PSM-1™ Exam Preparation

Welcome to your comprehensive PSM-1™ exam preparation module! This section provides everything you need to confidently approach and pass your Professional Scrum Master I certification exam on the first attempt.

Your Path to Certification Success

The PSM-1™ exam is challenging but achievable with proper preparation. This module combines strategic guidance, practical resources, and proven techniques to maximize your success probability.

What This Module Covers

📖 Scrum Guide 2020 Summary

The authoritative source for exam content

Master the official Scrum Guide with focused summaries:

Key Updates in 2020 Version:

• Simplified language and reduced prescriptiveness
• Product Goal addition to Product Backlog
• Sprint Planning's three topics clarification
• Self-managing teams (not self-organizing)
• Emphasis on lean thinking and empiricism

Critical Sections for Exam:

• Scrum Definition and Theory (25% of exam)
• Scrum Team composition and accountabilities (30% of exam)
• Scrum Events and their purposes (25% of exam)
• Scrum Artifacts and commitments (20% of exam)

Study Approach:

• Read the guide 5+ times minimum
• Focus on exact terminology used
• Understand the "why" behind each element
• Note what's NOT in the guide (equally important)

📊 Exam Format and Structure

Know exactly what to expect

Detailed breakdown of the PSM-1 exam:

Technical Details:

• Questions: 80 multiple choice and multiple answer
• Time Limit: 60 minutes (45 seconds per question)
• Passing Score: 85% (68 correct answers)
• Format: Online, open book
• Language: Available in English and other languages
• Attempts: Unlimited (with fee for each)

Question Distribution:

• Scrum Framework: ~40%
• Scrum Theory: ~25%
• Working with Teams: ~25%
• Advanced Topics: ~10%

Question Types:

• Single correct answer (60%)
• Multiple correct answers (25%)
• True/False statements (15%)

Difficulty Levels:

• Foundation (40%): Direct from Scrum Guide
• Intermediate (40%): Application of concepts
• Advanced (20%): Complex scenarios

🎯 Exam Tips and Strategies

Proven techniques for success

Master these strategies for optimal performance:

Before the Exam:

• Take practice exams until scoring 95%+ consistently
• Create a distraction-free environment
• Have Scrum Guide PDF ready for reference
• Test your internet connection
• Clear your schedule for 90 minutes

During the Exam:

• First Pass: Answer easy questions quickly (20 minutes)
• Second Pass: Tackle moderate questions (25 minutes)
• Final Pass: Focus on difficult questions (15 minutes)
• Mark questions for review liberally
• Trust your first instinct on uncertain answers

Time Management:

• Spend maximum 1 minute per question initially
• Leave 10 minutes for review
• Don't get stuck - mark and move on
• Answer every question (no penalty for guessing)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Over-thinking simple questions
• Adding real-world complexity not in Scrum Guide
• Confusing Scrum with general Agile practices
• Missing the word "NOT" in questions
• Selecting partially correct answers

📝 Sample Questions and Practice Exams

Train with realistic exam simulations

Access comprehensive practice resources:

Question Categories:

1. Scrum Theory Questions:

• Empirical process control
• Scrum values application
• Lean thinking principles
• Complexity handling

2. Role-Based Questions:

• Product Owner accountabilities
• Scrum Master stances
• Developer responsibilities
• Stakeholder interactions

3. Event-Based Questions:

• Sprint Planning outcomes
• Daily Scrum purposes
• Sprint Review vs Retrospective
• Sprint boundaries

4. Artifact Questions:

• Product Backlog management
• Sprint Backlog ownership
• Increment definition
• Transparency requirements

Practice Exam Strategy:

• Start with open-book practice
• Progress to closed-book attempts
• Time yourself strictly
• Review incorrect answers thoroughly
• Track improvement trends

Success Metrics:

• Aim for 95%+ on practice exams
• Complete at least 10 full practice exams
• Understand why each answer is correct/incorrect
• Achieve consistent scores before scheduling

Study Schedule Recommendation

Week 1-2: Foundation Building

• Read Scrum Guide daily
• Complete module content
• First practice exam baseline

Week 3-4: Deep Practice

• Daily practice questions (30-50)
• Focus on weak areas
• Join study groups

Week 5-6: Final Preparation

• Full practice exams daily
• Review incorrect answers
• Schedule actual exam

Exam Day Checklist

• Quiet, private location secured
• Computer charged/plugged in
• Stable internet connection
• Scrum Guide PDF downloaded
• Water and snacks nearby
• Phone on silent
• 90 minutes blocked off
• Positive mindset activated

Resources Included

This module provides:

• Comprehensive Scrum Guide analysis
• 200+ practice questions with explanations
• 5 full-length practice exams
• Quick reference sheets
• Time management tools
• Exam-day strategies guide

Ready to ace your PSM-1™ exam? Dive into the preparation materials below and join thousands of certified Scrum Masters!

Scrum PSM-1™ Exam Preparation