Can Courses Outside the Scrum Alliance Platform Qualify as SEUs for Certification Renewal? [2026 Guide]

Short, polite, and asking exactly what nearly every Scrum practitioner wonders when that renewal reminder hits their inbox. G’s question is universal. And if you’re reading this right now, there’s a good chance you’re asking the same thing.

So let me answer it properly, not just for G, but for everyone who’s ever invested time and money in their Agile education and wondered: “Does this actually count?”

SEUs are The Currency of Agile Learning

Before we dive into the solution, let’s make sure we’re all speaking the same language. SEU stands for Scrum Education Units, and they’re basically the currency of continuous learning in the Scrum world.

The concept is beautifully simple: one hour of learning activity equals one SEU. Attend a one-hour webinar? That’s one SEU. Complete an eight-hour course? You’ve just earned eight SEUs. Take a comprehensive 42-hour deep dive into Agile methodologies? Congratulations, you’ve banked 42 SEUs.

But here’s where G’s question, and probably your question, comes in.

Does All Learning Count?

Here’s the scenario I hear constantly: You’ve been working hard, improving your Agile skills, taking online courses, reading books, attending workshops that aren’t hosted by Scrum Alliance. You’ve invested your time, your money, and your energy into professional development. But when renewal time rolls around, you’re staring at that dashboard thinking: “Can I actually use these for my SEU requirements, or do I need to start from scratch with Scrum Alliance courses?”

It’s a fair question. After all, learning is learning, right? Whether you’re sitting in a Scrum Alliance classroom or taking a comprehensive course on Agile project management, you’re still growing your skills.

The short answer that will make you smile: Yes, courses outside the Scrum Alliance platform absolutely count toward your SEU requirements.

The slightly longer answer that makes it even better: Not only do outside courses count, but Scrum Alliance operates on what they call an “honesty system” when it comes to logging your professional development activities.

How Outside Courses Actually Work for SEUs

Scrum Alliance recognizes that great learning happens everywhere, not just in their official catalog. They’ve designed their SEU system to be inclusive of various learning sources, which means your investment in outside education isn’t wasted.

When you take courses from providers who aren’t Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs) or Registered Education Providers (REPs), you’ll claim these SEUs under specific categories:

Outside Events is your go-to category for structured courses, workshops, and training programs. This covers everything from comprehensive online courses to in-person workshops hosted by non-Scrum Alliance providers.
Independent Learning works for self-paced activities like reading professional books, watching educational videos, or doing your own research into Scrum topics.

The beauty of this system? There’s no bureaucratic approval process for every course you want to take. You have the freedom to choose the learning that makes sense for your career and your schedule.

The Renewal Requirements You Need to Know

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “how much.” Your SEU requirement depends on your certification level, and you’ll need to earn these every two years:

If you hold a foundational certification like CSM, CSPO, or CSD, you need 20 SEUs plus a $100 renewal fee.
Advanced certification holders (A-CSM, A-CSPO) are looking at 30 SEUs and a $175 fee.
Professional level certifications (CSP-SM, CSP-PO, CSP) require 40 SEUs and a $250 renewal fee.

Here’s a pro tip that can save you time: If you earn a new Scrum Alliance certification during your renewal period, it automatically renews all your other active certifications. Got a CSM and thinking about getting your CSPO? That CSPO certification will reset the clock on your CSM too.

How to Actually Log Your Outside Course SEUs

Let’s walk through this like I’m sitting right next to you at your computer:

First, log into your Scrum Alliance Dashboard (that place you probably haven’t visited since you first got certified). Click on “Renewal” in the left-hand navigation bar. Scroll down until you see “My SEU Log” and click “Add SEUs.” (or something similar).

Now comes the important part. You’ll need to fill in these details:

Activity Type: Choose the category that fits best. For most courses, you’ll select something like “Learning” or “Outside Events.”
Activity Description: This is where you get specific. Write the course title, the provider’s name, and a brief summary of what you learned. Don’t just write “Took an Agile course.” Instead, try something like “Completed ‘Agile Project Management Masterclass’ from WhatIsScrum.org, covering sprint planning, backlog refinement, and stakeholder management.”
Activity Date: When did you complete this training? Just pick the date.
Hours and Minutes: Here’s where the 1:1 ratio comes in. If the course was eight hours long, you enter eight hours and earn eight SEUs. If it was 42 hours, you’re earning 42 SEUs. Simple math.

One thing to keep in mind: Some categories have daily caps. For instance, you can claim a maximum of eight SEUs for a full day of training, even if the actual event ran longer.

The Honesty System (and Why It Matters)

Here’s what makes the Scrum Alliance approach refreshing: they trust you. When you log SEUs from outside sources, you typically don’t need to upload certificates or proof right away. You claim your SEUs based on your honest account of the time spent learning.

But, and this is important, keep your documentation. Scrum Alliance does conduct audits, and if they select your account for review, you’ll need to provide:

Proof of participation, payment, certificate of completion (if you have), registration confirmation, or letter of attendance from the course provider.
Course materials that show what topics were covered and demonstrate the relevance to Agile and Scrum practices.

For academic courses, keep transcripts showing you passed the course.

Think of it like keeping receipts for tax deductions. You don’t send them in with every filing, but you definitely want them if the IRS comes knocking. The honesty system works because most people are honest, but having your documentation ready protects you and maintains the integrity of the certification program.

Real Example (Using Online Courses for Your Renewal)

Let me make this concrete with actual courses, including the ones G was asking about. Say you’re considering comprehensive Agile training from an online platform that offers in-depth coverage of Scrum and Agile methodologies.

For instance, an eight-hour course like “Medior” covering Scrum fundamentals, team dynamics, and practical implementation would earn you eight (8) SEUs. That’s nearly half of what a foundational certification holder needs for their entire two-year renewal cycle, from a single course.

Or perhaps you go bigger, something like the “Agile and Scrum Blueprint,” a 42+ hour comprehensive program covering everything from basic Agile principles to advanced Scrum master techniques, product ownership strategies, and organizational transformation. That single course investment would give you 42 SEUs, which is actually more than even professional-level practitioners need for an entire renewal cycle.

Let that sink in for a moment. One well-structured, comprehensive outside course can potentially cover your entire SEU requirement in one shot. Plus, you’re learning at your own pace, on your own schedule, without the premium price tag that often comes with official Scrum Alliance courses.

Making Your SEU Strategy Work for You

Here’s my advice after watching hundreds of Scrum practitioners navigate their renewals: be strategic about your learning investments.

Don’t wait until two weeks before your certification expires to start scrambling for SEUs. Instead, make continuous learning a natural part of your professional routine. Take courses that genuinely interest you and solve real problems you’re facing at work.

Mix your sources. Take some Scrum Alliance webinars, sure, but also explore outside courses that offer different perspectives and deeper dives into specific topics. Read books, attend conferences, volunteer in the Agile community.

And most importantly, keep a simple spreadsheet or note file with your learning activities as you go. Note the course name, provider, date, and hours spent. When renewal time comes, you’ll thank yourself for not having to reconstruct six months of professional development from memory.

Your Next Step

Maintaining your Scrum certification doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The key is finding quality learning opportunities that both count toward your SEUs and actually make you better at your job.

If you’re looking to knock out your SEU requirements while genuinely leveling up your Agile skills, I’d love to invite you to explore a collection of comprehensive courses designed specifically for working Agile professionals. This January, there’s a special opportunity to access 25 in-depth courses for just $25, that’s less than the cost of a single workshop ticket, and it includes enough SEU-eligible content to cover multiple renewal cycles. (including Medior and Agile and Scrum Blueprint I shared as an example above)

These aren’t just check-the-box courses. We’re talking about practical, experience-based training covering everything from Scrum fundamentals to advanced product ownership, risk management, and real-world implementation strategies. The kind of learning that shows up in your daily standups and sprint reviews, not just on your certification renewal form.

Check out the January course bundle here →

Remember, your certification renewal is more than a paperwork exercise. It’s an opportunity to genuinely invest in your craft, expand your capabilities, and bring more value to your team and organization. Outside courses absolutely count toward that goal. both for your SEU requirements and for your actual professional growth.

So yes, G. to answer your original question about SEU certification renewal. These courses definitely qualify. And for everyone else wondering the same thing: go ahead and claim those SEUs with confidence. You’ve earned them.

Happy learning, and here’s to another successful certification cycle!

Dejan