PSM-1™ Certification - Introduction
Welcome to the beginning of your Professional Scrum Master journey! The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM-I) certification from Scrum.org (opens in a new tab) validates your knowledge of the Scrum framework, the Scrum Master accountabilities, and how to apply Scrum effectively in real-world environments. Unlike attendance-based certifications, PSM-I requires demonstrated knowledge through a challenging assessment—earning it signals genuine mastery, not just training completion.
This introduction module sets the foundation for your PSM-1™ certification preparation, providing essential context, motivation, and strategic guidance for your learning path. Whether you're comparing PSM vs CSM, evaluating Scrum versus PMP, or exploring the benefits of Scrum, this comprehensive guide answers your fundamental questions.
Quick Answer: PSM-1 Certification at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Scrum.org (founded by Scrum co-creator Ken Schwaber) |
| Exam Format | 80 questions in 60 minutes (no breaks) |
| Question Types | Multiple choice, multiple answer, true/false |
| Passing Score | 85% (68 out of 80 questions correct) |
| Cost | $200 USD per attempt (no training required) |
| Validity | Lifetime certification—no renewal fees ever |
| Prerequisites | None (though training strongly recommended) |
| Retake Policy | Unlimited attempts, $200 per retake |
| Languages Available | English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese |
| Recognition | Industry-wide acceptance; knowledge-validated credential |
What You'll Learn in This Module
This comprehensive introduction covers everything you need to know before diving into the technical aspects of Scrum:
🎯 Welcome Message
Personal insights and encouragement
Start with inspiration from experienced Scrum practitioners who've walked this path. Learn:
- Why Scrum mastery transforms careers
- What makes great Scrum Masters stand out
- How to approach your certification journey
- Success stories from certified professionals
- Common misconceptions to avoid early
📋 Introduction to PSM-1
Understanding the certification landscape
Get a complete overview of the Professional Scrum Master I certification:
- Exam Structure: 80 questions in 60 minutes (online assessment)
- Passing Score: 85% required (68 out of 80 correct answers)
- Question Types: Multiple choice, multiple answer, true/false
- Cost: $200 USD per attempt (significantly lower than training-required certifications)
- Prerequisites: None—self-study allowed, though training recommended
- Certification Validity: Lifetime certification, zero renewal fees
- Recognition: Industry-wide acceptance as knowledge-validated credential
- Competency Areas: Scrum framework, developing people and teams, managing products with agility
💡 Benefits of the Scrum Framework
Why organizations choose Scrum
Discover the compelling advantages that make Scrum the leading Agile framework:
- Faster Time-to-Market: Deliver value in short 2-4 week Sprints
- Higher Quality: Built-in quality through Definition of Done
- Better ROI: Focus on highest value features first through prioritized Product Backlog
- Risk Mitigation: Early and frequent inspection points catch issues quickly
- Team Satisfaction: Empowered, self-organizing teams drive engagement
- Customer Delight: Regular feedback and adaptation keep products aligned with needs
- Transparency: Visible progress through artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment)
- Continuous Improvement: Sprint Retrospectives drive systematic enhancement
Organizations implementing Scrum effectively report:
- Significantly faster feature delivery compared to traditional approaches
- Higher team morale and engagement
- Reduced defects through continuous quality practices
- Better alignment between development work and business priorities
- Improved ability to respond to changing market conditions
🏆 PSM vs CSM Certification
Making an informed certification choice
Compare the two leading Scrum Master certifications:
| Aspect | PSM-1™ | CSM® |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Scrum.org | Scrum Alliance |
| Prerequisites | None | 2-day training required |
| Cost | $200 (exam only) | $500-2000 (includes training) |
| Validity | Lifetime | 2 years (renewal required) |
| Passing Score | 85% required | Lower threshold (typically 74%) |
| Industry Perception | Knowledge-validated | Training-validated |
| Retake Policy | Immediate, $200 per attempt | Wait period varies, additional fee |
Why many choose PSM-1:
- Tests actual knowledge, not attendance
- More affordable entry point
- No mandatory training allows self-paced learning
- Lifetime validity provides lasting value
- Higher passing score demonstrates deeper understanding
🚀 Scrum Master or PMP
Choosing your professional path
Understanding career implications of different certifications:
Scrum Master Path:
- Focus on Agile/Scrum environments
- Servant-leadership approach
- Team facilitation and coaching
- Organizational agility champion
- Typical roles: Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Transformation Lead
Project Manager (PMP) Path:
- Traditional and hybrid project environments
- Command-and-control possibilities
- Comprehensive project lifecycle management
- Risk and budget management focus
- Typical roles: Project Manager, Program Manager, PMO Lead
Market Insights:
- Strong and growing demand for Scrum Masters across industries
- Competitive salaries in the $95,000-130,000 range (US market)
- Abundant remote work opportunities in Agile roles
- Clear career progression to Agile Coach and transformation leadership roles
- Increasing adoption beyond software development (marketing, HR, operations)
How This Module Prepares You
This introduction module provides:
- Motivation and Context: Understanding why you're pursuing PSM-1
- Clear Expectations: Knowing what lies ahead in your journey
- Strategic Decisions: Choosing the right certification path
- Foundation Knowledge: Basic concepts before deep diving
- Success Mindset: Approaching learning with the right attitude
Next Steps
After completing this introduction module:
- You'll have clarity on your certification goals
- You'll understand the PSM-1 exam structure
- You'll appreciate Scrum's business value
- You'll be motivated to continue your journey
- You'll have made informed decisions about your path
Time Investment
Plan to spend 2-3 hours on this introduction module:
- 30 minutes: Welcome message and motivation
- 45 minutes: PSM-1 exam deep dive
- 45 minutes: Benefits of Scrum exploration
- 30 minutes: PSM vs CSM comparison
- 30 minutes: Career path evaluation
Ready to begin? Explore each topic below and build a strong foundation for your Scrum Master journey!
Scrum PSM-1™ Certification - Introduction