PSM I (Scrum.org) and CSM (Scrum Alliance) are both respected entry-level Scrum Master certifications, but they work very differently. PSM I is an exam-only certification you can study for on your own, with a harder test and no renewal fee. CSM requires a live two-day course with a Certified Scrum Trainer, includes the exam in the course price, and must be renewed every two years.
Neither one is better for everyone. The right choice depends on how you like to learn, your budget, and what employers in your market ask for. This guide compares PSM vs CSM side by side so you can decide quickly.
PSM vs CSM at a glance
Here are the key facts for both certifications. Prices are at the time of writing, so check the official Scrum.org and Scrum Alliance sites before you pay.
| PSM I | CSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Professional Scrum Master I | Certified ScrumMaster |
| Issuing body | Scrum.org | Scrum Alliance |
| Course required | No | Yes, a live course of about 14-16 hours (usually 2 days) with a Certified Scrum Trainer |
| Questions | 80 | 50 |
| Time limit | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Pass mark | 85% | 37 correct answers (74%) |
| Attempts | One per purchase | Two attempts within 90 days of the course, included |
| Cost | USD 200 per exam attempt | Course price set by the trainer, varies by country (commonly several hundred to over a thousand USD), exam included |
| Renewal | None; does not expire | Every 2 years: USD 100 and 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) |
Who issues each certification
PSM I comes from Scrum.org. Its exams are built closely around the Scrum Guide, and the wording of questions often tests whether you understand the guide precisely.
CSM comes from Scrum Alliance, which focuses on in-person and live online training delivered by Certified Scrum Trainers. The certification is tied to attending that training, and the trainer plays a central role in your learning experience.
Both are based on the same Scrum framework, so the core knowledge overlaps a lot: the three accountabilities (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), the five events, the three artifacts and their commitments, and the Scrum values.
Course requirement: self-study vs live training
This is the biggest practical difference between PSM and CSM.
For PSM I, there is no course requirement. You buy an exam password from Scrum.org and take the test online whenever you are ready. Many people prepare entirely on their own with the Scrum Guide, the free Scrum.org Open Assessments and practice exams. Optional courses exist, but they are not needed to sit the exam.
For CSM, the course is mandatory. You attend a live class of about 14-16 hours, usually over two days, and only then can you take the exam. That gives you structured learning, a trainer to ask questions, and exercises with other participants. It also means you need to fit a fixed schedule into your calendar.
Exam format and difficulty
Both exams last 60 minutes, but they are not equally demanding.
- PSM I: 80 questions in 60 minutes, so you have 45 seconds per question on average. You need 85% to pass, which means at most 12 wrong answers. Question types are multiple choice, multiple answer and true/false, and the exam is in English.
- CSM: 50 questions in 60 minutes, which is more than a minute per question. You pass with 37 correct answers (74%), and you get two attempts within 90 days of the course.
Most candidates find PSM I harder because of the higher pass mark, the tighter time per question and the precise wording. CSM is usually considered more approachable, especially right after the course when the material is fresh. That does not make CSM easy: you still need to understand Scrum well, not just memorize terms.
A good habit for either exam is to practice under real time pressure. If you are aiming for PSM I, try the free PSM practice exam; if you are going for CSM, the free CSM practice exam is a quick way to check where you stand.
Cost: exam-only vs course with exam included
The cost structure is very different, so compare the total you will actually pay.
- PSM I costs USD 200 per attempt at the time of writing. If you fail, you pay again for the next attempt. Your other costs depend on how you prepare: free resources, low-cost practice exams, or an optional paid course.
- CSM is paid through the course. Prices are set by each trainer and vary by country and format, commonly from several hundred to over a thousand USD. The exam and two attempts are included.
If budget is your main concern and you are comfortable studying alone, PSM I is usually the cheaper route. If your employer pays for training, the CSM course fee may matter less than the learning and contacts you get from it.
Renewal: does the certification expire?
PSM I does not expire and has no renewal fee. Once you pass, it is yours for life.
CSM must be renewed every two years. Renewal currently costs USD 100 and requires 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs), which you earn through learning activities such as courses, events or other Scrum-related education. Some people see this as a cost; others see it as a useful push to keep learning. Either way, include it in your long-term budget.
What each certification is good for
PSM I strengths
- You can study at your own pace and take the exam when you are ready.
- Lower total cost if you prepare well and pass on the first try.
- No renewal fees or continuing education requirements.
- The demanding pass mark shows a solid, precise understanding of the Scrum Guide.
CSM strengths
- A live course with an experienced trainer, which suits people who learn best through discussion and exercises.
- Networking with other participants and the trainer, and access to the Scrum Alliance community.
- The exam is included in the course, with two attempts.
- Renewal encourages ongoing learning through SEUs.
How employers see PSM I and CSM
Both certifications are widely recognized, and job postings for Scrum Master roles often mention them together, for example "CSM, PSM or similar". In practice, many hiring managers treat them as equivalent entry-level proof that you know Scrum.
Recognition can vary by country, industry and company. Some organizations have a history with one body, for example because their teams were trained by a Scrum Alliance trainer or because they use Scrum.org assessments internally. The simplest way to find out is to search job ads in your city and see which one appears more often.
Keep in mind that a certification gets you past filters; experience, examples of how you have helped teams and how you talk about Scrum in interviews usually matter more.
Choose PSM I if... / choose CSM if...
Choose PSM I if
- You prefer self-study and want to set your own schedule.
- You are paying out of your own pocket and want to keep costs low.
- You do not want renewal fees or continuing education requirements.
- You want a tougher exam that tests precise knowledge of the Scrum Guide.
Choose CSM if
- You learn best in a live class with a trainer and other participants.
- Your employer pays for the training, or you value the networking.
- Job ads in your market ask for CSM specifically.
- You like the idea of a structured renewal that keeps you learning.
Some people end up with both. A common path is to take the CSM course through work and later add PSM I, or to start with PSM I and take a CSM course when an employer offers it. If you want a structured way to prepare for either, the Scrum Master certification training on Scrumdemy includes four timed exams with 316 questions.
FAQ
Is PSM I harder than CSM?
Most candidates find PSM I harder. You need 85% on 80 questions in 60 minutes, while CSM asks for 37 correct out of 50 (74%) in the same time, with two attempts included.
Can I take the PSM I exam without a course?
Yes. Scrum.org does not require a course for PSM I. You can buy the exam attempt and prepare on your own with the Scrum Guide and practice tests.
Do PSM I and CSM expire?
PSM I does not expire and has no renewal fee. CSM must be renewed every two years with a USD 100 fee and 20 Scrum Education Units, at the time of writing.
Which is more recognized by employers, PSM or CSM?
Both are widely recognized and often listed together in job ads. Which one appears more depends on your country and industry, so check local job postings before deciding.