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Scrum.orgPSM I

Professional Scrum Master I

beginner
+$9k salary uplift

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

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CompTIACS0-003

CompTIA CySA+

intermediate
+$12k salary uplift

Mid-level analyst certification focused on threat detection, security operations, and incident response.

Full guide →

Professional Scrum Master I vs CompTIA CySA+

Which certification is right for your career?

◆ 01 / Side-by-side

Full comparison

CategoryProfessional Scrum Master ICompTIA CySA+
Exam cost$200 USD$404 USD
Avg salary uplift+$9,000/yr+$12,000/yr
Passing score85/1000750/1000
Exam duration60 min165 min
Renewal periodEvery 3 yearsEvery 3 years
Issued byScrum.orgCompTIA
Difficulty
◆ 02 / Prerequisites

Professional Scrum Master I

None required

CompTIA CySA+

Security+ or equivalent experience, 3-4 years IT security experience

◆ 03 / Who should get each
Get Professional Scrum Master I if…
  • 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
Get CompTIA CySA+ if…
  • You have 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
  • You want a potential +$12,000/yr salary uplift
  • You want to work in defence — SOC analysis, threat detection, or incident response
◆ 04 / Verdict

Professional Scrum Master I and CompTIA CySA+ lead to entirely different careers — project management vs cybersecurity. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with Professional Scrum Master I — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.

◆ 05 / Courses

Best Professional Scrum Master I courses

Best CompTIA CySA+ courses

◆ 06 / FAQ

Is Professional Scrum Master I harder than CompTIA CySA+?

CompTIA CySA+ is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.

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

Professional Scrum Master I has an average salary uplift of +$9,000/yr, while CompTIA CySA+ has +$12,000/yr. CompTIA CySA+ has the higher salary impact.

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

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

Can I get both Professional Scrum Master I and CompTIA CySA+?

Yes — many professionals hold both. Professional Scrum Master I and CompTIA CySA+ complement each other, covering project management and cybersecurity respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.

Which is worth it in 2026 — Professional Scrum Master I or CompTIA CySA+?

Both are worth it in 2026. Professional Scrum Master I offers a +$9,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA CySA+ offers +$12,000/yr. CompTIA CySA+ has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.

◆ 07 / Other comparisons
Professional Scrum Master I vs …