Scrum Master Certification: Certified Scrum Master Vs Professional Scrum Master

By Author: Subra Siddrehamian.
Total Articles: 6
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About 10% of web-development companies require you to be accompanied by a Scrum Master Certification.

About 10% of web-development companies require you to be accompanied by a Scrum Master Certification. If you do not know what scrum is, it is basically a different, innovative and creative way of developing software. This involves breaking the tasks into little pieces whereby each piece is handled separately to arrive at a new product. There are two types of Scrum Master Certification, one is Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is the other. CSM is offered by the Scrum Alliance, while PSM I is offered by Scrum.org. CSM was the pioneer while PSM I arrived at the scene after Ken Schwaber (co-founder) left and formed Scrum.org which offers PSM I. Here is a breakdown of the differences between the two certificates:

Of the two certificates CSM is the more recognized one this is since it had been there long before PSM I arrived. With over 150,000 certificates handed as of December 31, 2011 it is easy to see why the PSM exam is lagging behind with 6,000 certificates being dispensed.

PSM ...
... training is quite more costly in the US than CSM training. Though the training in Europe of both courses are charged round about the same.

The costs of acquiring and maintaining CSM are significantly much higher than PSM. PSM has no maintenance cost which is usually at $100 per year for CSM. Though PSM’s training is more costly it is however, overall cheaper than CSM as there are no extra costs but just a single one off payment for the PSM exam.

PSM entered the scene back in 2009 so it has a fresh approach to guide you through. CSM certificates post 2012 vary in value because changes were made to the course in 2012 where there is an evaluation while obtaining your certificate.

The main advantage of PSM is that you have one standardized course no matter the instructor. CSM defers from this, as the course is as good as the instructor you receive it from. Though to CSM’s credit each instructor teaching CSM has been verified, and certified to hand out the course.

The main bone of contention with CSM was, prior to 2012 you would get awarded a certificate only by attendance. However, PSM has you going through a PSM exam so you can be handed a certificate. Though early 2012 the Scrum Alliance accepted that this would not be the status-quo, and they introduced a three stage process to earn your certificate. The first step is to familiarize yourself with scrum basics. Next is to attend a CSM course and last is to do an evaluation after completing your course while receiving your CSM certification. PSM however, does not require its examinees to attend any course before doing the Scrum Master exam. However, this comes at a price as you pay higher for your PSM II if you did not go through a recognized training course. Also be mindful that it will be mandatory to undergo training if you pursue PSM II.

Scrum’s introduction to the software developing world has aided many to get some of the best finished programs. It basically simplifies big projects and plasters them to your face in a simpler manner. Acquiring the best Scrum Master Certification is left to a matter of your own preference and capability. Whichever Scrum Master exam you choose to sit you are sure to discover the wonders of scrum.
Resource: http://www.testtakeronline.com/catalog/scrum-master-skill.htm