Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is one of the most popular and recognized agile certifications in the world. It has a lot of benefits that can help individuals and organizations achieve their goals.
If you are thinking of getting CSM certified, you need to know how much it costs. In this article, we will provide an estimate for the cost of CSM certification.
What Is A Scrum Master?
The Scrum Master is the person who is responsible for ensuring that the team adheres to the Scrum process. They are also responsible for removing any impediments that might prevent the unit from working effectively. The Scrum Master is not a project manager, but they do need to have good people skills and be able to resolve conflicts.
There are two main certifications for Scrum Masters: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and Professional Scrum Master (PSM). Both of these certifications are offered by Scrum.org, the organization founded by Ken Schwaber, one of the creators of Scrum.
To become a CSM, you must first attend a two-day course taught by a certified Scrum trainer. The course cost can range from $1000-$2000, depending on the trainer and the location. After attending the course, you will need to take an online exam, which costs $250. Once you have passed the exam, you will be a Certified ScrumMaster.
The PSM certification is a bit more challenging to obtain. There are three levels of the PSM certification: PSM I, PSM II, and PSM III.
- To obtain the PSM I certification, you must first pass an online assessment, costing $150. If you give the evaluation, you will need to take an open-book exam, which costs $500. Once you have passed the exam, you will be a PSM I.
- To obtain the PSM II certification, you must first pass an online assessment, which costs $250. If you give the evaluation, you will need to take an open-book exam, which costs $750. Once you have passed the exam, you will be a PSM II.
- To obtain the PSM III certification, you must first pass an online assessment, costing $350. If you give the evaluation, you will need to take an open-book exam, which costs $1000. Once you have passed the exam, you will be a PSM III.
As you can see, becoming a Scrum Master can be pretty costly. However, it is a very rewarding career and one that is in high demand.
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Benefits Of Becoming A Certified Scrum Master:
There are many benefits of becoming a certified Scrum Master. One of the most important benefits is that it can help you improve your career prospects. With the proper certification, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Another benefit of becoming a certified Scrum Master is that it can help you earn more money. With the proper certification, you will be able to command a higher salary.
Finally, becoming a certified Scrum Master can also help you network with other professionals in the field. With the proper certification, you will be able to meet other Scrum Masters and learn from their experiences.
This networking opportunity can lead to new job opportunities or even promotions at your current job.
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The Cost Of The CSM Exam:
The cost of the CSM exam is $700-1300. This does not include the cost of membership in the Scrum Alliance, which is required to take the examination. The Scrum Alliance has an annual membership fee of $100.
There are also other costs associated with becoming a certified Scrum Master, such as attending courses and workshops offered by the Scrum Alliance. These courses and workshops can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
In addition, there are books and other materials that you will need to study for the CSM exam. These materials can also range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
So, when you are considering the cost of becoming a certified Scrum Master, you need to factor in all of these costs. The total cost can range from $1000 to $2000 or more.
Of course, the cost is not the only thing you need to consider when deciding whether or not to become a certified Scrum Master. You also need to think about the benefits of becoming a certified Scrum Master.
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The Cost Of Attending A CSM Course:
The average cost of a CSM course is $2000. However, the price can range from $1000 to $2000. The most expensive courses are usually those that private companies offer.
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when budgeting for your CSM course:
The location of the course: If the course is being held in a major city, it will be more expensive than if it were being held in a smaller town.
The course length: The longer the course, the more expensive it will be.
The time of year: Courses offered during the summer months tend to be cheaper than those provided during winter.
The type of course: There are a variety of CSM courses available, from intensive boot camps to more open online courses. The more comprehensive the course, the higher the price tag.
Keep these factors in mind when budgeting for your CSM course!
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What Is The Cost Of Taking The Exam?
The cost of taking the Certified Scrum Master exam is $200. You can register for the exam through the Scrum Alliance website. Once you have registered, you will be able to take the exam at a testing center near you.
There are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for your exam:
- You will need to pay for your membership with Scrum Alliance
- Need to pay for your exam registration.
- You will need to pay for your travel to and from the testing center.
- Need to pay for your accommodation if you are traveling.
Keep these things in mind when budgeting for your exam!
Other Associated Costs With Becoming A Csm:
There are a few options for purchasing study materials. The Scrum Alliance offers an eLearning course for $250. Alternatively, many Scrum trainers offer preparation courses that include access to their own copyrighted material. These courses range in price from around $500 to over $1000.
If you plan on attending the annual Scrum Gathering, that will be an additional cost (travel, lodging, etc.). While not required, some find it beneficial to participate as it is an excellent opportunity to network with other Scrum professionals and learn more about the practice.
Once you become a CSM, there is an annual membership fee of $100 charged by the Scrum Alliance. This fee allows you to maintain your certification and access a variety of resources offered by the organization.
As you can see, becoming a CSM is not a cheap endeavor. However, many feel that it is well worth the investment as it can lead to great things in their career. With the proper preparation and commitment, anyone can become a certified ScrumMaster.
Conclusion:
The average cost of a CSM certification is around $1000. However, the price can range from $600 to $2000. The cost of the exam, training, and membership fees are all factors that contribute to the total cost.
There are many ways to save money on your CSM certification. You can find discounts on training courses and exams and membership fees. You can also look for free or low-cost resources online. With a little bit of research, you can easily find ways to reduce the cost of your CSM certification.