Scrum Master certification guide: PSM I and CSM format, cost, and a free practice quiz aligned to the 2020 Scrum Guide — theory and values, the Scrum Team, events, and artifacts.
The Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) from Scrum.org and the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance are the two most popular Scrum Master certifications. Both validate a solid understanding of the Scrum framework and the Scrum Master accountability.
This guide and quiz are aligned to the 2020 Scrum Guide: Scrum theory and values, the Scrum Team and its accountabilities, the five events, and the three artifacts with their commitments.
▶ Start the free PSM I practice quiz| Certification | Professional Scrum Master (PSM I / CSM) |
|---|---|
| Exam code | PSM I |
| Level | Foundational |
| Format | Multiple choice, multiple answer, and true/false (PSM I) |
| Questions | 80 questions (PSM I) |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | 85% (PSM I); 74% for CSM |
| Cost (USD) | $200 (PSM I attempt); CSM requires an accredited course |
| Validity | Lifetime for PSM I (no renewal); CSM renews every 2 years |
| Prerequisites | None for PSM I; CSM requires completing a certified course |
Exam details change over time — always confirm the current specifics on the official exam page before you book.
The official exam is organized into these domains. Our practice bank mirrors them so you can drill each area:
| Domain | Exam weight | Practice questions |
|---|---|---|
| Scrum Theory & Values | Foundations | 4 |
| The Scrum Team | Accountabilities | 8 |
| Scrum Events | The Sprint | 11 |
| Scrum Artifacts & Commitments | Artifacts | 8 |
| Applying Scrum | Practice | 6 |
Know the 2020 Scrum Guide cold: empiricism (transparency, inspection, adaptation), lean thinking, and the five Scrum Values.
Understand the accountabilities (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), team size, and self-management; and the events with their timeboxes.
Master the artifacts and their commitments — Product Backlog → Product Goal, Sprint Backlog → Sprint Goal, Increment → Definition of Done. The free quiz below covers all of these.
Our free PSM I practice quiz has 37 scenario-based questions covering every exam domain. Each question includes the correct answer, a plain-English explanation of why it is right (and why the alternatives are wrong), and a reference to the relevant topic — so you learn as you go, not just test yourself.
▶ Practice PSM I now — 37 questions, freePSM I (Scrum.org) has no course requirement and a tougher 85% pass mark; CSM (Scrum Alliance) requires an accredited course and passes at 74%. Both are respected and based on the Scrum Guide.
No — PSM I is a lifetime certification with no renewal fees. CSM renews every two years with SEUs and a fee.
The 85% threshold in 60 minutes is demanding; deep familiarity with the Scrum Guide is essential.
No formal prerequisite for PSM I, but understanding real team dynamics helps with the applied questions.