There are 2 recognised Scrum training organisations: Scrum.org & Scrum Alliance. Scrum Alliance is a little bigger, Scrum.org is a lot better. I am of course biased being a Professional Scrum Trainer with Scrum.org.
Scrum.org is run by Ken Schwaber who co-created the Scrum framework in the 1990’s. The big advantages of Scrum.org are:
- Consistent – Professional Scrum Trainers (PSTs) bring their own style and experiences with a consistent delivery of Scrum.org training around the world. You can be assured that each course we teach is aligned with Scrum, and all of your team are learning from the same message.
- Quality – Scrum.org Professional Scrum Trainers go through extensive peer reviews, testing, training, and interviews prior to being accepted as a PST, certifying each individual who can teach.
- Forever – Scrum.org Professional Scrum certifications are yours for life with no renewal costs to retain them.
A More Detailed Comparison
| Scrum.org | Scrum Alliance | |
|---|---|---|
| Mission | “Improving the profession of software delivery.” | “Transforming the world of work.” |
| Leadership | Founded and led by Ken Schwaber, co creator of Scrum. | Governed by a board of directors. |
| Scrum Master Certification | Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Professional Scrum Master II Professional Scrum Master III | Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) |
| Training | 2 day PSM Course | 2 day CSM Course |
| Courseware | Collaboratively maintained courseware from all Trainers, ensuring a consistent high quality learning experience, globally. Overseen by Ken Schwaber | Created by individual trainers, so content, quality and learning experience varies per trainer. |
| Certification | Must pass a rigorous assessment associated with the course content. No requirement to attend a course. | Must attend 2 days of training. Assessment is almost impossible to fail |
| Cost | Assessment cost included in the training. $150 without training. No renewal fee. | First two years of certification included in training, then $100 every 2 years. |
| Other Training | Professional Scrum Foundations Professional Scrum Product Owner Professional Scrum Developer Scaled Professional Scrum | Certified Scrum Product Owner Certified Scrum Developer |
| Other Certifications | Professional Scrum Product Owner I Professional Scrum Product Owner II Professional Scrum Developer Scaled Professional Scrum | Certified Scrum Professional Certified Scrum Product Owner Certified Scrum Developer |
| More Information | www.scrum.org | www.scrumalliance.org |
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Hi, my name is Simon Kneafsey and I am a Professional Scrum Trainer with Scrum.org & TheScrumMaster.co.uk. I am on a mission to simplify Scrum & Agile for 1 million people. I have helped 10,000+ people so far, and I can help you too. Find out more & get in touch.The 2 Best Product Owners I Ever Worked With – The Proxy Product Owner
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Comments 6
Thanks a Ton, Simon Kneafsey for a simple yet powerful insight……..
Simon Kneafsey
“Simon is a Professional Scrum Trainer with Scrum.org”
You are not and were not impartial in this assessment.
Author
Hi Someone,
I agree with you! I am a Scrum.org Professional Scrum Trainer so I am of course biased and I declare this in the first paragraph.
Regards
Simon
Thank you for your detailed comparison. I was confused prior to your article!
Yes! I was looking at the two organization and scratching my head to understand the difference. Your article laid it out perfectly. Thanks!
Simon,
I would like to THANK YOU for sharing the details as i was very confused to ahead with certification.