By Quick answer: PMI-ACP or CSM: which should I choose in 2027?
- Choose PMI-ACP — you have two+ years of agile experience.
- Choose CSM — you're new to Scrum.
- Verdict — CSM first; PMI-ACP with experience.
- Before you pay — take a free practice test.
Key takeaways
- Choose PMI-ACP if you have two+ years of agile experience.
- Choose CSM if you're new to Scrum.
- Check job posts in your target market before deciding.
PMI-ACP and CSM are often compared, but they suit different people. Here's a side-by-side comparison and a clear way to choose.
The options at a glance
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)PMI | $435 PMI members / $495 non-members1 | 180 minutes, 120 questions | Free test |
| 2 | Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)Scrum Alliance | Included in a 2-day course price2 | 16-hour course, then a 50-question test | Free test |
| 3 | Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum.org | Check the official page3 | Check issuer | Free test |
| 4 | PMP – Project Management ProfessionalPMI | $425 PMI members / $675 non-members4 | 240 minutes, 180 questions | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- PMI-ACP Practice ExamPractise for PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) before you pay.Start free test →
- CSM Practice TestPractise for Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) before you pay.Start free test →
- PSM I Practice TestPractise for Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) before you pay.Start free test →
- PMP Practice ExamPractise for PMP – Project Management Professional before you pay.Start free test →
Each option, and who should choose it
- PMIPMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)Experienced agile$435 PMI members / $495 non-members
- Scrum AllianceCertified ScrumMaster (CSM)New Scrum MastersIncluded in a 2-day course price
- Scrum.orgProfessional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Exam-onlyCheck the official page
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
- Cost
- $435 PMI members / $495 non-members1
- Format
- 180 minutes, 120 questions
- Entry
- 2+ years of experience and 21 hours of agile training
$435/$495; two years' experience. PMI's agile credential is a 180-minute, 120-question exam covering several agile approaches. It needs two or more years of experience and 21 hours of agile training and costs $435 for PMI members or $495.
Best forexperienced agile
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Cost
- Included in a 2-day course price2
- Format
- 16-hour course, then a 50-question test
Two-day course + test. Scrum Alliance's Certified ScrumMaster is earned through a 16-hour, trainer-led course and a 50-question test. The price is set by the trainer, it renews every two years, and it's widely named in Scrum Master posts.
Best fornew Scrum Masters
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
- Cost
- Check the official page3
Exam-only. Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Master I is exam-only, with no course required, and it doesn't expire. Study the free Scrum Guide and practise before booking; check Scrum.org's page for the current fee.
Best forexam-only
PMP – Project Management Professional
- Cost
- $425 PMI members / $675 non-members4
- Format
- 240 minutes, 180 questions
- Entry
- 3–5 years leading projects (by education) plus 35 hours of training
$425/$675. PMI's Project Management Professional is a 240-minute, 180-question exam covering predictive, agile and hybrid approaches. It needs 3–5 years leading projects plus 35 hours of training and costs $425 for PMI members or $675.
Best forhybrid
PMI-ACP vs CSM side by side
| PMI-ACP | CSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 2+ years | None |
| Scope | Multiple agile approaches | Scrum |
| Format | 180-minute exam | Course plus 50-question test |
| Best for | Experienced agile practitioners | New Scrum Masters |
Table: PMI-ACP vs CSM
How to choose
- Choose PMI-ACP — you have two+ years of agile experience.
- Choose CSM — you're new to Scrum.
- Still unsure — search job posts in your city for each name.
How we ranked these picks
We compared both options on cost, format, prerequisites and fit using official pages, checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with either issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder?
PMI-ACP.
Which do Scrum Master posts name?
CSM and PSM I more often.
Can I hold both?
Yes.
Which first?
CSM.
Is there a free practice test for both?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for both, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- PMI — PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Scrum Alliance — Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Scrum.org — Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I), official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- PMI — PMP – Project Management Professional, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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