Is my PMP the kiss of death?

I have a PMP certification from PMI. I've been thinking about taking a Certified Scrum Master class, to get my CSM, because it looks like a good way to get a new job. (I was laid off recently.)

The problem is that I've been reading that project managers make lousy Scrum Masters. These Scrum people keep saying that project mangers do everything wrong.

That doesn't seem right to me, but now I'm worried that having a PMP will turn off employers if I apply for a Scrum Master job. Does it really make sense for me to get a CSM? Or am I shooting myself in the foot?

You've raised a couple of points. One has to do with whether you should pursue a CSM. My advice would be to pursue a CSM if you intend to do project management in a software-development context. having "CSM" on your resume is a definite plus for HR departments who screen resumes.

The other point is about whether project managers with PMPs are somehow considered second-class citizens, and can't be good ScrumMaasters. (There is no space between "Scrum" and "Master," officially, according to the ScrumAlliance.) I can't really say whether hiring managers discriminate against PMPs, but I can say that a PMP gives you a lot of background that is useful for a career change to ScrumMaster.

If you have a PMP, you know how scope, schedule, and resources affect each other, and this is as critical for Scrum projects as any other. The conceptual hurdle PMPs have to leap is to understand that Scrum projects

1) Freeze schedule and adjust scope as needed, to keep the schedule
2) Have the development team members allocate tasks, instead of a Project Manager

As long as you aren't a "control freak," you should be able to make the transition easily enough.

Kevin Thompson, Ph.D., PMP, CSP
Senior Instructor and Consultant, cPrime