CSBA tricks - Certified Software Business Analyst Updated: 2023

When it comes to the highest paid US jobs pertaining to IT certifications, two Google Cloud certifications took the top spot in a exact survey, with annual salaries in the $200,000 range.

In IT trainer Skillsoft’s 20 top-paying IT certifications, published November 14, the Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect certification topped the list, with an average annual salary of $200,960. This certification ranked third last year, with an average salary of $161,371. This certification validates the holder’s proficiency in crafting and implementing secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions using Google Cloud technologies.

The Skillsoft report said that developments in cloud computing, particularly the increased reliance on cloud computing and the maturation of cloud computing technology, have led many in the industry to entrust providers like Google Cloud with their data. This has made cloud architects increasingly necessary, Skillsoft said.

In second place was the Google Cloud – Professional Data Engineer certification, with an average annual salary of $193,621. This certification validates an individual’s capability to construct and manage effective data processing systems using the Google Cloud Platform. It affirms an ability to create secure, scalable, and reliable data solutions.

Other Google Cloud certifications placed seventh and eighth on the list, which was dominated by cloud-related certifications. Seven of the 20 top-paying certifications pertained to Amazon Web Services (AWS). Skillsoft’s list was compiled from a survey of thousands of IT professionals including more than 1,900 professionals in the US, conducted between May and September of 2023.

Skillsoft’s 20 highest-paying IT certifications, along with their average annual salaries:

We’ve narrowed IT certifications into specific categories to help IT professionals assess what’s available and pursue the best certifications to show their willingness to learn and develop the in-demand career skills employers want.

Best database certifications 

Database platforms have changed greatly over the years, but database technology remains important for various applications and computing tasks. Available certifications for IT professionals include those for database administrators (DBAs), database developers, data analysts and architects, business intelligence, and data warehousing specialists, and other data professionals.

Obtaining database certifications demonstrates an understanding of database concepts, design, implementation, administration and security. This can boost your credibility in the job market and show potential employers that you have the skills needed to work with databases. The best database certifications include the following:

Best SAS certifications 

SAS is one of the world’s leading firms for business analytics, data warehousing and data mining. Today, the SAS Global Certification Program offers 23 credentials across categories including foundation tools, advanced analytics, business intelligence, data management and administration.

SAS programmers remain in high demand, with a quick search of job boards showing thousands of open positions. Obtaining SAS certification shows employers that you are proficient in the company’s popular suite of tools. Some of SAS’s certification programs include the following: 

Many professionals earn certifications to help navigate their career paths. According to the IT Salary Report, 92 percent of information technology professionals have at least one certification.

Best Cisco certifications 

Cisco Systems is a market leader not only in networking and communications products, but also storage networking and solutions for data centers. Cisco offers a variety of certifications for IT professionals, ranging from entry level credentials to expert-level exams. 

These certifications prepare professionals for Cisco-related careers. A search of job boards reveals thousands of open positions for Cisco experts, underscoring the continued relevance of these skills. Some of Cisco’s certifications include the following:

Best Dell certifications 

Dell Technologies remains one of the world’s leading computing companies. In addition to its well-known hardware lineup, Dell also offers solutions for networks, storage, servers, gateways and embedded computing, as well as a broad range of IT and business services.

Becoming certified in Dell products can help make IT professionals competitive in engineering roles for server, virtualization, networking, systems, integration and data security. Additional roles include consultants, account executives, system administrators, IT managers and deployment managers.

Best mobility certifications 

In the mobile era, it has become increasingly important for network engineers to support local, remote and mobile users, as well as provide proper infrastructure. The focus on application and app development now leans more toward mobile environments, requiring security professionals to thoroughly address mobility from all perspectives.

Due to the fast-changing nature of mobile technology, not many mobility certifications have become widely adopted. However, a few of the top mobility certifications can help IT professionals stand out in this rapidly evolving field. 

If part of your job includes selling and implementing an IT solution, you may want to pursue the best sales certifications. You’ll show your organization that you’re willing to go above and beyond to reach sales targets.

Best computer hardware certifications 

As remote and computer-based work has become more common, it’s more important than ever that businesses and individuals be able to maintain their hardware. While discussions about potential computer-related jobs often revolve around software work and coding, jumping into the IT field by becoming a computer technician is an excellent starting point.

Today, thousands of hardware technician jobs are available across the country. Entering this industry becomes more accessible for those who acquire computer hardware certifications. These certifications can showcase your expertise and proficiency in the upkeep of computers, mobile devices, printers and other hardware components.

Best Google Cloud certifications 

IT pros with solid cloud computing skills continue to be in high demand as more companies adopt cloud technologies. Today, Google Cloud is one of the market leaders in the cloud computing space. 

Regardless of where you are in your IT career, engaging with certification programs can demonstrate your willingness to keep on top of rapidly evolving cloud technologies. To that end, Google has introduced a host of certifications for its cloud platform, including the following: 

Best evergreen IT certifications

In the fast-changing world of technology, it can help to focus on certifications that have stood the test of time. “Evergreen” refers to certifications that remain popular year after year. 

The top evergreen certifications are based on exact pay surveys in IT, reports from IT professionals about certifications they want or pursue the most, and those that appear most frequently in online job postings. Obtaining these credentials is one step toward ensuring that your skills remain relevant for a long time: 

Best IT governance certifications 

IT governance provides structure for aligning a company’s IT with its business strategies. Organizations faced with compliance rigors always need experienced IT pros who can see the big picture and understand technology risks. This means certified IT governance professionals are likely to remain in high demand.

Earning one of the following certifications proves a commitment to understanding the role of IT governance and its position in a company’s current and future success. Getting certified can validate your expert knowledge and lead to advanced career opportunities.

Best system administrator certifications 

An IT system administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the information technology infrastructure within an organization. The position demands sought-after career skills, ranging from configuring and maintaining servers and clients to managing access controls, network services, and addressing application resource requirements.

If you’re in charge of managing modern servers, there’s a long list of tools and technologies that system administrators must master. Obtaining some of the most prominent system administrator certifications can demonstrate your mastery to potential employers. 

Best ITIL certifications 

ITIL, or Information Technology Infrastructure Library, was developed to establish standardized best practices for IT services within government agencies. Over the ensuing four decades, businesses of all types embraced, modified, and extended ITIL, shaping it into a comprehensive framework for managing IT service delivery. 

The ITIL framework remains the benchmark for best practices in IT service and delivery management, offering certification programs that cater to IT professionals at all levels. These training and certification courses ensure that IT professionals stay well-prepared for the ongoing evolution in IT service delivery management. There are four certifications in the ITIL certification program:

Best enterprise architect certifications 

An IT enterprise architect is responsible for designing and managing the overall structure and framework of an organization’s information technology system. Enterprise architect certifications are among the highest that an IT professional can achieve; fewer than 1 percent ultimately reach this level. 

Enterprise architects are among the highest-paid employees and consultants in the tech industry. These certifications can put IT professionals on a path to many lucrative positions. The average worker earns over six figures annually. Some top enterprise architect certifications are listed below:

To become an enterprise IT architect, you’ll need knowledge of systems deployment, design and architecture, as well as a strong business foundation.

Best CompTIA certifications

CompTIA is a nonprofit trade association made up of more than 2,000 member organizations and 3,000 business partners. The organization’s vendor-neutral certification program is one of the best recognized in the IT industry. Since CompTIA developed its A+ credential in 1993, it has issued more than two million certifications.

CompTIA certifications are grouped by skill set and focus on the real-world skills IT professionals need. Armed with these credentials, you can demonstrate that you know how to manage and support IT infrastructure. 

Best Oracle certifications 

A longtime leader in database software, Oracle also offers cloud solutions, servers, engineered systems, storage, and more. The company has more than 430,000 customers in 175 countries. 

Today, Oracle’s training program offers six certification levels that span 16 product categories with more than 200 individual credentials. Considering the depth and breadth of this program — and the number of Oracle customers — it’s no surprise that Oracle certifications are highly sought after. 

Vendor-specific certifications address a particular vendor’s hardware and software. For example, you can pursue Oracle certifications and Dell certifications to become an expert in those companies’ environments.

Best business continuity and disaster recovery certifications

Business continuity and disaster recovery keep systems running and data available in the event of interruptions or faults. These programs bring systems back to normal operation after a disaster has occurred.

Business continuity and disaster recovery certifications are seeing a healthy uptrend as new cloud-based tools grow in popularity. While business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning have always been essential, they’re becoming more critical than ever — and IT certifications are following suit.

Certifications supply your resume more credibility and can make you more marketable to recruiters and hiring managers. And at the entry-level, they’re a great way to stand out from other candidates — and even boost your pay.

As you grow in your career, you’ll want to consider more advanced certifications to continue your professional development. By then, you’ll know what specialties to focus on and what skills you need for your desired career path. But at the entry level, it’s better to stick with more generalized certifications that will help get your foot in the door.

Here are 16 IT certifications to launch your career, whether you have recently graduated or have decided to make a career change.

• Apple Professional Training Courses
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
• CompTIA certifications
• GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
• ISACA Information Technology Certified Associate (ITCA)
• ITIL 4 Foundation
• Linux Essentials Certification
• Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
• Oracle Certified Associate (OCA)
• PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner

Apple Professional Training Courses

Last year, Apple launched professional training and certifications for IT support and management, with two new certifications for Apple-certified IT professionals. The courses are designed to be completed in succession, starting with the Apple Device Support course, which focuses on the skills and expertise you’ll need as a help desk professional, technical coordinator, or service provider for an organization that relies on Apple hardware and software. The follow-on Apple Deployment and Management course focuses on configuring, managing, and securing Apple products using mobile device management (MDM). The courses are self-paced and online, and you will need to pass an exam to earn each designation.

Exam fee: $149 per exam

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP)

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam offered by Amazon is an entry-level cloud certification that covers the fundamentals of IT services and how they are used in the AWS cloud platform. The exam covers subjects such as coding, designing cloud architecture, cloud security, troubleshooting, implementation, migration, load and performance testing, and business applications. Although this is an entry-level certification, it’s recommended to have six months of exposure to the AWS cloud and knowledge of core AWS services, use cases, billing, pricing models, security concepts, and how cloud impacts the business.

Exam fee: $100

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Ethical hacker might sound like an oxymoron, but there are plenty of companies that are eager to hire security professionals who can help keep the company one step ahead of hackers who threaten company security. Part of that is having a deep understanding of the tools, resources, and practices that hackers lean on to exploit IT vulnerabilities. The CEH certification offers comprehensive training to help you start out as an ethical hacker. It covers the latest commercial-grade hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies employed by hackers so that you understand what risks and vulnerabilities to keep an eye on when working in an organization.

Exam fee: $1199

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Certified ScrumMaster is an entry-level certification offered by Scrum Alliance that is designed to validate your skills and abilities using Scrum, a popular agile development framework. It’s a valuable certification for anyone interested in becoming a Scrum master, but it’s also useful for anyone on the path to becoming a software engineer, business analyst, or project manager. The exam covers subjects such as Scrum and agile, Scrum theory, Scrum values, Scrum teams, the Scrum master role, Scrum events, and Scrum artifacts. For more information, see “CSM certification: What you need to know.”

Exam fee: From $400 to $1,000, depending on location and whether you choose an online, in-person, or hybrid course

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

In the past, Cisco offered several individual certifications under the Certified Network Associate certification scheme, but it has recently consolidated all CCNA certifications into a single CCNA certification. The new CCNA validates your skills and knowledge with network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.

The CCNA certification covers a “broad range of fundamentals based on the latest technologies, software development skills and job roles.” It’s an entry-level certification designed to get you up to speed on the latest IT fundamentals to launch your career. It’s best suited to those interested in roles such as entry-level network engineer, help desk technician, network administrator, or network support technician.

Exam fee: $300

Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

The Cisco Certified Technician certification verifies your ability to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. There are two CCT paths to choose from: data center or routing and switching.

The CCT Data Center certification covers support and maintenance of Cisco Unified Computing systems and server. It’s targeted at field support engineers working with Cisco data center system devices and software. You’ll need to take the course Supporting Cisco Data Center System Devices (DCTECH) v2.0 before you can pass the exam. The course covers data center networking fundamentals, field servicing and equipment replacement, and how to identify Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) component models, accessories cabling, and interfaces.

The CCT Routing and Switching certification covers on-site support and maintenance of Cisco routers, switches, and operating environments. It’s designed for on-site technical support and other support staff who work with Cisco Data Center Solutions. Before you can take the exam, you’ll need to take the course Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices (RSTECH). The online self-paced course covers networking fundamentals, Cisco outer and switch models, Cisco IOS software operating modes, and the Cisco command line interface (CLI).

Exam fee: $125 per exam

CompTIA certifications

CompTIA offers several well-regarded beginner and entry-level certifications for IT professionals. These certifications cover a handful of vital IT topics, such as networking concepts, security fundamentals, IT fundamentals, and IT support. These certifications validate that you have the necessary skills to work in these areas of IT, and that you’re able to identify, troubleshoot, and solve various IT business problems in an organization. Popular entry-level certification options from CompTIA include:

• CompTIA A+: Designed for support specialists, field technicians, desktop support analysts, and help desk support; validates your ability to troubleshoot and solve problems with networking, operating systems, mobile devices, and security.
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+: Designed for those starting a career in IT or who want to change career paths; validates your foundational knowledge in IT and can help supply you a better idea of what it is like to work in IT.
• CompTIA Network+: Designed for junior network administrators, network field technicians, junior system engineers, IS consultants, and network field engineers; validates your ability to configure, manage, and maintain network devices, and implement and design functional networks, among other network-specific topics.
• CompTIA Security+: Designed for administrators, security specialists, junior IT auditors, security consultants, and security engineers; validates your knowledge of IT threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, as well as risk management, architecture and design, technology and tools, cryptography and PKI, and identity and access management.

Exam fee: Prices range from $75 to $125 per exam.

GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)

The GIAC Information Security Fundamentals certification is offered through the GIAC, covering the foundations of IT security, networking, cryptography, and cybersecurity. It’s designed to demonstrate that you have expertise in information security, and that you can identify potential risks and threats to data and information resources. The certification also validate your skills in dealing with potential security threats and ensuring businesses can maintain privacy and security. It’s designed for those new to cybersecurity, non-IT security managers, and anyone working closely with IT security, such as IT managers and systems administrators. It’s also marketed to anyone looking to make a career change, with an eye on cyber security as a career path.

Exam fee: $949

ISACA Information Technology Certified Associate (ITCA)

The Information Technology Certified Associate certification is offered by the ISACA as an entry-level option for those just entering the IT industry. It’s targeted at students and exact graduates, rising IT professionals, and teams that are looking to upskill workers. The certification consists of five individual certificates, each covering a different domain, including the fundamentals of computing, networks and infrastructure, cybersecurity, software development, and data science. It’s a well-rounded certification that demonstrates your competency in several vital areas of IT.

Exam fee: $120 for ISACA members, $150 for nonmembers

ITIL 4 Foundation

The ITIL 4 framework from Axelos is a popular management methodology designed to Excellerate team efficiency and organizational processes. The ITIL 4 Foundation certification covers the basics of IT service management and the best practices for creating, delivering, and improving tech-enabled products and services. If you plan to work in an IT service management role, it’s a great certification to help you get started on that path. The exam covers the guiding principles of ITIL 4, the four dimensions of service management, and key concepts such as Lean, agile, and DevOps.

Exam fee: Varies depending on vendor

Linux Essentials Certification

The Linux Essentials Certification is designed to demonstrate your understanding of Linux, a popular open-source operating system used in several industries. The exam covers the basic concepts of Linux hardware, software, processes, and programs as well as system security, file permissions, and public and private directories. It also covers subjects such as open-source applications, how to work with command lines, creating and resorting compressed backup and archives, and creating and running simple scripts. It’s best suited to those on track to become an IT developer, administrator, or engineer.

Exam fee: $120

Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals

Microsoft offers several fundamentals certifications that cover the basics of IT and Microsoft-related products and services. Certifications include Microsoft 365, Azure AI, Azure Data, Azure Fundamentals, Dynamics 365 (CRM), Dynamics 365 (ERP), Power Platform, and Security, Compliance, and Identity. Each certification covers all you need to know at the entry-level about its given topic, ensuring you have the right skills to get the job done. Many of the fundamental certifications can lead you on a path to higher levels of certification, expanding your expertise and demonstrating your knowledge of various Microsoft products and services. They’re best suited for technical professionals starting out their careers, students who want to build a foundation with in-demand tech skills, and business professionals looking to expand their technology expertise.

Exam fee: $99 per exam

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

The Microsoft Technology Associate certification scheme includes several entry-level certifications that cover the fundamentals of IT subjects such as mobility, JavaScript, Python, networking, operating systems, Windows Server administration, security, and development. MTA certs are designed for workers just starting out in IT or for those looking to change IT careers. The exam is meant to help you establish your career track in IT, allowing you to decide what areas you want to focus on. MTA certs are a great place to start for anyone interested in starting a career in desktop infrastructure, server infrastructure, or private cloud computing.

Exam fee: Varies by location

Oracle Certified Associate (OCA)

The Oracle Certified Associate certification is an entry-level option for building a foundational knowledge of Java, and is the first step on a path to demonstrating you have the skills to become a professional Java developer. To prepare for the exam, you will need to complete the beginner and intermediate Java SE 8 training, where you will gain practical hands-on experience with Java. The course covers the basics of Java and what it is, as well as exercises that help you better understand object-oriented programming using the Java language.

Exam fee: $245

PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Certified Associate in Project Management certification is a widely recognized entry-level certification for project management offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI). You don’t have to be a project manager to get your CAPM — plenty of IT jobs require project management skills to oversee technical projects. You’ll need a secondary degree and at least 23 hours of project management education completed before you can take the exam — but you can accomplish that through PMI’s Project Management Basics course. The course is designed by PMI to prepare you for the CAPM certification exam — it covers project management basics and skills you’ll need for an IT project management job. For more information, see “CAPM certification: Cost, salary, training, and more.”

Exam fee: $225 for members; $300 for non-members

Course fee: $350 for members; $400 for non-members

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner certification certifies your skills in implementing, monitoring, and administering IT infrastructure in alignment with the industry’s best practices as established by the (ISC)². The certification is best suited for network security engineers, systems administrators, security analysts, systems engineers, security consultants, security administrators, systems and networks analysts, and database administrators.

To qualify, you need at least one year of work experience in one or more of the seven domains, which includes access controls, security operations and administration, risk identification and monitoring, incident response and recovery, cryptography, network and communications security, and systems and application security. If you don’t have the required experience, you can take the exam to become an Associate of (ISC)², after which you will have two years to complete the required year of experience. You may also qualify to take the exam if you have a related degree from an accredited college or university or the equivalent in computer science, computer engineering, computer systems engineering, management information systems, or IT. It’s a great place to start if you want to add cybersecurity skills to your expertise.

Exam fee: $249

More on IT certifications:

Demand for programmers remains high across industries, as companies look to develop new technology solutions to solve business challenges or take advantage of growth opportunities.

Considering the state of supply and demand, is it really worthwhile for software developers to pursue certifications? Based on input from those in the field, company executives, and recruiters, the answer is a resounding yes.

Pros and cons of programming certifications

Some critics deride software developer certifications as pieces of paper that don’t actually demonstrate programming skills; however, as anyone updating their resume knows, a stack of programming certifications definitely does influence your perceived value to an organization.

“The primary benefit of certifications is to verify your skill sets,” says Archie Payne, president of the recruiting firm CalTek Staffing. “The exams to obtain these credentials cover the basic skills you’ll need to use that particular language, database, technique, etc. in a professional context." Certifications can be used to "reinforce the experience on your resume or demonstrate competencies beyond what you’ve done in the workplace in a prior role.”

Certifications show that you are committed to your field, invested in career growth, and connected to the broader technology landscape, Payne says. “Obtaining certification indicates that you are interested in learning new skills and continuing your learning throughout your career,” he says.

"It is extremely important for developers—as [with] any other professional—to continue improving their theoretical and practical knowledge,” says Natalia Rodriguez, head of talent acquisition at BairesDev, a provider of nearshore software outsourcing services.

Every agile team needs a leader to oversee the implementation of scrum principles and ensure the team stays within the scrum framework, even during complex projects. If you’re great at communicating and organizing, that leader could be you—once you get certified.

There are many upsides to earning a scrum master certification, such as better career prospects and a wider professional network. When it comes to choosing a certification provider, however, it can be tough to narrow down your options.

This article overviews various scrum master certifications, including their costs and benefits. Read on to learn more about choosing the right scrum master certification for you.

What Is Scrum Master Certification?

Scrum teams typically execute projects by providing incremental value in each sprint cycle. A sprint cycle usually lasts two to four weeks, during which the team accomplishes specific objectives related to the overarching goal.

While basic scrum training allows product developers and owners to collaborate more effectively, a team still needs a scrum master’s expertise to Excellerate their workflow and remain committed to the agile framework.

Earning a scrum master certification demonstrates your understanding of scrum principles, exposes you to advanced agile processes, boosts your résumé and increases your value to current and potential employers.

There are many globally recognized scrum master certifications to choose from. You should carefully consider your career goals, experience level and budget before making a decision.

For more information, see our guides on scrum master certification costs and free scrum master courses.

6 Scrum Master Certification Options

Aspiring scrum masters have lots of options for certification providers. In this section, we highlight some of the most popular certification paths. We also discuss costs and which scrum master certifications require regular renewal.

Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM)

Cost: Course fees vary, but most cost around $400; renewal costs $100.
Certification overview: The CSM credential is an entry-level designation for scrum professionals offered by the Scrum Alliance®. It covers the fundamentals of scrum and agile methodologies.

To earn CSM certification, you must complete an online or in-person training and pass a test. The exam lasts an hour, during which you must correctly answer at least 37 out of 50 questions to qualify. Once you complete your training course, you have two opportunities within 90 days to take the exam at no cost. If you do not pass the test within that window, additional attempts cost $25 each.

The Certified ScrumMaster credential is a great starting point for anyone who hopes to lead or work on an agile team. You must renew the certification every two years. Renewal requires the completion of 20 scrum education units (SEUs).

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster® (A-CSM)

Cost: Course fees range from $500 to $1,495; renewal costs $175.
Certification overview: The A-CSM certification serves individuals who have already earned the CSM credential and have experience in a scrum role. To earn this designation, you must complete an approved A-CSM course, which goes beyond the fundamentals and prepares scrum leaders to boost collaboration and implement scrum principles more effectively.

You must renew this certification every two years. Renewal requires you to complete 30 SEUs.

Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster® (CSP-SM)

Cost: Course fees range from $1,175 to $1,800; renewal costs $250.
Certification overview: The Scrum Alliance’s Certified Scrum Professional-ScrumMaster credential equips A-CSM holders with a deeper expertise in scrum to Excellerate their career prospects. This certification focuses on advanced scrum mastery, lean and agile frameworks and service (to the product owner, scrum team and organization).

To qualify for the CSP-SM certification, you must have at least two years of work experience as a scrum leader and complete an approved training course. Renew this certification every two years, and you must complete 40 SEUs for renewal.

Professional Scrum Master™ Certifications (PSM I, PSM II and PSM III)

Cost: Test fees range from $200 to $500 per attempt, depending on the certification tier.
Certification overview: Scrum.org offers three tiers of PSM certifications to validate scrum mastery at varying levels. PSM holders understand scrum principles and apply them in real-world projects.

These are the three PSM certifications available:

• PSM I: This entry-level credential demonstrates a fundamental mastery of scrum principles and how to apply them in scrum team environments. The certification exam costs $200.
• PSM II: Professionals with this credential have advanced knowledge of scrum and extensive experience as a scrum master. The exam costs $250.
• PSM III: As the highest PSM designation, the PSM III indicates a deep understanding of the application of scrum principles, practices and values in complex team settings. The exam costs $500.

Scrum.org offers optional training courses for each PSM certification tier.

Benefits of Scrum Master Certification

If you’re debating the value of a scrum master certification, consider the following potential benefits they offer.

Strengthen Your Team Management Skills

Gaining advanced knowledge of the Scrum framework and its principles is a recipe for efficient leadership in the workplace. This experience prepares you to manage competing priorities more effectively and facilitate team collaboration.

Overall, stronger team management skills can motivate team members to adopt the agile methodology and deliver better value with each sprint cycle.

Help Your Résumé Stand Out

Many employers depend on demonstrable experience and knowledge when hiring candidates into scrum roles. Even if you’ve never held a scrum leadership position, earning a scrum master certification demonstrates that you are grounded in scrum principles and can lead an organization-wide agile transformation.

Earning this credential also indicates your commitment to stay current on emerging trends in product development. Whether you’re tilting towards a new job or negotiating a raise in your current role, a scrum master certification can show your value and may tip the scales in your favor.

Build Your Skill Set

In addition to improving your team management skills, a scrum master course and certification can expose you to the practice of risk assessment and management. With extensive scrum training, you can anticipate, identify and eliminate threats to your team’s productivity and customer satisfaction.

An in-depth understanding of scrum methodology equips you for project blockers and bottlenecks. This training prepares you to develop strategies that allow your team to redirect their efforts and remain productive.

What To Consider Before Earning Scrum Master Certification

The certification process brings potential drawbacks as well. Ask yourself the following questions before committing to a training course and certification path.

Do You Have the Time in Your Schedule?

Most scrum master certifications require you to complete in-person or virtual training sessions and take a test, which can eat up several days of your time. Before deciding on a scrum master credential, carefully study the training requirements and timing to determine if it can fit into your schedule.

Is the Credential Valuable to Your Company and Career Path?

While a scrum master certification can be beneficial in many ways, it isn’t for everyone. Prioritize earning certification if your employer values or requires it for specific product roles or if you want to make a career change.

Do You Currently Work With Scrum? Will You Use Scrum in the Future?

If you currently work in an agile environment or plan to do so in the future, a scrum master certification could help you stand out. However, if your career path doesn’t intertwine with scrum, other certifications might better align with your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scrum Master Certification