The PSM 1 tests the demonstration of intermediate knowledge of Scrum. It includes Theory of Empiricism, Team Self-Organization, Servant Leadership and Coaching, and Scrum Teams and their associated roles, events, artifacts, and rules. Some knowledge of optional techniques of Scrum also may be needed.
It is noteworthy to mention that the knowledge verified through PSM 1 will help in other ways too:
• Passing the PSM 1 is mandatory before attempting PSM II: Even for other assessments such as PSD and PSPO, one needs to have foundational knowledge of Scrum that is tested in the PSM 1.
• Also, the PSM 1 is the first step towards acquiring the Professional Scrum Trainer (PST): To apply for PST one needs to get 95% or higher in the PSM 1 assessment. If one has passed the assessment but failed to get 95%, they can retake the assessment until they get the required percentage.
-------------------Question (Not a potential question in PSM assessment)-------------------
The PSM 1 assessment tests
a) The job skills of a Scrum Master.
b) The understanding of engineering practices of Scrum.
c) The intermediate knowledge of Scrum.
d) The Scrum knowledge through Scrum Open.
-------Answer-------
Correct answer is ‘c.’
-------------------Question (Not a potential question in PSM assessment)-------------------
Certification Qualification and Format
• There are no prerequisite qualifications for this assessment.
• It consists of 80 multiple choice questions that include
a) Questions with one correct answer.
b) Questions with multiple correct answers. To get full points for these questions, all correct answers must be selected. There is no point awarded for partially correct answers.
c) Questions answered with Yes or No and Questions answered with True or False.
• This assessment is offered only in English. Non-native speakers without English as a professional language may have minor issues in understanding some of the questions.
• The time limit is 60 minutes.
• To pass one needs to score 85% or higher. It translates to 68 questions answered correctly, but sometimes a question can be awarded a weight other than 1 point. How much weight each question carries is not made explicit.
• You can bookmark a question without answering it and move on to the next question. You can go back to bookmarked questions during the 60 minutes.
Certification Fee, Payment Mode, and Registration
• Please check Scrum.org for the latest fee. As of March 2018 it is $150.
• If you took a paid training class from Scrum.org like Professional Scrum Foundations™ or Professional Scrum Master™, you will get two free attempts at the PSM 1. The password for the assessment will be emailed to within 3-5 business days after successfully completing the class. However, taking a course is not required to take the assessment.
• To register for the assessment, go to https://www.scrum.org/professional-scrum-master-i-certification. Click on the “BUY PSM 1 ASSESSMENT” button.
• You can use credit/debit card to pay.
• If the card is non-USA, the equivalent amount for 150 US dollars will be deducted by your card issuer subject to their currency conversion rules. Sometimes you have to call your card issuer (bank) to remove any limits/security settings on your card before paying. You can also clarify with them about the local currency conversion rate that will be applied.
• After paying the fee, the password for the assessment is sent to the registered email usually within a business day.
• The password does not have an expiration date.
• Only one attempt is allowed.
Certification Medium – No Test Center
• Scrum.org assessment’s including the PSM 1 can be taken from your place of choice. You do not need to go to a Test Center.
• In other words, it is an open book test. However, you cannot depend on just looking online or in The Scrum Guide to find the answers. The questions may not be so straightforward.
• You will need a computer with a reasonably fast internet connection.
• The online assessment works on any web browser: Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Safari.
Taking the Assessment
• You can access Scrum.org and use the password to take the assessment.
• In case the connection is lost or the online assessment terminates abruptly due to technical reasons, you can contact support@Scrum.org with evidence. They may offer a discount for the next attempt, but the author recommends you clarify with them if you want to confirm or clarify any questions.
• With sufficient preparation using this book, you can complete most of the questions within 45 minutes. This will provide 15 minutes more to go back to bookmarked questions. Using this book, you can further increase your speed by training yourself to answer each question within 30 seconds.
After the Assessment – Passing and Certificate
• At the earliest occurrence of submitting the quiz or the 60 minutes ending, the results will be shown on the screen. If you scored 85% or higher, you will see a congratulatory message on the screen. The breakdown of the results will look something like this
Scrum Framework - XX%
Theory & Principles - XX %
Cross-Functional, Self-Organizing - XX%
Coaching & Facilitation - XX%
• You will get the PSM 1 certificate in an email in 5 - 7 business days.
• After passing the assessment, your name will be posted on Scrum.org under the PSM 1 Certificate Holders list.
• Once acquired the certificate need not be renewed.
After the Assessment – Not Qualifying
If someone scored less than 85%, they can write to Scrum to get feedback on specific areas of improvement.
They will not provide the details of exact questions that went wrong. However, you will know the concepts around which you had difficulty.
An example of feedback for someone who had difficulty in understanding the concept of self-organizing is provided below. This is only indicative of the kind of feedback and is not an authorized version from Scrum.org.
‘You got a number of questions incorrect around Scrum roles and how they support Scrum principles. Focus on understanding the roles within Scrum. If you face a question that asks what a Scrum Master would do in a particular situation, think about their role. The Scrum Master teaches the team to solve the problems themselves using Scrum values. Your previous experience as a leader may push you to own the problem of others and solve it. However, it is against building up a self-organized team. A Scrum Master does not serve the team if they tend to own something and do it when the team can own and do it themselves.’