Best Agile and Scrum Certifications
Agile and Scrum credentials are popular for project, product, and operations roles. This ranking favors demand and accessibility.
How we ranked these certifications
We ranked these certifications for career changers using accessibility, market demand, salary upside, and lower barriers.
Quick picks
Best Overall
Best Beginner Pick
Best ROI
Best Remote Fit
Rankings
#1 · Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Agile / Project Management
Score: 0.51
Price: $450–$1,000
Time: 2-day course + exam
Salary: $80k–$120k
Difficulty: 2
Demand: 5
Remote: 8
#2 · SAFe® Architect (Scaled Agile)
Agile / Project Management
Score: 0.47
Price: $50
Time: 40–80 hours
Salary: $120,000–$200,000
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 4
Remote: 8
#3 · SAFe® Lean Portfolio Management (Scaled Agile)
Agile / Project Management
Score: 0.47
Price: $50
Time: 40–80 hours
Salary: $110,000–$190,000
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 4
Remote: 8
#4 · Certified ScrumMaster (CSM – Scrum Alliance)
Business - Project Management
Score: 0.44
Price: $495–$1,500
Time: 2–5 days training
Salary: $85k–$120k
Difficulty: 3
Demand: 5
Remote: 10
#5 · PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Business - Project Management
Score: 0.37
Price: $435–$495
Time: 3–6 mo
Salary: $85k–$120k
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 5
Remote: 9
Quick comparison table
| Certification | Category | Price | Time | Difficulty | Demand | Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | Agile / Project Management | $450–$1,000 | 2-day course + exam | 2 | 5 | 8 |
| SAFe® Architect (Scaled Agile) | Agile / Project Management | $50 | 40–80 hours | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| SAFe® Lean Portfolio Management (Scaled Agile) | Agile / Project Management | $50 | 40–80 hours | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Certified ScrumMaster (CSM – Scrum Alliance) | Business - Project Management | $495–$1,500 | 2–5 days training | 3 | 5 | 10 |
| PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) | Business - Project Management | $435–$495 | 3–6 mo | 4 | 5 | 9 |