Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is the foundational Scrum Master certification from Scrum.org, co-founded by Ken Schwaber — one of the creators of Scrum itself. The PSM I validates your knowledge of the Scrum framework, the Scrum Master accountabilities, and how to apply Scrum in real teams. It is widely recognized across the technology and project management industries as a rigorous, no-nonsense credential that proves genuine understanding of Scrum rather than just attendance at a training class. Unlike some competing certifications, PSM I does not require attendance at any specific course — you can take the exam whenever you are ready.

What You Will Learn

The Scrum Framework in depth — Scrum Theory (empiricism: transparency, inspection, adaptation), Scrum Values (commitment, focus, openness, respect, courage), and the complete Scrum Guide
Scrum Team roles and accountabilities — the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Developers, including responsibilities, boundaries, and how they collaborate
Scrum Events — Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective, and the Sprint itself, including timeboxes, purposes, and facilitation techniques
Scrum Artifacts — Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment, including commitments (Product Goal, Sprint Goal, Definition of Done)
Developing People and Teams — self-managing teams, facilitation skills, coaching techniques, removing impediments, and servant leadership
Managing Products with Agility — forecasting and release planning, maximizing product value, Product Backlog management, and stakeholder engagement
Scaling Scrum — applying Scrum principles in larger organizations and multi-team environments
Common anti-patterns — recognizing and addressing dysfunctions that undermine Scrum adoption

Why This Certification Stands Out

PSM I from Scrum.org is widely considered the most rigorous and respected Scrum certification available. Key differentiators: (1) It was created by Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum, so it is the most authoritative source on Scrum knowledge. (2) The exam has an 85% passing score requirement with 80 questions in 60 minutes — significantly more demanding than the competing CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) from Scrum Alliance, which has a much lower bar. (3) No mandatory training course required — you can self-study and take the exam when ready, making it more meritocratic. (4) The certification never expires — there is no annual renewal fee, unlike CSM which requires biennial renewal at $100+. (5) At $200 per attempt, it is dramatically cheaper than CSM which requires $1,000-$1,500+ for the mandatory 2-day class plus exam. (6) Industry hiring managers increasingly prefer PSM I over CSM because the higher pass threshold indicates deeper knowledge. Scrum.org also provides extensive free resources including the Scrum Guide, open assessments, and learning paths.

Who It Is For

Software developers and engineers working in or transitioning to Agile teams, project managers moving from waterfall to Agile methodologies, team leads and engineering managers, product managers who work with Scrum teams, QA professionals and business analysts on Scrum teams, aspiring Scrum Masters looking to start their career, career changers from any industry who want to enter tech project management, and consultants who advise organizations on Agile adoption. No prerequisites — anyone can take the exam.

Career Outcomes

Scrum Master ($80K-$130K, senior $120K-$160K), Agile Coach ($100K-$170K), Agile Project Manager ($75K-$120K), Delivery Manager ($85K-$140K), Agile Consultant ($100-$300/hr), Release Train Engineer (SAFe, $110K-$160K), Program Manager ($90K-$150K), Engineering Manager ($100K-$170K). Scrum Masters are among the most in-demand roles in tech — demand has grown consistently as more organizations adopt Agile. PSM I is often the minimum credential required, with PSM II and PSM III offering advancement paths. Many Scrum Masters advance into Agile coaching or leadership roles within 3-5 years.

Format & Pricing

The PSM I exam costs $200 USD per attempt — no mandatory training course required. The exam consists of 80 questions (multiple choice, multiple answer, true/false) in 60 minutes, requiring an 85% passing score. Exam is taken online at any time — no scheduling with a testing center needed. Test passwords do not expire. Available in English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. The certification never expires and requires no renewal fees. Recommended preparation: study the Scrum Guide (free at scrumguides.org), take Scrum.org's free Open Assessments, and optionally take the self-paced Professional Scrum Fundamentals course on Scrum.org or an instructor-led Professional Scrum Master course ($1,000-$1,500 for 2-day class, though this is optional). Most self-studiers prepare in 2-4 weeks. Free Credly digital badge provided upon passing.

Professional scrum master i (psm i) certification — scrum.org agile and scrum master credential

What users say

Rate this Education

Related Tools

Related Moonlites

Related Creators

About