While certification is not a mandatory requirement to become a Scrum Master, it can significantly enhance your knowledge and credibility. A CSM certification validates your understanding of Scrum principles and practices. It's highly valued by employers and can open doors to exciting career opportunities in Agile environments.

While both roles deal with project management, they have distinct focuses. A Scrum Master's primary responsibility is to support the Scrum team and protect the Scrum framework. They facilitate communication, help the team follow Scrum practices and promote a self-organising work environment. In contrast, a project manager may have broader responsibilities, including budgeting, risk management and stakeholder communication.

A Scrum Master is a servant leader responsible for ensuring that the Scrum framework is understood and followed by the team. They facilitate Scrum ceremonies, such as Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives and help remove impediments to the team's progress. Their primary focus is to support the team in delivering high-quality increments of work, fostering collaboration and promoting continuous improvement.