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Agile & Project Management Certification Verification

How to Verify a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Credential

Scrum Master credentials are among the most common certifications in technology and project management hiring — and among the easiest to misrepresent. Multiple organizations issue competing Scrum and agile certifications. Here is how to verify each type and what each credential actually demonstrates.

· 6 min read

Quick answer

Verify the Scrum Alliance CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) through the Scrum Alliance member directory at scrumalliance.org/community/profile. For Scrum.org PSM (Professional Scrum Master), use the Scrum.org certificate holder search at scrum.org/certificates.

Major Scrum and agile certifications by issuer

Scrum and agile certifications are not standardized across one body. Three organizations dominate the market:

Issuer Credentials Verification
Scrum Alliance CSM, CSPO, CSP-SM, CSP-PO, CTC, CEC, CAL scrumalliance.org/community/profile (member search)
Scrum.org PSM I/II/III, PSPO I/II/III, PSD, PAL-EBM scrum.org/certificates (certificate holder search)
PMI PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) PMI certification verification at pmi.org
Scaled Agile (SAFe) SA, SSM, POPM, RTE, SPC, SPCT scaledagile.com/certification/verify (by name or certificate number)

A candidate claiming “CSM” almost always means the Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster. “PSM” is Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Master. These are separate credentials from separate organizations with different exam and renewal requirements.

Verifying Scrum Alliance credentials (CSM, CSPO, CSP)

Scrum Alliance credentials are tied to active membership:

  1. Go to scrumalliance.org/community/profile
  2. Search for the candidate's name
  3. Confirm their active certifications are listed (CSM, CSPO, CSP-SM, etc.)
  4. Note the expiration date — Scrum Alliance certifications require renewal every two years

Scrum Alliance certifications require 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and a renewal fee every two years. Expired credentials are not shown as active in the public directory.

Verifying Scrum.org credentials (PSM I/II/III)

Scrum.org Professional Scrum certifications are non-expiring:

  1. Go to scrum.org/certificates
  2. Enter the candidate's name or email to search the certificate holder registry
  3. Confirm the specific PSM level (I, II, or III) is listed

PSM I is an entry-level exam with a 85% pass threshold. PSM II and PSM III are substantially more rigorous. A candidate claiming PSM III, for example, has passed one of the most challenging agile certifications available.

PSM does not expire; CSM does

Scrum.org PSM certifications do not expire — once earned, they are permanent. Scrum Alliance CSM certifications expire every two years. Confirm which issuer the candidate is claiming before checking expiration.

Verifying SAFe certifications

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) certifications are issued by Scaled Agile, Inc.:

  1. Go to scaledagile.com/certification/verify
  2. Search by the candidate's name or certificate number
  3. Confirm the specific SAFe credential (SSM, RTE, SPC, etc.) and active status

SAFe certifications expire after one year and require renewal through a continuing education requirement. Lapsed SAFe credentials are not uncommon; always confirm current status.

CSM vs. PSM: what the credential signals

Factor Scrum Alliance CSM Scrum.org PSM I
Requires instructor-led training Yes (2-day course required) No (self-study allowed)
Pass threshold 74% (open-book, taken after training) 85% (closed-book, time-limited)
Expiration 2 years (requires renewal + SEUs) Non-expiring
Market recognition Very high; widely listed in job postings High; respected for rigor in technical teams

Red flags

  • Name not found in Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org lookup — credential may be fabricated or expired
  • CSM claimed but expired in the Scrum Alliance directory — not uncommon; confirm renewal status
  • Vague claim of “Scrum Master certification” without specifying issuer (Scrum Alliance vs. Scrum.org vs. SAFe)
  • SAFe credential (RTE, SPC) claimed but not verifiable at Scaled Agile's portal — SAFe certs expire annually
  • CSM or CSPO claimed from a training provider that is not an official Scrum Alliance REP (Registered Education Provider)

Verification checklist

  • 1. Identify the specific credential and issuer (CSM → Scrum Alliance; PSM → Scrum.org; SAFe → Scaled Agile)
  • 2. Scrum Alliance CSM: verify at scrumalliance.org/community/profile — confirm active, not expired
  • 3. Scrum.org PSM: verify at scrum.org/certificates — non-expiring; confirm level (I, II, or III)
  • 4. SAFe: verify at scaledagile.com/certification/verify — confirm active, expires annually
  • 5. PMI-ACP: verify through PMI certification lookup at pmi.org

Verify the agile candidate's educational background

Scrum Masters and agile coaches often hold degrees in computer science, business, or information systems. Use VerifyED to confirm whether the degree-granting institution is accredited.

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