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 Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster, or CSP-SM, is the highest level on Scrum Alliance's Scrum Master track. It comes after the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM), and it is designed for experienced Scrum Masters who work beyond a single team. This guide explains the requirements, what the course focuses on and how the CSP-SM fits into a Scrum Master career.
Key takeaways
- You need an A-CSM before you can earn the CSP-SM. It can be active or expired.
- You must validate at least 24 months of Scrum Master work experience from the past five years.
- You must complete an approved CSP-SM course, including any pre- or post-course work.
- Earning the CSP-SM automatically renews your A-CSM and CSM.
- The CSP-SM is renewed every two years with Scrum Education Units and a renewal fee.
CSP-SM at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Scrum Alliance |
| Prerequisite certification | A-CSM (active or expired) |
| Course | An approved CSP-SM course, including any pre- or post-course work set by the trainer |
| Work experience | At least 24 months as a Scrum Master within the past five years, validated on your profile |
| Final steps | Accept the CSP-SM License Agreement and complete your membership profile |
| Validity | Two years, renewed with SEUs and a renewal fee |
The Scrum Alliance Scrum Master track
| Level | Certification | Experience required |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | None |
| Advanced | Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) | 12 months within the past five years |
| Professional | Certified Scrum Professional ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) | 24 months within the past five years |
Our guides to the CSM and the A-CSM explain the earlier levels.
CSP-SM requirements, step by step
- Hold an A-CSM. Your A-CSM can be active or expired. It renews automatically, along with your CSM, when you earn the CSP-SM.
- Complete an approved CSP-SM course. This includes any pre- or post-course work your trainer sets to meet the learning objectives.
- Record your work experience. Enter at least 24 months of Scrum Master experience from the past five years on your Scrum Alliance profile.
- Accept the license. Accept the CSP-SM License Agreement and complete your membership profile.
You can enrol in the CSP-SM course once you hold an A-CSM, but you must have 24 months of Scrum Master experience recorded on your profile to become eligible for the certification.
What the CSP-SM focuses on
At the professional level, the focus moves from a single team to the wider organisation. Course content varies by trainer, but CSP-SM courses commonly address:
- Coaching at team and organisational level
- Supporting several teams and the dependencies between them
- Leading and sustaining organisational change
- Advanced facilitation for large or complex groups
- Developing yourself and others as Agile practitioners
Is the CSP-SM right for you?
The CSP-SM suits Scrum Masters with several years of experience who are working with multiple teams, supporting Agile adoption across an organisation, or moving towards Agile coaching. If you are newer to the role, the complete Scrum Master guide and the CSM or A-CSM are more appropriate starting points.
Renewing your CSP-SM
The CSP-SM 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.
Senior Scrum Master and leadership certification with Scrum Intelligence
For experienced practitioners, Scrum Intelligence offers Scrum Master Plus (Professional), focused on coaching, facilitation and organisational change, and Scrum Leader Plus, focused on leading Agile across multiple teams. Both are taken online on ExamVault by CertExpert with three attempts included, and are valid for two years. See the certification pages for current learning paths and prices.
Frequently asked questions
What are the prerequisites for the CSP-SM?
An A-CSM (active or expired), completion of an approved CSP-SM course, and at least 24 months of Scrum Master work experience from the past five years.
Can I enrol in the CSP-SM course before I have 24 months of experience?
Yes, once you hold an A-CSM. But the certification is only issued once 24 months of experience is recorded on your profile.
Does my A-CSM need to be active?
No. It can be active or expired. It renews automatically, along with your CSM, when you earn the CSP-SM.
How long is the CSP-SM valid?
Two years. You renew it with Scrum Education Units and a renewal fee.
Is the CSP-SM the highest Scrum Master certification from Scrum Alliance?
It is the highest level on the Scrum Alliance Scrum Master certification track.
Who is the CSP-SM for?
Experienced Scrum Masters who work across several teams, support organisational change or are moving towards Agile coaching.