Certified ScrumMaster credential artwork

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Courses

Validates foundational knowledge of Scrum principles, the Scrum framework and Scrum Master responsibilities for serving teams and organizations.

A CSM class has two jobs: give you the required 16 hours with a Certified Scrum Trainer and prepare you for the 50-question test. We compared the listed options on price, format and what the fee includes.

Most people should book the $399 live online class, the lowest price on the list. Choose the $495 class if you want to compare trainers first, and read the free Scrum Guide before either.

CourseBest forFormatPrice
Certified ScrumMaster (live online)Lowest-price classLive online$399
Certified ScrumMaster (live online)Comparing trainersLive online$495
Scrum GuideFree pre-class readingBookFree
Lowest-price class

Certified ScrumMaster (live online)

A 16-hour, two-day live online class taught by Miljan Bajić, a Certified Scrum Trainer, and listed on Scrum Alliance's course finder. The fee includes the CSM test with two attempts and two years of membership.

Great fit if you want a live online class at the lowest price

Poor fit if you want to compare trainers first; choose the $495 class

Comparing trainers

Certified ScrumMaster (live online)

A 16-hour, two-day live online CSM class from Scrum Alliance's course finder, taught by Marcelo Lopez Jr of 3Back. The fee includes the CSM test and two years of membership. Prices vary by training company.

Great fit if you want to compare trainers and dates

Poor fit if price is your only criterion; choose the $399 class

Free pre-class reading

Scrum Guide

The official definition of Scrum by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, in its current 2020 edition. The class and the test are based on it, so reading it first makes class time go further.

Great fit if you want to arrive at class prepared

Poor fit if you want worked examples; the class provides them

How to choose a CSM course

  • You cannot skip the class. Scrum Alliance requires a 16-hour live class with a Certified Scrum Trainer. After it, your trainer creates your account and the test unlocks.
  • Check what the fee includes. Both classes include the CSM test and two years of Scrum Alliance membership. The price gap comes from the trainer and training company, not the credential.
  • Compare trainers, not just price. The same credential costs different amounts at different training companies. Read trainer reviews and check dates on Scrum Alliance's course finder.
  • Read the Scrum Guide first. The class and test are based on the 2020 Scrum Guide. It is free, and arriving prepared makes class time go further.

Recommended CSM course combinations

  • Lowest cost: The $399 class and the free Scrum Guide, then Scrum.org's free Scrum Open assessment.
  • Choosing a trainer: The $495 class, then Simplilearn's free CSM practice test with unlimited retakes.
  • Extra practice: Agile Centre's free Scrum Master mock exams, or the CSM Exam Prep question bank ($20 for 48 hours) if you want more volume.
  • Already know Scrum: The $399 class with a quick read of the Scrum Guide beforehand, since the class is required either way.

Compare all CSM practice tests →

CSM course FAQ

What is the best CSM course?

For most people, the $399 live online class: it includes the test and two years of membership at the lowest price on this list. Choose the $495 class if you want to compare trainers.

Can I take the CSM test without a class?

No. Scrum Alliance requires a 16-hour live class with a Certified Scrum Trainer before you can take the test.

How long does a CSM course take?

The class is 16 hours over two days. Plan for about 20 hours in total, including reading the Scrum Guide.

Is the CSM test included in the class fee?

Yes. The class fee includes the 50-question online test and two years of Scrum Alliance membership.