PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI) and Certified ScrumMaster (Scrum Alliance) (Scrum Alliance) cover different bodies of knowledge. Here's how they compare side by side — and how to pick the one that fits your role.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| PMI-ACP®PMI Agile Certified Practitioner | CSM®Certified ScrumMaster (Scrum Alliance) | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Professional | Foundation |
| Exam length | 3h 0m | 1h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~120 | ~50 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 74% |
| In a sentence | Agile across frameworks — Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP. | The classic Scrum Master certification. |
| Free practice | 150 sample questions | 149 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official PMI and Scrum Alliance site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with PMI or Scrum Alliance.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| PMI-ACP®facts as of August 2026 | CSM®facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee — PMI member: ~$435 (verify on pmi.org) Exam fee — non-member: ~$495 (verify on pmi.org) Retake: ~$335 member / ~$395 non-member Required training: 21 contact hours (agile) Renewal (every 3 yrs): 30 PDUs under the CCR program |
CSM course (required): ~$250–1,500+ — set by trainer; incl. exam + 2 attempts Extra retake: $25 Membership: 2 years included Renewal (every 2 yrs): 20 SEUs + $100 |
| Study time | commonly reported 80–120 hours plus the mandatory 21 contact hours of training | the 14–16-hour course itself; attentive participants typically pass right after it |
| Renewal | 30 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program | Every 2 years — 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) plus a $100 renewal fee |
| Entry requirement | Secondary diploma (or global equivalent) + 21 contact hours of agile training, | Completion of a CSM course from a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer is required — 16 hours in person or 14 hours live-online. No self-study path exists. |
| Body of knowledge | the official PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline | the Scrum Guide (2020) and Scrum Alliance CSM Learning Objectives |
| Full fact pages | PMI-ACP® cost · format · eligibility | CSM® cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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PMI-ACP® (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner) is a PMI professional credential, while CSM® (Certified ScrumMaster (Scrum Alliance)) comes from Scrum Alliance (foundation). They cover different bodies of knowledge, so the choice depends on the role you're aiming for rather than difficulty alone.
The PMI-ACP® exam runs about 3h 0m with ~120 questions; the CSM® exam runs about 1h 0m with ~50 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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