Help me decide which test to take...

TLDR: Take PSM 1 :)

From my experience of doing the CSM course & certification, and also doing the PSM 1 certification I would encourage you to go for PSM 1.

The CSM certification, despite some attempts to make it more valuable, remains little more than a certification of attendance — or in other words, that you sat down at a desk for two days and were still alive at the end of it.

The CSM test is very easy and there’s no time limit, and you can also resit it for free if you fail. I cannot imagine anybody who has any knowledge of Scrum struggling with CSM, especially since it’s open book.

PSM 1 is not an overly difficult test either, but it is certainly harder than CSM is. It’s all very factual and I believe that the vast majority of people will pass it first time, assuming that they have read and understand The Scrum Guide.

If I was looking to recruit a Scrum Master tomorrow, I would definitely rate a candidate with PSM 1 higher than I would CSM, but it is unlikely that if a candidate didn’t have either that I would discount them.

PSM 1 also benefits from having a sensible next step in the form of PSM 2/PSE*. At the time of writing, PSM 2 is an advanced level certification which only around 270 people have achieved worldwide. A candidate who has achieved PSM 2 would definitely stand out to me as somebody with world-class knowledge and understanding of Scrum, and how it can be used in practice.


* In the near future there is going to be a re-structuring of the certifications, and PSM 2 as it exists today is going to become PSE (Professional Scrum Expert), while a new ‘intermediate’ level PSM 2 assessment will take its place.

Take both ;-)

Pay for the CSM for your resume as soon as possible, and then pay the coupon for the PSM 1.

My recommendation.

Take PSM1 as many times as it takes. See here for study tips: http://ScrumCrazy.com/PSM1

If you study as described above, you will likely pass first or second time. Even moreso if you have Scrum experience.

Then, with the leftover money, take PSPO I. See here for study tips: http://ScrumCrazy.com/PSPO1 Probably pass first or 2nd time.

Then, if you have leftover money after that, study and take the SPS exam. Study tips here:
http://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/scrum/how-to-pass-the-scaled-profession…

That's my best advice. Once you have 2 Scrum certs, doesn't really matter if they come from SA or Scrum.org. People will know that you know your stuff!

thanks for the advise. I will go for PSM!

I know I am late to this discussion, but I wanted to provide input. Even before taking the CSM, I had the opportunity to be in the role.  When I took the class, it helped me to understand the fundamentals in an environment with a seasoned instructor.   There are so many certifications for scrum as well as other industries.  Studying and taking an exam will get you the certification, but there are so many folks that struggle with applying the skills.   I would recommend you take as many opportunities to put your expertise into practice with as many teams as possible. 

When I speak with leaders that are looking to hire scrum masters, they use the certification as a check box just like a degree.  The more important aspect is whether or not you have the experience to go along with the certification.  I not only have my Advanced CSM via Scrum Alliance, I am currently working on becoming a Certified Scrum Professional.  I find that Scrum Alliance is more focused on you proving your ability to apply the principles more so than just taking an exam.  In order to receive my Advanced certification, I had to prove my ability to apply the principles.  My current coursework requires the same.  My goal is to eventually teach and coach.  Before I can complete the certification to become a coach, I am required to go before the scrum alliance to prove my ability and understanding of the scrum principles.  For me, it is not about just landing a job, but coaching and helping teams to become more effective.