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Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Mock Test

Validate your fundamental understanding of Scrum and your ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.

Start free mock test60 min · ❓ 80 questions

About the PSM I exam

Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) Mock Test

Overview of the PSM I Certification

The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification is offered by Scrum.org and is designed to validate your foundational understanding of the Scrum framework. It demonstrates that you possess a working knowledge of Scrum as described in the Scrum Guide and understand how to apply it in real-world scenarios. This certification is globally recognized and highly valued in the agile community, serving as a stepping stone for anyone aspiring to become a Scrum Master or work effectively within a Scrum Team. Achieving PSM I signifies a commitment to professional growth in Agile and Scrum practices.

Detailed Syllabus for PSM I

The PSM I assessment covers several key areas of the Scrum framework. A thorough understanding of these topics is crucial for success:

  • Scrum Theory & Principles: This includes the pillars of empiricism (transparency, inspection, adaptation) and the Scrum Values (commitment, focus, openness, respect, courage). Understanding why Scrum works and its underlying principles is fundamental.
  • The Scrum Framework: Deep knowledge of the Scrum Team roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), Scrum Events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective), and Scrum Artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment) is essential.
  • Done & Undone: Understanding the importance of a 'Definition of Done' and its impact on transparency and product quality. Knowing the difference between 'Done' and 'Undone' work.
  • The Scrum Master Accountabilities: This section focuses on the various ways a Scrum Master serves the Development Team, the Product Owner, and the organization. This includes coaching, facilitating, removing impediments, and shielding the team.
  • Coaching & Facilitation: The skills required for an effective Scrum Master to coach the team and stakeholders, and facilitate Scrum events effectively.
  • Self-Managing Teams: Understanding the concept of self-managing teams within Scrum and the Scrum Master's role in fostering this environment.
  • Product Value & Planning: While primarily the Product Owner's accountability, a Scrum Master needs to understand how product value is maximized and how planning occurs within Scrum (e.g., Release Planning, Sprint Planning).
  • Empiricism in Scrum: Reinforcing the iterative and incremental nature of Scrum and how it relies on transparency, inspection, and adaptation to manage complexity and risk.

Test Rules and Environment

The PSM I assessment is an online, unproctored exam. You can take it from any location with a reliable internet connection. There is no time limit to complete the exam once it starts, but typically it is completed within 60 minutes. The assessment is closed-book, meaning you should not consult external resources while taking the exam. However, some candidates find having the official Scrum Guide accessible helpful, though memorization is encouraged for speed. There are 80 multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and true/false questions.

Scoring and Passing Marks

To pass the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) assessment, you need to achieve a score of at least 85%. This means correctly answering at least 68 out of 80 questions. The score is provided immediately upon completion of the exam. There are no partial marks for multiple-answer questions; all correct options must be selected to receive points. Each question has equal weight.

Preparation Tips for PSM I

  1. Read the Scrum Guide thoroughly: This is the authoritative source for Scrum. Read it multiple times until you understand every sentence and its implications. Pay close attention to the definitions and accountabilities.
  2. Attend a Professional Scrum Master (PSM) course: While not mandatory, attending an official Scrum.org PSM course significantly enhances your understanding and provides practical insights from experienced trainers.
  3. Practice with Open Assessments: Scrum.org provides free open assessments for PSM I. Take these repeatedly until you consistently score 100%. These questions are indicative of the style and depth of the actual exam.
  4. Understand the 'Why': Don't just memorize definitions. Understand the underlying principles and rationale behind each part of Scrum. Why do we have a Daily Scrum? Why is a Definition of Done important?
  5. Focus on the Scrum Master's Accountabilities: Pay special attention to the various ways a Scrum Master serves the team, Product Owner, and organization.
  6. Review the Scrum Glossary: Familiarize yourself with the official Scrum.org glossary.
  7. Discuss with Peers: Engage in discussions with other Scrum practitioners. Explaining concepts to others can solidify your understanding.
  8. Time Management: While there isn't a strict time limit, practicing under timed conditions can help you perform efficiently during the actual exam.

Good luck with your PSM I preparation!

Test rules

  • The assessment is online and unproctored.
  • The assessment is closed-book; no external materials (beyond the Scrum Guide if desired) should be referenced during the exam.
  • You have a window to start the exam after purchase, but once started, it should be completed in one sitting.
  • No collaboration or assistance from others is permitted during the exam.
  • The exam is available in English only.

Score grading

The PSM I assessment is scored based on the number of correct answers. Each question carries equal weight. To pass, a minimum score of 85% is required. For multiple-answer questions, all correct options must be selected to receive points; partial credit is not awarded.

Syllabus & chapters covered

Scrum Theory & PrinciplesThe Scrum Framework (Roles, Events, Artifacts)Done & UndoneThe Scrum Master AccountabilitiesCoaching & FacilitationSelf-Managing TeamsProduct Value & PlanningEmpiricism in Scrum

FAQs

What is the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification?

The PSM I certification validates your foundational understanding of the Scrum framework and your ability to apply it in real-world Scrum Teams. It's offered by Scrum.org.

How many questions are on the PSM I exam?

The PSM I assessment consists of 80 multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and true/false questions.

What is the passing score for PSM I?

You need to achieve a score of at least 85% to pass the PSM I assessment.

Is the PSM I exam open-book?

No, the PSM I exam is considered closed-book. While the Scrum Guide is an open resource, candidates are expected to know the content well enough not to rely on external resources during the assessment.

How long do I have to complete the PSM I assessment?

Though there isn't a strict time limit enforced by the system for the full 24-hour window, the typical expected duration is 60 minutes for the 80 questions.