Scrum Alliance
Scrum Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership organization that delivers globally recognized agile certifications, microcredentials, and community programs to roughly 1.8–2 million professionals across 100+ countries, monetizing through certification fees, memberships, courses, enterprise training, and events.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersIndianapolis, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Scrum Alliance does
Scrum Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 2001 and headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, dedicated to advancing agile principles and scrum practices. It serves a global community of nearly 1.8–2 million professionals across 100+ countries through a portfolio that spans foundational, advanced, and professional scrum certifications (CSM, CSPO, CSD and successors at $50–$250 renewal tiers), a growing library of microcredentials covering AI integration, coaching, HR, marketing, and sales applications, and Coursera-distributed specializations. The organization monetizes through certification fees, annual memberships, on-demand and instructor-led course sales, enterprise training contracts, event registrations for its Global and Regional Scrum Gatherings, affiliate referrals, and co-developed content with partners including Northwestern University, The Pathwayz Group, Kanban University, and Marian University. Its technology stack centers on a digital learning management system with a member dashboard that tracks Scrum Education Units (SEUs), a Resource Library of articles and videos that double as SEU-earning activities, and an e-commerce front end — supplemented by a globally vetted Licensed Training Partner (LTP) network and partnerships with tooling providers Miro, Businessmap, and Comparative Agility that bundle member benefits. As a member-driven nonprofit governed by a Board of Directors, Scrum Alliance reinvests surplus into programs and mission-aligned activities rather than distributing profits, with CEO Tristan Boutros leading an executive team spanning product, growth, delivery, marketing, and operations.
Scrum Alliance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Scrum Alliance
- Legal name
- Scrum Alliance, Inc.
- Website
- https://scrumalliance.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Scrum Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership organization that delivers globally recognized agile certifications, microcredentials, and community programs to roughly 1.8–2 million professionals across 100+ countries, monetizing through certification fees, memberships, courses, enterprise training, and events.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Scrum Alliance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Certification and Agile Training
- NAICS
- Business Associations (813910), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Foundational PM & Delivery Methods (Waterfall/Agile/Hybrid) (EDABAHAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Quality, Process Improvement & Lean/Six Sigma Certifications (EDAAANAC), Learning, Training & Corporate Education Consulting (BPAHAGAE)
Keywords
Where Scrum Alliance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Scrum Alliance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Professional Certifications: Scrum Alliance generates revenue through certification fees for credentials including CSM, CSPO, CSD, and advanced/professional certifications. Each certification has an associated renewal fee and SEU requirements. Foundational certifications cost $100 with 20 SEUs required, advanced certifications cost $175 with 30 SEUs, and professional certifications cost $250 with 40 SEUs.
- Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership provides access to exclusive resources, networking, discounts, and continuous learning opportunities. Members receive benefits including tools from partners like Miro, Businessmap, and Comparative Agility, plus discounts on courses and events.
- On-Demand Courses: Sale of individual microcredential courses available online. Courses cover specific skills like AI for Scrum Masters, Agile for Marketing, Agile Coaching Skills, and more. One-year guaranteed access period following purchase.
- Enterprise Training: Customized training solutions for organizations including bulk purchasing options, enterprise dashboards, and team training programs. Includes access to Licensed Training Partner network for instructor-led training.
- Partnership Course Revenue: Revenue from courses developed in partnership with organizations like The Pathwayz Group, Northwestern University, and Kanban University. Courses are offered through both Scrum Alliance's platform and partner platforms like Coursera.
- Event Registrations: Registration fees for Global Scrum Gatherings and Regional Scrum Gatherings. Attendees receive two-year membership with registration, fostering deeper community connections.
- Affiliate Referrals: The Affiliate Partner Program enables individuals and organizations to earn commissions for each sale generated through official affiliate links, creating a referral revenue stream.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Certified Agile Leader (CAL) - Entry-level agile leadership certification |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Foundational Certifications (CSM, CSPO, CSD, CASP, CAF, CAL 1) - Core scrum certifications |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Advanced Certifications (A-CSM, A-CSPO, A-CSD, CAL 2) - Intermediate-level certifications for experienced practitioners |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Professional Certifications (CSP-SM, CSP-PO, CSP-D) - Expert-level certifications for senior practitioners |
| Subscription | Annual | On-Demand Microcredential Courses - Self-paced online courses for specific skills |
| Hybrid | Multi-year contract | Enterprise Training - Bulk licensing and custom corporate programs |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels10 records
Scrum Alliance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Scrum Alliance is a nonprofit professional association that issues globally recognized agile certifications (Certified ScrumMaster, Certified Scrum Product Owner, Certified Scrum Developer) and sells skill-based microcredential courses through its digital learning platform. The organization delivers training through a network of Licensed Training Partners and certified trainers, supplemented by annual memberships, global events (Global and Regional Scrum Gatherings), and enterprise workforce training solutions.
Product overview
Scrum Alliance offers a comprehensive agile education platform built around three core pillars: professional certifications, microcredentials, and community. The certification portfolio includes foundational credentials (Certified ScrumMaster, Certified Scrum Product Owner, Certified Scrum Developer) alongside advanced and professional-level certifications. The microcredential library provides skill-based courses in areas including AI applications (AI for Scrum Masters, AI for Product Owners), agile essentials, leadership, coaching, and domain-specific skills (Agile in Sales, Agile for Marketing, Agile for HR). The platform extends through educational partnerships with Coursera (specializations in Agile Coaching Essentials and Agile for the Modern Product Manager) and Northwestern University (Change Management course). Community features include Global and Regional Scrum Gatherings, User Groups, and a Resource Library with SEU-tracking. Enterprise solutions, the Licensed Training Partner program, and a redesigned member dashboard support organizational adoption and professional development at scale.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Quantifiable outcome
- 69% of organizations pay higher salaries to individuals with agile skills
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Scrum Alliance
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Scrum Alliance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature4 records
Scrum Alliance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Marian UniversitycorePartnership to pioneer a new model for career-ready leadership preparing students for the AI era. Combines academic rigor with agile training to prepare graduates for workforce demands.
- The Pathwayz GroupcorePartnership to develop a course helping agile leaders improve business acumen and connect agile practices to enterprise strategy. The course focuses on practical skills including financial fluency, strategic decision-making, and influencing enterprise value. Combines Scrum Alliance's community and expertise with The Pathwayz Group's leadership development programs.
- CourseracorePlatform partnership for delivering online specializations including 'Agile Coaching Essentials' and 'Agile for the Modern Product Manager'. Features five self-paced courses covering agile principles, prompt engineering, AI applications in product discovery, and metrics-driven outcomes. Targets product leaders and managers seeking skills for AI-influenced environments.
- Northwestern UniversitycoreCollaboration to launch a change management course focused on agile transformation. The course equips leaders and practitioners with practical strategies to foster adoption and overcome resistance during organizational change. Northwestern University School of Professional Studies contributes academic rigor and research-based methodologies.
- Kanban UniversitycoreCo-development partnership to create 'Scrum Better with Kanban' course that blends scrum with kanban methodologies. Combines Scrum Alliance's agile expertise with Kanban University's specialized knowledge to help practitioners optimize their workflow approaches.
- MiroflagshipMiro is the official Mission Sponsor of Scrum Alliance, providing powerful collaboration tools to support teams and professionals worldwide. Partnership includes exclusive member discounts, free access for nonprofits and startups, custom Miro templates for sprint planning and design thinking, and co-development of purpose-driven initiatives supporting the shared mission of advancing agility.
- BusinessmapminorProvides Scrum Alliance members with a three-month extended trial of Businessmap's enterprise agility platform. Platform helps strategic operators break down complex objectives, align cross-functional teams, and track value delivery with complete clarity.
- Comparative AgilityminorProvides Developer Skill Assessment and Improvement Plan tool for agile developers. Includes detailed progress tracking and personalized recommendations to support continuous improvement and career growth in complex environments.
- The Agile NetworkminorProvides Scrum Alliance members with complimentary annual pass to The Agile Network's valuable virtual conferences ($180 value). Supports member learning and professional development through access to industry conferences.
- Agile AcademyminorListed as an event sponsor and partner contributing to Scrum Alliance's mission of advancing agility. Supports events and community initiatives.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Scrum Alliance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Scaled Agile: Scaled Agile is the for-profit provider of the SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), the dominant enterprise agile scaling framework. Competes for the same enterprise training budget Scrum Alliance targets with enterprise solutions, but operates in the adjacent 'scaled agile' niche rather than team-level scrum.
- Disciplined Agile (PMI): Disciplined Agile is PMI's agile framework offering with certifications like DA Scrum Master and DA Product Owner. Overlaps directly with Scrum Alliance's CSM/CSPO offerings but bundled under PMI's larger professional association brand and member benefits ecosystem.
- AXELOS (PeopleCert): PeopleCert (which acquired AXELOS) administers PRINCE2, ITIL, and related certifications for project and IT service management practitioners. Comparable as a professional certification and training business model serving enterprise L&D budgets, though focused on adjacent PM/ITSM frameworks rather than agile specifically.
- Project Management Institute (PMI): PMI is the global professional association for project managers offering PMP, PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner), and Disciplined Agile certifications. Overlaps with Scrum Alliance in agile certification but covers broader PM methodologies and benefits from a much larger established member base.
Direct peers
- Scrum.org: Founded by Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum, Scrum.org offers the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) and Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) certifications that directly compete with Scrum Alliance's CSM and CSPO. Most direct head-to-head competitor serving the same scrum practitioner market with similar course and certification model.
- Agile Alliance: Agile Alliance is the nonprofit organization behind the original Agile Manifesto, hosting Agile conferences, the Agile Glossary, and community programs. A peer nonprofit in agile education and community-building that operates in the same broader ecosystem though less focused on individual certification.
- ICAgile: ICAgile is an independent certification body offering agile and agile-related certifications (ICAgile Certified Professional, ICP tracks) through a global network of member organizations. Competes directly with Scrum Alliance for both individual certification revenue and accredited training organization partnerships.
- Kanban University: Kanban University provides Kanban certifications (KMP, KSD, TKP) and training that overlap with Scrum Alliance's practitioner audience. Already a partner of Scrum Alliance (co-developed 'Scrum Better with Kanban' course), but also a competitor for the same enterprise and individual training dollars.
Others
- Coursera: Coursera is a strategic distribution partner hosting Scrum Alliance's 'Agile Coaching Essentials' and 'Agile for the Modern Product Manager' specializations. Comparable as an online learning marketplace but operates as a channel rather than a direct competitor, with Coursera also hosting competing agile content from other providers.
Emerging players
- Atlassian University: Atlassian's training arm offers Atlassian-certified agile and DevOps courses (including Agile with Jira) that overlap with Scrum Alliance's enterprise training, particularly for organizations using Jira. Adjacent rather than direct competition, but increasingly an alternative for tool-centric agile learning.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Scrum Alliance social profiles
Digital presenceScrum Alliance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Scrum Alliance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Scrum Alliance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Scrum Alliance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Scrum Alliance
What does Scrum Alliance do?
Scrum Alliance is a nonprofit professional association that issues globally recognized agile certifications (Certified ScrumMaster, Certified Scrum Product Owner, Certified Scrum Developer) and sells skill-based microcredential courses through its digital learning platform. The organization delivers training through a network of Licensed Training Partners and certified trainers, supplemented by annual memberships, global events (Global and Regional Scrum Gatherings), and enterprise workforce training solutions.
Is Scrum Alliance a public or private company?
Scrum Alliance is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Scrum Alliance founded?
Scrum Alliance was founded in 2001. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Scrum Alliance based?
Scrum Alliance is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Scrum Alliance make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Professional Certifications are the primary driver. The others are membership Subscriptions, on-Demand Courses, enterprise Training, partnership Course Revenue, event Registrations and affiliate Referrals.
Who are Scrum Alliance's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Scaled Agile, Disciplined Agile (PMI), AXELOS (PeopleCert) and Project Management Institute (PMI). Direct peers are Scrum.org, Agile Alliance, ICAgile and Kanban University. Coursera is listed as an others. Atlassian University is listed as an emerging player.
Does Scrum Alliance have an API?
No public API is recorded for Scrum Alliance.
What industry is Scrum Alliance in?
Scrum Alliance's product category is Professional Certification and Agile Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDABAHAA, Foundational PM & Delivery Methods (Waterfall/Agile/Hybrid), with a secondary code of EDAAANAC, Quality, Process Improvement & Lean/Six Sigma Certifications. Its NAICS code is 813910 and its SIC code is 8600.