📊 Scrum.org vs PMI

PSPO I vs PMI-ACP®

Professional Scrum Product Owner 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.

Side-by-side comparison

The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.

  PSPO IProfessional Scrum Product Owner I PMI-ACP®PMI Agile Certified Practitioner
LevelFoundationProfessional
Exam length1h 0m3h 0m
Questions (real exam)~80~120
Pass mark85%70%
In a sentenceProduct ownership and value delivery, by the book.Agile across frameworks — Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP.
Free practice282 sample questions150 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.

Cost, study time and renewal

Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.

  PSPO 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 timecommonly reported 20–40 hours (more if you're new to product ownership)commonly reported 80–120 hours plus the mandatory 21 contact hours of training
RenewalNone — PSPO I is valid for life, with no renewal fees or continuing-education requirements30 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program
Entry requirementNo prerequisites — anyone can buy an attempt and take it online, anytime.Secondary diploma (or global equivalent) + 21 contact hours of agile training,
Body of knowledgethe Scrum Guide (2020)the official PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline
Full fact pages PSPO I cost · format · eligibility PMI-ACP® cost · format · eligibility

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PSPO I vs PMI-ACP® — questions, answered

What is the difference between PSPO I and PMI-ACP®?

PSPO I (Professional Scrum Product Owner 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.

Which is harder, PSPO I or PMI-ACP®?

The PSPO 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.

Can I practice both PSPO I and PMI-ACP® for free?

Yes. A free account gets 6 sample questions in study mode for each of PSPO I and PMI-ACP®, with an explanation for every option, plus a 10-question diagnostic for each. No credit card required.

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