Netskope$215k median pay
23 postings
View jobs ↗ at Netskope matching CSM
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Validates foundational knowledge of Scrum principles, the Scrum framework and Scrum Master responsibilities for serving teams and organizations.
Summary
CSM is Scrum Alliance's entry-level Scrum Master certification, for people who are new to Scrum and want a guided start. You earn it through a live class with a Certified Scrum Trainer and a short online test, combining training with a check of knowledge.
Good fit if
- Your employer pays for training, or you want a live class
- Job postings you target ask for CSM by name
- You are new to Scrum and want a guided introduction
Look elsewhere if
- You want proof of Scrum knowledge without a class: PSM I
- You have agile experience and want broader coverage: PMI-ACP
- Your organization runs SAFe: SAFe Agilist
Salary & jobs
801 US job postings ask for CSM, with Scrum Master as the most common job title. The median pay is $138k a year; most fall between $115k and $172k.
Top-paying job titles
Most common job titles
| Job title | ||
|---|---|---|
| Solutions Engineer | $215k | 21 |
| Program Manager | $160k | 16 |
| Technical Project Manager | $135k | 16 |
| Scrum Master | $130k | 78 |
| Project Manager | $127k | 33 |
| IT Project Manager | $123k | 21 |
| Technical Program Manager | $121k | 9 |
Top-paying employers
Netskope
T-Mobile$184k median pay
14 postings
View jobs ↗ at T-Mobile matching CSM
Guidehouse$151k median pay
15 postings
View jobs ↗ at Guidehouse matching CSM
Peraton$146k median pay
22 postings
View jobs ↗ at Peraton matching CSM
Northrop Grumman$130k median pay
14 postings
View jobs ↗ at Northrop Grumman matching CSM
Leidos$130k median pay
13 postings
View jobs ↗ at Leidos matching CSM
Booz Allen$114k median pay
12 postings
View jobs ↗ at Booz Allen matching CSM| Job title | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scrum Master | $130k | 78 |
| Project Manager | $127k | 33 |
| IT Project Manager | $123k | 21 |
| Solutions Engineer | $215k | 21 |
| Program Manager | $160k | 16 |
| Technical Project Manager | $135k | 16 |
| Technical Program Manager | $121k | 9 |
| Command Control Scrum Master | - | 6 |
| Mission Management Scrum Master | - | 6 |
| Product Owner | - | 6 |
| Business Analyst | - | 5 |
| Delivery Manager | - | 5 |
| Release Train Engineer | - | 5 |
| Scrum Master I | - | 5 |
| Release Manager | - | 4 |
Top employers
Netskope23 postings
$215k median pay
Most common title: Solutions Engineer
View jobs ↗ at Netskope matching CSMPeraton22 postings
$146k median pay
Most common title: Scrum Master
View jobs ↗ at Peraton matching CSM
RTX20 postings
Most common title: Mission Management Scrum Master
View jobs ↗ at RTX matching CSMGuidehouse15 postings
$151k median pay
Most common title: Salesforce Project Manager
View jobs ↗ at Guidehouse matching CSMNorthrop Grumman14 postings
$130k median pay
Most common title: Software Engineer Software Engineer
View jobs ↗ at Northrop Grumman matching CSMT-Mobile14 postings
$184k median pay
Most common title: Manager Product Engineering
View jobs ↗ at T-Mobile matching CSMLeidos13 postings
$130k median pay
Most common title: Cloud Operations Manager
View jobs ↗ at Leidos matching CSMBooz Allen12 postings
$114k median pay
Most common title: Program Management Specialist
View jobs ↗ at Booz Allen matching CSMPrerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Works best as a stepping stone inside a company you already work at
The common advice is to move into a Scrum Master or product role at your current employer first. Those job hunting from outside with the cert alone say it made no difference.
Career switchers get real, if limited, value
Career switchers say CSM or CSPO builds a foundation and shows commitment to Agile, but needs hands-on project work alongside it. Those with dev or PM-adjacent backgrounds find it more useful.
A fast credential, most useful alongside real Agile experience
CSM is a two-day course with an exam almost no one fails. Commenters warn it will not land a job by itself, especially with no Agile background.
Renewal
CSM is valid for 2 years.
- Validity
- 2 years
- Renewal requirement
- 20 SEUs per cycle
- Renewal fee
- $100 USD
SEUs are Scrum Education Units: one hour of learning, events or volunteering earns one SEU. Earning another Scrum Alliance certification renews CSM without SEUs or a fee, and one $100 fee renews CSM and CSPO together.
Scrum Alliance renewal costs ↗Alternatives
PSM I$200 required · Entry
A Scrum Master test with no required class, a $200 fee and no expiry.
CSPO$399 required · Entry
Scrum Alliance’s product owner class, often taken alongside CSM.
PMI-ACP$525 required · Intermediate
A broader agile credential for people with agile experience.
SA$495 required · Entry
For organizations scaling agile with SAFe.
FAQ
Can I take the CSM test without the class?
No. The test unlocks only after you complete a 16-hour class with a Certified Scrum Trainer.
How much does CSM cost?
Each training company sets its own price. Current live online classes on the Scrum Alliance course finder are listed at $399 to $495. The fee includes the test and two years of membership.
How hard is the CSM test?
It has 50 questions in one hour and you need 74% to pass. Candidates describe it as easy after the class. You get two free attempts within 90 days.
How is CSM different from PSM I?
CSM requires a class and renews every two years. PSM I is a test you can take without a class, and it does not expire.
What comes after CSM?
Scrum Alliance’s next levels are Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) and Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM), which add experience requirements.
Last updated October 2026