CertPath
Browse Certs
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.

Full guide →
Google CloudProfessional ML Engineer

Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer

advanced
+$22k salary uplift

Advanced Google Cloud certification for designing and building ML models that scale — covers MLOps, Vertex AI, and responsible AI.

Full guide →

Professional Scrum Master I vs Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer

Which certification is right for your career?

◆ 01 / Side-by-side

Full comparison

CategoryProfessional Scrum Master IGoogle Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Exam cost$200 USD$200 USD
Avg salary uplift+$9,000/yr+$22,000/yr
Passing score85/1000700/1000
Exam duration60 min120 min
Renewal periodEvery 3 yearsEvery 2 years
Issued byScrum.orgGoogle Cloud
Difficulty
◆ 02 / Prerequisites

Professional Scrum Master I

None required

Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer

3+ years industry experience + 1 year Google Cloud experience + ML background

◆ 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 Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer if…
  • You're an experienced ML engineer targeting senior MLOps or research roles
  • You want a potential +$22,000/yr salary uplift
  • You build, train, and deploy ML models in production environments
◆ 04 / Verdict

Professional Scrum Master I and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer lead to entirely different careers — project management vs AI and machine learning. 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 Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses

◆ 06 / FAQ

Is Professional Scrum Master I harder than Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?

Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.

Which pays more — Professional Scrum Master I or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?

Professional Scrum Master I has an average salary uplift of +$9,000/yr, while Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has +$22,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary impact.

Which should I get first — Professional Scrum Master I or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?

Professional Scrum Master I is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer.

Can I get both Professional Scrum Master I and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?

Yes — many professionals hold both. Professional Scrum Master I and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer complement each other, covering project management and AI and machine learning 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 Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?

Both are worth it in 2026. Professional Scrum Master I offers a +$9,000/yr average salary uplift; Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer offers +$22,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.

◆ 07 / Other comparisons
Professional Scrum Master I vs …
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer vs …