Certified Advanced Scrum Master (A-CSM)

If you’ve been working as a Scrum Master for over a year now and already have your CSM certification, you may be starting to wonder:

Is it time to level up with the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)?

It’s a question that hits usually around the 12-month mark.

You’re pretty comfortable with the basics, but you might be 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.

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

Upgrading to the A-CSM

Most Certified ScrumMasters with a bit of experience are juggling multiple responsibilities, because the role has now expanded beyond what they thought it would be as projects get more involved.

Generally speaking, you may be wondering if there’s a structured way to handle the complexity.

The A-CSM targets exactly this scenario.

But before we dive into whether it’s right for you, let’s establish where you stand.

A-CSM readiness self-assessment

Take two minutes to 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?

🚩 Level of challenge

• 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 on readin’.

If not – you may want to get more hands-on experience first.

What is the Advanced CSM?

The A-CSM isn’t “CSM 2.0.”

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

Topics it focuses on

The course for the certification centers on seven core learning objectives.

1. Advanced facilitation techniques – To improve stakeholder discussions
2. Coaching skills – For teams and organizations
3. Addressing resistance – Dealing with aversion to change, low motivation, and disengagement
4. Scaling scrum – Thinking beyond single teams
5. Organizational change – Transformation strategies at the enterprise or org level
6. Servant leadership – Leading with servitude principles in practice
7. Linking agile principles – How to connect agile to scrum mechanics

Prerequisites & requirements

Before you can sit in and take the A-CSM certification exam, you need to have an active CSM certification already from Scrum Alliance.

But prior to accepting the certification, you’ll need to have at least 12 months of Scrum Master work experience logged into your Scrum Alliance profile (must be within the past five years.)

And completion of the 14 to 16 hour course.

The Learning Experience

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

There are a few format options to choose from, ranging from virtual or in-person delivery.

Both of these generally have small class sizes for interactive learning, case studies and group exercises.

And lastly, it’s an assessment-based completion, so there’s no final exam.

Because the CSM taught you what Scrum is, the A-CSM teaches you how to navigate the messy reality of implementing it on orgs that don’t always cooperate.

You’ll spend time on scenarios such as:

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

These are the more “tricky” situations that experienced Scrum Masters would have to manage delicately as they progress in their career and take on more responsibilities.

Career Impact

From a salary perspective – Certified Scrum Masters in the U.S. earn an average of $113,381 annually, with advanced certifications boosting salaries by up to $35,000.

And certified professionals earn about 24% more than those without certification.

Here’s the breakdown by numbers.

• 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.

The market values advanced Scrum credentials, and that demand appears to be growing.

Looking at the job market, Scrum Alliance certifications are listed on more job descriptions than any other scrum or agile certification.

And an A-CSM sets you apart from the foundational CSM crowd while opening doors to senior Scrum Master and agile coaching roles.

A-CSM vs. Alternatives

But the Advanced-CSM certification isn’t your only option for growing your agile career.

Pros & 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: Treat it like an investment.

A-CSM vs. PSM II comparison

What about its most closely related competitor? 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 your local job market opportunities and how you learn best, not just price.

When A-CSM makes sense

You should prob. seriously consider A-CSM if…

• You learn best in a structured, interactive environment
• You value on-going professional community & resources
• You’re planning to stay in the North American markets
• You want a clear path to obtaining the CSP-SM certification
• Your employer will pay for training & renewals
• You’re targeting senior Scrum Master roles at larger organizations

If three or more of these apply to you, then the A-CSM is likely worth it.

When to wait or choose alternatives

But consider waiting if…

You have less than 12 months of real Scrum Master experience, or if your current role doesn’t present advanced challenges yet.

If you’re more of a self-directed learner or if budget is a primary concern, you may want to wait a bit or go with something like a PSM II as there is no renewal fee going forward.

Alternative paths:

Alternatively, you could hold off and gain more hands-on experience with complex situations while simultaneously pursue the equivalent of a PSM certification for knowledge validation – without the ongoing costs.

You might also consider focusing on complementary skills such as coaching, facilitation and change management or look into other agile frameworks as you build out your skills horizontally (e.g. SAFe, LeSS, etc.)

A-CSM Investment Analysis

Let’s break down what the A-CSM actually costs over time so you’re not hit with hidden surprises.

Upfront costs

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

Virtual courses typically run $800-$1,200 while 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 (contingent 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

But Bill, what do SEU activities consist of?

Glad you asked.

You can attend webinars or conferences, read relevant books, take additional courses, volunteer in an agile community or participate in user groups. There are a ton of ways to get SEU credits for your contributions.

Be sure to check the Scrum Alliance official website for more ways to obtain your SEUs.

ROI calculation

So let’s say you’re ready to commit to getting this certification.

Not so fast!

Let’s run some numbers and get a sense of some potential financial projections before we dive in completely.

Conservative ROI scenario

• Course cost: $1,500
• Salary increase: $15,000 annually (conservative est.)
• 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.

The A-CSM Action Plan

If you’ve decided to pursue the A-CSM, use the below recommendations and proposed timeline to map out your exam preparation.

Pre-certification preparation

This is your first phase, and should take about 1 to 2 months in prep work.

Document your experience

Use this time to log your scrum master work experience in your Scrum Alliance profile, document specific challenges and impediments you’ve encountered and identify areas where you want deeper skills.

Research and select your course/training

You can start researching course providers and formats, read trainer profiles and reviews and compare costs and additional resources that’s being offered.

Ask if your employer offers a training budget and approval process. If they do, then that’s great news. Look into how much they would cover and/or reimburse you and factor that into your decision.

Build up your skills

Leverage this time to attend free webinars on advanced scrum topics, then start writing down a list of more complex scenarios that you have had encountered before, and that also overlaps with what the A-CSM certification may be looking for.

Keep a mental note of what they are so that if and when the opportunities for these scenarios present themselves, start practicing facilitation techniques that aim to deal with these situations and log them to understand how it went and where you could improve.

Review this list every so often so that they’re top-of-mind and you can quickly recognize and spot when a more advanced or involved scenario is emerging to put your facilitation techniques into use and the outcomes written down or captured – this will help you spot patterns and improve each time these situations play out.

Finally, look for and connect with other A-CSMs in your network so that you have a network you can build and strengthen as you start on this certification process.

Training + 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.