Scrum Master vs PMP Certification
Compare Scrum Master (CSM/PSM) and PMP certifications for project leadership.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Scrum Alliance
PMP (Project Management Professional)
PMI
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | PMP (Project Management Professional) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Scrum Alliance | PMI |
| Difficulty Level | Foundational | Expert |
| Exam Duration | 2-day training + exam | 230 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $1,000-$1,500 USD | $555 USD |
| Exam Format | 50 questions | 180 questions |
| Prerequisites | None | 3-5 years PM experience |
| Validity Period | 2 years | 3 years (PDUs) |
| Ideal For | Agile team leaders | Project managers |
| Salary Range | $90,000 - $130,000 | $115,000 - $165,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Focus Areas
- Scrum Framework
- Facilitation
- Servant Leadership
- Team Dynamics
PMP (Project Management Professional) Focus Areas
- Predictive
- Agile
- Hybrid
- People
- Process
Our Recommendation
Scrum Master for agile teams; PMP for comprehensive project management.
Choose Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Choose Scrum Master for pure agile/Scrum environments.
Choose PMP (Project Management Professional)
Choose PMP for broader project management across methodologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or PMP (Project Management Professional)?
Scrum Master for agile teams; PMP for comprehensive project management.
What are the salary differences between Certified Scrum Master (CSM)?
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) typically offers salaries around $90,000 - $130,000, while PMP (Project Management Professional) offers $115,000 - $165,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose Scrum Master for pure agile/Scrum environments. Choose PMP for broader project management across methodologies.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
Ready to Get Certified?
Start your certification journey with our free practice exams and study guides