CertPath

CompTIA Security+ vs Professional Scrum Master I

Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.

CompTIA

CompTIA Security+

SY0-701

BeginnerAvg salary uplift: +$8,000/yr

Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.

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Scrum.org

Professional Scrum Master I

PSM I

BeginnerAvg salary uplift: +$9,000/yr

Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.

Full guide →

Side-by-side comparison

CategoryCompTIA Security+Professional Scrum Master I
Exam cost$404 USD$200 USD
Avg salary uplift+$8,000/yr+$9,000/yr
Exam duration90 min60 min
Renewal periodEvery 3 yearsEvery 3 years
Issued byCompTIAScrum.org
Difficulty
Beginner
Beginner

CompTIA Security+ — Prerequisites

None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended

Professional Scrum Master I — Prerequisites

None required

Get CompTIA Security+ if…

  • You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
  • You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
  • You prefer credentials from CompTIA

Get Professional Scrum Master I if…

  • You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
  • You want a +$9,000/yr salary boost
  • You prefer credentials from Scrum.org

Best CompTIA Security+ courses

Best Professional Scrum Master I courses

Frequently asked questions

Is CompTIA Security+ harder than Professional Scrum Master I?

Both CompTIA Security+ and Professional Scrum Master I are rated beginner difficulty.

Which pays more — CompTIA Security+ or Professional Scrum Master I?

CompTIA Security+ has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Professional Scrum Master I has +$9,000/yr. Professional Scrum Master I has the higher salary impact.

Which should I get first — CompTIA Security+ or Professional Scrum Master I?

CompTIA Security+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Professional Scrum Master I.

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