PSM I

pm Associate Updated: 2025-04-10 Methodology

The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) from Scrum.org validates foundational knowledge of the Scrum framework and the role of the Scrum Master. It demonstrates understanding of Scrum theory, practices, and rules as defined in the Scrum Guide, emphasizing servant leadership, team facilitation, and empirical process control.

$105K
Avg Salary
73%
Pass Rate
22.0K
Job Listings
60h
Study Time
$150
Exam Cost

Exam Details

Exam CodePSM I
Exam Cost$150 USD
Duration60 minutes
Questions80
Passing Score85% (68 out of 80)
ProviderScrum.org
Difficulty5/10

Salary Data

Professionals holding the PSM I certification earn between $78,000 and $135,000 annually, with an average of $105,000.

Job market demand trend: Growing (+10% YoY)

Prerequisites

  • No formal prerequisites — open to anyone
  • Understanding of the Scrum Guide is strongly recommended
  • Scrum.org offers a Professional Scrum Master course but it is not mandatory

Skills Covered

Scrum FrameworkSprint PlanningRetrospectivesDaily ScrumProduct BacklogServant Leadership

Best Study Resources

Official

The Scrum Guide (2020)

 Practice Exams

Mikhail Lapshin — PSM I Preparation Quiz

 Course

Scrum.org — Professional Scrum Master Course

Comparisons Featuring PSM I

PSM I vs PMI-ACP

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Frequently Asked Questions

PSM I vs CSM — which is better?
PSM I from Scrum.org is generally considered more rigorous than CSM from Scrum Alliance. PSM I requires passing an 80-question exam with an 85% passing score, while CSM requires attending a 2-day course with an easier assessment. PSM I costs $150 (exam only) vs $1,000+ for CSM (course + exam). PSM I does not expire, while CSM requires renewal every 2 years.
How hard is the PSM I exam?
PSM I is moderately challenging with a 73% pass rate. You have 60 minutes to answer 80 questions and need 85% correct. The questions test deep understanding of Scrum theory, not just memorization. Many candidates underestimate it. The free Scrum Open Assessment on Scrum.org is a good baseline — you should score 100% on it consistently before attempting PSM I.
Does PSM I expire?
No. PSM I is a lifetime certification with no renewal requirements, no PDUs, and no recurring fees. Once you pass, the credential is yours permanently. This is a key differentiator from CSM and other Scrum certifications that require biennial renewal.

Data Sources

  • Salary data — Aggregated from job postings and salary surveys (US median)
  • Job listings — Active postings across major job boards
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates (not official vendor data)
  • Exam details — Scrum.org official documentation