Professional Scrum Master PSM I certificate

PSM I Badge I am excited to share that I have successfully passed the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) certification from Scrum.org. With this certification I have proven a fundamental level of Scrum knowledge!

How I prepared

My preparation combined structured learning and self-study:

  • Two-Day Agile Course: I attended an intensive course led by an expert Agile trainer, which provided hands-on insights into Scrum’s roles, events, and artifacts.

  • Scrum Guide: The free, 13-page Scrum Guide is the cornerstone of PSM I prep. I read it multiple times to internalize its principles.

  • Practice Tests: Free mock exams from Scrum.org, these are a 40 question mock tests with many questions similar to the real exam. I aimed to score 100% twice in a row before doing the real test.

Tip: Understand how Scrum principles apply in practice, not just the theory in the Guide.

The PSM I Exam

The PSM I exam is a 60-minute, 80-question multiple-choice test requiring an 85% passing score. Taken online, it tests theoretical knowledge and practical application. Some questions are straightforward, while others involve analyzing scenarios to select the “most Scrum” solution.

I found the exam challenging but passed on my first attempt. My advice:

  • Read Carefully: Look out for tricky wording in answer choices.
  • Manage Time: Aim for ~45 seconds per question to stay on pace.
  • Trust the Scrum Guide: Its wording guides correct answers.
  • Remember the pillars of scrum transparency, inspection, and adaptation

What I Gained

Earning PSM I boosted my confidence in leading in my role as a senior developer on a scrum team. I now know some techniques and hopefully will be able to bring some benefits to my team. The first thing I am going to try out are the alternative retro ideas, like the sailboat below to help spark conversations about how we can improve our processes.

Sail Boat retro Try your own sailboat retro with mural

Ready to Start Your PSM Journey?

If you’re considering PSM I, start with the Scrum Guide and free practice tests. Dedicate a few days to study, and you’ll be well-prepared. Have questions or need advice? Connect with me on one of the social links below.