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 ScrumMaster, usually shortened to CSM, is one of the best-known entry-level Scrum certifications. It is issued by Scrum Alliance, a long-established Agile certification body. This guide explains exactly how the CSM works in 2026: the required course, the test, what it costs, how to renew it, and how it fits into a Scrum Master career.
Key takeaways
- You cannot take the CSM test on its own; you must first complete a CSM course with an approved trainer.
- The course is 16 hours of training, usually spread over two or three days.
- The test has 50 multiple-choice questions, a one-hour time limit and a passing score of 74% (37 correct answers).
- Your course fee includes two test attempts within 90 days; after that, each attempt costs 25 USD.
- The certification must be renewed every two years with continuing education and a renewal fee.
CSM at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Scrum Alliance |
| Required course | 16 hours of training with an approved trainer, usually over 2 to 3 days |
| Test format | 50 multiple-choice questions, online |
| Time limit | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | 74% (37 of 50 correct) |
| Attempts included | Three attempts within 90 days of the Scrum Alliance welcome email |
| Extra attempts | 25 USD per attempt after three attempts or after 90 days |
| Validity | Two years |
| Renewal | 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and a renewal fee every two years |
| Prerequisites | None, apart from completing the course |
What is the CSM certification?
The CSM confirms that you have completed approved Scrum Master training and passed a test on Scrum and the Scrum Master role. It is aimed at people who are new to the Scrum Master role or who work with Scrum Teams and want a structured introduction.
What makes the CSM different from exam-only certifications is the mandatory course. The CSM test is only available after you complete a CSM course, so everyone who holds the certification has taken part in live training rather than only self-study.
If you are new to the role itself, our complete Scrum Master guide explains what a Scrum Master does and how Scrum works.
How to earn the CSM, step by step
- Choose a CSM course. Courses are run by trainers approved by Scrum Alliance, online or in person. Compare dates, format, trainer experience and price.
- Complete the course. The course is 16 hours of training, usually over two or three days.
- Activate your Scrum Alliance account. After the course, you receive a welcome email from Scrum Alliance with a link to set up your account.
- Take the test within 90 days. You have three attempts at no extra cost within 90 days of the welcome email.
- Pass with 37 or more correct answers. Once you pass, your certification is issued and valid for two years.
What the CSM course covers
The CSM course and test are based on Scrum Alliance's CSM Learning Objectives and the Scrum Guide. Exact content and teaching style vary by trainer, but courses generally cover:
- Scrum theory and values: empiricism, the three pillars of transparency, inspection and adaptation, and the Scrum values.
- The Scrum Team: the accountabilities of the Scrum Master, Product Owner and Developers.
- Scrum events: the Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective. See the five Scrum events explained.
- Scrum artifacts: the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog and Increment, and their commitments. See Scrum artifacts explained.
- The Scrum Master role in practice: facilitation, coaching, removing impediments and serving the team, the Product Owner and the organisation. See what does a Scrum Master do?
Most courses mix short explanations with group exercises, discussions and practical scenarios.
The CSM test in detail
- Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions.
- Time: one hour. The test cannot be paused, but you can bookmark questions and return to them within the time limit.
- Passing score: at least 74%, which means 37 correct answers.
- Attempts: three attempts at no extra cost within 90 days of the Scrum Alliance welcome email.
- Retakes: if you fail twice or test after the 90-day window, each further attempt costs 25 USD.
- Accommodations: if you need more than 60 minutes, you can request an accommodation through Scrum Alliance support.
Our Scrum Master exam study plan covers how to prepare, including the topics that most often catch people out.
How much does the CSM cost?
There is no separate CSM exam fee to budget for. The price of the course is set by the trainer or training provider and normally includes the training and your two test attempts. Prices vary widely depending on the country, the provider, whether the course is online or in person, and any extras included. When comparing options, check:
- Whether the price includes the test attempts
- The total training hours and the schedule
- The trainer's experience and reviews
- What support is offered after the course
Who should take the CSM?
- People moving into a Scrum Master role for the first time
- Project managers and team leads who work with Scrum Teams
- Developers, testers and analysts who want to understand Scrum more deeply
- Managers who support Agile teams and want to understand how Scrum works
Scrum Alliance notes that certification is not required to get a Scrum Master job, but some employers do ask for the CSM in their job requirements.
Renewing your CSM
The CSM is valid for two years. To keep it active, you need to earn 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) during the renewal period and pay a renewal fee. SEUs are earned through learning and Scrum-related activities, such as courses, events, reading and volunteering. You can submit your SEUs and pay the fee through your Scrum Alliance dashboard. Check Scrum Alliance's renewal page for the current fee, as it varies by certification level.
The CSM and your career
The CSM can help you get into the Scrum Master role and show employers that you have completed structured training and passed a test. Over time, practical experience and the scope of your role have the biggest influence on progression and pay. Our Scrum Master salary guide summarises the latest published salary figures for the US, UK and India.
After the CSM, Scrum Alliance offers advanced and professional-level certifications for experienced Scrum Masters. Many practitioners also broaden their skills with related areas such as Kanban, product ownership and Agile leadership.
Taking the CSM with Scrum Intelligence
Scrum Intelligence offers a learning path that combines its own Scrum Master Plus (Associate) certification with the CSM, so you can work towards two credentials in one enrolment. Scrum Master Plus includes 16 hours of training and an online exam on ExamVault by CertExpert, with three attempts included; the certificate and digital badge are valid for two years. See the certification page for the current learning paths and prices.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the CSM test?
50 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in one hour.
What is the passing score for the CSM?
74%, which means at least 37 of the 50 questions must be answered correctly.
How many attempts do I get?
Three attempts are included within 90 days of the Scrum Alliance welcome email. After that, each attempt costs 25 USD.
Can I take the CSM test without a course?
No. The test is only available after you complete a CSM course with an approved trainer.
How long is the CSM course?
16 hours of training, usually spread over two or three days.
How long is the CSM valid?
Two years. You renew it by earning 20 Scrum Education Units and paying a renewal fee.
Do I need a CSM to work as a Scrum Master?
No. Scrum Alliance states that certification is not required to get a Scrum Master job, although some employers list it as a requirement.
How much does the CSM cost?
The price is set by the trainer or training provider and usually includes the course and two test attempts. It varies by country, provider and format.