Top 10 Scrum Master Certifications in 2025: How to Become Certified, Career Benefits, and More

Looking to boost your career and play a key role in Agile project management? Scrum Master certifications are your gateway. Globally recognized and valued across industries, they open up opportunities to lead teams in fast-paced, Agile environments. As a certified Scrum Master, you'll gain the tools and knowledge to drive project success.

A Scrum Master certification will deepen your understanding of Agile principles and make you an invaluable asset to any team. Whether you're just starting or already working in Agile environments, this certification will help you advance your career and unlock leadership opportunities.

This guide covers Scrum Master certifications, highlighting the skills, career benefits, and growth opportunities they offer. Once done reading this blog, you'll have a clear understanding of which certification best aligns with your goals and how it can shape your professional future.

Top 10 Scrum Master Certifications to Consider in 2025

The demand for Scrum Masters is growing, making certification valuable for Agile project management. These certifications provide in-demand skills that can boost your career. Ranked by job mentions, recognition, and curriculum quality, the table below compares top Scrum Master certifications. It covers key features, cost, duration, and skills gained. 

Top Scrum Master Certifications in 2025

Certification	Features
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)	Industry-recognized certification with hands-on learning. Offers a deep dive into Scrum roles, events, and artifacts.
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)	Focuses on Product Owner skills. Learn about managing backlogs, priorities, and stakeholder relationships.
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)	Advanced certification with a focus on Scrum theory and its practical application.
Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)	For experienced Scrum Masters. Focuses on advanced Scrum practices and leadership skills.
SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)	Learn Scrum in the context of large-scale Agile frameworks. Focuses on implementing Agile in organizations using SAFe.
Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I)	Focuses on Product Owner responsibilities, including managing product backlogs and maximizing value delivery.
Certified Scrum Developer 1 (CSD)	Ideal for developers. Learn how Scrum applies to development processes and building collaborative teams.
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (ACSM)	A more advanced certification for experienced Scrum Masters, enhancing leadership and facilitation skills.
Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II)	Targets intermediate Scrum Masters with a focus on real-world problem-solving and application of Scrum principles.
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 5 Agilist Certification	Learn how to apply Agile practices on a large scale, focusing on leading organizations through change with SAFe methodologies.

Let’s now have a look at each of these certifications in detail.

1. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

This certification provides a comprehensive understanding of Scrum, its roles, and how to implement Scrum in real-world projects. It’s an industry-recognized certification with a hands-on learning approach.

Cost: ₹25,000 – ₹45,000

Duration: 2 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Agile frameworks
• Scrum roles, events, and artifacts
• Effective collaboration and team leadership

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:
CSM continues to be one of the most recognized Scrum certifications, with widespread popularity due to its hands-on approach and quick learning cycle. Ideal for professionals starting their Scrum career or transitioning into Agile project management.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand Scrum principles and practices
• Apply Scrum to manage projects effectively
• Lead Scrum teams and facilitate Scrum events

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Agile software development teams
Healthcare	Managing cross-functional Agile teams
Finance	Improving project delivery and stakeholder satisfaction

Get CSM certified with upGrad’s CSM® Certification Training today!

2. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

The CSPO certification focuses on the Product Owner's role in Scrum, including managing the product backlog, setting priorities, and interacting with stakeholders.

Cost: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000

Duration: 2-3 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Product backlog management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Value maximization for projects

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:
CSPO is gaining traction as more businesses adopt Agile Scrum methodologies, and it’s essential for those aiming for leadership roles in product management or Scrum.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Develop and prioritize product backlogs
• Work with stakeholders to ensure product success
• Lead product development teams effectively

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Managing the development of software products
E-commerce	Improving customer experience and business processes
Manufacturing	Aligning product features with customer needs

Also Read: Agile vs Scrum: Difference Between Agile and Scrum

Get CSPO certification with upGrad’s CSPO® Certification Training course!

3. Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)

PSM I is for professionals with a deeper understanding of Scrum. It focuses on applying Scrum principles in real-world scenarios and encourages practical application.

Cost: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000

Duration: 2 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Advanced Scrum theory
• Practical application of Scrum in teams
• Effective Scrum facilitation

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:

PSM I certification continues to rise in popularity due to its focus on Scrum mastery. It’s suited for professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of Scrum beyond basic concepts.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Apply Scrum theory in complex scenarios
• Facilitate Scrum events with efficiency
• Address common Scrum challenges effectively

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Scrum implementation and team management
Healthcare	Managing Agile teams in healthcare innovation
Retail	Driving customer-focused projects and product launches

Get PSM I certified with upGrad’s Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I) Certification Training today!

4. Certified Scrum Professional (CSP)

The Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) is an advanced certification that builds on your Scrum Master skills. This certification dives deeper into Scrum practices, leadership, and advanced techniques to manage complex Agile Scrum projects effectively.

Cost: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000

Duration: 2-3 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Advanced Scrum practices
• Leadership and facilitation in Agile projects
• Coaching and mentoring Scrum teams

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:

CSP is an ideal certification for experienced Scrum Masters who want to develop their leadership skills and take on more complex Agile projects. It’s especially popular in industries that require advanced Agile practices.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Master advanced Scrum principles
• Enhance facilitation, coaching, and leadership skills
• Lead teams through complex Agile transformations

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Leading high-performing Scrum teams
Healthcare	Facilitating Agile processes in healthcare organizations
Finance	Implementing advanced Agile practices in financial projects

5. SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)

The SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) certification focuses on applying Scrum at scale, especially in large organizations following the SAFe framework. It emphasizes Agile leadership, team facilitation, and managing cross-functional teams in large-scale environments.

Cost: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000

Duration: 2 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Implementing Scrum at scale using SAFe
• Agile leadership and Facilitation
• Managing multiple Scrum teams

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:

With the rise of scaled Agile frameworks, SAFe Scrum Master certification is highly sought after in large organizations. It’s perfect for Scrum Masters working in big enterprises or those implementing SAFe practices.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Manage Agile teams at scale with SAFe
• Facilitate cross-team collaboration and program execution
• Lead Agile transformations in large organizations

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Managing Agile programs across multiple Scrum teams
Retail	Scaling Agile processes across large teams and departments
Finance	Driving Agile adoption in large financial institutions

Looking for an SSM course? Join upGrad’s SAFe® 6.0 Scrum Master (SSM) Certification Training today!

Also Read: Safe Agile vs Agile: Difference Between Agile and Safe Agile

6. Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I)

The PSPO I certification focuses on the role of the Product Owner in Scrum. It helps you learn how to manage product backlogs, define product goals, and engage stakeholders effectively to maximize product value.

Cost: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000

Duration: 2 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Product backlog management
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Maximizing product value and team collaboration

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:

PSPO I is a popular certification for professionals who wish to take on a leadership role in product development. It’s designed for Product Owners, product managers, or anyone aiming to develop product leadership expertise.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Prioritize product backlog items based on business value
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders
• Make decisions that maximize product success

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Leading product teams and managing software product development
E-commerce	Defining product roadmaps and aligning teams with business goals
Healthcare	Managing product development for medical software and devices

7. Certified Scrum Developer 1 (CSD)

The CSD certification is specifically designed for developers working in Agile teams. It teaches how to implement Scrum effectively in software development processes, with a focus on collaborative techniques and Agile programming practices.

Cost: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000

Duration: 3 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Agile software development techniques
• Collaborative development and code quality
• Scrum practices for developers

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:

CSD is gaining popularity as more developers understand the importance of Scrum in their daily work. It’s ideal for software developers or engineers looking to enhance their Agile development skills.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Apply Agile techniques to software development
• Work collaboratively with Scrum teams
• Develop high-quality software using Scrum practices

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Implementing Agile Software Development Practices
Healthcare	Building collaborative teams for healthcare technology development
E-commerce	Creating scalable, high-quality e-commerce platforms

8. Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (ACSM) (Scrum Alliance)

The ACSM is designed for experienced Scrum Masters who want to develop more advanced skills. It provides a deeper dive into Scrum facilitation, coaching, and leadership, helping you manage complex Scrum projects.

Cost: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000

Duration: 2-3 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Advanced Scrum facilitation skills
• Coaching techniques for Scrum teams
• Leadership in complex Scrum environments

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:

ACSM is ideal for seasoned Scrum Masters looking to refine their skills and increase their impact on Agile transformations. It’s highly valued in industries requiring advanced leadership capabilities.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Lead complex Scrum projects and teams
• Apply coaching techniques to improve team performance
• Facilitate Scrum events with greater efficiency

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Leading cross-functional teams in large-scale Agile projects
Healthcare	Enhancing team performance in medical technology teams
Finance	Managing Agile transformations in financial institutions

Looking for an ACSM course? Join upGrad’s Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM®) Certification Training today!

Also Read: What Is Scrum Methodology? Benefits, Usage & Various Roles

9. Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) (Scrum.org)

PSM II is an intermediate certification for Scrum Masters. It focuses on real-world problem-solving, deepening your Scrum knowledge and its application in diverse organizational settings.

Cost: ₹35,000 – ₹50,000

Duration: 2 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Advanced Scrum Mastery
• Solving complex Scrum challenges
• Leadership and coaching in Scrum environments

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:

PSM II is perfect for Scrum Masters who want to elevate their skills to solve complex challenges in Scrum. It’s especially useful for those working on large or complex projects.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Resolve Scrum challenges in real-world scenarios
• Develop advanced leadership skills
• Coach Scrum teams for continuous improvement

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Managing complex Agile teams and resolving Scrum issues
Healthcare	Facilitating Agile practices in complex medical projects
Manufacturing	Leading Scrum teams in large-scale product development

10. Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) 5 Agilist Certification (Scaled Agile)

The SAFe Agilist Certification focuses on leading organizations in Agile transformations at scale. It teaches how to apply Agile principles to large teams and projects using the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

Cost: ₹35,000 – ₹55,000

Duration: 3-4 days

Skills Gained and Requirements:

• Scaled Agile principles and practices
• Leading Agile transformations at scale
• Implementing Agile across large teams

Why This is Popular in 2025 & Target Audience:

With the increasing adoption of SAFe in large organizations, this certification is in high demand for professionals seeking to lead Agile initiatives in complex environments.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Implement Agile at scale using SAFe
• Lead large Agile teams and programs
• Align multiple teams with organizational objectives

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact:

Industry	Application
IT & Software	Managing large-scale software projects with SAFe
Healthcare	Leading Agile transformations in large medical organizations
Manufacturing	Scaling Agile processes across large manufacturing teams

Now that you have an overview of the top Scrum Master certifications, let's explore why earning one can be a game-changer for your career.

Also Read: How to Use Scrum Artifacts? Explained with Examples

Why Should You Consider Scrum Master Certifications?

Scrum Master certifications validate your skills and boost career growth in Agile project management. They develop the leadership needed to lead teams in fast-paced environments. 

With flexible learning options, they suit both beginners and experienced professionals. These certifications are crucial for staying competitive in today’s job market.

Key Benefits and Trends in Scrum Master Certifications:

Scrum Master certifications offer career advancement in multiple ways, including: 

• Higher Salary Potential: Certified Scrum Masters often earn more due to their specialized skills in Agile project management.
• Career Advancement: Scrum Master certifications open up roles in leadership and project management across industries.
• Global Recognition: Scrum Master certifications are widely recognized and respected by organizations worldwide.
• Agile Expertise: Certifications help you build a deep understanding of Agile principles and frameworks.
• Flexible Learning: Many certifications offer online, self-paced, or project-based learning, allowing you to learn at your convenience.
• Industry Demand: The growing adoption of Agile methods means Scrum Master roles are increasingly in demand.
• Enhanced Leadership Skills: Certifications teach you to lead and manage teams efficiently in Agile settings.
• Networking Opportunities: Certification programs often provide access to exclusive communities and resources.

Now that you understand the benefits of Scrum Master certifications, it's time to explore how you can take the next step and become a certified Scrum Master yourself.

Also Read: Kanban Vs Scrum: Difference Between Kanban and Scrum

How to Become a Certified Scrum Master?

Becoming a certified Scrum Master is a key step in your Agile career. It equips you to manage teams effectively and drive continuous improvement, deepening your understanding of Agile principles and making you a valuable asset to any team.

With the growing demand for Agile expertise across industries, certification can significantly boost your career prospects. It opens the door to more leadership opportunities and better-earning potential. Let’s look at the steps involved in becoming a CSM.

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Certified Scrum Master

Here’s a detailed roadmap to help you achieve your goal of becoming a Certified Scrum Master:

• Step 1: Understand the Role of a Scrum Master
  • Facilitate Scrum ceremonies
  • Help teams adhere to Scrum principles
  • Remove obstacles for the team
  • Ensure collaboration and communication
  • Grasping these responsibilities clarifies the value you bring to a team
• Step 2: Choose the Right Certification
  • Explore certifications like Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), and SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
  • Select a certification that aligns with your career goals
  • Consider your current experience and desired career path
• Step 3: Enroll in a Training Program
  • Complete an official training program required for certification
  • Participate in interactive workshops, lectures, and real-world case studies
  • Choose a provider with a structured, recognized curriculum
• Step 4: Prepare for the Certification Exam
  • Review practice exams and study materials
  • Focus on Scrum methodology, roles, and processes
  • Assess your readiness through mock tests or practice exams
• Step 5: Take the Certification Exam
  • Schedule the exam once prepared
  • Understand whether the exam is online or in-person
  • Review all requirements and exam format carefully before attempting it
  • Pass the exam to receive your certification
• Step 6: Maintain Your Certification
  • Some certifications require periodic renewal (e.g., CSM every two years)
  • Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or complete specific courses
  • Stay current with Agile practices and tools to keep your skills sharp

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a highly sought-after Certified Scrum Master, ready to lead Agile teams to success and enhance your career opportunities.

Now that you know the steps to become a Scrum Master, it’s time to choose the right certification that aligns with your career goals.

How to Select the Ideal Scrum Master Certification for Your Career?

Choosing the right Scrum Master certification is crucial for advancing your career in Agile project management. It equips you with the skills and credibility to lead Scrum teams effectively and stand out in a competitive job market. Select the certification that aligns with your goals and industry needs to excel in Agile environments.

Here’s a list of criteria that can help you in choosing the perfect certification for you. 

Essential Criteria for Choosing a Scrum Master Certification That Aligns with Your Goals:

• Industry Recognition: Ensure the certification is well-recognized by top organizations and industries in India and globally.
• Relevance to Your Career Path: Choose a certification that matches your current role or desired career trajectory (e.g., entry-level vs. advanced).
• Training and Support: Check if the certification program offers hands-on, practical training, and post-certification support.
• Flexibility of Learning: Look for programs that offer flexible learning methods, such as online courses, weekend classes, or live workshops.
• Cost and Duration: Evaluate the cost of the program and its duration to ensure it fits your budget and time commitment.
• Certifying Body: Consider certifications from reputable organizations like Scrum Alliance, Scrum.org, or SAFe, as they are highly regarded in the industry.
• Ongoing Learning and Renewal Requirements: Some certifications require renewal or continuous professional development; assess whether this is feasible for you.

Choosing a certification that fits both your career aspirations and current professional situation will set you on the path to success.

Now that you understand how to select the right Scrum Master certification, it's time to explore the exciting job roles you can pursue with this certification.

Also Read: How to Use Scrum Artifacts? Explained with Examples

What Job Roles Can You Pursue with a Scrum Master Certification?

Scrum Master certifications unlock rewarding career opportunities as Agile adoption grows across industries. These certifications build skills in team facilitation, Agile management, and leadership, preparing you for roles focused on coordination, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Demand for certified Scrum Masters is rising globally, especially in IT, finance, and healthcare. With this qualification, you can lead high-performing teams, optimize processes, and enhance product delivery for organizations of all sizes.

Let’s look at this table for a quick overview of opportunities after Scrum Certification. 

Role Breakdown Based on Scrum Master Certifications Featured in This Blog

Here's a breakdown of potential job roles and their average annual salaries based on Scrum Master certifications. This will give you a clearer picture of the financial opportunities available in India for Scrum certification.

Job Role	Salary (INR)
Scrum Master	₹15,000,00
Agile Coach	₹24000,00
Project Manager (Agile Focused)	₹15000,00
Product Owner	₹19000,00
Scrum Product Owner (Certified)	₹15000,00

Source: Glassdoor

Salary potential varies by role and location, but the trend is clear: Scrum Master certifications boost earning potential and open doors to leadership roles in Agile environments

How upGrad Supports Your Certification Journey

A career as a Scrum Master offers great opportunities, from job satisfaction to leadership roles. To succeed, you’ll need specialized knowledge of Agile methodologies and strong communication skills. Scrum certifications can boost your credibility and job prospects.

upGrad is a top platform for affordable, high-quality courses. With 1 crore learners, 200+ courses, and 250+ industry experts, upGrad helps you upskill and advance your career.

Here are some upGrad courses that cover essential skills for a Scrum Master.

• Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM®) Certification Training
• Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I) Certification Training

Book a free career counseling session today for personalized guidance from industry experts, or visit your nearest upGrad Career Centre to start accelerating your future!

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