Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM): Requirements and Guide 2026

Facts last checked: September 2026 against Scrum Alliance's published information. Requirements can change, so always confirm the current rules with Scrum Alliance or your trainer before you enrol.

The Advanced Certified ScrumMaster, or A-CSM, is Scrum Alliance's second-level certification on the Scrum Master track. It sits between the entry-level Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and the Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM). Unlike the CSM, it requires real work experience as a Scrum Master. This guide explains the requirements, what the course focuses on, and how the A-CSM fits into a Scrum Master career.

Key takeaways

• You need a CSM first. Scrum Alliance also accepts a PSM I or PSM II certification in place of the CSM for the A-CSM track only.
• The A-CSM course is a minimum of 16 hours, available instructor-led or self-paced.
• You must validate at least 12 months of Scrum Master work experience from the past five years before the certification is issued.
• You can take the course before you have the full 12 months; the certification becomes available once the experience is recorded.
• The A-CSM is renewed every two years with Scrum Education Units and a renewal fee.

A-CSM at a glance

What is the A-CSM?

The CSM introduces Scrum and the Scrum Master role. The A-CSM is for people who have been doing the job and want to go further. Advanced courses typically move beyond the mechanics of Scrum into facilitation, coaching, team dynamics and working with the wider organisation: the areas where experienced Scrum Masters spend most of their time. If you want a refresher on the role itself, see what does a Scrum Master do?

A-CSM requirements, step by step

1. Hold a CSM. For the A-CSM track only, Scrum Alliance also accepts a PSM I or PSM II certification, which you log on your Scrum Alliance profile before the course.
2. Complete an approved A-CSM course. The course is at least 16 hours and may be instructor-led or self-paced. You must also complete any pre- or post-course work your educator sets.
3. Record your work experience. Enter at least 12 months of Scrum Master experience from the past five years on your Scrum Alliance profile, so it can be validated.
4. Accept the license. Once your experience is validated, you accept the A-CSM license and complete your membership profile.

You can take the A-CSM course at any time after earning your CSM. However, the certification is only issued once you have at least 12 months of Scrum Master experience logged on your profile. When you reach that point, Scrum Alliance notifies you and you can claim the certification from your dashboard.

What counts as Scrum Master experience?

The experience must be specific to the Scrum Master accountability and fall within the past five years. Job titles vary between organisations, so what matters is the work itself: facilitating Scrum events, coaching the team, helping remove impediments and supporting the Product Owner. It is sensible to keep a clear record of your roles, dates, teams and responsibilities when you enter them on your profile.

What the A-CSM course focuses on

Course content varies by educator, but advanced Scrum Master courses commonly cover:

• Facilitation techniques for events and difficult conversations
• Coaching individuals and teams
• Team dynamics, conflict and engagement
• Helping the Product Owner and stakeholders work effectively with the team
• Dealing with resistance to change and organisational impediments

Our guide to running a Sprint Retrospective covers one of the most practical facilitation skills in this area.

Renewing your A-CSM

The A-CSM is valid for two years. You renew it by earning Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and paying a renewal fee through your Scrum Alliance dashboard. The number of SEUs and the fee depend on your certification level, so check Scrum Alliance's renewal page for the current requirements. Scrum Alliance also notes that earning another of its certifications automatically renews the others you hold.

Where the A-CSM leads

The next step on the Scrum Alliance Scrum Master track is the Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM), which requires an A-CSM and 24 months of Scrum Master experience. Our CSP-SM guide explains the requirements.

Advanced Scrum Master certification with Scrum Intelligence

For experienced Scrum Masters, Scrum Intelligence offers Scrum Master Plus (Professional), which focuses on coaching, facilitation and leading organisational change. The exam is taken online on ExamVault by CertExpert with three attempts included, and the certificate and digital badge are valid for two years. See the certification page for current learning paths and prices.