Exam Details
Scrum Alliance · CSM
Prepare for CSM: Understand the Scrum framework, events, artifacts, and the Scrum Master role for agile teams.
Study Plan Available
Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) – Study Plan
4-week plan · ~20 hours
Overview
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FAQ
The CSM certification validates your understanding of the Scrum framework, agile principles, and the Scrum Master role. This entry-level certification targets aspiring Scrum Masters, team leads, and professionals adopting agile practices. The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes with a 74% passing score (37 correct answers) and two free attempts. The course covers Scrum theory, values, team roles, events, and artifacts as defined by the Scrum Guide. With 95% of CSMs recommending the certification and scrum master certifications ranking among the top 10 most requested by employers, CSM is the industry-standard starting point for an agile career.
You're a fit for CSM if you:
Not sure if you're ready? Try a free sample quiz: 10 questions, instant results, identify weak areas.
| Domain | Weight | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Scrum and Agile Fundamentals | 30% | Understand the agile manifesto, Scrum theory (empiricism, lean thinking), and Scrum values (commitment, focus, openness, respect, courage) |
| Scrum Team and Scrum Master Role | 25% | Know the accountabilities of the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Developers; understand servant leadership and coaching |
| Scrum Events | 25% | Understand Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective including timeboxes and purpose |
| Scrum Artifacts | 20% | Know the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment, and commitments including Definition of Done |
Note: Scrum Alliance does not publish exact domain weights. Weights shown are approximate based on the official CSM Learning Objectives and Scrum Guide alignment.
You're probably ready if you can:
You might need more prep if:
If this feels too advanced:
If you know the basics but want to build confidence:
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is designed for project managers, developers, team leads, and anyone looking to facilitate a Scrum team or transition to an Agile environment. Unlike many IT certifications, the CSM has a mandatory prerequisite: you must attend an official, live 16-hour (2-day) training course delivered by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). You cannot pay a fee and take the exam; the learning is centered around the interactive workshop provided by the Scrum Alliance.
The CSM exam is a web-based, unproctored assessment taken after completing the mandatory course. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a 60-minute time limit. The questions test your understanding of Scrum theory, roles, events, and artifacts defined in the Scrum Guide.
The exam focuses entirely on the Scrum Framework. While the Scrum Alliance does not provide a weighted percentage breakdown as strictly as AWS or Microsoft, the questions are distributed across the following core areas:
Yes, the CSM exam is open book. You can refer to the Scrum Guide, course notes, or search online during the test. However, with only 60 minutes for 50 questions, you should use documentation only to verify difficult questions.
To pass the CSM exam, you must correctly answer at least 37 out of 50 questions (74%). Upon finishing, your results are calculated immediately and you can download your certificate. To prepare, ExamOS offers Mock Exams and Challenger practice mode to build confidence.
The cost of the initial exam and your first two years of membership with the Scrum Alliance is included in the price of your mandatory training course. These courses range from $400 to $1,000 USD depending on the trainer, region, and format. Because the exam fee is bundled, you do not need to purchase a separate voucher.
The Scrum Alliance allows multiple attempts if you do not pass on your first try.
The CSM certification is valid for two years. To renew your certification, you must:
The CSM is a common entry-level credential for Agile practitioners. It is often a minimum requirement for roles like Scrum Master, Agile Project Manager, or Iteration Lead. To move into senior Agile coaching roles, you must demonstrate a track record of helping teams improve through Scrum.
After mastering the basics of the Scrum Master role, you can pursue several advanced paths: