The Definitive Comparison of CSM vs CSD

Scrum is a lightweight framework through which people can address complex problems while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest quality. 

It is an empirical process that builds the products in increments. Every iteration is called Sprint, which is ideally 1-4 weeks. 

Scrum is based on 3 pillars of empirical process control that are difficult to master for many teams.

• Transparency: Transparency means presenting the fact as it is. All aspects of the process affecting the outcome must be visible to those performing the work as well as those receiving the work.
• Inspection: Inspection can be performed for Products, processes, practices, etc. Scrum artifacts and progress toward an agreed outcome must be examined regularly to detect any potential variance which may affect the quality of the product.
• Adaptation: Adaptation fuels continuous improvement. If the process deviates from its threshold limit or below-par quality products are produced the team should make corrections and adjustments as soon as they can to minimize the ripple effect of further deviation.

Scrum has 3 roles that are central to its success-

1. Scrum Master: The Scrum Master is responsible for the implementation of the Scrum framework. They ensure that the scrum principles and practices are followed. They eliminate hurdles, facilitate meetings, and work with product owners.

As a Scrum Master, you will be working closely with the Product Owner to ensure that the Product Backlog is ready for the next sprint. The Scrum Master has authority over the process but doesn’t have authority over the team members.

However, the Scrum Master is well within their rights to ensure that the team members are not burdened with tasks so that the sprint progresses smoothly.

2. Product Owner: The Product Owner is a representative of the customer. They decide what features to build and prioritize the feature that offers the most business value to the customer.

The Product Owner knows the in and out of customer behavior, market environment, and current trends. The Product Owner envisions the product's future, communicates with the external stakeholders, and translates their needs into the team.

They also ensure that the product needs are being built and oversee the progress.

3. Development Team: The Scrum Development team is a cross-functional team so they have the technical expertise to deliver the final product.

The Development Team includes professionals like software developers, architects, programmers, analysts, system admins, QA experts, testers, UI designers, etc.

An Overview of the Scrum Framework in 2024

Scrum Alliance is a global accreditation body for Scrum and Agile. It is a non-profit organization founded in 2001. It has served 1, 082, 451 certificates to date.   

It was founded by the trio of Mike Cohn, Esther Derby, and Ken Schwaber. The Development team works on the features specified by the Product Owner. It helps in goal definition and sprint planning.

The Development team only undertakes tasks that they can handle at a time.  It ensures continuous testing is done to find flaws in products and prototypes. It also does frequent quality assurance checks.

What is Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification?

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Certification Training is a beginner course for individuals looking to become a Scrum Master.

The 2-day training course will teach you the Scrum framework and make attendees understand the roles, artifacts, and events. 

What will you learn During this Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification?

The learning objectives are based on-

• Every implementation of Scrum is different
• Teams and organizations apply Scrum within their context, but the fundamental framework always remains the same.

The learning objective of this certification course is as follows- Manifesto for Agile Software Development, four values, and 12 principles, agilemanifesto.org 

• Scrum values, https://www.scrumalliance.org/about-scrum/values
• Scrum Guide, scrumguides.org* 
• Scrum Alliance Guide level feedback 

Here’s a list of the things you’ll be learning in the CSM Certification course-

• Scrum Values, Core Scrum Values Roles.
• Every implementation of Scrum is different.
• Scrum Alliance Scrum Foundations Learning Objectives.
• Agile Manifesto, four values, and 12 principles, agilemanifesto.org.

Benefits of Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification

As a professional, here are the benefits that you will gain by taking up the CSM certification-

1. Global Recognition: CSM is a globally recognized certification since it is accredited by Scrum Alliance. You’ll be receiving calls for interviews from organizations at home and abroad. The authenticity of the CSM certification won’t be questioned. 

2. Hike in pay and better job opportunities: Since the CSM is a globally recognized certification, the certificates are considered to be authentic and genuine. The average salary for Scrum Masters in the US is $106, 791 and for India is $19, 966.

3. Develop a Lean-Agile mindset: The scrum master certification will teach you to develop a Lean-Agile Mindset. This mindset is essential to implement the frameworks at all levels of organizations. 

The CSM certification helps you develop the skills and gain experience to lead an Agile team and influence organizational change that in turn leads to effective transformation. Read the benefits of CSM Certification for more detailed information. 

CSM Certification and Exam Details

What is Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) Training?

The Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) Certification Training is designed to help individuals learn technical skills in agile product development. The course is ideal for people looking to have a working knowledge of Scrum and Agile principles. 

The Certified Scrum Developer course is specifically for product developers who are working in the Scrum framework.  This certification course helps create an understanding of the need for agile engineering practices and encourages participants to adopt them based on their organization’s context.

What will you learn during this Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) Training? 

Here are the learning objectives of the CSD Certification course-

• Learn about Lean, Agile, and Scrum
• Collaboration
• Architecture & Design
• Refactoring
• Test-Driven Development
• Integrating Continuously
• Learn the Scrum foundations and the ambit of the CSD’s role in the agility development  
• Show your scrum knowledge to employers and peers
• Learn Lean, Agile, and Scrum, Collaboration, Architecture & Design, Test-Driven Development, and Integrating Continuously

Prerequisites

There are no hard prerequisites for attending this workshop; however, a basic understanding of Agile/scrum and some experience working with an agile team could be useful. It is advisable to go through the Scrum Guide available for free at scrumguides.org before attending this training.

Benefits

Here are the benefits of CSD certification that you should definitely consider-

1. Global Recognition: CSD is a globally recognized certification since it is accredited by Scrum Alliance. It’ll help you to hone your technical skill and make you well-versed in XP engineering practices.

It may help you land your dream job as your profile stands out from the crowd. The authenticity of the CSM certification won’t be questioned. 

2. Actionable Knowledge: The CSD certification will help you gain hands-on knowledge from industry veterans in the scrum space. You will be certified by Scrum Alliance which will set you apart from your non-certified peers.

CSD: Cost & Exam Details

CSM vs CSD: Which is better?

Comparing CSM vs CSD is like comparing apples and oranges. CSM is a beginner course that covers the Scrum framework including roles, ceremonies, and artifacts. CSD succeeds the CSM course and it includes the CSM curriculum as well as agile (XP) engineering practices.

Each of the courses has its own advantages. CSM is all about scrum processes and organizational changes whereas CSD is about engineering perfection.  If you’re new to Scrum, then CSM is the right choice for you. Go for CSD if you have experience in practicing Scrum. 

Finally, if you are someone who has no experience working with agile teams but technical excellence is what excites you, and you want a rapid release cycle and continuous delivery, CSD is absolutely the right choice for you.

Conclusion

CSM and CSD, both have their unique purpose. While the former focuses on scrum processes, the latter focuses on agile engineering excellence. Assess where you are in terms of Scrum knowledge, what role you are playing in your agile team, and what career progression you want to delve into, and then take a call. 

If you need help in making a decision, then contact us right away.