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PSM I · Scrum.org · Updated August 2026

PSM I exam format

~4 min read · facts checked against the Scrum.org PSM I assessment details

Everything you need to know about how the PSM I exam is structured — questions, time, scoring, and exactly how the marks are distributed.

80
Questions
60 min
1h
85%
Pass mark
—
focus areas

How the PSM I exam works

80 questions — multiple choice, multiple answer and true/false — in 60 minutes, taken online directly through Scrum.org (no test centre required, English). The passing score is 85%. Everything is grounded in the Scrum Guide (2020).

Passing score: 85%. A reliable target is a consistent 80–85% on realistic practice exams before you book.

Practise PSM I the right way

6 free questions · explanation for every option · per-area readiness · no dumps.

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SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) vs PSM I: Which Scrum Master Certification for Which Organisation PSM I costs $200 once and never expires. SSM now has a $495 exam-only route and renews at $195 a year. Fees and formats verified at source, 24 Sep 2026. PSM I vs CSM in 2026: Price, Difficulty, and Which One Employers Actually Ask For PSM I vs CSM: a $200 self-study exam vs a mandatory course, 85% pass mark vs open-book 74%, lifetime validity vs renewal every two years. Verified August 2026.

PSM I format — FAQ

Why do people fail PSM I despite knowing Scrum?

Because the exam tests the exact 2020 Scrum Guide, not how Scrum is practised at work. Common workplace habits — velocity, story points, mandatory Daily Scrum questions — aren't in the Guide, and the 85% pass mark leaves little room for folklore.

PSM I vs CSM — which is better?

PSM I (Scrum.org) requires no course, costs $200, is passable by self-study and never expires. CSM (Scrum Alliance) requires a paid course and biennial renewal. For self-driven learners PSM I is usually the better value.

How many questions is the PSM I exam and how long is it?

80 questions — multiple choice, multiple answer and true/false — in 60 minutes, taken online directly through Scrum.org (no test centre required, English).

What is the passing score for PSM I?

The passing score is 85%. Aim for a consistent 80–85% on realistic practice exams before booking.

What is the PSM I pass rate?

Scrum.org does not publish official pass rates, so any exact percentage quoted online is unverified. The readiness signal that actually predicts passing: consistently holding 80–85% on realistic, full-length practice exams before you book.

What are the PSM I eligibility requirements?

No prerequisites — anyone can buy an attempt and take it online, anytime. No mandatory course (unlike CSM): self-study of the Scrum Guide plus serious practice is a normal path.

How much does PSM I cost?

$200 USD per attempt, purchased directly from Scrum.org (verify current pricing on scrum.org). No membership needed; a failed attempt means buying another.

How long should I study for PSM I?

For most candidates, commonly reported 20–40 hours for practitioners (the 85% pass mark punishes casual prep). What matters most is practising questions and analysing why each option is right or wrong — not just reading.

Does the PSM I certification need recertification?

None — PSM I is valid for life, with no renewal fees or continuing-education requirements.

Are ExamDeck's PSM I questions exam dumps?

No — every question is original, written to test the concepts and reviewed before it ships, with an explanation linked to the source for every option. Dumps are stale, often wrong, and against Scrum.org's policies.

ExamDeck is an independent study tool, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Scrum.org. PSM I and related marks are trademarks of their respective owners, used for identification only. Exam facts checked against official Scrum.org materials (as of August 2026); always confirm current details with the vendor before booking.