Certified Advanced Scrum Master (A-CSM)

You’ve got your CSM certification. You’ve been working as a Scrum Master for over a year now. And like many CSMs, you’re starting to wonder: Is it time to level up with the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)?

It’s a question that hits most of us around the 12-month mark.

You’re comfortable with the basics, but you’re facing challenges that your foundational training didn’t quite prepare you for. Maybe it’s scaling scrum beyond a single team. Or dealing with organizational resistance that goes way deeper than you expected.

This isn’t another sales pitch for certification.

This is a practical decision framework to help you figure out if the A-CSM makes sense for your career right now.

The A-CSM Decision Point: Where You Are Right Now

Here’s what I see happening with most CSMs at your stage:

You’re juggling multiple responsibilities.

The role has expanded beyond what you thought it would be.

~~And you’re wondering if there’s a structured way to handle the complexity you’re facing.~~ And you’re definitely wondering if there’s a structured way to handle all this complexity.

Sound familiar?

The A-CSM targets exactly this scenario. But before we dive into whether it’s right for you, let’s establish where you stand.

Quick Readiness Self-Assessment

Take two minutes to honestly assess where you are:

Experience Check:

• [ ] Do you have at least 12 months of hands-on Scrum Master experience?
• [ ] Have you worked with multiple teams or stakeholders?
• [ ] Are you regularly dealing with organizational impediments beyond your team?

Challenge Level:

• [ ] Do you encounter resistance to change in your organization?
• [ ] Are you supporting product owners who seem overwhelmed or unclear?
• [ ] Are you being asked to help scale agile practices beyond your immediate team?

Career Trajectory:

• [ ] Are you interested in deeper coaching and facilitation skills?
• [ ] Do you see yourself moving toward organizational change roles?
• [ ] Are you considering the path to CSP-SM or agile coaching?

If you checked most of these boxes, keep reading.

If not, you might want to get more hands-on experience first.

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Understanding the A-CSM: What It Actually Is (And Isn’t)

The A-CSM isn’t CSM 2.0.

It’s not about learning more Scrum mechanics or memorizing additional frameworks.

The A-CSM certification prepares you to move beyond the foundational 
scrum practices and into more complex responsibilities, focusing on 
facilitation, coaching fundamentals, and scaling scrum practices.

What You’ll Actually Learn

The course centers on seven core learning objectives that directly address the challenges you’re probably facing:

1. Advanced facilitation techniques for stakeholder discussions
2. Coaching skills for teams and organizations
3. Addressing resistance to change, low motivation, and disengagement
4. Scaling scrum beyond single teams
5. Organizational change strategies
6. Servant leadership principles in practice
7. Linking agile principles to scrum mechanics

No theoretical fluff here.

These are the skills that separate experienced Scrum Masters from the pack.

Prerequisites and Requirements

Here’s what you need to know about getting your A-CSM:

Before You Can Take the Course:

• Active CSM certification from Scrum Alliance
• That’s it. You can take the course immediately after getting your CSM.

Before You Can Accept the Certification:

• At least 12 months of scrum master work experience logged into your Scrum Alliance profile (must be within the past five years)
• Completion of the 14-16 hour course
• No exam required

The Scrum Alliance Pathway: CSM → A-CSM → CSP-SM (Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster)

Learning Experience: What to Expect

The A-CSM is typically delivered as a 2-day intensive course led by Certified Scrum Trainers, focusing on real-world problem scenarios and advanced facilitation practice.

Format Options:

• Virtual or in-person delivery
• Small class sizes for interactive learning
• Case studies and group exercises
• No final exam (assessment-based completion)

What Makes It Different from CSM: The CSM taught you what Scrum is. The A-CSM teaches you how to navigate the messy reality of implementing it in organizations that don’t always cooperate.

You’ll spend time on scenarios like:

• A product owner who keeps changing priorities mid-sprint
• Development teams spread across ~~three~~ six time zones
• Executives who want “agile” but resist the cultural changes

These are the situations that keep experienced Scrum Masters up at night.

And honestly? They should.

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Career Impact: The Numbers Behind the Decision

Let’s talk money.

Because while personal growth matters, so does your financial future.

Salary Impact

Certified Scrum Masters in the U.S. earn an average of $113,381 annually, with advanced certifications boosting salaries by up to $35,000. Certified professionals earn about 24% more than those without certification.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Base CSM salary: ~$113,381 average
• Advanced certification premium: Up to $35,000 additional
• Overall certification impact: 24% salary boost over non-certified professionals Translation: The A-CSM can pay for itself in less than 2 months.

Market Demand

The statistics tell a compelling story:

77% of hiring managers say certifications are essential, and 55% are willing to pay higher salaries for certified professionals. Project management roles are expected to grow by 7% through 2033.

Translation:

The market values advanced Scrum credentials.

And that demand is growing.

Job Market Reality:

• Scrum Alliance certifications are listed on more job descriptions than ANY OTHER scrum or agile certification
• A-CSM sets you apart from the foundational CSM crowd
• Opens doors to senior Scrum Master and agile coaching roles

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The Decision Framework: A-CSM vs. Alternatives

Time for some honest assessment.

The A-CSM isn’t your only option for advancing your agile career.

Pros and Cons of A-CSM

Pros:

• Structured learning from recognized experts
• Direct application to current challenges
• Strong market recognition, especially in North America
• Clear pathway to CSP-SM
• NO EXAM STRESS (assessment-based)
• Includes 2-year Scrum Alliance membership

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost compared to ~~cheaper~~ self-study alternatives
• Ongoing renewal requirements and costs
• Time commitment (2 days + preparation)
• Requires maintaining SEUs for renewal Bottom line: It’s an investment, not an expense.

A-CSM vs. PSM II Comparison

Here’s how the two main advanced certifications stack up:

Feature	A-CSM (Scrum Alliance)	PSM II (Scrum.org)
Initial Cost	$500–$2,495 (includes training)	$200 per exam attempt
Training Required	Yes (14-16 hours)	No
Exam Structure	Assessment-based	Timed scenario exam
Renewal Fee	$175 every 2 years	None (lifetime)
Renewal Requirements	30 SEUs every 2 years	None
Market Recognition	Strong in North America	Strong globally, especially Europe

Bottom Line: A-CSM gives you structured learning and community. PSM II tests your knowledge but costs less long-term.

Choose based on how you learn best, not just price.

When A-CSM Makes Sense

You should seriously consider A-CSM if:

• You learn best in structured, interactive environments
• You value ongoing professional community and resources
• You’re planning to stay in North American markets
• You want the clear pathway to CSP-SM
• Your employer will pay for training and renewals
• You’re targeting senior Scrum Master roles at larger organizations If three or more of these apply to you, A-CSM is probably worth it.

When to Wait or Choose Alternatives

Consider waiting if:

• You have less than 12 months of real Scrum Master experience
• Your current role doesn’t present advanced challenges yet
• Budget is a primary concern
• You prefer self-directed learning

Alternative paths:

• Gain more hands-on experience with complex situations
• Pursue PSM II for knowledge validation without ongoing costs
• Focus on complementary skills (coaching, facilitation, change management)
• Look into other agile frameworks (SAFe, LeSS, etc.)

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Investment Analysis: The Complete Cost Picture

Let’s break down what the A-CSM actually costs over time.

No hidden surprises here.

Upfront Costs

Course Fee: $500 – $2,495 depending on provider and format

• Virtual courses typically run $800-$1,200
• In-person courses range $1,500-$2,495
• Premium providers may charge more for additional resources

What’s Included:

• 14-16 hours of live instruction
• Course materials and resources
• 2-year Scrum Alliance membership ($100 value)
• A-CSM certification (upon meeting experience requirements)

Ongoing Costs

Renewal Requirements (Every 2 Years):

• Renewal fee: $175
• SEUs required: 30 (Scrum Education Units)
• Time investment: ~30 hours of qualifying activities That’s roughly 1.25 hours per month. Totally manageable.

SEU Activities Include:

• Attending webinars or conferences
• Reading relevant books
• Taking additional courses
• Volunteering in agile community

ROI Calculation

Conservative ROI Scenario:

• Course cost: $1,500
• Salary increase: $15,000 annually (conservative estimate)
• Payback period: 1.2 months
• 2-year ROI: 1,900%

Aggressive ROI Scenario:

• Course cost: $2,500
• Salary increase: $35,000 annually (upper end of range)
• Payback period: 0.9 months
• 2-year ROI: 2,700%

Even accounting for renewal costs, the financial return is compelling if you capture salary increases.

Those are some pretty attractive numbers.

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Getting Your A-CSM: Step-by-Step Action Plan

If you’ve decided to pursue the A-CSM, here’s your implementation roadmap.

Phase 1: Pre-Certification Preparation (1-2 Months)

Week 1-2: Experience Documentation

• Log your scrum master work experience in your Scrum Alliance profile
• Document specific challenges and impediments you’ve encountered
• Identify areas where you want deeper skills

Week 3-4: Course Research and Selection

• Research course providers and formats
• Read trainer profiles and reviews
• Compare costs and additional resources offered
• Check your employer’s training budget and approval process

Week 5-8: Skill Building

• Start practicing advanced facilitation techniques
• Read recommended books on coaching and organizational change
• Attend free webinars on advanced scrum topics
• Connect with other A-CSMs in your network

Phase 2: Course Selection and Registration

Choose Your Provider Based On:

• Training style preference (interactive vs. lecture-heavy)
• Schedule constraints (virtual vs. in-person, weekdays vs. weekends)
• Budget considerations (course fee, travel costs)
• Additional value (post-course support, resources, community access)

Popular Provider Options:

• Scrum Alliance trainer directory
• Regional training companies
• Large training organizations (varies by location)
• Corporate trainers for group sessions

Phase 3: Maximizing Your Course Experience

Before the Course:

• Review CSM fundamentals if it’s been a while
• Prepare specific scenarios from your work experience
• Set learning objectives beyond just getting certified

During the Course:

• Engage actively in exercises and discussions
• Ask questions about your specific organizational challenges
• Network with other participants
• Take detailed notes on techniques you want to implement

After the Course:

• Document key takeaways while they’re fresh
• Create an implementation plan for new techniques
• Connect with classmates on LinkedIn
• Complete the course evaluation for your certification

Phase 4: Post-Course Certification Process

Immediate Actions:

• Complete any post-course assignments
• Accept the A-CSM license agreement in your Scrum Alliance account
• Update your LinkedIn profile and resume
• Share your achievement with your network

Ongoing Application:

• Start applying advanced facilitation techniques immediately
• Document what works and what doesn’t
• Share learnings with your scrum community
• Begin tracking SEUs for future renewal

Maximizing Your Investment: Beyond the Certification

Getting the certification is just the beginning. Here’s how to extract maximum value.

Immediate Application Strategies

Week 1-2 Post-Course:

• Implement one new facilitation technique
• Schedule stakeholder meetings using advanced approaches
• Begin coaching conversations with team members

Month 1-3:

• Apply scaled scrum concepts if working with multiple teams
• Practice organizational impediment resolution
• Document case studies of successful interventions

Month 3-6:

• Seek feedback on your evolving approach
• Mentor other scrum masters using advanced techniques
• Look for opportunities to lead organizational change initiatives

Renewal Strategy

Make SEU Accumulation Valuable: Instead of just collecting credits, focus on:

• Books that address your specific organizational challenges
• Conferences that expand your network and knowledge
• Volunteer opportunities that build real experience
• Advanced courses that complement your A-CSM (facilitation, coaching, etc.)

Career Progression Tactics

Leverage Your A-CSM For:

• Internal advancement: Lead scaled agile initiatives in your organization
• External opportunities: Target senior scrum master roles requiring advanced certification
• Consulting work: Use credibility for freelance or consulting opportunities
• Training others: Share knowledge through internal training or mentoring programs

Beyond A-CSM: Your Continued Journey

The A-CSM is a stepping stone, not a destination.

Path to CSP-SM

Requirements for CSP-SM:

• A-CSM certification
• Additional advanced-level training (minimum hours vary)
• Extensive work experience documentation
• Demonstrated expertise in multiple scrum master competencies

CSP-SM opens doors to:

• Senior organizational agile roles
• Becoming a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST)
• Agile coaching positions
• Consulting opportunities

Building Your Agile Career Brand

Document Your Journey:

• Blog about challenges and solutions
• Speak at local agile meetups
• Contribute to online scrum communities
• Mentor junior scrum masters

Expand Your Skills:

• Professional coaching certification
• Organizational development training
• Change management credentials
• Leadership development programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take A-CSM without the required experience? A: Yes, you can take the course anytime after getting your CSM. But you can’t accept the certification until you log 12 months of scrum master experience.

Q: What if I already have PSM II? Should I still get A-CSM? A: Depends on your goals. If you’re targeting North American markets or want the structured learning experience, A-CSM adds value. If you’re satisfied with your current knowledge and want to avoid ongoing costs, PSM II may be sufficient.

Q: How hard is it to maintain SEUs for renewal? A: Not difficult if you stay active in the agile community. Reading relevant books, attending webinars, and participating in local meetups easily covers the requirement.

Q: Will my employer pay for A-CSM training? A: Many will, especially if you can demonstrate ROI through improved team performance or reduced project costs. Frame it as professional development that benefits the organization.

Q: What’s the failure rate for A-CSM? A: There’s no exam to fail. Completion is assessment-based, meaning you need to participate actively and demonstrate understanding during the course.

Action Steps and Resources

This Week

• [ ] Complete the readiness self-assessment honestly
• [ ] Review your Scrum Alliance profile and log work experience
• [ ] Research 3-5 potential course providers
• [ ] Check with your manager about training budget

Next 30 Days

• [ ] Set aside budget for course and renewal costs
• [ ] Read 2-3 recommended books on advanced scrum topics
• [ ] Connect with A-CSM holders in your network for insights
• [ ] Register for a course that fits your schedule and budget

Next 3-6 Months

• [ ] Complete your A-CSM course
• [ ] Begin applying advanced techniques in your work
• [ ] Document case studies and lessons learned
• [ ] Plan your next step in the agile career pathway

Essential Resources

Reading List:

• “Coaching Agile Teams” by Lyssa Adkins
• “The Professional ScrumMaster’s Handbook” by Stacia Broderick
• “Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-Making” by Sam Kaner

Online Communities:

• Scrum Alliance member forums
• Local agile meetup groups
• LinkedIn agile professional groups
• Reddit r/scrum community

Continuing Education:

• Scrum Alliance webinar series
• Agile conferences (Agile Alliance, regional events)
• Local training providers for complementary skills
• Online platforms for facilitation and coaching training

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The Bottom Line: The A-CSM makes sense if you’re facing advanced challenges, have the experience to back it up, and see value in structured learning and ongoing professional community.

It’s not mandatory for success as a Scrum Master.

But for many practitioners, it provides the framework and credibility to handle the complex organizational challenges that come with experience.

The question isn’t whether the A-CSM is valuable.

It’s whether it’s valuable for YOU at this point in your career.

Only you can make that call. But now you have the framework to make it thoughtfully.