Professional Scrum Master I credential artwork

Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Exam Guide

Validates knowledge of Scrum principles, Scrum Master responsibilities and applying the Scrum framework to support effective teams.

PSM I tests whether you understand Scrum as the Scrum Guide describes it and can apply it to situations on a Scrum Team. Learn the Scrum Guide closely, practise scenario questions and rehearse the 60-minute pace.

Understand the exam

Syllabus

Understanding and applying the Scrum framework
  1. Empiricism
  2. Scrum Values
  3. Scrum Team
  4. Events
  5. Artifacts
  6. Done

Example scenario: Halfway through a Sprint, the Developers realise the Sprint Goal is no longer achievable as planned. Who decides what happens next, and how?

Developing people and teams
  1. Self-Managing Teams
  2. Facilitation
  3. Coaching

Example scenario: The Developers ask the Scrum Master to assign tasks each morning because it feels faster. How should the Scrum Master respond?

Managing products with agility
  1. Forecasting & Release Planning
  2. Product Value
  3. Product Backlog Management
  4. Stakeholders & Customers

Example scenario: A stakeholder asks a Developer directly to add an urgent feature to the current Sprint. What should happen to that request?

Professional Scrum Competencies · PSM I focus areas

Format

Questions
80
Duration
60 min
Passing score
85%
Delivery
Online
Languages
English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified)

Question types

Choose the single best answer from the options given.

CertUp example

The Developers finish the Sprint Backlog items earlier than expected with several days left in the Sprint. What is the best next step?

  1. End the Sprint early and start the next one.
  2. Collaborate with the Product Owner on more work that supports the Sprint Goal.
  3. Wait for the Sprint Review before starting anything new.
  4. Ask the Scrum Master to assign more tasks.
Show answer

B. Scope can be renegotiated with the Product Owner while the Sprint Goal stays intact, and the Sprint keeps its fixed length.

Eligibility and booking

Buy a password on scrum.org and start the test whenever you are ready.

Buy the PSM I password

Make a study plan

Read the Scrum Guide first, then use questions to find what you have misunderstood. Return to the Guide for every wrong answer.

Most candidates spend 20–40 hours. Plan for the low end if you already work on a Scrum Team; plan for the high end if Scrum is new to you.

3 weeksto be ready
  1. 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.2 h
  2. 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.17 h
  3. 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.9 h
  4. 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.2 h

Learn the core concepts

The Scrum Guide is the main source. Add a course if you want explanations and examples.

Best live classProfessional Scrum Master TrainingResponsive Advisors · Scrum.org · Set by the trainer · includes PSM I attemptBest official self-paced courseProfessional Scrum Master Course (self-paced)Scrum.org · $279 · includes PSM I attemptBest self-paced courseComplete Agile Scrum Master Certification TrainingMirko Perkusich · $125 · lifetime access
See all 4 PSM I courses →

Practice with mock exams

Use the free Scrum Open to check the basics, then a larger question bank for situations. Check every wrong answer against the Scrum Guide.

Scrum OpenScrum.org · FreeFree Scrum Master I (PSM I) Practice AssessmentTheScrumMaster.co.uk · Free · unlimited retakesUltimate Scrum Master I (PSM I) Practice AssessmentTheScrumMaster.co.uk · £15 + VAT · lifetime access
See all 6 PSM I practice tests →

Are you ready?

  • You can explain each accountability, event, artifact and commitment without the Guide.
  • You pass Scrum Open repeatedly without looking anything up.
  • You finish 80 questions in 60 minutes with time left to review.

Prepare for exam day

PSM I runs online on scrum.org with no appointment and no proctor.

  • Your password does not expire and covers one attempt. Passwords from a Scrum.org class must be used within 14 days to keep the free second attempt.
  • Use a computer with a stable connection and set aside 60 uninterrupted minutes.
  • Printed notes and a printed Scrum Guide are allowed. Stay in the test window, work alone and do not use AI tools.
  • You see your score and focus-area breakdown when you submit. Passing adds the certification and a Credly badge to your account.

Scrum.org Standard of Conduct for assessments

Advice from exam takers