Why this list?
If you're aiming to pass the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) exam, choosing the right course can make all the difference. With a flood of online options, it's easy to waste time on content that's too basic, outdated, or misaligned with actual certification requirements. This list cuts through the noise by focusing on courses that balance conceptual clarity, exam relevance, and real-world application.
We evaluated over 20 courses based on curriculum depth, alignment with Scrum Guide principles, instructor credibility, user reviews, certification pass rates (where available), cost-effectiveness, and whether they include practice assessments. Only those offering genuine value for PSM or CSM prep made the cut—ranging from free foundational courses to premium, immersive bootcamps.
Quick comparison: top 7 picks
| Course | Provider | Level | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrum Master Certification (PSM Prep) | Scrum.org | Intermediate | 16 hours | PSM exam takers |
| CSM Certification | Scrum Alliance | Beginner | 2 days | CSM certification |
| Agile with Atlassian Jira | Coursera | Beginner | 12 hours | Hands-on Agile tools |
| Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM I) - Exam Guide | Udemy | Intermediate | 6 hours | Budget PSM prep |
| Agile Development with Scrum and DevOps | Pluralsight | Advanced | 8 hours | Experienced developers |
| Introduction to Agile Development | edX (via Microsoft) | Beginner | 8 weeks (self-paced) | Free foundational learning |
| Advanced Scrum Master | LinkedIn Learning | Advanced | 3 hours | Leadership growth |
The 7 best Agile / Scrum courses, ranked & reviewed
1. Scrum Master Certification (PSM Prep) – Scrum.org
Provider: Scrum.org
Length: Self-paced (16 hours recommended)
Level: Intermediate
What you learn: This official course covers the full Scrum framework as defined in the Scrum Guide, including roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner, Developers), events (Sprint, Daily Stand-up, Retrospective), artifacts (Product Backlog, Increment), and key principles like empiricism and self-management. It’s designed specifically for PSM I exam preparation, with practice quizzes and access to one free attempt at the certification exam.
Who it's for: Professionals serious about earning PSM I certification with a focus on understanding Scrum theory, not just passing a test.
- Pros:
- Created by Scrum co-creator Ken Schwaber
- Includes one free PSM I exam attempt
- Highly respected in the industry
- Practice assessments mirror real exam format
- Updated regularly to reflect the latest Scrum Guide
- Cons:
- No formal instructor-led sessions (self-study only)
- Does not include CSM certification
- Some learners find the material dense without guidance
Pricing notes: $995 for the full course and exam bundle. While expensive, it’s the gold standard for PSM prep. Employers often cover the cost.
2. CSM Certification – Scrum Alliance
Provider: Scrum Alliance (via authorized trainers)
Length: 2-day live virtual or in-person workshop
Level: Beginner
What you learn: This official Certified ScrumMaster course covers Scrum fundamentals, team dynamics, facilitation techniques, and real-world challenges. It includes interactive exercises, role-playing, and a 50-question exam. Successful completion grants CSM certification.
Who it's for: New Scrum Masters, project managers transitioning to Agile, or team members wanting formal CSM credentials.
- Pros:
- Official certification from Scrum Alliance
- Interactive, instructor-led format
- Networking opportunities with peers
- Immediate exam access post-workshop
- Renewal every 2 years keeps knowledge current
- Cons:
- Higher cost compared to self-paced options
- Quality depends on the trainer (varies by provider)
- Less technical depth than PSM prep
Pricing notes: Typically $1,295–$1,495. Some third-party providers offer discounts. Certification includes two-year membership in Scrm Alliance.
3. Agile with Atlassian Jira – Coursera
Provider: Coursera (offered by Atlassian)
Length: 12 hours
Level: Beginner
What you learn: This course teaches how to implement Agile workflows using Jira, one of the most widely used project management tools. Topics include creating user stories, managing sprints, backlog grooming, and generating Agile reports. Includes hands-on labs with a free Jira Cloud instance.
Who it's for: Beginners who want to learn Agile in the context of real tooling, especially those working in software development teams.
- Pros:
- Free to audit (certificate costs extra)
- Real-world tool integration (Jira)
- From a major Agile platform provider
- Excellent for visual learners
- Cons:
- Light on Scrum theory
- Not sufficient for PSM/CSM exam prep alone
- Focuses more on tool usage than certification
Pricing notes: Free to audit; $49 for certificate. Great value for beginners wanting practical exposure.
4. Professional Scrum Master™ (PSM I) - Exam Guide – Udemy
Provider: Udemy
Length: 6 hours on-demand video
Level: Intermediate
What you learn: A concise, exam-focused guide to the PSM I test. Covers all Scrum events, roles, artifacts, and common exam pitfalls. Includes 200+ practice questions, downloadable resources, and tips for passing on the first try.
Who it's for: Self-motivated learners on a budget who already grasp Agile basics and need targeted exam prep.
- Pros:
- Affordable and frequently on sale ($12.99–$19.99)
- Highly rated (4.6/5 from 30k+ students)
- Practice tests closely mimic real exam
- Downloadable cheat sheets and summaries
- Cons:
- No official certification included
- Variable depth in theoretical explanations
- Not a substitute for Scrum.org training
Pricing notes: Often discounted to under $20. Best used as a supplement to other study materials.
5. Agile Development with Scrum and DevOps – Pluralsight
Provider: Pluralsight
Length: 8 hours
Level: Advanced
What you learn: Explores how Scrum integrates with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and technical Agile practices like test-driven development and sprint automation. Includes modules on scaling Agile in large organizations using SAFe and Nexus.
Who it's for: Experienced developers, Scrum Masters, or Agile coaches working in DevOps environments.
- Pros:
- Deep technical integration with modern development workflows
- Excellent for DevOps-Agile alignment
- High-quality production and expert instructors
- Part of larger Pluralsight tech library
- Cons:
- Requires Pluralsight subscription ($29/month)
- Less focused on certification prep
- Overkill for beginners
Pricing notes: Available with Pluralsight subscription. Ideal for tech leads wanting to deepen Agile engineering practices.
6. Introduction to Agile Development – edX (via Microsoft)
Provider: edX (Microsoft)
Length: 8 weeks (3–5 hours/week)
Level: Beginner
What you learn: A free, university-style introduction to Agile principles, including iterative development, customer collaboration, and responding to change. Uses Microsoft’s internal Agile practices as case studies. No coding required.
Who it's for: Absolute beginners, non-technical professionals, or students exploring Agile concepts before committing to certification.
- Pros:
- Completely free to audit
- From a trusted tech giant (Microsoft)
- Clear, structured curriculum
- No prerequisites
- Cons:
- No certification prep
- Does not cover Scrum in depth
- Less interactive than paid options
Pricing notes: Free to audit. $99 for a verified certificate. A solid starting point before investing in PSM/CSM training.
7. Advanced Scrum Master – LinkedIn Learning
Provider: LinkedIn Learning
Length: 3 hours
Level: Advanced
What you learn: Focuses on servant leadership, conflict resolution, coaching teams, and scaling Scrum across departments. Covers metrics, impediment removal, and fostering psychological safety. Ideal for Scrum Masters with 1+ years of experience.
Who it's for: Practicing Scrum Masters looking to grow beyond basics into coaching and leadership roles.
- Pros:
- Short, focused, and practical
- From experienced Agile coach Doug Rose
- Integrates with LinkedIn profiles
- Available with subscription
- Cons:
- Too brief for certification prep
- Not officially recognized
- Basic content compared to formal training
Pricing notes: Requires LinkedIn Learning subscription ($29.99/month or $239.88/year). Best as a supplemental resource.
How to choose the right Agile / Scrum course
Selecting the right course depends on your goals, experience, and budget. Here are four key criteria to consider:
- Exam Alignment: If you're targeting PSM or CSM, ensure the course directly prepares you for the exam format and content. Scrum.org and Scrum Alliance courses are official pathways.
- Learning Style: Do you prefer self-paced study (Udemy, edX) or live instruction (CSM workshops)? Introverts may prefer on-demand; others benefit from real-time interaction.
- Cost vs. Value: Free courses (edX, Coursera audit) are great for exploration, but certification paths require investment. Weigh employer reimbursement options.
- Hands-on Practice: Courses with labs, simulations, or tool integration (like Jira) help cement learning, especially for visual or kinesthetic learners.
- Credibility: Prioritize courses from official sources (Scrum.org, Scrum Alliance) or reputable platforms (Coursera, Pluralsight) with strong user feedback.
FAQ
Which is better: PSM or CSM?
PSM (offered by Scrum.org) is often seen as more rigorous and theory-focused, with a harder exam and no expiration. CSM (from Scrum Alliance) requires renewal every two years but offers more community and ongoing education. PSM is preferred in technical and European markets; CSM is popular in North America.
Can I pass PSM I without training?
Yes, Scrum.org doesn’t require training, but self-study is challenging. Most successful candidates use official materials or prep courses. The exam tests deep understanding of Scrum principles, not just memorization.
Is the Scrum Guide enough to pass the exam?
The Scrum Guide is essential but not sufficient alone. It’s concise and conceptual. Most learners need practice questions, explanations, and context—provided by quality courses like those from Scrum.org or Udemy.
How long does it take to prepare for PSM I?
For someone new to Agile, 2–4 weeks of consistent study (1–2 hours/day) is typical. Those with Agile experience may need only 1 week. Practice tests are critical for readiness.
Do I need coding experience for Scrum courses?
No. Scrum Master roles are non-technical. While technical context helps, especially in software teams, the core curriculum is accessible to non-developers.
Are free courses worth it?
Yes, for foundational learning. edX and Coursera offer high-quality free content to test the waters. But for certification, expect to invest in official or premium prep courses.
Can I get reimbursed by my employer?
Often, yes. Many companies support Agile upskilling. CSM and PSM certifications are seen as valuable, and employers may cover costs—especially if you’re transitioning into an Agile role.
Final recommendation
For serious PSM or CSM exam prep, start with official training from Scrum.org or Scrum Alliance—they’re the most reliable paths to certification. Supplement with affordable, high-quality courses like Udemy’s PSM prep or Coursera’s Jira course for practical context. Beginners should explore free options like edX to build confidence before investing. Ultimately, your success hinges not just on the course, but on consistent study and a deep grasp of Scrum values—so choose a path that fits your learning style and professional goals.