Is it Possible to Obtain CSM Certification Without Attending a Class?

With years of experience as a Scrum Master and holding the PSM II certification, you might wonder if there's a way to bypass the mandatory courses set by the Scrum Alliance and directly obtain the CSM ( Certified ScrumMaster) certification. While there are no shortcuts in attaining this prestigious credential, there are alternative pathways that might suit your needs.

Scrum Alliance Requirements for CSM Certification

As of December 2018, the Scrum Alliance introduced a strict requirement for all individuals aiming to sit for the CSM exam. You must now undertake a 16-hour hands-on class either in-person or online, delivered by a Global Registered Education Ally (REA) of the Scrum Alliance. This course is crucial for gaining a foundational understanding of Scrum practices.

Why the Mandatory Course? The Scrum Alliance emphasizes the need for self-organization and mindset shifts in Agile methodologies. Traditional testing methods primarily assess memorization, which doesn't fully capture the depth and complexity of Scrum principles. By attending the course, you gain insights into the mindset and culture of Scrum, beyond just learning the framework details.

Alternative Pathway: Mentorship Option

For individuals who have extensive experience and might feel overqualified for the mandatory course, there is an alternative: mentorship. You can be mentored by a Certified Enterprise/Team Coach (CEC) or Certified Team Coach (CTC) for a minimum of 25 hours. The coach must then certify that you are ready to sit for the CSM exam. However, in practice, this often requires that your organization has hired a CEC/CTC to coach your team or organization.

Practical Considerations: This pathway is less common and often requires organizational support. Most individuals find it more practical to take the course, which can be completed in two to three days.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The CSM certification, though requiring a mandatory course, is highly valuable for Scrum Masters. It provides a solid foundation and enhances your career prospects in both IT and non-IT sectors. The Scrum framework's principles of self-organization and teamwork are widely sought after in today's dynamic business environments.

If you are already an experienced Agile practitioner and feel confident with the material, the 16-hour CSM course might still offer valuable insights and intangible benefits. Alternatively, consider the PSM (Professional Scrum Master) certification offered by , which is a cost-effective and highly recognized alternative.

From my experience as a CST (Certified Scrum Trainer), I would recommend adapting to the Scrum Alliance's requirements. The mentorship pathway can be more challenging to achieve, and the CSM course, although time-consuming, can provide significant value to your professional development. The investment in time and effort is worth the return in career opportunities and recognition in the industry.

Best regards,
Petri