Project Management
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
Professional Scrum Master I
Free PSM I practice questions 79 questions with full answer explanations. No sign-up. Start practice →Overview
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) from Scrum.org tests a deep understanding of the Scrum framework and the Scrum Master role. It is taken entirely online, has no prerequisites, and the certification does not expire.
The exam is short but demanding: 80 questions in 60 minutes with a high 85% pass mark, based closely on the official Scrum Guide. Many candidates underestimate it because it looks simple, then fail by treating Scrum as a set of mechanics rather than a coherent framework.
✓ Who it is for
- People working as, or moving into, Scrum Master roles
- Developers and product people on agile teams
- Anyone in agile delivery who wants a credible, lifetime certification
✕ Who it is not for
- Traditional waterfall or PMO-only environments (PMP/PRINCE2 fit better).
- Those wanting a broad PM credential - PSM is Scrum-specific.
- People expecting renewal-driven value - note it never expires, which is a plus.
Exam structure
| Scrum framework | Roles, events, artefacts and their purpose |
|---|---|
| Scrum theory and values | Empiricism, transparency, inspection, adaptation |
| The Scrum Master role | Servant leadership and team facilitation |
Realistic study time
- Working with Scrum 15-25 hours over 2-3 weeks
- New to Scrum 30-45 hours
Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.
Turn this into a week-by-week schedule with the Study Plan Generator.
What it really costs
Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.
Want your full out-of-pocket figure? Try the Cost Calculator.
Salary & career value
Indicative ranges for orientation only - not surveyed data, and not financial or career advice. Sources and date below.
These are indicative US ranges for the Scrum Master and agile delivery roles that PSM I supports, not for the exam on its own; pay varies widely by region, employer and experience, and the certification is one factor among many alongside hands-on Scrum work. Aggregators such as Glassdoor and Payscale put mid-level Scrum Masters roughly in the US$100k-135k band, with senior and agile-coach roles higher.
Pass rate: Not published. Scrum.org does not release an official pass rate for PSM I. The pass mark is high at 85% (at least 68 of 80 questions) in 60 minutes, and the exam is widely reported as harder than it looks, but no official pass-rate figure exists - treat any number you see online as an unofficial estimate.
Indicative annual pay (USD), each role's typical band on a shared scale.
Other markets (indicative)
| United Kingdom | ~£50k-75k |
|---|---|
| Canada | ~CA$95k-125k |
| Australia | ~A$120k-160k |
Jobs that often ask for it:
- Scrum Master
- Agile Delivery Lead
- Agile Coach
- Project Manager (agile teams)
- Team Lead / Delivery Lead
Is it worth it?
Worth it for agile roles: it is inexpensive, never expires, and is respected because the high pass mark makes it hard to bluff. For traditional or hybrid project management, PMP or PRINCE2 will matter more than a Scrum certification alone.
Not sure this is the right exam for you? Compare your options with the Exam Finder.
Compare PSM I with other exams
Independent, like-for-like comparisons to help you choose the right one.
Career paths featuring PSM I
What to do next
PSM I is the entry Scrum cert; advance to PSM II, or compare PSM vs PMP if weighing agile against traditional PM.
On exam day
Taken online, anytime, directly on Scrum.org - no proctor and no booking. 80 questions in 60 minutes; open-internet but time-pressured, and you need 85% to pass.
Keeping your certification
Lifetime certification - it never expires and needs no renewal or fees.
FAQ
- Is PSM I harder than it looks?
- Yes. The 85% pass mark and close reliance on the Scrum Guide trip up people who memorise mechanics instead of understanding the framework's intent.
- PSM or PMP?
- PSM is focused on the Scrum framework and agile delivery; PMP is broad project management with an experience requirement. Choose by your role, or hold both for hybrid environments.
- Does PSM I expire?
- No. Once earned it is valid for life with no renewal fees, which is unusual among certifications.
- Is PSM I worth it?
- Yes for Scrum and agile roles - it is cheap, never expires, and is a recognised Scrum Master credential. It is Scrum-specific, so it complements rather than replaces a broad PM cert.
- Can I self-study for PSM I?
- Yes, and it is designed for it: study the free Scrum Guide, use Scrum.org's free open assessments, then take the exam online. No training is required.
- What jobs can PSM I help me get?
- Scrum Master, agile team member and product roles on Scrum teams. It pairs well with PMP for people bridging agile and traditional project management.
- How much does PSM I cost in total?
- Just the US$200 exam - no training requirement, free study materials, and no renewal fee since it is a lifetime certification.
Related exams
- PMP - Project Management Professional (PMI) - Project Management Institute (PMI)
- CAPM (PMI) - Project Management Institute (PMI)