PMI-ACP vs CSM Certification: Which Is Better?

CSM Certification

Although not the only approach to Agile certification, Scrum is the most widely used method. In comparison, the PMI-ACP covers Agile from a more holistic approach.

The most beneficial part of attaining CSM is that there are limited amounts of people you can receive your CSM training from, which increases its value. A CSM course can only be delivered by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST); becoming a trainer in CSM includes rigorous testing and requires considerable hands-on classroom and fieldwork experience. Attaining your CSM means you train with Scrum experts who have a deep understanding of Scrum and many years’ experience working with Agile teams.

One key benefit of CSM certification is an affiliation with the Scrum Alliance, which is an organization purely dedicated to Scrum. Scrum Alliance members understand Agile and are a leading resource relating to all things Scrum. The courses for becoming a CSM are hands-on and must be taught in a person to person format. You cannot achieve CSM certification through online courses, which is a benefit for anyone working in the project management field.

PMI-ACP Certification

PMI has long been the traditional, plan-driven approach to project management. However, one of the downsides of the PMI-ACP was that many people overlooked it because it was from PMI. Over time, their recognition has changed since they now put Agile front and center in their events and publications.

To be eligible for the PMI-ACP exam, there is an expectation that you have worked many thousands of hours as a project manager, that you have worked with Agile methods and practices, or that you have experience working with Agile project teams. It’s fair to say that eligibility for PMI-ACP certification requires extensive experience in the field. Having a PMI-ACP certification means you understand the numerous approaches to project management, you can explain the benefits of Agile, and you can determine when it is the right project approach.

You must complete 21 hours of Agile training via live classes or online training courses. The ACP education hours address concepts including Agile philosophy, principles, and techniques.

After You Are Certified

Maintaining your PMI-ACP certification necessitates 30 additional hours of Agile education within three years of passing the exam. This further education is geared toward maintaining your skills and knowledge and will unfortunately incur additional fees.

Maintaining your CSM requires merely paying a Scrum Alliance membership fee for the two years after completion. Even if you have not worked in project management or Agile after your certification, you can continue to use the designation. Because of this, the PMI-ACP holds more value over time as an accreditation than the CSM.

What’s The Best Agile Certification?

So which certification is better: CSM of PMI-ACP?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a clearly defined answer to this question. Some employers prefer PMI-ACP certification and won’t settle for anything less. However, that is not to say that someone with CSM certification is any less qualified or viable for certain careers.

Depending on what your preferences are for work, your employer’s choices, and how much time and money you can invest, either accreditation might be better for you. PMI-ACP certification means that you have achieved thousands of hours of in-field experience and invested many months of training to obtain the certification. However, CSM certification can provide comparable career opportunities for a fraction of the time and money.

Ultimately, both certifications have their benefits, so it’s best to do all the research necessary before choosing the one for you.