Validates knowledge of Scrum principles, Scrum Master responsibilities and applying the Scrum framework to support effective teams.
A good PSM I course teaches Scrum as the Scrum Guide defines it, because the 80 questions test its wording, and gets you scoring above the 85% pass mark in a 60-minute test. We compared the main options on depth, practice and price.
Most people should read the free Scrum Guide, then take Scrum.org's $279 self-paced course, which includes a PSM I attempt. Choose Mirko Perkusich's Udemy course for 300+ practice questions at $125, and Scrum.org's two-day class when your employer pays or you want a trainer.
| Course | Best for | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Professional Scrum Master Course (self-paced) | Official self-paced course | Interactive | $279 |
 Complete Agile Scrum Master Certification Training | Practice questions included | Video | $125 |
 Scrum Guide | Free official guide | Book | Free |
Scrum.org's two-day class, taught by a Professional Scrum Trainer through discussion and team exercises. It includes a PSM I attempt and a second attempt at no cost if you score under 85% within 14 days.
Great fit if your employer pays or you want to learn Scrum with a trainer and a group
Poor fit if you are paying yourself and study well from the free Scrum Guide; choose the self-paced course
Scrum.org's online course of about 4.5 hours, with activities, videos, quizzes and a case study built around the Scrum Guide. The price includes a PSM I attempt, which costs $200 alone, so the course itself adds $79.
Great fit if you want an official course and the PSM I attempt for much less than a live class
Poor fit if you want a large practice question bank; add Perkusich's course
About 5 hours 46 minutes of video lessons on the Scrum framework, written for PSM I, with case-study examples, exam tips, quizzes and 300+ practice questions. It was last updated in September 2026.
Great fit if you want structured explanations and practice questions in one low-cost course
Poor fit if you already know Scrum well; use the Scrum Guide and practice tests
The official definition of Scrum by its creators, Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, in under 13 pages as a web page or PDF. PSM I questions are written against its wording, so every route starts here.
Great fit if you are starting your preparation; everyone needs it
Poor fit if you want worked examples; pair it with Scrum.org's self-paced course
For most people, the free Scrum Guide followed by Scrum.org's $279 self-paced course, which includes the PSM I attempt. Mirko Perkusich's Udemy course adds 300+ practice questions.
Yes. The free Scrum Guide and free practice tests such as Scrum Open can be enough if you know Scrum well. You still pay $200 for the PSM I attempt.
Scrum.org's self-paced course is about 4.5 hours, Perkusich's about 5 hours 46 minutes and Scrum.org's class two days. Plan for about 30 hours of preparation in total.
No. Anyone can buy a password and take the test, though Scrum.org strongly recommends its two-day class.