Which is better PMI ACP or CSM

A common question or FAQ is which certification is better PMI ACP or Certified Scrum Master ? Which one should the candidate take ? Which one has a better credibility in Market and industry value ?
In my opinion Both these certifications are reputed., they have their own differences, which I have tried to highlight below
|
PMI-ACP ® |
Certified Scrum Master® (CSM) |
Certified Scrum Professional (CSP) |
Intent |
PMI ACP intends to standardize what “agile” means across organizations and certify professionals |
CSM intent is to promote Scrum |
To offer a recognized, respected and primary credential for Scrum Professionals. Something which has market value amongst employers. |
Coverage |
PMI ACP will cover agile methods like Scrum, kanban, XP, lean, DSDM, TDD, ATDD etc. Principles, practices and tools and techniques |
Scrum Practices, Terminologies and Principles |
In depth coverage of Scrum and practical practices. |
Requirement |
Candidate must have overview of Agile and lean methods |
Candidate must have in-depth understanding of Scrum |
Candidate must have in-depth understanding and experience of Scrum |
Developed and Validated |
Like PMI certification, developed by global group of agile experts. |
Scrum alliance and Global Scrum community |
Scrum alliance and Global Scrum community |
Industry |
Valid across all industries |
Software industry |
Software industry |
Experience and Training |
2000 hrs Project Exp 1500 hrs Agile Exp (non-overlapping) 21 hrs Agile Training |
No Experience Required 2 day Scrum Master class |
2000 Hours Current holder of CSM, CSPO or CSD Current Scrum Alliance Membership |
Exam administered |
ProMetric |
Castle Worldwide |
Castle Worldwide |
Number of questions |
120 |
35 |
150 |
Training required |
21 hours of agile training by PMI REP or equivalent |
CSM Class: May ONLY be taught by Certified Scrum Trainers. Certified by the Scrum Alliance |
None. Requires that you be an existing CSM, CSPO or CSD Which do have training requirements |
Recertification |
PMI-ACP ® credential holder will need to earn 30 PDUs in agile project management per three-year cycle |
Currently CSM does not expire |
2 year cycles. Recertification will require maintaining some level of PDUs. The Scrum Alliance traning program will be in place no later than January 2013 |
Fees |
Cost of training + Exam Fees Member Computer based: $335 Non-Member computer based: $435 Member paper based: $270 Non-Member paper based: $370 |
Cost of training (around $1000 to $2000). No additional cost for the exam.You can not take the exam without taking the class. |
$300 Registration fee Requires membership in Scrum Alliance: $100 |
However considering ACP is newer certification
- Some companies may ask for CSM along with PMP or PMI ACP.
- The CSM training course is important for the Scrum Master, the Product Owner and a newly formed scrum development team who may have never experienced Agile , but understand that CSM is only a training and it may not have any "certification" value like PMI ACP.
- Check if agile certification is even necessary for you. If you think employers are asking for ACP or CSP then go for it. Do understand that real life experience is always more valuable.
diba_perfect
Sat, 04/06/2013 - 21:41
Permalink
Small correction: PMI-ACP is
Small correction: PMI-ACP is a registered trademark now i.e. to be used as PMI-ACP® and not as it appears here.
~ Diba
printusher
Thu, 09/19/2013 - 10:23
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Which is better PMI ACP or CSM
I could not well defined the PMI ACP or CSM. I just want to ask, which one would be best for my future perspective career. If there is some one professional then please answer