10 Powerful Tips to Pass the PSM I Assessment

As you prepare for the PSM I assessment and aim for your Scrum Master certification, remember it is not just about passing a test. It is an excellent feedback opportunity on your Scrum journey. These ten tips will help you succeed and keep growing as a Scrum practitioner.

Format

The Scrum.org PSM I assessment follows this format:

• Number of questions: 80
• Time limit: 60 minutes
• Format: online, multiple choice
• Pass mark: 85%

Subject areas

The assessment covers:

• Scrum theory and principles
• The Scrum framework
• Coaching and facilitation
• Cross-functional, self-organising teams

Tips to prepare

1. Read the Scrum Guide several times

Build a solid foundation by reading the Scrum Guide thoroughly, more than once. It is only 13 pages, but every page holds valuable insight. It sets out the fundamental principles, the accountabilities (previously called roles), the events and the artefacts. Whenever you hit a challenging question in the exam, refer back to what the guide says.

2. Attend a Professional Scrum Master course

A Scrum.org Professional Scrum Master course is a game-changer. You learn directly from experienced practitioners and gain practical examples and a deeper understanding of the framework. Attending is not mandatory for the assessment, but it significantly strengthens your preparation and your overall knowledge of Scrum.

The course also includes two attempts at the globally recognised PSM I assessment, so you have a second chance if the first attempt is unsuccessful.

3. Complete the Scrum Open assessment

The Scrum Open assessment is a useful way to gauge your understanding. Aim to score 100% repeatedly, at least five times in a row. It does not just give you a result. It explains the correct answers and why they are correct. Try the other Open assessments too, for different perspectives on Scrum and Scrum Master questions. They are all on the Scrum.org website.

4. Learn the Scrum Guide terminology

Read the Scrum glossary so you know every term used in the Scrum Guide and in the assessment. It is particularly useful if you have not attended a course, as it bridges the knowledge gap.

A solid grasp of the terminology improves your overall understanding of the framework and your chances of success. Take the time to internalise the key terms so you can tackle the exam with confidence.

5. Do further reading

Scrum.org publishes a suggested reading list for the Professional Scrum Master. It offers valuable insight and depth to supplement your understanding.

Many previous students emphasise how much thorough study matters, even after attending the course. Before you sit the assessment, work through the Scrum Master learning path and the suggested reading for PSM I. The extra effort lets you approach the assessment with confidence.

Useful posts:

• What is a Scrum Master? The true role revealed
• Component teams vs feature teams
• Giving back: considerations for a new Scrum Master
• Product Owners want a perfect Definition of Done. Here's why
• An astrophotography journey using Scrum

Tips for the assessment itself

6. Read the questions carefully

Pay close attention to the wording and make sure you understand what is being asked. Take particular note of negatives such as "NOT". Look for bold keywords, which often hint at the specific focus of the question. Analyse them carefully and you answer accurately.

7. Think about what the Scrum Guide says

Keep the guidance of the Scrum Guide in mind. Rather than relying on your personal experience at work, align your answers with the principles and rules in the guide. Refer back to it whenever a question is challenging.

8. Embrace the Scrum Master as a servant leader

Servant leadership is a crucial aspect of the role. Embrace the stances and mottos associated with it: "Let the team decide", "It depends", "Take it to the team". The Scrum Master facilitates and empowers teams to embrace empiricism and self-organisation. A thorough understanding of that servant-leader role is essential for passing.

9. Understand empiricism and the three pillars

Scrum is built on empiricism, making decisions on observed experience. The three pillars are transparency, inspection and adaptation. Know how each Scrum event embodies them, so you can answer the empiricism questions effectively.

10. Grasp the importance of a valuable, usable, Done Increment

Delivering a valuable, usable, Done Increment is what provides value to stakeholders. The Increment must be thoroughly verified against the Definition of Done. Recognising the significance of a Done Increment and its contribution to transparency is crucial for success.

Level up your Scrum expertise: recommended books

• Scrum: A Pocket Guide by Gunther Verheyen
• Scrum Mastery by Geoff Watts
• Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf
• Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins
• Software in 30 Days by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland

Final remarks

For any Scrum.org assessment, remember:

• Read the questions carefully. Watch for negatives such as NOT.
• Select the correct number of answers. Square boxes mean more than one answer is needed.
• Manage your time. Do not search online, there is no time. Bookmark uncertain answers and come back to them.
• Stay composed. If a question is hard, stay calm, bookmark it for later if needed, and trust your preparation.

With this preparation, an understanding of the format, and the concepts above, you are well equipped to pass the Professional Scrum Master I assessment and deepen your understanding of Scrum.

The assessment is a chance to show your understanding of Professional Scrum on your journey towards Scrum mastery. Your continuous growth as a practitioner matters far more than the assessment itself.

Good luck with your PSM I, and may your journey as a Scrum Master be full of growth and success. To prepare with us, our Professional Scrum Master course is the place to start.