Scrum Alliance vs Scrum.org: Which One is Right for You?

Harisk
4 min readSep 3, 2023

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Scrum is a lightweight framework for developing, delivering, and sustaining complex products. It is a popular choice for software development teams, but it can also be used in other industries.

There are two main organizations that offer Scrum certifications: Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org. Both organizations have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to understand the differences between them before choosing one.

Photo by Lala Azizli on Unsplash

Scrum Alliance

The Scrum Alliance is the oldest and largest Scrum certification organization. It was founded in 2001 by Ken Schwaber and Mike Beedle, two of the creators of Scrum. The Scrum Alliance offers a variety of certifications, including the Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), and Certified Scrum Developer (CSD).

The CSM is the most popular Scrum certification offered by the Scrum Alliance. It is a two-day course that covers the basics of Scrum. The CSPO is a more advanced certification that is designed for product owners. The CSD is a certification for developers who want to learn more about Scrum.

The Scrum Alliance also offers a variety of other resources, including books, articles, and training courses. It also has a large community of members who can provide support and advice.

Scrum.org

Scrum.org was founded in 2009 by Ken Schwaber, one of the creators of Scrum. It offers a smaller number of certifications than the Scrum Alliance, but its certifications are considered to be more rigorous.

The PSM I is the most popular Scrum certification offered by Scrum.org. It is a one-day exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge of Scrum. The PSM II is a more advanced exam that is designed for experienced Scrum practitioners.

Scrum.org also offers a variety of other resources, including books, articles, and training courses. It also has a community of members who can provide support and advice.

Comparing Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org would be a lot like comparing Pepsi and CocaCola Photo by Nik A. on Unsplash

Cause of Rivalry

There is some rivalry between Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org. The main reason is that both are targeting similar group of professionals. Also this is partly due to the fact that they offer different certifications and have different philosophies.

The Scrum Alliance is more focused on the business side of Scrum, while Scrum.org is more focused on the technical side. The Scrum Alliance also has a more open and collaborative approach, while Scrum.org is more structured and hierarchical.

Which One is Better For You?

The best Scrum certification organization for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a comprehensive certification that covers the basics of Scrum, then the CSM from the Scrum Alliance is a good option. If you are looking for a more rigorous certification that tests your knowledge of Scrum, then the PSM I from Scrum.org is a good choice.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which organization is right for you is to learn more about their certifications and philosophies. You can also talk to other Scrum practitioners to get their recommendations.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Conclusion

Both Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org offer valuable Scrum certifications. The best organization for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. I hope this blog post has helped you to understand the differences between these two organizations and to make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Here are some additional things to consider when choosing a Scrum certification organization:

  • Cost: The cost of Scrum certifications can vary depending on the organization and the level of certification.
  • Flexibility: Some organizations offer more flexible learning options, such as online courses or self-paced learning.
  • Reputation: It is important to choose an organization with a good reputation for providing high-quality training and certification.
  • Community: Some organizations have larger and more active communities of members who can provide support and advice.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions regarding Scrum Certifications. For more details you can visit the official websites of both Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org to get a better understanding considering your own professional situation and personal preference.

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Harisk

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.