PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →Professional Scrum Master I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
Full guide →PMI-ACP vs Professional Scrum Master I
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | PMI-ACP | Professional Scrum Master I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $495 USD | ✓$200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$9,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 85/1000 |
| Exam duration | 180 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty |
PMI-ACP
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
Professional Scrum Master I
None required
- You have PM experience and want to formalise agile or multi-methodology skills
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You manage delivery across Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or SAFe environments
- You're new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$9,000/yr salary uplift
- You work in agile teams and want to formalise Scrum Master skills
Both are in the project management field but target different career stages. Start with Professional Scrum Master I if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to PMI-ACP if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$15,000/yr).
Best PMI-ACP courses
Best Professional Scrum Master I courses
Is PMI-ACP harder than Professional Scrum Master I?
PMI-ACP is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — PMI-ACP or Professional Scrum Master I?
PMI-ACP has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while Professional Scrum Master I has +$9,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — PMI-ACP or Professional Scrum Master I?
Professional Scrum Master I is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMI-ACP.
Can I get both PMI-ACP and Professional Scrum Master I?
Yes — many professionals hold both. PMI-ACP and Professional Scrum Master I complement each other within project management. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — PMI-ACP or Professional Scrum Master I?
Both are worth it in 2026. PMI-ACP offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; Professional Scrum Master I offers +$9,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.