7 Most Demanded Scrum Master Certifications 2025

Introduction

Earning a Scrum Master certifications is one of the most effective ways to validate your expertise and remain competitive in an ever-evolving field.

In this blog, we define Scrum master certifications, explain their importance in 2025, each categorized by its specific focus area. Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or just beginning your career, there’s a Scrum Master certification designed to support your growth and help you achieve your career goals.

What is a Scrum Master Certification?

A Scrum Master certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a professional’s expertise in Project management. 

A Scrum Master certifications are more than just a credential; it is proof of your expertise in the Agile Scrum framework. It validates your ability to guide a team as a true servant leader, facilitate Scrum events like Daily Scrums and Sprints, and remove impediments to ensure project success. By following a structured certified scrum master certifications path, candidates can choose from basic to expert-level Scrum Master certifications, depending on their career goals and industry requirements.

Who Should Get a Scrum Master Certification?

While essential for aspiring Scrum Masters, pursuing scrum master certifications provides a significant career boost for a wide range of professionals. You should strongly consider getting certified if you are a:

• Project Manager: To transition from traditional project management to a more agile, value-driven approach.
• Software Developer, Tester, or UX Designer: To better understand the Scrum process you work in, improve team collaboration, and take on leadership roles.
• Business Analyst or Product Owner: To enhance your ability to work effectively with the development team and understand the entire product lifecycle.
• Team Lead or Manager: To learn how to lead an Agile team effectively, foster collaboration, and drive high performance.
  
  

Why Become a Scrum Master Certified?

• Higher Demand: Almost every other sector is embracing Agile and Scrum, thereby creating a surge for Scrum Masters with skills. 
• Promotions: A Scrum Master certification may be the ticket into leadership and well-paid positions.
• Skills Enhancement: The certification program incorporates knowledge and tools to promote and sustain the functioning of Scrum teams for successful projects.

Best Scrum Master Certifications for 2025

The best Scrum Master certification for you depends entirely on your experience and career goals. We've analyzed the top industry credentials, from foundational to advanced, to help you choose the right path.

Here are the most sought-after certified scrum master certifications to consider:

• Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) – Scrum Alliance
• Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM I) – Scrum.org
• SAFe® Scrum Master (SSM) – Scaled Agile
• Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM®) – Scrum Alliance
• Certified Scrum Professional® – ScrumMaster (CSP®-SM)
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – PMI
• Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) – PMI

1. Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) – Scrum Alliance

The CSM is one of the most recognized and popular entry-level scrum master certifications in the world. It provides a foundational understanding of the Scrum framework and is often considered the first step for anyone starting a career in Agile. The emphasis is on attending a certified course to learn from an expert.

• Best For: Aspiring Scrum Masters, project managers transitioning to Agile, and team members (developers, testers, analysts) who are new to the Scrum framework.
• Skills Covered: Core Scrum framework, Scrum roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), Scrum events (Sprint, Daily Scrum, etc.), and Agile principles.
• Prerequisites: Mandatory attendance in a two-day (or 16-hour) CSM training course from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST).
• Cost: Typically ranges from $1000 - $1500 (USD) for the required training course.

2. Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM I) – Scrum.org

The PSM I is a highly respected scrum master certification that validates your deep understanding of the Scrum Guide. Unlike the CSM, it does not require mandatory training; the focus is entirely on passing a rigorous assessment to prove your knowledge.

• Best For: Professionals who prefer self-study, those on a budget, and anyone who wants to prove their knowledge through a challenging exam rather than course attendance.
• Skills Covered: Deep understanding of the Scrum Guide, Scrum accountabilities, Scrum events, and the application of Scrum in real-world situations.
• Prerequisites: None. Training is available but not required to take the exam.
• Cost: $150 (USD) for the exam.

3. SAFe® Scrum Master (SSM) – Scaled Agile

This scrum master certification is specifically for professionals working in large enterprises that use the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®). The SSM focuses on the role of a Scrum Master within the context of an Agile Release Train (ART) and enterprise-level planning.

• Best For: Scrum Masters in large corporations, project managers working with multiple teams, and anyone involved in SAFe implementation.
• Skills Covered: Scrum within a SAFe enterprise, Program Increment (PI) planning, facilitating Scrum events at scale, and working with Agile Release Trains.
• Prerequisites: None, but attending a two-day SAFe Scrum Master course is required. Familiarity with Agile is highly recommended.
• Cost: Typically included in the cost of the required two-day training course.

4. Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM®) – Scrum Alliance

The A-CSM is the next-level scrum master certification on the Scrum Alliance path, designed for practicing Scrum Masters. It moves beyond the basics to focus on advanced facilitation, coaching, and improving team dynamics.

• Best For: Practicing Scrum Masters with at least one year of experience who want to become more effective facilitators and coaches.
• Skills Covered: Advanced facilitation and coaching techniques, conflict resolution, servant leadership, and scaling Scrum.
• Prerequisites: A valid CSM® certification and at least 12 months of documented work experience as a Scrum Master.
• Cost: Typically ranges from $800 - $1200 (USD) for the required training course.

5. Certified Scrum Professional® – ScrumMaster (CSP®-SM)

The CSP-SM represents a pinnacle achievement on the Scrum Alliance path, marking you as an expert-level practitioner. This advanced scrum master certification is for experienced Scrum Masters who have proven their ability to apply Scrum in complex situations and are ready to guide organizational change. It signifies a deep mastery of Agile principles and servant leadership.

• Best For: Senior Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and experienced practitioners who mentor other Scrum Masters and lead Agile adoption within their organizations.
• Skills Covered: Advanced coaching and mentoring, organizational change strategies, scaling Scrum effectively, and deepening team development.
• Prerequisites: Must hold an active Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)® certification and have at least 24 months of documented work experience as a Scrum Master within the last five years.
• Cost: Varies depending on the training provider.

6. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – PMI

The PMI-ACP is a broader credential that covers multiple Agile methodologies, not just Scrum. This certification proves that you have real-world experience and a comprehensive understanding of various approaches, including Kanban, Lean, and Extreme Programming (XP).

• Best For: Project managers from a PMI background, professionals working in hybrid environments (Agile + Waterfall), and those who want a certification that covers the entire Agile spectrum.
• Skills Covered: Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, Agile principles, value-driven delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
• Prerequisites: A secondary degree, 21 contact hours of Agile training, 12 months of general project experience, AND 8 months of Agile project experience.
• Cost: $495 (USD) for PMI members, $555 (USD) for non-members.

7. Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) – PMI

The DASM scrum master certification from PMI introduces the Disciplined Agile (DA) toolkit. Its unique focus is on teaching you how to analyze your team's context and choose the most effective "way of working" (WoW) from a variety of Agile and Lean practices.

• Best For: Professionals in complex corporate environments, analysts, and team leads who need to tailor their Agile approach rather than follow a single framework.
• Skills Covered: The Disciplined Agile toolkit, foundational Agile and Lean principles, and how to choose the right Agile approach for different situations.
• Prerequisites: None, but a two-day training course is required.
• Cost: Varies depending on the training provider.

Steps to Get Scrum Master Certified

Identify Your Career Goals and Certification Path

• Determine your desired role and career trajectory within the Agile framework.
• Research different Scrum Master certifications and choose the one that aligns with your goals.

Review the Scrum Master Certifications Roadmap

• Understand the different levels of Scrum Master certifications and the prerequisites for each.
• Create a plan to progress through the certification levels as you gain experience and knowledge.

Choose Your Scrum Master Certifications

• Compare the different Scrum Master certifications based on your career goals and the certification roadmap.
• Select the certification that provides the most value and aligns with your desired skills and knowledge.

Prepare with Official Learning Resources

• Utilize official study guides, practice exams, and training courses provided by the certification body.
• Join online communities and forums to connect with other Scrum Master candidates and share knowledge.

Schedule and Take the Exam

• Schedule your exam at an authorized testing center or online proctoring service.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet environment for the exam.

Earn Your Scrum Master Certified Badge

• Upon passing the exam, you will receive your Scrum Master certified badge.
• Display your badge on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional platforms.

Tips for Passing Scrum Master Certification Exams

• Scrum Guide: The Scrum Guide is the first, most comprehensive source of knowledge about Scrum. Read it thoroughly and try to understand the different concepts that it offers.
• Practice Exams: Practice exams are a good way to assess knowledge and identify areas needing improvement.
• Join a Study Group: Studying with others can keep you going when the going gets tough and has the benefit of different perspectives to view the material.
• Focus on Understanding, Not Memorization: The Scrum Master certification exams test your understanding of Scrum principles and practices and not whether you can recite chapters from the book in a clear way.

Scrum Master Certifications Cost in India

• Exam Fee: Varies depending on the certification (CSM, PSM, SAFe), ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.
• Renewal Fee: Some certifications require periodic renewal, with fees ranging from INR 5,000 to INR 15,000 per renewal cycle.
• Training Fee: Optional but highly recommended training courses can cost between INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 or more.

Scrum Master Certifications Cost in the U.S.

• Exam Fee: Varies depending on the certification (CSM, PSM, SAFe), ranging from $150 to $500.
• Renewal Fee: Some certifications require periodic renewal, with fees ranging from $100 to $150 per renewal cycle.
• Training Fee: Optional but highly recommended training courses can cost between $1000 to $2000 or more.

Jobs & Salary after Scrum Master Certifications

Benefits of Earning a Scrum Master Certifications

Career Growth

Scrum Master certification is a leap toward specialized development, skillfully networking the person beyond the doors of fresh opportunities and promotions in Agile.

Higher Salary

The Scrum Masters, those who are certified are often in high demand and earn good salaries commensurate with their skills in successfully leading Agile projects.

Strengthen Leadership and Team Collaboration

The Scrum Master certification process will further sharpen your leadership qualities and enable you to foster a working arrangement leading to better outcomes.

Expand Opportunities Across Industries

Scrum has great acceptability across different industries, making a Scrum Master certificate a worthy asset for professionals seeking opportunities in different sectors.

Stand Out in the Job Market

With a fairly competitive job market, Scrum Master certification, unique among the candidates, is proof of your proficiency in Agile principles and commitment to learning.

Is Scrum Master Certification Worth it in 2025?

In 2025, Scrum Master certification remains highly valuable as Agile adoption expands across industries. Certified Scrum Masters drive increased productivity, faster product delivery, and enhanced team collaboration, especially important with the rise of remote and hybrid work. The certification equips professionals to lead Agile teams effectively amid evolving project demands and emerging trends like AI integration and scaled Agile frameworks. Investing in Scrum Master certification boosts job prospects, earning potential, and positions individuals as key contributors to organizational success in a dynamic business environment.

Conclusion

The Scrum Master certification is a strategic investment in your career and possibly can bring new opportunities for you in the dynamic world of Agile project management. Choose the right certification, prepare for it, and keep abreast with the latest trends, and you will likely have a successful career as a highly sought-after Scrum Master by 2025 and beyond.

Scrum Masters Certifications - FAQs

Q. Should I list Scrum Master certifications on my resume?

Yes, listing Scrum Master certifications on your resume is important as it shows your knowledge of Agile and Scrum, making you more attractive to employers.

Q. Which Scrum Master certifications are most in demand?

The most sought-after certifications include Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and Professional Scrum Master (PSM).

Q. What is a Certified Scrum Master?

A Certified Scrum Master is someone who has completed training and demonstrated understanding of Scrum principles and practices to effectively facilitate Agile teams.

Q. What certification do I need to be a Scrum Master?

Typically, you need a certification like Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM) to validate your skills and qualify for Scrum Master roles.