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Scrum Org Professional Scrum Master I Quick Facts
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification is a powerful way to demonstrate your confidence and mastery in applying Scrum principles. This overview gives you everything you need to understand the exam’s structure and focus, helping you approach your learning journey with clarity and enthusiasm.
How does the Professional Scrum Master I certification empower agile practitioners?
The Scrum Org Professional Scrum Master I certification validates your understanding of the Scrum Framework, focusing on real-world application of empiricism, self-management, product value delivery, and agile leadership. It is ideal for professionals who seek to strengthen their ability to guide teams toward iterative delivery and continuous improvement within complex, adaptive work environments. The PSM I affirms your skill in enabling collaboration, transparency, and incremental progress through effective Scrum practices.
Who Should Pursue the Scrum.org Professional Scrum Master I Certification?
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification is ideal for anyone eager to master agile delivery and the Scrum framework. It’s especially suitable for:
- Professionals new to Scrum or agile ways of working
- Aspiring or active Scrum Masters guiding Software Development Teams
- Project managers and team leads transitioning from traditional methodologies
- Developers, testers, and product owners seeking a holistic understanding of Scrum
- Business leaders and consultants implementing agile transformation
The PSM I certification demonstrates your solid grasp of agile principles and confirms you can lead and contribute effectively within a Scrum Team.
What Career Paths Open Up After Earning the PSM I Certification?
Holding the PSM I credential can pave the way for a wide range of agile-focused roles. Many organizations value this credential as evidence of strong team facilitation and leadership skills. It is particularly valuable for careers such as:
- Scrum Master
- Agile Coach or Transformation Consultant
- Delivery Manager
- Product Owner or Product Manager
- Project Manager or Program Manager in agile settings
- QA or Development Lead supporting agile initiatives
This certification is often a stepping stone toward advanced Scrum.org certifications such as PSM II or PSM III, deepening your expertise and career growth potential.
How Much Does the Exam Cost?
The Professional Scrum Master I exam costs $200 USD per attempt.
There is no expiration date for the assessment password once purchased, making it easy to prepare at your own pace. You only pay for retakes if you decide to challenge yourself again in the future.
How Is the PSM I Exam Structured?
The certification exam comprises 80 questions, each of which is multiple choice, multiple answer, or true/false. The test must be completed within 60 minutes, and a minimum score of 85% is required to pass.
The exam is completely online, allowing you to take it from anywhere in the world. The test is open to anyone with a strong understanding of Scrum, whether or not you’ve taken a Scrum.org training course.
What Languages Is the Exam Available In?
Scrum.org offers the PSM I certification test in English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese (through scrum.org.cn).
If you prefer to take the exam in your native language, Scrum.org supports using the Google Translate Plugin (with setup instructions available). The translated experience has received positive feedback from learners around the world.
How Long Will You Have to Complete the PSM I Exam?
Once you begin the exam, you’ll have exactly 60 minutes to complete all questions.
Most candidates find that using time efficiently is important, as Scrum.org assessments are concise and conceptual. Since there are 80 questions, averaging about 45 seconds per question often creates a comfortable rhythm.
What Is the Passing Score for PSM I?
The passing score is 85%, ensuring that certified professionals truly understand Scrum principles and their practical application.
This benchmark reflects Scrum.org’s dedication to maintaining rigorous standards of excellence across all its certifications, confirming you are well-prepared to apply Scrum concepts in complex, real-world scenarios.
What Domains Are Covered on the Scrum.org PSM I Exam?
The exam blueprint focuses on three key domains that align with Scrum.org’s Professional Scrum Competencies framework:
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Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework
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Developing People and Teams
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Managing Products with Agility
Together, these domains ensure you fully grasp the practical and theoretical aspects of Scrum across teams and organizations.
Are There Any Formal Prerequisites?
There are no formal prerequisites to attempt the PSM I exam.
However, Scrum.org strongly recommends familiarity with the Scrum Guide, hands-on experience participating in Scrum Teams, and optionally attending an official Scrum.org training course such as Professional Scrum Master, Applying Professional Scrum, or Professional Scrum Fundamentals.
What Type of Questions Will You Encounter?
The PSM I exam consists of scenario-based and concept-driven questions that test how well you can interpret the Scrum Guide principles in real-world contexts.
You’ll see a mix of multiple-choice, multi-select, and true/false questions that assess your understanding of Scrum accountabilities, events, artifacts, and values.
Is This Certification Globally Recognized?
Yes, Scrum.org certifications are recognized and respected globally.
Founded by Scrum co-creator Ken Schwaber, Scrum.org sets the benchmark for assessing true Scrum mastery. Holding the PSM I demonstrates that you not only studied Scrum but can apply its principles in real agile environments.
How Long Is the PSM I Certification Valid?
Your Professional Scrum Master I certification is valid for life.
There are no renewal or annual maintenance fees. Once earned, your certification is a permanent credential that demonstrates your ongoing understanding of Scrum fundamentals.
Can You Take the Scrum.org PSM I Exam Without a Training Course?
Absolutely. Scrum.org allows anyone to take the exam without completing a formal course.
However, enrolling in a Scrum.org-approved class can provide helpful preparation and includes a free exam attempt. Courses are led by Professional Scrum Trainers (PSTs) and feature engaging, real-world exercises that boost your comprehension and confidence.
Where Can You Take the Exam?
Since the PSM I test is delivered entirely online, you can take it from any location with a stable internet connection. There’s no need to visit a testing center.
Scrum.org provides a simple registration and log-in process, and you can begin the exam at a time that best fits your schedule.
How Should You Prepare for the PSM I Assessment?
A well-planned study approach increases your confidence and speed.
Scrum.org provides free tools and practice resources such as the Scrum Open Assessment. Additionally, explore recommended readings, blogs, and the Scrum Guide—the foundation of the exam. Once you feel prepared, test your readiness with a top-quality Professional Scrum Master I practice test to simulate the real assessment experience.
What Are the Recommended Study Materials?
Scrum.org official resources include:
- The Scrum Guide (2020 edition) by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland
- The Scrum Glossary for standardized terminology
- Blogs on Scrum Values and Scrum Events
- Books like Scrum: A Pocket Guide by Gunther Verheyen and Mastering Professional Scrum by Stephanie Ockerman and Simon Reindl
Pairing these readings with real-life Scrum application creates a deep, lasting understanding that will serve you well in the exam and beyond.
What Is the Format and Delivery of the Professional Scrum Master I Exam?
The test is an online proctored assessment that you can take using any web browser and computer. There are no scheduled appointments or live proctors—just log in when you are ready.
After you complete the payment, you receive your exam password by email, which never expires until you use it for your attempt.
How Does Scrum.org Ensure Certification Integrity?
Scrum.org places high value on assessment fairness and security.
When you take a certification exam, you agree to uphold its Standard of Conduct. You will receive a performance summary by competency area but not itemized answers, ensuring certification credibility remains strong in the market.
What Are the Focus Areas of Professional Scrum Competencies?
Scrum.org evaluations map to three high-level competency areas:
- Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework: mastery of theory, events, and artifacts
- Developing People and Teams: building self-management, coaching, and motivation
- Managing Products with Agility: aligning product goals with value delivery and adaptability
Understanding these areas helps you shape your study plan effectively.
What Benefits Come With the PSM I Certification?
Earning your PSM I credential confirms that you can apply Scrum principles to enhance team collaboration, value delivery, and transparency.
It demonstrates your proficiency to employers and peers, setting you apart as a leader who understands how to handle complex, evolving work efficiently within agile frameworks.
How Does the PSM I Certification Compare to Other Scrum Certifications?
While some certifications are awarded for class attendance, Scrum.org credentials require demonstrated mastery through an exam.
This focus on validated knowledge ensures that your credential holds significant professional weight—recognized across industries worldwide as evidence of true Scrum competence.
Where Can You Learn More or Register Officially?
You can explore all the official details, register for the exam, and verify your Scrum Master path directly at the Official Scrum.org Professional Scrum Master I Certification page.
The Professional Scrum Master I certification is far more than a credential—it’s a statement of your dedication to continuous improvement, servant leadership, and agile excellence. With preparation, curiosity, and genuine engagement in Scrum values, you’ll earn a respected credential that strengthens teams, organizations, and your career potential.
