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What is the primary difference between a defined process and an empirical process?

A defined process relies on documentation, while an empirical process does not

A defined process works well in simple environments, while an empirical process works better in complex environments with high uncertainty

A defined process is used by traditional project managers, while an empirical process is used by Scrum Masters

A defined process requires daily meetings, while an empirical process does not

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CSM Exam

74%

Passing Score

Scrum Alliance

50 Qs

Exam Questions

Scrum Alliance

16 hrs

Training Required

Scrum Alliance

60 min

Time Limit

Scrum Alliance

2 years

Certification Validity

Scrum Alliance

1.5M+

CSM Holders

Scrum Alliance 2024

The CSM exam requires completing a 2-day training course ($1,000-$2,500) taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer. The exam is 50 questions in 60 minutes with a 74% passing score (37/50). Two free attempts within 90 days; retakes are $25. The exam covers: Scrum & Agile (6%), Scrum Theory (6%), Scrum Values (6%), Scrum Team (20%), Scrum Master (22%), Scrum Events (20%), and Scrum Artifacts (20%). Certification requires renewal every 2 years with 20 SEUs. There are over 1.5 million CSM holders worldwide, making it the most widely held Scrum certification.

Sample CSM Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CSM exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary difference between a defined process and an empirical process?

A.A defined process relies on documentation, while an empirical process does not

B.A defined process works well in simple environments, while an empirical process works better in complex environments with high uncertainty

C.A defined process is used by traditional project managers, while an empirical process is used by Scrum Masters

D.A defined process requires daily meetings, while an empirical process does not

Explanation: A defined process works best when the inputs and outputs are well understood and the work can be planned in advance. An empirical process control relies on transparency, inspection, and adaptation and works better in complex environments where uncertainty is high and more is unknown than known. Scrum is based on empirical process control theory.

2According to the Agile Manifesto, which of the following is valued MORE than comprehensive documentation?

A.Detailed project plans

B.Working software

C.Fixed scope contracts

D.Change control boards

Explanation: The Agile Manifesto states four values, one of which is "Working software over comprehensive documentation." This does not mean documentation is not important—it means that delivering working software that provides value is prioritized over extensive documentation.

3Which statement best describes the relationship between Agile and Scrum?

A.Agile is a specific framework, and Scrum is one way to implement it

B.Scrum is a framework within the Agile umbrella of approaches

C.Agile and Scrum are competing methodologies with different goals

D.Scrum came first, and Agile was developed based on Scrum principles

Explanation: Agile is a mindset and umbrella term for approaches that align with the Agile Manifesto values and principles. Scrum is a specific framework for developing and sustaining complex products that operates within the Agile philosophy. Scrum is one of several Agile approaches that also includes Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP), and others.

4What are the three pillars of empirical process control in Scrum?

A.Planning, execution, and monitoring

B.Transparency, inspection, and adaptation

C.Requirements, design, and testing

D.Initiation, development, and delivery

Explanation: The three pillars of empirical process control are transparency (making the process and work visible), inspection (frequently examining the work and progress), and adaptation (adjusting the process or work when deviations are detected). These pillars support the empirical nature of Scrum, where decisions are based on observed results rather than predictions.

5A development team is working on a complex product where requirements are unclear and likely to change frequently. Why would an empirical approach like Scrum be appropriate in this situation?

A.It eliminates the need for any planning

B.It allows the team to make decisions based on observation and experience rather than upfront predictions

C.It guarantees the project will be completed on time and within budget

D.It removes the need for stakeholder involvement

Explanation: In complex environments where uncertainty is high and requirements are likely to change, empirical approaches work better than defined processes. Scrum's empirical approach uses transparency, inspection, and adaptation to make decisions based on what is known at the time, allowing the team to respond to change rather than following a rigid plan.

6Which of the following is one of the 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto?

A.Maximize the amount of work not done

B.Deliver working software frequently, with a preference for shorter timescales

C.Comprehensive documentation is more valuable than working software

D.Follow the project plan regardless of changes

Explanation: "Deliver working software frequently, with a preference for shorter timescales" is one of the 12 principles behind the Agile Manifesto. Option A is incorrect because the principle states to maximize the amount of work NOT done (simplicity is essential). Option C contradicts the Agile values, and option D contradicts the principle of welcoming changing requirements.

7What does Lean Thinking emphasize in the context of product development?

A.Maximizing the number of features delivered

B.Eliminating waste and focusing on value delivery

C.Creating detailed specifications before starting work

D.Hiring as many developers as possible to increase output

Explanation: Lean Thinking emphasizes eliminating waste (activities that do not add value) and focusing on continuously delivering value to the customer. The seven wastes of Lean (transport, inventory, motion, waiting, overproduction, over-processing, and defects) should be minimized or eliminated. Scrum incorporates Lean principles through its focus on delivering valuable increments and eliminating unnecessary activities.

8A team member argues that Scrum requires no planning because it is Agile. How should the Scrum Master respond?

A.Agree that planning is unnecessary in Scrum

B.Explain that Scrum involves planning, but it is iterative and adaptive rather than front-loaded

C.Tell them to follow the project manager's plan instead

D.Suggest switching to a waterfall approach for better planning

Explanation: A common misconception is that Agile means no planning. In Scrum, planning is iterative and happens at multiple levels: Sprint Planning (planning the Sprint), Daily Scrum (planning the day), and Product Backlog refinement (planning future work). The difference is that planning in Scrum is adaptive and happens just-in-time rather than all upfront, allowing the team to respond to change.

9What does transparency mean in the context of Scrum?

A.All team members must share their personal information

B.The process and work must be visible to those responsible for the outcome

C.All communications must be made public to the entire organization

D.The Product Owner must approve all decisions before they are made

Explanation: Transparency in Scrum means that the process and work are visible to those responsible for the outcome. This includes making the Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment visible so that everyone has a shared understanding of the work. Transparency enables inspection and adaptation—the other two pillars of empirical process control.

10When should inspection occur in Scrum?

A.Only at the end of the project

B.Only during Sprint Retrospectives

C.Frequently enough to detect unacceptable variances

D.Once per quarter by external auditors

Explanation: Inspection in Scrum should occur frequently enough to detect unacceptable variances. Scrum includes built-in inspection points: the Daily Scrum (inspecting progress toward the Sprint Goal), Sprint Review (inspecting the Increment), and Sprint Retrospective (inspecting the process). However, inspection can and should happen continuously—inspection should not get in the way of work, and skilled inspectors perform it diligently.

About the CSM Exam

The CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) from Scrum Alliance is the most widely recognized Scrum Master certification globally. It requires completion of a 2-day (16-hour) interactive training course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The exam is a 50-question online assessment with a 74% passing score (37/50 correct). Unlike PSM I, CSM emphasizes classroom learning and interaction. Certification is valid for 2 years and requires 20 SEUs (Scrum Education Units) for renewal.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

74% (37/50)

Exam Fee

Included in training (~$1,000-$2,500) (Scrum Alliance)

CSM Exam Content Outline

Scrum & Agile

Agile Manifesto values and principles, Lean thinking, iterative and incremental delivery, Scrum framework overview

Scrum Theory

Empiricism (transparency, inspection, adaptation), three pillars, Lean thinking, Scrum values

Scrum Values

Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, Courage — how they guide team behavior and decisions

20%

Scrum Team

Product Owner accountability, Developers and self-management, cross-functionality, team size (3-9 Developers)

22%

Scrum Master

Scrum Master accountability, servant-leadership, facilitating events, removing impediments, coaching organization

20%

Scrum Events

The Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective — timeboxes and purposes

20%

Scrum Artifacts

Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment — plus commitments: Product Goal, Sprint Goal, Definition of Done

How to Pass the CSM Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 74% (37/50)
Exam length: 50 questions
Time limit: 60 minutes
Exam fee: Included in training (~$1,000-$2,500)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CSM Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the Scrum Guide 2020 at least twice — the exam is based entirely on this document

2Focus on Scrum Master accountability (22%) — servant-leadership, facilitating events, removing impediments

3Know all five Scrum events with their timeboxes for a one-month Sprint

4Understand the three Scrum artifacts AND their three commitments: Product Goal, Sprint Goal, Definition of Done

5Study the Scrum values (Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, Courage) and how they guide behavior

6Practice with scenario-based questions — the exam tests what you should do in specific situations

7Take advantage of your two free exam attempts — use the first to understand the question style

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CSM exam passing score?

The CSM exam requires 74% to pass — 37 correct answers out of 50 questions. You have 60 minutes to complete the exam. Two free attempts are included within 90 days of completing your training course. Additional retakes cost $25 each.

Do I need training to take the CSM exam?

Yes. CSM requires completing a 2-day (16-hour) interactive training course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). This is mandatory — you cannot take the exam without it. Training typically costs $1,000-$2,500 depending on location and trainer.

How long does CSM certification last?

CSM certification is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the exam. To maintain your certification, you must earn 20 SEUs (Scrum Education Units) and pay a $100 renewal fee every 2 years. Alternatively, you can take another CSM course to extend your certification.

What is the difference between CSM and PSM I?

CSM (Scrum Alliance) requires mandatory 2-day training (~$1,000-$2,500), has a 74% passing threshold (37/50), and requires renewal every 2 years. PSM I (Scrum.org, $150) requires no training, has an 85% threshold (68/80), and never expires. CSM focuses more on classroom learning and interaction; PSM I tests deeper Scrum knowledge. CSM is more widely held; PSM I is more rigorous.

How many CSM holders are there worldwide?

There are over 1.5 million CSM holders worldwide, making it the most widely held Scrum certification. Scrum Alliance also offers advanced certifications: A-CSM (Advanced Certified ScrumMaster) and CSP-SM (Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster) for practitioners seeking deeper expertise.

What should I study for the CSM exam?

Study the Scrum Guide 2020 thoroughly — it is the primary source for the exam. Focus on the three accountabilities (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), five events (Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective), and three artifacts with their commitments. Understand servant-leadership, empirical process control, and the Scrum values.