PSM 1 Certification: Complete Guide 2025
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
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
See how Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) compares to other certifications
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.
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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 offers comprehensive preparation materials including practice exams, study guides, and free practice tests to help you pass on your first attempt. Our AI-powered practice questions are designed to match the format and difficulty of the actual PSM I exam, giving you realistic preparation and instant feedback on your performance.