About the PSM I Exam
Key Takeaways
- PSM I is 80 questions in 60 minutes with an 85% passing score and costs $200 USD per attempt on Scrum.org.
- The credential is lifetime: passwords do not expire until used, and each password is valid for one attempt.
- Scrum.org publishes three PSM I focus areas (framework, people/teams, product agility) and does not publish percentage domain weights.
- Complementary practices like User Stories, Story Points, and Burndown Charts are not mandated by the Scrum Guide.
- Pacing averages about 45 seconds per question, so bookmark hard scenarios and return after easier items.
About the PSM I Exam
Quick Answer: The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is an industry-recognized assessment offered by Scrum.org that validates your knowledge of the Scrum framework and its application. It consists of 80 multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and true/false questions to be completed within 60 minutes. To earn the certification, you must achieve a passing score of 85% (at least 68 correct answers). The cost is $200 USD per attempt, and once earned, the certification never expires and requires no maintenance fees.
Earning the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) credential demonstrates a thorough understanding of Scrum as described in the official 2020 Scrum Guide. Unlike certifications that merely require classroom attendance, passing the PSM I proves that you can correctly interpret Scrum theory, principles, accountabilities, events, and artifacts under strict time constraints.
Exam Logistics & Key Specifications
Before diving into Scrum theory, candidates must understand the administrative structure and parameters of the assessment. The table below outlines the core specifications published by Scrum.org:
| Exam Parameter | Official Specification |
|---|---|
| Administering Body | Scrum.org |
| Question Count | 80 questions |
| Time Limit | 60 minutes (1 hour) |
| Passing Score | 85% (68 out of 80 questions correct) |
| Format | Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer, True/False |
| Cost | $200 USD per attempt (password voucher) |
| Prerequisites | None (course attendance is optional but recommended) |
| Expiration / Renewal | Lifetime — no annual renewal fees or PDUs required |
| Delivery Method | Online assessment (accessible via browser with purchased password) |
| Primary Reference | Official 2020 Scrum Guide by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland |
Passwords purchased from Scrum.org do not expire and remain valid until used; each password is valid for one attempt only.
PSM I (Scrum.org) vs. CSM (Scrum Alliance)
Many candidates ask how the PSM I compares to other popular credentials such as the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) offered by Scrum Alliance. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the PSM I carries high professional respect in product-development environments:
| Comparison Aspect | PSM I (Scrum.org) | CSM (Scrum Alliance) |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom Requirement | None (self-study allowed) | Mandatory paid course |
| Assessment Cost | $200 USD per attempt | Usually bundled into course fee |
| Passing Threshold | 85% (68 / 80 questions) | Lower threshold; format differs by provider era |
| Time Limit | 60 minutes (~45 sec / question) | Varies; often less time pressure |
| Credential Expiration | Lifetime validity | Typically requires renewal |
| Assessment Rigor | High (tests deep empirical application) | Attendance-oriented pathway |
Official Focus Areas (No Published Percentage Weights)
Scrum.org states that PSM I includes questions from the following Focus Areas in the Professional Scrum Competencies. Scrum.org does not publish percentage weights for those areas on the PSM I assessment page — treat any third-party "% of exam" claims as unofficial.
1. Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework
- Empiricism: Transparency, Inspection, Adaptation (plus Lean thinking)
- Scrum Values: Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, Courage
- Scrum Team: Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers accountabilities
- Events: Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective
- Artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment
- Done: Definition of Done as the Increment commitment
2. Developing People and Teams
- Self-Managing Teams
- Facilitation
- Coaching
3. Managing Products with Agility
- Forecasting & Release Planning
- Product Value
- Product Backlog Management
- Stakeholders & Customers
There is no fourth PSM I focus area on the official assessment page. Complementary topics (technical practices, scaling patterns, charts) may appear in scenario framing, but answers must still align with the Scrum Guide and these focus areas.
Strategic Time Management: The 45-Second Rule
With 80 questions in 60 minutes, you have an average of 45 seconds per question. This rapid pace is one of the biggest challenges for test-takers. To manage time effectively:
- Do Not Get Stuck on Difficult Questions: Bookmark complex scenario questions and return after completing easier items.
- Beware of Multiple-Answer Questions: "Select 2" or "Select 3" items require every selected option to be correct; there is typically no partial credit.
- Read True/False Carefully: These often hinge on a single word (must vs. should, always vs. can).
Real-World Exam Traps & Common Anti-Patterns
Trap 1: Confusing Complementary Practices with Core Scrum
Practices like User Stories, Story Points, Velocity, Burndown Charts, Planning Poker, and SAFe are complementary. They are frequently used alongside Scrum, but they are not part of the Scrum framework. If a question asks which artifact is mandatory in Scrum, options like "User Stories" or "Burndown Charts" are incorrect.
Trap 2: Treating the Scrum Master as a Traditional Project Manager
The Scrum Master is not a project manager, team boss, or work assigner. The Scrum Master is a true leader who serves the Scrum Team and the organization. Options that have the Scrum Master assigning tasks, managing performance reviews, or approving technical designs are anti-patterns.
Trap 3: Legacy Terminology (2017 vs. 2020 Scrum Guide)
The PSM I tests the 2020 Scrum Guide. Avoid legacy terms:
- Old: Development Team → New: Developers
- Old: Servant Leader (as the primary label) → New: True leader who serves
- Old: Self-organizing → New: Self-managing (who, what, when, and how)
- Old: Three mandatory Daily Scrum questions → New: Flexible format focused on progress toward the Sprint Goal
- Added: Product Goal as the commitment for the Product Backlog
Summary of Exam Success Principles
To pass the PSM I on your first attempt, read the 2020 Scrum Guide until you understand the rationale behind every rule. Base every answer on the official Scrum Guide and Scrum.org focus areas — not on how your current employer implements Scrum.
What is the passing score and time limit for the Scrum.org PSM I assessment?
Which of the following is a core characteristic of the PSM I certification compared to many other Agile credentials?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the status of User Stories, Story Points, and Burndown Charts in Scrum?