000–2,000.
| Country | Training Cost |
|---|---|
| India | INR 22,000–28,000 |
| USA | USD 1,000–2,000 |
| Canada | CAD 1,195–1,500 |
| Australia | AUD 1,200–1,600 |
| UK | EUR 795– 895 |
Training fees do comprise the cost of CSM exam price/fee, and the trainers.
CSM exam format and structure
It is mandatory that after your CSM course, you are supposed to take CSM exam or test containing 50 multiple-choice questions, and in order to pass the exam you must score 74% or above, which means you should provide 37 or more correct answers in the time period of 1 hour(60 minutes). Remember, you cannot avoid the training course to be able to take the online CSM test.
The best part is that you are allowed to take breaks in between the test, which also means that you can pause and restart the test.
How to prepare for the CSM exam
Tips Specific to the CSM Test:
For anyone who is fresh to a Certified ScrumMaster® course, you will likely be asking yourself one question: how do I get ready for the CSM exam? If you follow the instructions in this CSM test study guide, then you will pass the test without any problem.
CSM practice tests and mock exams
There are lots of CSM practice exams and mock tests available online. Many training providers like Techademy provide practice tests and mock CSM exams to prepare you in the best way for the exam day and help you crack your CSM in 1st attempt itself. Techademy's CSM online training is basically a simulation of the real exam by which you can test your Scrum and Agile knowledge and find your weak areas on which you can work and make yourself better.
CSM practice tests and mock exams are basically a simulation of the real exam, by which you can test your Scrum and Agile knowledge and find your weak areas on which you can work and make yourself better.
As a CST, I would advise you to go for a training that provides practice tests and mock exams, and be dedicated towards one goal i.e. to get CSM Certified!
CSM vs PMP: which certification to choose
CSM and PMP are the most demanded certifications out there. Both of the certifications are loved by employers and can help open new jobs and a better paycheck. Some key points of CSM Vs PSM, which enable you to differentiate between both certifications, are as follows –
Let me help you understand the PMP and CSM certification differences in a detailed manner:
Cost of Certification:
- CSM Training Cost: The training courses are priced between $400 and $1,200, and the exam is included in this fee, with allowance for two free attempts- any other attempt costs $25. Certified Scrum Masters also must become a member of Scrum Alliance, and they have to pay $ 100 in fees in order to renew the certification every two years.
- PMP Training Cost: PMP certification training typically ranges between $ 1000-$2000. The following additional expenses are not included in registration: Cost of the examination per candidate: $555 for non-members of PMI and $405 for members. PMI membership renewal fees are $150 every three years for non–PMI members, while members pay $ 60. The membership dues of the PMI are $139 per annum.
Requirements
- PMP Requirements: In order to sit for a PMP certification course, a candidate must produce evidence of work experience in project management. An employee with a bachelor’s degree must have a minimum of three years of experience, and a high school diploma would require one with at least five years of experience.
- CSM Requirements: There is no such requirement when it comes to CSM certification courses.
Exam
- CSM Exam: A candidate is given one hour to complete 50 questions. The passing score is set at 74%, and an applicant will have to get 37 questions correct to pass the exam.
- PMP EXAM: The PMI-PMP exam contains 180 questions that the candidates have to solve in a total of 230 minutes. The PMI exam passing score is not disclosed, but any candidate should preferably aim for a score better than 70%, which is approximately equivalent to 161 questions. While preparing for the CSM exam, a candidate has to take a lot of questions related to the Agile methodology, compared to the PMI exam, which has more conventional project management questions.
Salary
- CSM Salary: PayScale lists the average salary for a Certified Scrum Master in the United States at $97,059.
- PMP Salary: The basic pay for a Project Management Professional or PMP is $ 113,000.
However, the salary also depends and varies from industry to industry and geographical location.
CSM certification validity and renewal process
CSM certification is valid for two years, after which you need to renew it. Let’s have a look at the renewal requirement and process:
| SEUs Required | 20 SEUs |
|---|---|
| Renewal Fee | $100 |
CSM Renewal Process:
- 1. Open your certification account by logging in
- 2. Go to settings and click on 'certification dashboard'
- 3. Scroll and look for the option "Actions" and pay your renewal fee by clicking on the renewal link.
Remember: If the candidate is not within six months of the current certification expiry date, they will not be able to renew this certification.
Tips to pass the CSM exam on first attempt
Tip No.1 Select Your Training Provider Wisely: Be very selective when choosing your scrum master course. To those of you who are reading this before attending a class, my advice is to do your homework and pick the right instructor for your course.
Tip No.2 Discuss Learning Objectives of Certified ScrumMaster Course Learning: There are many practice exams out there that are not based on Scrum Alliance learning objectives, and they will not help you with the CSM test.
Tip No.3 Utilize Course Material: Any scrum master test you wish to take can be passed with the knowledge CSTs equip you with from the course materials. For the CSM Exam Success, I, as a Certified Agile Coach, have developed this scrum master test study guide to pass that exam with ease.
Tip No.4 Complete Your 2-Day Training: If you have not completed your Certified ScrumMaster course, you need to complete the course/training before being able to sit for the scrum master- CSM exam/ test.
Come on, don’t panic. We’ve got this.
Wrapping Up
CSM preparation is just the start of your Agile Journey; there is a long way to go.
Trust me, when you undergo CSM training under the guidance of CST, pay full attention in class, and utilize the resources, then there is nothing to stop you from getting your CSM certification. I wish you all the best for your CSM Exam, Start your CSM preparation today. You’ve got this!
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