How to know the best CSM certification that may suit your needs

Almost everyone knows that CSM certification training is required to get into the revolutionary project management and software development world of Agile. This increased fervor to gain skills has brought forth many flavors and methodologies like SAFe, Lean, Scrum, Kanban, and more. These certifications are almost equally valuable across all industries and provide the certified professional with proof of their knowledge, skills, and capabilities. The benchmark certification of CSM is provided by all of these methodologies but easily confuses any novice to the field. Here are a few of the more popular ones to help one understand their intricacies.

 

The PSM trio

 

This CSM certification provides increased levels of knowledge, skills, and competencies to any individual in a gradual manner. The entry-level PSM I provides the fundamental knowledge of the Scrum Guide, its methodologies, and its principles. The PSM II provides an advanced level of Scrum knowledge and mastery to apply Scrum in real-world situations. While the PSM III offered by Scrum.org allows a professional to truly distinguish themselves from the mastery of Scrum. These professionals can handle a variety of organizational situations and complex teams. Each level has its own assessment and certifications and never needs renewal.

 

The PMI-ACP

 

While the Project Management Institute or PMI does not provide any specific CSM certification training, it is quite popular as it covers a range of Scrum principles and practices. It provides knowledge of Kanban, TDD, extreme programming, Lean, and Scrum. To be eligible to even undertake the examination, one requires 2,000 hours of general project experience or a current PMP certification. These professionals should also have at least 21 contact hours of agile practice training and 1,500 hours of work experience with agile teams. This experience provides the professional development units that open up routes for further training.

 

SAFe Scrum Master

 

This CSM certification focuses on fundamental team-level scrum practices and methodologies. It explores the role of the Scrum Master at the organization and allows its attendees to execute scrum and agile at all levels. This certification provided by ScaledAgile.com includes learning about the key components of agile development. It also provides knowledge to facilitate scrum at an organization and execute the iteration planning and scaled development. Certified professionals are apt to become coaches or servant leaders that help the agile team and maximize the business value of a product or service. The certification requires renewal annually.

 

A-CSM or Advanced Certified Scrum Master

 

This CSM certification training is an advanced course for anyone who holds a CSM certification along with at least one year of work experience as a Scrum Master. The training allows one to go beyond the basic concepts and help coach, facilitate, and interact with the teams as per the Scrum Alliance. The certification requires renewal every two years after the candidate has earned at least 30 SEUs. They must also validate at least one year of Scrum Master experience within the past five years and have a valid Scrum Alliance membership.