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Scrum.org · Project Management & Agile · Associate

Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) exam guide

Exam PSM I

Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) from Scrum.org proves you understand the Scrum framework as defined in the Scrum Guide and can apply it as a Scrum Master. It needs no course, never expires and has an 85% pass mark, which makes it one of the most respected entry-level agile certifications.

Questions80
Time limit60 minutes
Passing score85%
Exam fee$200 USD
Valid forSee official page
DeliveryOnline, unproctored, taken any time from a Scrum.org password (valid for one attempt, no expiry)

Format: Multiple choice, multiple answer and true/false. Fee note: Per attempt, plus applicable taxes; Scrum.org classes typically include one attempt.

Who it's for

Aspiring and new Scrum Masters, team members, project managers moving to agile, and anyone who needs a rigorous Scrum Guide-based credential.

What the exam covers

Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework—
Developing People and Teams—
Managing Products with Agility—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None (a course is recommended but not required)

Recommended: Thorough study of the Scrum Guide and practical experience on or with a Scrum Team.

Keeping it active

None. Scrum.org certifications are lifetime with no renewal or annual fee.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Applying Scrum roles (accountabilities), events and artifacts
  • Explaining empiricism and Scrum values
  • Facilitating Scrum events within timeboxes
  • Coaching self-managing teams
  • Supporting Product Backlog management
  • Using the Definition of Done and commitments (Product Goal, Sprint Goal)

Job roles

Scrum MasterAgile Coach (junior)Agile Project ManagerDelivery LeadTeam LeadAgile Delivery Manager

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Read the Scrum Guide (2020) three times, noting every 'must', timebox and accountability.
  2. Week 1-2: Take the free Scrum Open assessment repeatedly until you score 100% consistently.
  3. Week 2: Read the Scrum Glossary and the 'Myths' and 'Nexus' basics on Scrum.org; review why each wrong answer is wrong.
  4. Week 3: Take the Product Owner Open and Developer Open assessments to broaden coverage, then book the exam once you are scoring above 95% on practice.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Answer strictly from the Scrum Guide, not from your company's practices.
  • With 80 questions in 60 minutes you have 45 seconds each; bookmark hard questions and return to them.
  • Watch for words like 'must', 'should' and 'mandatory'; the Scrum Guide is minimal and many answers that add rules are wrong.
  • Know the timeboxes for a one-month Sprint and that shorter Sprints usually have shorter events.
  • Know who is accountable for what: the Product Owner orders the backlog, the Developers own the Sprint Backlog, and the Scrum Master is accountable for the team's effectiveness.

Key terms for this exam

All 38 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does PSM I cost?

$200 USD per attempt, plus applicable taxes.

How hard is PSM I?

Moderately hard because the pass mark is 85% (68 of 80) and questions test precise Scrum Guide wording.

Does PSM I expire?

No. Scrum.org certifications are lifetime with no renewal or annual fee.

Do I need a course?

No. Scrum.org recommends a course but it is not required, and classes typically include an attempt.

PSM I vs Scrum Alliance CSM?

CSM requires a two-day course and renewal every two years; PSM I needs no course, never expires and has a harder exam.

Official page: www.scrum.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.