| Metric | CSM | PSM I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Cost | $250 | $200✓ |
| Study Hours | ~20h✓ | ~40h |
| Exam Duration | 60 min | 60 min |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice | Multiple Choice |
| Level | Entry | Entry |
| Overall Score | 8.5/10✓ | 8.2/10 |
| Domain | Project Mgmt | Project Mgmt |
| Validity | 2 yrs | Lifetime |
| Industry Standard | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ |
Choose CSM if...
- →Project managers moving into agile roles
- →Team leads working in Scrum teams
- →Those in software development or product roles
Choose PSM I if...
- →Experienced agile practitioners proving Scrum knowledge
- →Budget-conscious professionals compared to CSM
- →Those who prefer self-study over mandatory training
Still not sure which one to pick?
Take our 6-question quiz and get a personalized certification recommendation.
Find my path →Start Studying
Affiliate links — we may earn a commissionWhichever cert you choose, here are the best resources to get started.
Top picks for CSM
Top study platforms
🎬From $14.99📝From $9.99🎓From $49/mo⚡From $9.95
Udemy
Most popular cert prep courses, often on sale for $14.99
Tutorials Dojo
Highest-rated practice exams for AWS, Azure, and GCP
Coursera
University-backed courses from Google, IBM, DeepLearning.AI
Whizlabs
Practice tests and hands-on labs for 30+ cert tracks
CertPath earns a commission when you purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you.