PSM 1 Certification Guide
Direct answer: PSM 1 (also written PSM I / Professional Scrum Master I) is Scrum.org’s entry-level Scrum Master assessment. As of 2026 it is typically $200 USD per attempt, 80 questions, 60 minutes, and an 85% pass score (68/80). No mandatory class is required. Use the free study path below before you book.
| PSM I fact | Answer | What it means for your prep |
|---|---|---|
| Exam owner | Scrum.org | Based on Scrum.org’s interpretation of Scrum and the official Scrum Guide. |
| Questions | 80 | You need speed as well as accuracy. |
| Time limit | 60 minutes | About 45 seconds per question on average. |
| Passing score | 85% (68/80) | You can miss at most 12 questions. |
| Cost | ~$200 USD per attempt | See PSM I exam cost & retakes. Confirm on Scrum.org before paying. |
| Prerequisite | No mandatory class | Self-study is allowed — see pass without a course. |
| Renewal | No renewal | Scrum.org certificates do not expire. |
Best PSM 1 study path
Use the Scrum Guide first, then high-volume exam questions and adaptive practice, then a timed mock. The goal is not to memorize wording. The goal is to recognize what Scrum requires in realistic situations.
| Step | Use this page | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Learn the source material | Scrum Guide map | Roles, events, artifacts, commitments, empiricism, values. |
| 2. Understand exam/test questions | PSM 1 exam questions | Formats, traps, ethical prep (highest search demand). |
| 3. Try a short sample set | PSM 1 sample questions | 10 worked examples before full practice. |
| 4. Practice by topic | Free PSM 1 practice test | Short sessions, explanations, weak-topic focus (no signup). |
| 5. Simulate exam pressure | PSM 1 mock exam / mock test | Rehearse 80 questions in 60 minutes. |
| 6. Validate readiness | PSM 1 passing score | Know the 68/80 bar and safe mock targets. |
| 7. Final prep plan | How to pass PSM 1 · 1-week crash plan | Focused schedule before you pay. |
Start free adaptive practice →
Free prep resources (hub links)
| Resource | Best for |
|---|---|
| PSM 1 exam questions | Formats, traps, and how to practice ethically |
| Free PSM 1 practice test | Daily adaptive Study Mode (no signup) |
| Free PSM 1 mock exam / mock test | Timed readiness check (80Q / 60 min) |
| PSM 1 sample questions | 10 worked examples with explanations |
| Best free practice tests | Compare free options honestly |
| Pretty Scrum vs Scrum.org Open | How to use both tools together |
| Exam cost & retakes | $200/attempt, retake risk, free stack ROI |
| Pass without a course | Self-study path when training is optional |
| How adaptive practice works | Why Pretty Scrum selects questions the way it does |
| Scrum artifacts explained | Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment + commitments |
| Scrum events explained | Five events, purposes, timeboxes |
| Product Owner vs Scrum Master | Accountabilities and exam traps |
| Definition of Done vs acceptance criteria | Increment commitment trap |
Is PSM 1 hard?
PSM I is hard enough to punish shallow memorization. The 60-minute limit means you will not look up every answer. Full breakdown: Is PSM I hard?
PSM 1 exam questions
Questions usually test accountabilities, event purpose, artifact commitments, empiricism, self-management, and what a Scrum Master should do in tricky situations. Ethical original examples and the main questions landing page: PSM 1 exam questions.
PSM 1 vs CSM
Choose PSM I if you want a self-study-friendly, non-expiring Scrum.org certification. Choose CSM if you want a required live class and the Scrum Alliance membership path. Side-by-side: PSM I vs CSM.
FAQ
What is PSM 1 / PSM I?
PSM 1 (PSM I) is the Professional Scrum Master I certification from Scrum.org. Searchers often type “PSM 1”; both spellings mean the same assessment. It validates your understanding of Scrum and the Scrum Master accountability.
How much does PSM 1 cost?
The assessment typically costs $200 USD per attempt (confirm on Scrum.org). Details and retake economics: PSM I exam cost.
What is the PSM 1 passing score?
The passing score is 85%, which means at least 68 correct answers out of 80. See the passing score guide.
Do I need a class before PSM 1?
No. Scrum.org does not require a class. Self-study path: pass PSM I without a course.
What should I study for PSM 1?
Start with the Scrum Guide, then practice with scenario-based questions and timed mocks until you can consistently score above 85% under time pressure. Use the free adaptive practice test and mock exam.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Pretty Scrum is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scrum.org.