What is Scrum?

Scrum is a framework for agile product development that enables small teams to produce great results in a self-organized manner. It is particularly suitable for complex projects where the final requirements are still unclear at the beginning.

Originally, Scrum was used primarily in software development, but the concept is now used in many industries.

What Scrum certification providers are available?

PeopleCert has been established on the market for several years: The international examination company successfully offers top-class Scrum certifications.

Two other well-known providers are scrum.org and Scrum Alliance. Both have long experience with Scrum certification and therefore a good reputation.

Why are Scrum certifications becoming more and more important?

Scrum is the most popular agile framework worldwide: 85 percent of all agile projects use Scrum. There is a high need for qualified employees, and Scrum specialists are in greater demand than ever before – and not just in the IT industry. And the trend is continuing: Agile experts will continue to be needed in many companies in the coming years. A Scrum certification is therefore a qualification with a future and a good investment in your career. It can increase your attractiveness on the job market enormously – after all, you are demonstrating competence and commitment.

What should be considered for Scrum certifications?

  • Training: It is usually a good idea to attend a Scrum workshop before taking the exam. However, this is not always a prerequisite.
  • Testing: Requirements and set-up vary from vendor to vendor.
  • Price: It is worth comparing the cost of exams and seminars.
  • Validity period: Most Scrum certifications are valid for life. But there are exceptions.

Scrum Master: Certifications in comparison

PeopleCert
Scrum.org
Scrum Alliance
Exam fee
From 150 €
150 $
around 1.400 $ incl. course
Validity
Lifetime
Lifetime
2 years (re-certification)
Testing
Multiple Choice (online)
Multiple Choice (online)
Multiple Choice (online)
Timebox
60 minutes
60 minutes
60 minutes
Questions
40 questions
80 questions
50 questions
Passed
28 out of 40 questions (70 %)
68 out of 80 questions (85 %)
37 out of 50 questions (75 %)
Language
English, German and more
English, others via Google translator
English, also German
Origin
Europe
USA
USA
Forgery proof examination
Yes
No
No
PeopleCert
Exam fee
From 150 €
Validity
Lifetime
Testing
Multiple Choice (online)
Timebox
60 minutes
Questions
40 questions
Passed
28 out of 40 questions (70 %)
Language
English, German and more
Origin
Europe
Forgery proof examination
Yes
Scrum.org
Exam fee
150 $
Validity
Lifetime
Testing
Multiple Choice (online)
Timebox
60 minutes
Questions
80 questions
Passed
68 out of 80 questions (85 %)
Language
English, others via Google translator
Origin
USA
Forgery proof examination
No
Scrum Alliance
Exam fee
around 1.400 $ incl. course
Validity
2 years (re-certification)
Testing
Multiple Choice (online)
Timebox
60 minutes
Questions
50 questions
Passed
37 out of 50 questions (75 %)
Language
English, also German
Origin
USA
Forgery proof examination
No

Product Owner: Certifications in comparison

PeopleCert Product Owner
Scrum.org Product Owner
Scrum Alliance Product Owner
Exam fee
From 200 €
200 $
around 1.000 $ for the course
Validity
Lifetime
Lifetime
2 years (re-certification)
Testing
Multiple Choice (online)
Multiple Choice (online)
None (exam still in development; until then, there is certification for course participation)
Timebox
60 minutes
60 minutes
Questions
40 questions
80 questions
Passed
28 out of 40 questions (70 %)
68 out of 80 questions (85 %)
Language
English, German and more
English, others via Google translator
Origin
Europe
USA
USA
Forgery proof examination
Yes
No
PeopleCert Product Owner
Exam fee
From 200 €
Validity
Lifetime
Testing
Multiple Choice (online)
Timebox
60 minutes
Questions
40 questions
Passed
28 out of 40 questions (70 %)
Language
English, German and more
Origin
Europe
Forgery proof examination
Yes
Scrum.org Product Owner
Exam fee
200 $
Validity
Lifetime
Testing
Multiple Choice (online)
Timebox
60 minutes
Questions
80 questions
Passed
68 out of 80 questions (85 %)
Language
English, others via Google translator
Origin
USA
Forgery proof examination
No
Scrum Alliance Product Owner
Exam fee
around 1.000 $ for the course
Validity
2 years (re-certification)
Testing
None (exam still in development; until then, there is certification for course participation)
Timebox
Questions
Passed
Language
Origin
USA
Forgery proof examination

Where should I take my Scrum exam?

So which Scrum certification is best? The answer: it all depends on what is important to you. If you want to teach yourself the Scrum basics, take your exam at PeopleCert or scrum.org.

Price-conscious people are also in good hands with PeopleCert and scrum.org: With both providers, the exam costs are comparatively low, and there are no further fees, such as for recertification. Plus point for PeopleCert: The online exam here is always supervised via webcam. An additional quality feature that makes your Scrum certification all the more valuable.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an exchange with like-minded people, the Scrum Alliance is the right place to go. So which Scrum certification is right for you? Find out in our detailed comparison!

What you always wanted to know about Scrum

  • What does a Scrum Master actually do?

    There is no classic project manager in Scrum. All the more important is the Scrum Master! We have summarized for you here what his tasks are and where his place is in the company.

    More
  • What does agile working mean?

    Those who work agilely are more effective, more productive and deliver better results. But why is that and what actually makes agile work? We have the answers.

    More
  • What is the Scrum Guide?

    A long set of rules? Wrong! The current English Scrum Guide has only 13 pages. But in terms of content, it has it all. Let’s take a closer look at what the Scrum Guide actually says.

    More
  • Who earns more: Scrum Master or Product Owner?

    Justified question! After all, continuing education costs time and money, and this investment should be worthwhile in the end. We reveal what salary you can expect as a Scrum Master and Product Owner.

    More
  • What is the best product owner certification?

    Anyone who aspires to a job as a product owner assumes a leadership role and thus carries a lot of responsibility. This makes it all the more important to have the right product owner certification to prove your competence for this position. But which provider is suitable for whom?

    More
  • How hard is the Scrum Master exam?

    First things first: you can rest assured! The Scrum Master exam is usually absolutely doable. Read here what to expect on the big day and how to create the best conditions for you.

    More

About Scrumfinder

Behind the Scrumfinder we are: UnitedCreation, the holistic marketing agency from Ettlingen. What makes us experts in Scrum certifications? We have some Scrum professionals in our ranks ourselves and have therefore dealt with the topic in detail.

Our goal is to bring transparency into the jungle of Scrum certifications and to give interested parties a clear overview: Which major providers are there, how do they differ and what do they offer? The Scrumfinder is intended to serve as a decision-making aid and support you in finding the right provider for your Scrum certification.