| Certification Bodies | Scrum.org | Scrum Alliance | PMI | SAFe |
| Certification Offered | Professional Scrum Master (PSM) | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) | SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) |
| Certification Levels | PSM I, PSM II, PSM III | CSM | PMI-ACP, DASM | SSM |
| Exam Format | Multiple-choice questions | In-person or online exam (typically taken after completing a certified training course) | Multiple-choice questions | Multiple-choice questions |
| Preparation Resources | Scrum.org provides official training courses and study materials, as well as a practice assessment for each certification level. | Scrum Alliance offers certified training courses provided by authorized trainers. These courses cover Scrum fundamentals and prepare participants for the certification exam. | PMI offers study materials and resources to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam, including practice exams, reference books, and online courses. | Scaled Agile offers official training courses for the SAFe Scrum Master certification. These courses cover key concepts, principles, and practices of SAFe, as well as specific responsibilities and activities of a SAFe Scrum Master. |
| Renewal | PSM I certification does not expire, while PSM II and PSM III certifications require renewal every two years through earning Scrum Education Units (SEUs). | CSM certification requires renewal every two years by earning Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and paying a renewal fee. | PMI-ACP certification requires renewal every three years by earning professional development units (PDUs). | SAFe certifications do not have an expiration date |
| Website | https://www.scrum.org | https://www.scrumalliance.org/ | https://www.pmi.org/ | https://scaledagile.com/ |
1. Scrum.org:
Certification Offered: Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
Certification Levels: PSM I, PSM II, PSM III
Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions
Preparation Resources: Scrum.org provides official training courses and study materials, as well as a practice assessment for each certification level.
Renewal: PSM I certification does not expire, while PSM II and PSM III certifications require renewal every two years through earning Scrum Education Units (SEUs).
Website: Scrum.org
2. Scrum Alliance:
Certification Offered: Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Certification Levels: CSM
Exam Format: In-person or online exam (typically taken after completing a certified training course)
Preparation Resources: Scrum Alliance offers certified training courses provided by authorized trainers. These courses cover Scrum fundamentals and prepare participants for the certification exam.
Renewal: CSM certification requires renewal every two years by earning Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and paying a renewal fee.
Website: Scrum Alliance| https://www.scrumalliance.org/
3. Project Management Institute (PMI):
a) Certification Offered: PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions
Preparation Resources: PMI offers study materials and resources to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam, including practice exams, reference books, and online courses.
Renewal: PMI-ACP certification requires renewal every three years by earning professional development units (PDUs).
Website: Project Management Institute
b) Certification Offered: Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM)
Certification Levels: DASM
Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions
Preparation Resources: PMI offers official training courses and study materials to prepare for the DASM exam. These courses cover key concepts, principles, and practices of Disciplined Agile, as well as specific responsibilities and activities of a Disciplined Agile Scrum Master.
Renewal: The DASM certification does not have an expiration date. However, PMI encourages individuals to stay current with the latest developments in Disciplined Agile by participating in continuing education and professional development activities.
Website: Project Management Institute | https://www.pmi.org/
4. Scaled Agile, Inc., Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
Certification Offered: SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
Certification Levels: SSM
Exam Format: Multiple-choice questions
Preparation Resources: Scaled Agile offers official training courses for the SAFe Scrum Master certification. These courses cover key concepts, principles, and practices of SAFe, as well as specific responsibilities and activities of a SAFe Scrum Master.
Renewal: SAFe certifications do not have an expiration date. However, Scaled Agile encourages individuals to stay current with the latest developments in SAFe by participating in continuing education and professional development activities.
Website: Scaled Agile, Inc. | https://scaledagile.com/
Each certification body has its own set of requirements, exam formats, and renewal processes, so it’s important to review the specific details provided by the organization you choose. Additionally, consider factors such as cost, availability of training courses, and recognition within your industry when selecting a certification program.
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