PSM I Study Guide: Pass Scrum.org's 85% Exam Without a Training Course
The PSM I is harder than CSM but costs $200 with no mandatory training. Here's how to self-study, what trips people up, and how to hit 85% on exam day.
PSM I vs CSM: Which Is Right for You?
CSM requires a paid 2-day course (typically $1,000–$1,500 total) but has no minimum pass score. PSM I requires 85% to pass but costs only $200 with no required training. Both are recognized by employers, but PSM I is increasingly preferred because the high pass threshold signals genuine understanding.
Key Tips
- ✓PSM I: self-directed, affordable, higher bar — best for experienced practitioners
- ✓CSM: classroom experience, network, lower bar — best for those new to Scrum
- ✓Both are lifetime credentials — no renewal required
What the PSM I Assesses
80 questions, 60 minutes, 85% required. The exam is based entirely on the Scrum Guide (2020 version). There are no tricks — if you understand the Scrum Guide deeply, you pass. The challenge is distinguishing between 'good Scrum' and 'common Scrum misapplication.'
Key Tips
- ✓Read the Scrum Guide (free, 13 pages) at least 5 times
- ✓Understand every accountability, artifact, and event deeply
- ✓Know what the Scrum Master does NOT do (e.g., manage the team)
- ✓Sprint Goal and Definition of Done questions appear frequently
3-Week Study Plan
Most candidates pass with 2–4 weeks of focused self-study. The Scrum Guide is short — depth of understanding matters more than hours spent.
Key Tips
- ✓Week 1: Read the Scrum Guide 3 times; take Scrum.org's free Open Assessment until you score 100%
- ✓Week 2: Take Mikhail Lapshin's free PSM I Practice Quiz — aim for 95%+ before booking
- ✓Week 3: Read Scrum.org's online resources and Nexus Guide; final mock exams
- ✓Book when consistently scoring 90%+ on mocks
Free Resources Are Enough
Almost everything you need to pass PSM I is free.