CSM Certification Renewal Process: Timeline, Cost, and Process

In the ever-changing world, the Agile project management methodology, continuous learning and professional development are not just beneficial; they are essential. Your Certified Scrum Master certification is a testament to your foundational understanding of Scrum, but maintaining its validity through renewal signifies a deeper, ongoing commitment to the Agile ethos and your professional growth. 
In this blog, we will delve into the process of how to renew your CSM, providing actionable steps, and understanding of why the CSM renewal process is crucial for every Scrum Master.

Why Renew Your CSM Certification?

It is important to renew your CSM certification for your professional growth, but before diving in the steps of CSM renewal, understanding the value makes the process worthwhile.

Here’s why renewing your CSM is critical:

• Stay Professionally Relevant 

The Agile process evolves fast. Keeping your certification current and updated ensures you remain competitive in a growing pool of Scrum professionals.

• Help with Global Credibility 

Scrum Alliance profile showcases your certification status to potential employers including opening to more global opportunities. An expired and outdated CSM certification means missed opportunities and will make your resume outdated.

• Unlock Exclusive Member Perks

Certification bodies like the Scrum Alliance often provide exclusive resources, tools, and community forums for active certificate holders. When you renew your CSM certification, you ensure maintaining access to these valuable assets. This also helps in exclusive networking opportunities and having a platform for sharing experiences and insights with a global network of Agile practitioners.

• Validation of Continuous Improvement

The Agile process is about continuous improvement. Renewing your CSM certification proves this principle. It shows you’re not outdated with your achievements and learning methodologies but are actively striving to refine your skills, adapt to new challenges.

CSM Certification Renewal Requirements

To renew your CSM, you need to fulfill two primary requirements:

1. Earn 20 SEUs (Scrum Education Units)

These units show that you’ve engaged in Scrum or Agile learning since your last renewal.

Here’s how to earn them:

Activity	SEUs Awarded	Examples
1. Attending Webinars or Workshops	1 SEU/hour	Agile webinars, live online training
2. Reading Agile Books or Articles	1-5 SEUs	Reading the Scrum Guide, books like “Scrum Mastery”
3. Volunteering in Agile Events	Up to 10 SEUs	Speaking at meetups, mentoring
4. Taking Agile Courses	8-16 SEUs	Advanced Scrum Master programs
5. Coaching or Training Others	1 SEU/hour	Conducting internal Agile workshops

2. Pay a Renewal Fee of $100 USD

Once your SEUs are accepted, you’ll need to pay the CSM renewal fee. This extends your certification by another two years from the renewal date.

Steps for CSM Certification Renewal

The foundation of CSM certification renewal revolves around the accumulation of SEUs. These units quantify your engagement in various learning and contribution activities related to Scrum and Agile. While specific requirements can vary slightly, the general process remains consistent:

1. Understand SEU Requirements and Renewal Cycles:

• The SEU Count: The most important detail is to have the specific number of SEUs you need to earn within your renewal cycle. Typically, this is 20 SEUs within a two-year period from your last certification or renewal date. 
• The Two-Year Cycle: Your renewal period usually begins on the date your initial CSM certification was issued or the date of your last successful renewal. 

2. Log in to Your Scrum Alliance Account

The Scrum Alliance (or your specific certification body) provides an online portal or where you can log and track your earned SEUs. In the dashboard you will see all your active (or expired) certifications, along with SEUs earned. If your certification is about to expire you can see the “renew now” button. Consistency and accuracy in logging your SEUs will prevent delays in your renewal process.

3. Submit your SEUs in the Portal: 

Click on “Manage SEUs” to add your learning activities. For each SEU, you’ll need to provide:

• Title of the activity (e.g., “Scrum@Scale Webinar”)
• Date and duration
• Brief description
• Category of SEU (Learning, Volunteering, etc.)

You can add SEUs anytime and not just during renewal. 

4. Pay the Renewal Fee: 

Once you have successfully accumulated the required number of SEUs and pay the $100 USD renewal fee, you can submit your renewal application through the official website. The system will review your logged SEUs and payment status. 

If everything is in order, your CSM certification will be renewed for next 2 years, and you'll receive a confirmation email.

What Happens if Your CSM Certification Expires?

If you miss your CSM renewal deadline, your certification status becomes inactive. You won’t appear in the Scrum Alliance directory, and you’ll lose access to member-only content.

But you can still renew your CSM certification. As long as it hasn’t been too long (typically under 1 year), you can log the required SEUs and pay the renewal fee to reactivate your certification. But if there is a longer gap between your CSM certification renewal, then you may have to retake the course or exam. 

CSM Certification Renewal vs Retake

Criteria	Renewal	Retake
Cost	$100 USD	$400–$1000 USD (including course)
Time	30 mins to 1 hour	2–3 full days
SEUs Needed	Yes (20 SEUs)	No
Access to Resources	Continuous	Disrupted

Conclusion 

CSM certification renewal is not a chore—it’s a smart investment in your Agile career and professional growth. It shows that you’re still learning, still leading, and still committed to the values of Scrum.
By planning ahead, logging your SEUs regularly, you can complete your renewal quickly, confidently, and without stress. Alway stay one step ahead in your career and keep updated by attending various Agile webinars, conferences, and more ways to keep earning SEUs and update your CSM renewed.