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Certified Scrum Master (CSM) jobs, salary benchmarks, and career pathways

ScrumMaster is not a one-to-one job title in federal labor data, so the rows below use the nearest BLS benchmarks for project and software-delivery work rather than training-company salary promises.

Updated October 8, 2026

Where this exam tends to lead

These roles centre on related jobs and career pathways. The role targets below are the main search patterns this jobs page is built around.

Scrum MasterAgile Project ManagerAgile Coach

This page is built around related job searches now, with room for richer direct-ingestion job feeds later.

Scrum and agile salary benchmarks

ScrumMaster is not a one-to-one job title in federal labor data, so the rows below use the nearest BLS benchmarks for project and software-delivery work rather than training-company salary promises.

Role / benchmarkPayWhy it matters
Project management specialists$102,320 median annual wageMay 2025 figure. The closest broad benchmark for Scrum-adjacent delivery roles BLS Project Management Specialists
Software developers$135,980 median annual wageMay 2025 figure. Relevant for technical candidates using Scrum in software-delivery settings BLS Software Developers

CSM facts to check before you enroll

FactCurrent detailSource
Course cost$250–$2,495 USD. Trainers set their own prices, varying by region, format, location, class size, and included resourcesScrum Alliance CSM page
Training requirement16 hours of instructor-led training from a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer, typically spanning 2 to 3 days. You cannot access the test without completing an approved courseScrum Alliance CSM page
Test format50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, based on the CSM Learning Objectives and the Scrum GuideScrum Alliance CSM test article
Passing score37 of 50 questions, or 74%Scrum Alliance CSM page
How the test is takenOnline and not proctored, with no in-person requirement. You cannot pause the test, but you can bookmark questions and return to them inside the 60 minutesScrum Alliance CSM test article
Free attempts and the deadlineTwo free attempts within 90 days of the welcome email containing your account activation linkScrum Alliance CSM test article
Retake fee$25 USD per attempt once you have failed twice or passed the 90-day deadlineScrum Alliance CSM test article
Validity and renewalValid for two years, then renewed by earning Scrum Education Units (SEUs) — Scrum Alliance treats it as a renewing credential rather than a lifetime oneScrum Alliance CSM page
Testing accommodationsCandidates needing more than 60 minutes can request an accommodation from Scrum Alliance supportScrum Alliance CSM test article

Fetched job listings

These listings come from the latest automated jobs update run. If a board blocks or limits retrieval, use the live search links above.

7 listings captured

Official resources

Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster page

The training requirement, the $250–$2,495 course price range, the passing score, and the two-year renewal cycle.

What to expect from the CSM test

Test mechanics, the unproctored online format, the two free attempts, and the $25 retake fee.

Scrum Alliance scrum master track

How CSM fits the wider Scrum Master certification track and what comes after it.

External resources and benchmarks

BLS project management specialist outlook

Best broad compensation benchmark for Scrum-adjacent delivery careers.

The Scrum Guide

The primary framework reference the test is written against, and free to read.

Questions people ask before choosing this path

How much does the Certified ScrumMaster certification cost?

The test itself is free with your course, but the required 16-hour course costs between $250 and $2,495 depending on the trainer, region, and format. If you fail twice or miss the 90-day window, further test attempts cost $25 each.

Do I need to take a class before the CSM test?

Yes. Scrum Alliance requires 16 hours of live training from a Certified Scrum Trainer, and you cannot access the test without it. That makes CSM different from self-register exam models like Security+ or PTCE.

What is the CSM passing score?

37 correct out of 50 questions, which is 74%. You have 60 minutes, and while the test cannot be paused, you can bookmark questions and return to them within the time limit.

Does the CSM certification expire?

Yes. CSM is valid for two years and is renewed by earning Scrum Education Units rather than being a one-time lifetime credential. Budget for renewal, not just for the initial course.

Is the CSM test proctored?

No. It is taken online and is not proctored, with no in-person testing centre requirement. Your trainer creates your Scrum Alliance account after the course, and the test is taken from there.