As more and more organizations move from traditional methodologies to Agile methodologies, the need for trained and professionally certified Scrum Masters is also on the rise. The statistics provided by betanews states that almost 97% of enterprises today have started practicing and adopting Agile development methods. Scrum framework is adopted by almost 54% of people interviewed during the survey. And another 10% use the Scrum or XP hybrid practice.

Being a Scrum Master takes one to complete multiple professional certifications. There are numerous professional courses offered by different organizations that are well-recognized in professional circles. Each of these courses helps candidates gain a working knowledge of the skills and aptitudes for becoming effective Scrum Masters. With many accreditations present, which scrum certification is the best to choose? In this blog here, we will evaluate some of the top and leading Scrum certification courses, and in the end, conclude the best technique to choose the right one. 

Which certification is best for Scrum Master?
 

Below are the top Scrum Master certification courses, quite popular and preferred in the Scrum network.
 

The top certifications are:
 

1.Certified ScrumMaster or CSM from Scrum Alliance:
 

It is one of the most preferred Scrum Master certifications. Offered by the Scrum Alliance organization, the course is focused on the Scrum framework, roles, events, and artifacts. Details of the course include:
 

• Certifying body: Scrum Alliance
   
• The prerequisites of taking the course are that the candidate should be familiar with the fundamentals of Scrum before taking the course. 
   
• The course is best advised for people who wish to work in the servant-leader role of CSM. Development and project teams in the IT and the non-IT fields can consider taking this course. Product Owners, Developers, Team leaders, and Managers can take this course too.
   
• To get the certification, the candidate will have to attend the two-day course mandatorily from a Certified Scrum Trainer. After the course completion, the candidate is required to take an online test. 
   
• The certification needs to be renewed after two years by paying a cost of $100 and by earning 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs).
   

2.Agile Scrum Master or ASM from EXIN
 

The ASM is a course that helps candidates learn the concepts of Agile methodologies and Scrum practices in particular. There are practical assignments too. There is holistic learning and experience so that the candidate is equipped to coach and facilitate cross-functional teams with Scrum practices and methodologies. 

• Certifying body: EXIN
   
• As a prerequisite, you need to complete the ASM training as a mandatory process.
   
• The target audience includes Team Leaders, Project Managers, Managers of Scrum, or Teams transitioning to Scrum, Developers, and Product Owners.
   
• The 20-hours course is mandatory for candidates and then takes the examination online. 
   
• ASM can be renewed after 2-years just by appearing for the examination at the end of the expiry period. The renewal fee is $240 per attempt.
   

3.Professional Scrum Master (PSM) from Scrum.org
 

There are three levels of the PSM certification course. PSM I is an entry-level certification, while PSM II  is an intermediate-level certification training. PSM III is an advanced-level course. 

• The certifying body is Scrum.org
   
• The certification can be taken up by existing team members, Managers, and Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Developers, Testers, and who are interested to learn Scrum Framework. 
   
• PSM I helps candidates to learn the fundamental principles and methodologies as per the Scrum Guide. There are no prerequisites per se, but candidates should have a Scrum guide’s experience and knowledge and attempt the PSM exam. The course fee includes a voucher to attempt the assessment. It is a lifetime certificate. 
   

4. SAFe 5.0 Scrum Master (SSM) by Scaled Agile:
 

This course covers the role of a Scrum Master from the enterprise-level; as a result, candidates are prepared to take on the role across the entire enterprise through all levels. Candidates pick the know-how to build Agile teams working as a servant leader and mentor.

• The certifying body is Scaled Agile.
   
• Though the training does not mention any prerequisite; however, it is advisable that candidates have working knowledge of agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban and also have knowledge about software and hardware development.
   
• Current Scrum Masters, Senior Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, Product Owners, Agile Project Managers, and Directors etc, can take up this course.
   
• The certificate needs to be renewed annually by paying $100. Candidates also need to complete ten continuing education hours annually.
   

Conclusion
 

Deciding which certification is best for scrum master is certainly not an easy task. All the above certifications mentioned here are the top ones and commands high respect in the professional agile domain. As someone interested in Scrum and wants to pursue a career as a scrum master, it is important first to understand the course that perfectly matches your eligibility, preference, and budget. 

Which scrum master certification is best? CSM is the most popular certification or scrum masters. When one needs to choose, you need to consider many factors, especially the value the accreditation is going to add to your professional development and the value it is going to provide to the enterprise. Consider these aspects too when making a choice – the level of complexity of the examination, the prerequisites and competency required, the form of assessment, the cost of the certification, and how far it matches the overall individual and business goals.