Professional Scrum Master I (Scrum.org) and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI) cover different bodies of knowledge. Here's how they compare side by side — and how to pick the one that fits your role.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| PSM IProfessional Scrum Master I | PMI-ACP®PMI Agile Certified Practitioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundation | Professional |
| Exam length | 1h 0m | 3h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~80 | ~120 |
| Pass mark | 85% | 70% |
| In a sentence | Prove you truly understand the Scrum Guide. | Agile across frameworks — Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP. |
| Free practice | 298 sample questions | 150 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official Scrum.org and PMI site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with Scrum.org or PMI.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| PSM Ifacts as of August 2026 | PMI-ACP®facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam attempt: $200 (verify on scrum.org) Course requirement: None — self-study allowed Renewal: None — valid for life |
Exam fee — PMI member: ~$435 (verify on pmi.org) Exam fee — non-member: ~$495 (verify on pmi.org) Retake: ~$335 member / ~$395 non-member Required training: 21 contact hours (agile) Renewal (every 3 yrs): 30 PDUs under the CCR program |
| Study time | commonly reported 20–40 hours for practitioners (the 85% pass mark punishes casual prep) | commonly reported 80–120 hours plus the mandatory 21 contact hours of training |
| Renewal | None — PSM I is valid for life, with no renewal fees or continuing-education requirements | 30 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program |
| Entry requirement | No prerequisites — anyone can buy an attempt and take it online, anytime. | Secondary diploma (or global equivalent) + 21 contact hours of agile training, |
| Body of knowledge | the Scrum Guide (2020) | the official PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline |
| Full fact pages | PSM I cost · format · eligibility | PMI-ACP® cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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PSM I (Professional Scrum Master I) is a Scrum.org foundation credential, while PMI-ACP® (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner) comes from PMI (professional). They cover different bodies of knowledge, so the choice depends on the role you're aiming for rather than difficulty alone.
The PSM I exam runs about 1h 0m with ~80 questions; the PMI-ACP® exam runs about 3h 0m with ~120 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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