PSM 1 Certification: Complete Guide 2026
PSM I
Foundational understanding of Scrum framework and Scrum Master role.
Exam Details
Resources
Everything you need to pass
Comprehensive preparation materials for your Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam
Exam Content
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 4 domains to pass your exam
Scrum Theory and Principles
The Scrum Framework
The Scrum Master Role
The Scrum Team
Who Should Take This Exam?
- IT professionals seeking Scrum.org expertise
- Agile & Scrum practitioners
- Cloud architects and engineers
- DevOps and infrastructure specialists
- Technical leads and solution architects
- Career changers entering cloud computing
Study Timeline
8-12 weeks
Recommended duration
Foundation · Weeks 1-2
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Deep Dive · Weeks 3-6
Study each domain with hands-on labs
Practice & Review · Weeks 7-8
Take practice exams & target weak areas
Study Guide
PSM I Study Plan
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is a globally recognized certification from Scrum.org that validates your understanding of Scrum framework, theory, and the Scrum Master role. This certification demonstrates fundamental knowledge of Scrum and the ability to apply it in real-world situations. With a challenging 85% passing score requirement, thorough preparation is essential.
Week 1
Foundation: Scrum Guide Deep Dive
Read and internalize the Scrum Guide completely, multiple times. This is your primary source.
- Read the Scrum Guide cover-to-cover at least 3 times
- Create flashcards for all Scrum terminology
- Memorize the three pillars and five values
- List all Scrum events with their time-boxes
- Take the Scrum Open Assessment and score at least 80%
Week 2
Framework Mastery: Events and Artifacts
Deep dive into all Scrum events, artifacts, and their purposes. Understand the flow of a Sprint.
- Diagram the complete Sprint cycle from Sprint Planning to Retrospective
- Memorize exact time-boxes for all events
- Understand the purpose and outcomes of each event
- Learn the relationship between artifacts and their commitments
- Take Scrum Open Assessment repeatedly until scoring 100% consistently
Week 3
Roles and Accountabilities Deep Dive
Understand each accountability in detail, especially the Scrum Master role and servant-leadership.
- List all accountabilities of Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers
- Understand servant-leadership and how it differs from management
- Learn how Scrum Master serves each group differently
- Practice scenario-based questions on role interactions
- Study common anti-patterns and dysfunctions
Week 4
Theory and Principles Application
Focus on empiricism, self-organization, and applying Scrum theory to scenarios.
- Understand empiricism and how each pillar manifests in Scrum
- Study how Scrum values guide behavior
- Practice applying principles to real-world scenarios
- Review Agile Manifesto and how it relates to Scrum
- Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions
Week 5
Practice and Weak Area Reinforcement
Intensive practice exams and focused study on weak areas identified.
- Take at least 5 full-length practice exams
- Score consistently above 85% on all practice exams
- Review all incorrect answers and understand why
- Re-read relevant Scrum Guide sections for weak areas
- Create a one-page summary sheet of key facts
Week 6
Final Review and Exam Readiness
Final review of all materials, speed practice, and mental preparation for exam day.
- Take 2-3 practice exams under actual exam conditions (60 minutes)
- Review flashcards and summary sheet daily
- Re-read the Scrum Guide one final time
- Rest well before exam day
- Schedule and take the PSM I exam
Study tips
Scrum Guide Mastery
- Read the Scrum Guide at least 5 times before the exam - it's only 13 pages but densely packed
- Print the Scrum Guide and highlight/annotate it. Create margin notes with mnemonics
- Memorize exact wordings, especially for accountabilities, events, and artifacts
- The exam often uses Scrum Guide language verbatim - if an answer doesn't sound like the Guide, it's likely wrong
- Create a one-page visual diagram showing how all Scrum components relate
Time-Box Memorization
- Create flashcards for EVERY time-box mentioned in the Scrum Guide
- Remember: Sprint (1 month or less), Sprint Planning (8 hours max for 1 month), Daily Scrum (15 minutes), Sprint Review (4 hours max for 1 month), Sprint Retrospective (3 hours max for 1 month)
- Note that shorter Sprints have proportionally shorter events
- Understand that these are MAXIMUMS, not requirements
Practice Exam Strategy
- Don't take the real exam until you're scoring 95%+ consistently on Scrum Open
- Take practice exams under actual conditions: 60 minutes, no breaks, no resources
- The real exam is harder than Scrum Open - use Mikhail Lapshin's quiz for realistic difficulty
- Review EVERY wrong answer and find the exact section in the Scrum Guide that addresses it
- Create a wrong answer journal to track your weak areas
Scenario-Based Questions
- About 30-40% of questions will be scenario-based asking 'What should the Scrum Master do?'
- Remember: Scrum Master facilitates and coaches, doesn't direct or solve problems FOR the team
- Look for answers that empower self-organization rather than providing direct solutions
- When stuck between two answers, choose the one that promotes transparency, inspection, and adaptation
- Eliminate answers that suggest the Scrum Master takes on traditional project manager tasks
Common Traps to Avoid
- Don't bring in knowledge from other frameworks (SAFe, LeSS, etc.) - stick to pure Scrum
- Scrum has no sub-teams, no hierarchies, no 'senior' developers - teams are equals
- The Product Owner cannot be a committee - it's always one person (though they may delegate work)
- Sprints cannot be extended or shortened mid-Sprint, only cancelled by Product Owner
- There are NO optional Scrum events - all are mandatory
- Definition of Done is NOT negotiable per Sprint - it must be consistently applied
Exam Mechanics
- You need 68 out of 80 questions correct (85%) to pass
- Questions are not equally weighted - some are worth more points
- You can mark questions for review and return to them
- Average about 45 seconds per question to leave time for review
- The exam system logs you out automatically after 60 minutes
- Take the exam when you're fresh and alert - you can pause briefly but timer keeps running
Last Week Preparation
- Three days before exam: take one final practice exam, review weak areas
- Two days before exam: re-read Scrum Guide one last time, review flashcards
- One day before exam: light review only, get good sleep, avoid cramming
- Exam day: eat well, have water available, find quiet space with good internet
- Test your computer and browser compatibility on Scrum.org before exam day
Exam day checklist
- Ensure stable internet connection and quiet environment 30 minutes before exam start
- Close all other browser tabs and applications to prevent technical issues
- Have water and snacks nearby (you can't pause effectively, but quick sips are possible)
- Read each question twice before selecting an answer - wording is very precise
- When uncertain between two answers, choose the one closest to exact Scrum Guide language
- Mark difficult questions for review and move on - don't get stuck on any single question
- Manage your time: aim to finish first pass through all questions with 15-20 minutes remaining
- Use review time to reconsider marked questions with fresh perspective
- Trust your preparation - your first instinct is usually correct if you've studied well
- If you see unfamiliar terminology or scenarios, default to core Scrum principles: empiricism and self-organization
- Remember that Scrum Master serves, facilitates, and coaches - doesn't command or control
- Stay calm if you encounter difficult questions - the exam is designed to be challenging
- Don't overthink scenario questions - the answer promoting team self-organization is usually correct
- Submit the exam when confident - you cannot return after submission
- If you pass: celebrate! If not: you can retake after 14 days, and you'll receive feedback on weak areas
Career
Career Opportunities
Roles and salary potential for Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certified professionals
Related Job Titles
$95,000
Average Annual Salary
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Certification Comparisons
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Prerequisites
There are no strict formal prerequisites for the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification. However, Scrum.org recommends having foundational knowledge of agile & scrum concepts and some hands-on experience before attempting the exam. Candidates who invest time in study materials and practice exams typically perform best.
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) FAQs
Common questions about the PSM I certification exam
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is a professional certification offered by Scrum.org that validates your expertise in the relevant technology domain. The exam code is PSM I. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage solutions using Scrum.org technologies.
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam typically contains 80 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The passing score for the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam is 85%. Note that Scrum.org uses a scaled scoring system, so focus on understanding all exam domains thoroughly rather than just achieving the minimum score.
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam duration is 60 minutes (1 hours). This includes time for reviewing your answers. We recommend practicing with timed mock exams to manage your time effectively.
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam costs $150. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. Scrum.org occasionally offers discounts or voucher programs for certification exams.
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification is valid for Lifetime. To maintain your certification, you'll need to recertify before it expires, either by passing the current exam version or through Scrum.org's continuing education program.
While Scrum.org doesn't always require formal prerequisites, we recommend having hands-on experience with the relevant technologies. Familiarity with core concepts and practical experience will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.
Yes, the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam is proctored and can be taken either at a testing center or online through remote proctoring. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from home while being monitored via webcam. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection if choosing the online option.
If you don't pass the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. Scrum.org typically has a waiting period between attempts (usually 14 days for the first retake). Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice exams.
To prepare for the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam, we recommend: 1) Review the official exam guide and objectives, 2) Gain hands-on experience with the technologies, 3) Use practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, 4) Study each exam domain thoroughly, and 5) Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics with other candidates.
People Also Search For
About the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Certification
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) (PSM I) is a associate-level certification offered by Scrum.org. This certification validates your expertise in agile & scrum and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 80 questions to be completed in 60 minutes, with a passing score of 85%. The exam fee is $150, and the certification is valid for Lifetime.
Why Get Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $95,000 per year. Scrum.org-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the agile & scrum industry.
- Industry Recognition: Scrum.org certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in agile & scrum technologies and practices.
- Skill Validation: The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 4 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Exam Format & Details
The PSM I exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 60 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 80 questions. A score of 85% is required to pass. As an associate-level certification, it requires a solid understanding of the core technologies and some hands-on experience.
Exam Domains & Topics
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam covers 4 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:
- Scrum Theory and Principles (25% of exam)
- The Scrum Framework (35% of exam)
- The Scrum Master Role (20% of exam)
- The Scrum Team (20% of exam)
Who Should Take the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Exam?
This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:
- IT professionals seeking Scrum.org expertise
- Agile & Scrum practitioners looking to validate their skills
- Professionals preparing for a career in agile & scrum
- Technical specialists aiming to advance their career with an industry-recognized credential
- Team leads and managers who need to understand agile & scrum concepts
Career Opportunities & Salary
Earning the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification opens doors to roles such as Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Project Manager, Team Lead. Certified professionals earn an average salary of $95,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for agile & scrum skills in today's job market.
Recertification & Renewal
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification is valid for Lifetime. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet Scrum.org's renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
Exam Registration & Cost
The PSM I exam costs $150. You can register through Scrum.org's official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.
How to Prepare for PSM I
Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of dedicated study to prepare for the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
HydraNode publishes free exam dumps with answers and explanations for more than 80 certification exams. Every question is written to the published objectives, so what you practise matches the format and difficulty of the actual PSM I exam.