Scrum.org PSM I
Scrum.org
Complete guide to passing the Scrum.org PSM I exam on your first attempt.
$150
~85%
Lifetime
Global
Scrum.org
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Complete Overview
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is a certification from Scrum.org demonstrating foundational knowledge of the Scrum framework and the role of Scrum Master. Created by Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum, Scrum.org maintains rigorous standards without mandatory training requirements, allowing professionals to prove their knowledge through examination alone. PSM I validates understanding of Scrum theory, values, practices, and the Scrum Master accountabilities as defined in the Scrum Guide. With over 700,000 PSM I certificates issued, it's one of the most recognized Scrum credentials globally. Unlike other certifications, PSM I has no renewal requirements - once earned, it's a permanent credential. The challenging exam (85% pass threshold) ensures meaningful differentiation for holders, making PSM I valued by employers seeking practitioners who truly understand Scrum principles and can effectively serve Scrum teams.
Why Get Scrum.org PSM I Certified?
Created by Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum framework
No mandatory training required - assessment-based certification
Lifetime certification with no renewal fees
Rigorous 85% pass threshold ensures credential value
Globally recognized by employers in agile environments
Foundation for advanced PSM II and PSM III certifications
Exam Format & Structure
Duration
60 minutes
Questions
80 questions
Passing Score
85% (68 out of 80 correct)
Question Types
- Multiple-choice
- True/False
- Multiple-answer
Delivery Method
Online, anytime (no scheduling required)
Exam Domains & Topics
Understanding of Scrum theory, values, and principles
Key Topics to Master:
- Scrum pillars: transparency, inspection, adaptation
- Scrum values: commitment, courage, focus, openness, respect
- Empiricism and self-organization
- Definition of Done
- Scrum Guide specifics
- Sprint concept and timeboxing
Purpose, participants, and timeboxes of Scrum events
Key Topics to Master:
- Sprint planning
- Daily Scrum
- Sprint Review
- Sprint Retrospective
- The Sprint container
- Event timeboxes and purposes
Understanding artifacts and their commitments
Key Topics to Master:
- Product Backlog and Product Goal
- Sprint Backlog and Sprint Goal
- Increment and Definition of Done
- Artifact transparency
- Backlog refinement
- Increment release decisions
Accountabilities of the Scrum Team members
Key Topics to Master:
- Scrum Master accountabilities
- Product Owner accountabilities
- Developers accountabilities
- Self-managing teams
- Scrum Team composition
- Service to team and organization
Deep understanding of Scrum Master accountabilities
Key Topics to Master:
- Serving the Developers
- Serving the Product Owner
- Serving the organization
- Removing impediments
- Coaching and facilitating
- Protecting the team
Recommended Study Plan
- 1Read the Scrum Guide multiple times
- 2Take notes on each section
- 3Understand every word choice (they're deliberate)
- 4Review the Scrum Glossary
- 5Take Scrum Open Assessment
- 1Study Scrum Master accountabilities in detail
- 2Review events, artifacts, and roles
- 3Take practice assessments
- 4Score 100% multiple times on Scrum Open
- 5Read supplementary Scrum.org resources
- 1Practice scenario-based questions
- 2Understand how to apply Scrum in situations
- 3Review common misconceptions
- 4Take additional practice tests
- 5Study areas where you make errors
- 1Final Scrum Guide review
- 2Take Scrum Open until consistent 100%
- 3Review weak areas
- 4Take PSM I exam when confident
- 5No time pressure - exam available anytime
Ready to pass Scrum.org PSM I?
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Best Study Resources
The Scrum Guide
Official SourceThe definitive guide to Scrum - primary study material
Free
Scrum Open Assessment
Free Practice TestOfficial free practice assessment from Scrum.org - take until 100%
Free
Scrum.org Learning Path
Learning ResourcesFree articles and learning resources on Scrum.org
Free
Professional Scrum Training
Official CourseOptional official training including exam attempt
$1,000-1,500
Mikhail Lapshin PSM Quiz
Practice TestsPopular free practice questions for PSM preparation
Free
Scrum.org Glossary
ReferenceOfficial Scrum terminology definitions
Free
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Studying outdated Scrum Guide versions
The Scrum Guide was updated in November 2020. Ensure you're studying the current version. Previous versions use different terminology (Development Team vs Developers, etc.).
Relying on experience over the Scrum Guide
The exam tests the Scrum Guide specifically, not real-world variations. If your workplace 'Scrum' differs from the Guide, answer based on the Guide, not practice.
Not achieving 100% on Scrum Open before attempting
Score 100% on Scrum Open multiple times before attempting PSM I. If you can't ace the free assessment, you're not ready for the harder paid exam.
Underestimating the difficulty
85% pass threshold is challenging. Many questions have multiple correct-seeming answers. Read carefully and understand nuances.
Rushing through questions
60 minutes for 80 questions is enough time. Read each question carefully. Some questions are deliberately tricky with subtle word choices.
Confusing CSM and PSM content
PSM I is based strictly on the Scrum Guide. CSM may include additional content. Don't mix up different certification bodies' materials.
Exam Day Tips
- 1
Ensure stable internet - no time extensions for connection issues
- 2
Take the exam when fully alert - not when tired
- 3
Read every question completely before answering
- 4
Watch for questions asking 'least important' or 'NOT'
- 5
For multiple-answer questions, consider each option independently
- 6
Trust the Scrum Guide - not your organization's practices
- 7
Mark difficult questions and return to them
- 8
Use all 60 minutes if needed
- 9
If stuck, think 'what does the Scrum Guide say?'
- 10
Double-check before submitting - no going back
Career Paths & Salary Ranges
Scrum Master
PSM I validates foundational knowledge for Scrum Master roles
$80,000-120,000
Agile Coach
Foundation for coaching roles, often combined with PSM II/III
$100,000-160,000
Project Manager (Agile)
PM roles in agile environments value Scrum credentials
$75,000-110,000
Software Development Manager
Technical leaders benefit from understanding Scrum framework
$120,000-180,000
Prerequisites & Requirements
- No prerequisites or mandatory training
- Basic understanding of software development helpful
- Exam fee: $150 (includes one attempt)
- Internet access for online exam
- Scrum.org account
- Recommended: Read Scrum Guide thoroughly
Frequently Asked Questions
PSM I vs CSM - what's the difference?
PSM I is assessment-only (no required training), 85% pass threshold, lifetime valid, from Scrum.org. CSM requires training, 24 out of 50 questions (easier), requires renewal, from Scrum Alliance. PSM is generally considered more rigorous.
Is training required for PSM I?
No. You can take the exam without any training. However, Scrum.org offers Professional Scrum Master (PSM) training which includes an exam attempt.
What happens if I fail?
You can retake by purchasing another exam attempt ($150). Scrum.org provides feedback on areas to improve. There's no waiting period for retakes.
Does PSM I expire?
No, PSM I is a lifetime certification with no renewal requirements or fees. Once earned, it's permanently valid.
What's the pass rate?
Scrum.org doesn't publish official pass rates, but estimates suggest around 50-60%. The 85% threshold makes it challenging.
Should I take PSM I or PSM II first?
PSM I is the foundation. PSM II is significantly more advanced and tests deeper mastery. Start with PSM I regardless of experience level.
Success Stories
“Read the Scrum Guide five times. Took Scrum Open until I got 100% consistently. The real exam was harder but similar style. Know the Guide inside out.”
Mark D.
Scrum Master
“Coming from CSM, PSM was more challenging. The Scrum Guide is your bible. Answer based on what Scrum.org says, not what your company does.”
Jennifer W.
Agile Coach
“No training needed but study seriously. Mikhail Lapshin's practice tests were helpful. The 85% threshold means you need solid understanding.”
Alex T.
Tech Lead
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