How much does a CSM certification cost?
A CSM certification costs the price of the required two-day course, with prices varying by trainer, format, and date, and that fee includes the official Scrum Alliance certification plus a two-year membership. See our upcoming classes for the current price, with exam and initial membership included.
What the price actually includes
There is no separate fee for the Certified ScrumMaster certification. The price you pay is the price of the two-day course, and a reputable course bundles everything you need to walk away certified. That includes the official Scrum Alliance exam, the certification itself, and your first two years of Scrum Alliance membership.
Prices vary by trainer, format, and date. See our current class listings for the live online CSM price, with the exam and initial two-year membership included.
Why you cannot skip the course
The CSM is course-required by design. Scrum Alliance only lets you take the CSM exam after you complete a two-day course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). You cannot buy the exam on its own, so there is no certified-on-the-cheap shortcut. The good news is that the course is where the real learning happens, and the exam is included once you finish.
To be fair, an exam-only path does exist elsewhere. Scrum.org's PSM is a separate, well-known certification that does not require a course, so you can pay for just the assessment. It is a different credential from a different body, not a cheaper version of the CSM. If a Scrum Alliance CSM is what you want, the CST-led course is part of the deal. For the full step-by-step, see our guide on how to become a Certified ScrumMaster.
Ongoing and renewal costs
A CSM is not a one-and-done purchase. Scrum Alliance certifications renew every two years. To renew, you earn Scrum Education Units (SEUs) through approved learning and pay a renewal fee, which is approximately $100 for the CSM. Those figures are approximate and set by Scrum Alliance, not by us. Because your course price already covers the first two years of membership, your next cost does not arrive until that window is up.
Cost breakdown at a glance
- Two-day CSM course (US, typical range)
- Varies by provider and date
- Sustained Agility live online CSM
- See current classes
- Exam, certification, and 2-year membership
- Included
- Renewal every 2 years (approximate)
- ~$100 plus SEUs
How to keep the cost down
The biggest lever is format. A live online course removes travel, hotel, and venue overhead, which is why it usually costs far less than the same two days at a conference center while still being taught live by a CST, not a recording. Group enrollments and private team courses can also lower the per-person cost when several people from one company need to certify together.
Before you spend anything, it is worth deciding whether the credential fits your goals. Our guide on whether a CSM is worth it walks through that honestly. When you are ready, you can browse our upcoming live online CSM classes. Every seat comes with a 100% money-back guarantee before the start date and a free transfer to another class if your schedule changes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a CSM certification cost?
A CSM costs the price of the required two-day course, with the price varying by trainer, format, and date. That fee includes the official Scrum Alliance certification, the online exam, and a two-year Scrum Alliance membership. Our current class listings show the price; the exam and initial membership are included.
Can I get certified without paying for a course?
No. The Certified ScrumMaster credential requires a course led by a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer, so you cannot just sit the exam on its own. If you want an exam-only path, Scrum.org's PSM is a separate certification that does not require a course.
Are there ongoing costs to keep a CSM?
Yes. Scrum Alliance certifications renew every two years. Renewal means earning Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and paying a renewal fee, which is approximately $100 for the CSM. Your first two years of membership are already covered by the course price.
What does the class price include?
The listed course fee covers the two-day live online course, the official Scrum Alliance CSM exam with two attempts within 90 days, the certification itself, and a two-year Scrum Alliance membership. Additional or late exam attempts can incur a fee from Scrum Alliance. Check the checkout total and booking terms before paying.
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