⚖️ Compare certifications
⚖️ Compare
29 different·2 in common
🧭 Overview
Certifying body≠ differs
Scrum.org
PeopleCert / AXELOS
Focus≠ differs
Scrum.org's rigorous, Scrum Guide-based mastery assessment.
The application-level PRINCE2 certification — apply the method to a scenario.
Best suited for≠ differs
Aspiring / early Scrum Masters
Practising PMs in PRINCE2 markets
Pass mark≠ differs
85%
55%
Difficulty= same
3 / 5
3 / 5
Open book≠ differs
No
Yes
🚀 Career & roles
Career prospects≠ differs
Rigorous, lifetime Scrum Master credential from Scrum.org — often preferred over CSM for its harder exam and no mandatory course or renewal.
Proves you can apply and tailor PRINCE2 to a real project. Frequently mandatory for PM roles in UK/EU and in government tenders.
Post-certification roles≠ differs
Scrum Master · Agile Team Facilitator · Delivery Lead
Project Manager · Senior PM · Programme Office · Delivery Manager
Demand trend≠ differs
Hot — core agile role
Stable — often mandated in UK/EU/gov job specs
Typical salary≠ differs
Solid; Scrum Master roles are widely advertised
Strong in UK/EU; comparable to PMP within those regions
🌍 Recognition & market
Recognition≠ differs
Scrum.org (Ken Schwaber) · global · lifetime (no renewal)
AXELOS / PeopleCert · highly recognised across the UK/Commonwealth
Popular in≠ differs
USA, Europe, India, global tech hubs
UK, Europe, Australia, Middle East, Africa
Companies hiring≠ differs
Product companies, IT services, startups, digital
Government, consulting, public sector, enterprises
Industry verticals≠ differs
IT/software, fintech, telecom, e-commerce
Public sector, IT, construction, finance, utilities
Tech horizontals≠ differs
Software delivery, product, DevOps
Method-agnostic; enterprise & government delivery
📝 Exam format
Questions≠ differs
80 questions
68 questions
Duration≠ differs
60 min · 1h
150 min · 2h 30m
Question types≠ differs
Not published
Objective testing · scenario-based (open book)
Delivery≠ differs
Not published
Test centre · Online proctored
Languages≠ differs
Not published
English + others
🎓 Eligibility & process
Eligibility / prerequisites≠ differs
None — open; a strong grasp of the Scrum Guide is recommended
PRINCE2 Foundation (or PMP/CAPM/IPMA) required first
Application process≠ differs
Buy an exam attempt online → 80-question timed test anytime (85% to pass)
Hold Foundation → book Practitioner (course + open-book exam) via PeopleCert/ATO
💸 Cost & effort
Training cost (approx)≠ differs
USD 0–500
USD 500–1,500
Exam / application fee≠ differs
USD 200
USD 500
Prep time≠ differs
~3 weeks
~4 weeks
Study hours≠ differs
~25 hours
~35 hours
🔄 Validity & renewal
Validity≠ differs
Not published
3 years
Renewal≠ differs
Not published
Renew within 3 years via CPD (MyPRINCE2) or re-exam
Retake policy≠ differs
Not published
No mandatory wait; rebook and pay the exam fee.
📈 ROI
ROI score= same
4 / 5
4 / 5
Worth it?≠ differs
Strong — low cost, no renewal and well respected; quick payback for agile roles.
High in UK/EU/government markets where it is a hiring gate — strong regional ROI.
📊 Syllabus — domain weighting
⚙️PSM I
- Scrum Theory & Empiricism20%
- Scrum Team & Accountabilities25%
- Scrum Events25%
- Scrum Artifacts & Commitments20%
- Definition of Done & Delivery10%
🏰PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Principles15%
- Themes45%
- Processes40%
Career, cost, effort and ROI figures are indicative — they vary by region, employer and experience.