Attention aspiring ScrumMasters: As of September 1, 2012 the Scrum Alliance’s CSM post-course exam will transition from a pass-only to a pass/fail system. This change comes after a 3-year testing period where the Scrum Alliance was able to fine-tune questions and determine an appropriate passing score. They determined a passing score to equal twenty-four or more correct answers out of thirty-five.
The new pass/fail system will ensure that students, after having completed a certified Scrum training course, have a proper level of understanding and Scrum knowledge. Students who pass the exam will be awarded with a Certified ScrumMaster title. They will also receive a list of all their missed questions and a list of possible answers with the correct answer indicated.
Students who fail to pass the exam on their first attempt will have one more opportunity to take the exam free of charge. They will also be supplied with a list of their missed questions and a list of possible answers to help them re-prepare. However, the correct answers will not be indicated on their list. If a student fails to pass the exam on their second attempt they will be required to pay $25 USD for each additional attempt until they obtain a passing score.
The Scrum Alliance has a history of evolving their Certified Scrum Master requirements. When the certification was first made available students simply had to complete a certified training course to receive their certification. In October of 2009, the post-course exam was introduced. Students had 90-days after completing their Scrum course to take the exam to receiver their certification. With the introduction of the pass/fail system, the Scrum Alliance continues to show their emphasis on improving the CSM standard.
If you are interested in receiving your CSM, we can help. ASPE offers a Scrum Alliance certified training course that helps prepare you for the exam. We cover the Scrum framework, demonstrate Agile estimation and planning, run a full Scrum project and more. Our methods are so effective the course is backed by our Exam Pass Guarantee. Upon completion of our Scrum Master Certification Course, if after two attempts within the 60-day evaluation period you have not passed the exam and obtained certification, ASPE will allow you to attend another session of our Scrum Master Certification Course free of charge and pay for you to retake your certification exam. Find out more about our Certified ScrumMaster Workshop and see if we’re coming to a city near you here.
To learn more about more about the other Scrum Certifications and Scrum Training from ASPE, please visit aspe-sdlc.com/scrum-training.
