Ace the Professional Scrum Master I Certification with These Tips

16 min readAug 10, 2023

Scrum Masters play a crucial role in the successful implementation of Scrum in developing products. The PSM I assessment is a significant milestone for professionals seeking to prove their knowledge in Scrum. Here’s a comprehensive guide to prepare you for success.

Utilize Quality Study Materials

The first tip is to start by using high-quality study materials. Independent of your previous experience with Scrum, having good resources focused on the PSM I assessment will be vital to increase your chances of succeeding in your first attempt.

Scrum Guide: The primary reference.
Online Courses and Tutorials: For visual and interactive learning. In this case, I recommend taking this PSM prep course on Udemy.
Mock Exams: Before taking the real PSM assessment, it is important to get experience answering questions. In this case, you can check out this mock exam with 1,000 questions.

Take Some Scrum Open Assessments

Taking Scrum Open assessments is not just a good idea; it’s almost a necessity if you’re aiming for success in the PSM I assessment. Here’s why engaging with these assessments is so crucial and how to maximize their value:

Familiarize Yourself with the Platform: The Scrum Open assessments are hosted on the same platform that delivers the real PSM I assessment. By taking these practice exams, you’ll become comfortable with the navigation, layout, and functionality of the actual test environment. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and save valuable time during the actual assessment.
Experience Real Assessment Questions: The Scrum Open assessments often contain questions that are similar or even identical to those in the actual PSM I assessment. While the exact questions may vary, practicing with real, relevant examples helps you understand the type and complexity of questions you’ll face.
Benchmark Your Readiness: Aiming to get 100% on 10 Scrum Open assessments in a row, and finishing each one in under 10 minutes, is a strong indicator of readiness for the PSM I assessment. If you’re consistently meeting this benchmark, you’re in good shape.
Identify Knowledge Gaps: Use the Scrum Open assessments to identify areas where your understanding may be lacking. If you consistently miss questions on a particular topic, you know where to focus your study efforts. This targeted approach can be more efficient and effective.
Simulate Test Conditions: Try taking the Scrum Open assessments under the same conditions as the real test. Use the same computer, sit in the same location, and adhere to the same time limits. This realistic practice can make the actual test experience feel less intimidating.

Implement Scrum in Real Life

Understanding and practicing Scrum in a real-world context is invaluable for deepening your comprehension and appreciation of the framework. However, while real-world experiences can illuminate the principles and practices of Scrum, it is essential to recognize that your particular experiences must align with the Scrum Guide’s precepts during the assessment. Here’s how to balance these two aspects:

Learn from Real-World Application: By participating in or observing a real Scrum team, you can witness how Scrum’s principles are applied in practice. This firsthand experience can make the concepts more tangible and help you internalize the core ideas.
Be Mindful of Company-Specific Practices: Many organizations adapt Scrum to their unique needs and may introduce practices or terminology that deviate from the Scrum Guide. Examples of these deviations might include using a “Definition of Ready” or having “Hardening Sprints.” While these practices may be perceived by some as effective in a specific context, they are not aligned with the official Scrum framework, a.k.a the Scrum Guide.
Understand the Ideal World of the Scrum Guide: When preparing for the PSM I assessment, it’s essential to approach the questions from the perspective of an “ideal world” where the Scrum Guide’s principles are applied precisely. Your real-world experiences must be filtered through the lens of the Scrum Guide, and your answers should align with its explicit guidance.
Recognize Common Misconceptions: Familiarize yourself with practices that are often misconstrued as being part of official Scrum but are not. Being aware of these misconceptions can help you avoid mistakes on the assessment.
Reflect on Your Experiences: Consider how your real-world experiences with Scrum align with or differ from the Scrum Guide’s principles. Reflecting on these similarities and differences can deepen your understanding and help you navigate the assessment effectively.
Stay True to the Scrum Guide: Ultimately, while your real-world experiences can enrich your understanding of Scrum, your responses in the PSM I assessment must be guided solely by the Scrum Guide. Keep a clear distinction between what may work in practice and what the Scrum Guide prescribes.

In conclusion, while implementing Scrum in real life can be an excellent way to deepen your understanding, it’s vital to approach the PSM I assessment with strict adherence to the Scrum Guide. Recognize that the Scrum Guide represents the authoritative and definitive source for Scrum, and ensure that your answers reflect its principles, even if they may differ from your practical experience or your organization’s specific practices.

Space Your Study

When preparing for the PSM I assessment, there are two paths you can take: spacing out your study or cramming. The difference between these approaches is not just about how you study but also what you hope to achieve. Let’s explore both methods and understand why a well-spaced study approach, aligned with Scrum principles, is the preferred route to long-term success.

The Advantages of Spacing Your Study

Spacing out your study over a few weeks provides significant benefits over cramming, all backed by scientific research. This approach leads to the construction of long-term memory by strengthening the neural pathways in the brain, thereby enhancing recall in the future. Spacing takes advantage of the psychological principle of spaced repetition, which reinforces long-term retention.

Spacing your study allows for deeper understanding, time for reflection, critical thinking, and connecting various concepts. It also avoids cognitive overload, a common problem with cramming where the brain struggles to process a large amount of information in a short time.

Extended study time also allows for the application of Scrum principles in different contexts and integration with existing knowledge. It builds confidence, which is vital for your performance in the PSM I assessment, and aligns with Scrum’s iterative progress and continuous improvement philosophy.

The Limitations of Cramming

Cramming might help you pass the PSM I assessment in the short term, but it’s essential to recognize the limitations of this approach. Cramming often leads to forgetting the information shortly after the exam, turning the certificate into just a “piece of paper.”

The real value of the PSM I certification lies in your understanding of Scrum principles and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Cramming undermines this value and compromises your ability to perform as an effective Scrum Master.

The concepts covered in the PSM I assessment are foundational to a career in Scrum and Agile. Merely cramming fails to build a strong foundation or reflect professional integrity. It does not align with Scrum’s values such as commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect, nor does it provide a foundation for long-term career growth.

Focus: A Key to Success in the PSM I Assessment

Being focused is an essential factor in achieving success in the PSM I assessment. It’s not just about understanding the material; it’s also about maintaining concentration and clarity of thought during the exam. Here’s a deeper look at how focus can impact your results and some strategies to enhance focus:

1. Avoid Distractions:

Identify Potential Distractions: Be aware of what might distract you during the exam, whether it’s noise, digital devices, or even wandering thoughts.
Create a Distraction-Free Zone: Choose a quiet space for the exam where you can control the environment. Inform those around you of your exam time to minimize interruptions.
Prepare Everything in Advance: Have all your needed materials ready before the exam, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. This includes the Scrum Guide and notes.

2. Control Anxiety:

Understand the Source: Recognize what causes your anxiety, whether it’s fear of failure, time pressure, or something else.
Use Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, visualization, or other calming techniques before and during the exam.
Build Confidence Through Preparation: Knowing that you’ve prepared thoroughly can alleviate anxiety. Make sure to review, take practice exams, and understand the format of the test.
Have a Positive Mindset: Focus on what you know and your ability to succeed, rather than dwelling on doubts or negative thoughts. At the end of the day, taking the assessment is a chance to validate your knowledge. In case you don’t pass it, learn from the experience and try again later.

3. Maintain a Comfortable Environment:

Choose the Right Space: If possible, select a space that’s well-lit and has comfortable seating. Ergonomic considerations can impact your ability to focus over an extended period.
Control Temperature and Noise: If you have control over the thermostat, set it to a comfortable temperature. Consider noise-canceling headphones and if noise is an issue.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Have water and perhaps a light snack available. Hunger or thirst can be distracting.

Trust Your First Reasoning: Aligning with the Scrum Guide

As you approach the PSM I assessment or any decision-making scenario within the realm of Scrum, the ability to trust your initial reasoning is essential. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your thinking aligns with the Scrum Guide, recognizing that real-world experiences might differ. Here’s a deeper exploration of this concept:

1. Trust Your Instincts:

Value of Intuition: Your first reasoning or intuition is often based on a subconscious understanding of a situation, derived from your learning and experiences. Trusting this can often lead to correct and efficient decision-making.
Avoid Second-Guessing: Overthinking or second-guessing yourself can lead to confusion and mistakes. Trusting your initial judgment helps in maintaining focus and confidence.

2. But Don’t Overcomplicate Things:

Keep It Simple: The Scrum framework is rooted in simplicity and focus. Avoiding overcomplication in your reasoning aligns with these principles.
Avoid Analysis Paralysis: Delving too deep into a problem can lead to analysis paralysis, where decision-making becomes hampered by over-analysis. Trusting your first reasoning helps in preventing this.

3. Align with the Scrum Guide:

Standard of Excellence: The Scrum Guide is the definitive source for the rules and principles of Scrum. It provides the standards and guidelines that you should adhere to.
Differences from Real-World Experience: It’s essential to recognize that real-world practices might diverge from what’s outlined in the Scrum Guide. These variations can be influenced by organizational culture, specific project needs, or misunderstandings of Scrum principles.
Validation Against the Guide: While trusting your initial reasoning is valuable, it should be tempered with verification against the Scrum Guide. This alignment ensures that your decisions conform to the official principles and rules of Scrum, rather than personal or organizational variations.

Manage Your Time During the Exam

Time management is a crucial skill when taking the PSM I assessment, and it’s something you should be consciously practicing during your preparation phase. The ability to allocate your time wisely during the exam can significantly impact your performance and even your final score. Here’s why time management is so vital and some strategies to master it:

Identify Challenging Questions: Not all questions are created equal. Some may take a few seconds to answer, while others may need a few minutes of contemplation. As you navigate through the exam, mark the questions that seem more complex or that you are in doubt about. The PSM I assessment platform has a feature that allows you to flag questions for review. Use it for your benefit.
Answer Easier Questions First: Focus on answering the questions you’re confident about first. This ensures that you secure those points without wasting time.
Come Back to Flagged Questions: Once you’ve gone through all the questions, return to the ones you’ve marked for review. By this time, you’ll have a better idea of how much time you can allocate to each challenging question. Plus, sometimes, answering other questions in the exam can trigger insights or recall information that can help with the ones you’ve flagged.
Use Practice Tests for Time Management Training: Engaging in simulated exams not only helps you understand the content but also lets you practice managing your time. Try to recreate the exam conditions as closely as possible. Focus on completing the exam within the allocated time, marking questions for review, and returning to them, just like you would in the real assessment. Analyzing your performance in these practice tests can reveal where you need to speed up and where you can afford to spend a little more time.
Final Review: If time allows, do a quick final review of all your answers. Even a cursory glance can sometimes reveal a simple mistake or an oversight.
Stay Calm and Stay Focused: Remember, time management is not just about speed; it’s about control and efficiency. Stay calm and maintain focus, trusting in your preparation and your strategy.
Utilize Available Resources: The exam is open-book. Thus, leave the Scrum Guide open allowing you to quickly reference it. You can have a printed copy but I recommend opening it on your computer allowing you to make quick searches with CTRL + F. Further, the Udemy course I recommended previously makes available a cheat sheet that might be very helpful for quick checks.
Remember, It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: The PSM I assessment gives you 60 minutes to answer 80 questions. It may seem like a race against time, but pacing yourself, prioritizing questions, and methodically working through the flagged ones can lead you to success without feeling rushed.

Time management is as much a skill as knowing the content of the Scrum Guide. Practicing it during simulated exams helps you build the competence and confidence needed to perform optimally during the actual PSM I assessment. By mastering time management, you put yourself in a strong position to answer every question to the best of your ability, maximizing your chances of success.

Read Each Word Carefully

When taking the PSM I assessment, it is crucial to read each word of both the question and the choices very carefully. A single word can change the meaning, context, or emphasis of a question or choice, potentially leading you to an incorrect answer. Here’s why paying meticulous attention to every word is essential and how to do it effectively:

Identify Key Words: Look for words like should, could, must, not, attend, and participate, among others. These words can dramatically alter the meaning of a statement and are often used to make a statement true or false.
Read Every Choice: Don’t just read until you find what seems to be the correct answer. Sometimes, multiple choices may seem correct, but there will be one that is the most accurate or specific. Reading all the options ensures that you are selecting the best one.
Be Cautious with Negatives: Words like “not” can easily be overlooked but can completely change the meaning of a statement. Always double-check if a negative is present in the sentence.
Understand the Context: A question or answer choice might use terminology or phrases directly from the Scrum Guide. Ensuring that you understand the context within which these terms are used in the guide will help you interpret the question correctly.
Slow Down if Needed: While time management is essential, don’t rush through questions. If a question or choice seems confusing, take a moment to reread it. Sometimes, reading it slowly or even aloud in your head can help clarify the meaning.
Practice Reading Comprehension: During your preparation phase, practice reading comprehension by analyzing the language used in the Scrum Guide and in practice questions. Understanding the nuances of the language used in the assessment can give you an edge.
Be Aware of Tricky Phrasing: Sometimes, questions may be phrased in a way that tries to lead you towards a particular answer. By reading carefully, you can avoid falling into these traps.
Use Flagging Strategically: If you encounter a question where the wording is particularly challenging, and you’re unsure of the answer, consider flagging it for review. This allows you to come back to it later, possibly with fresh eyes and perspective.
Reflect on Your Understanding: After reading a question and the choices, take a brief moment to reflect on what is being asked and what each choice means. This reflective pause can sometimes bring clarity if the wording is complex.

The PSM I assessment requires not only knowledge of the Scrum framework but also the ability to interpret and analyze complex statements. By reading each word carefully and adopting the strategies outlined above, you enhance your ability to understand what is being asked and to select the most accurate answer. The precision required here mirrors the attention to detail that is often required in the real-world application of Scrum, making this not just a test-taking skill but a valuable professional competency.

Mind Your Well-being Before the Exam: Rest and Calmness as Key Factors

The period leading up to an assessment, particularly one as critical as the PSM I, can be fraught with anxiety and stress. However, taking care of your well-being before the exam is an essential aspect that can significantly influence your performance. Here’s a deeper look at why rest and calmness are vital, along with strategies to achieve them:

1. Rest Well:

Importance of Sleep: A well-rested mind is more alert, focused, and capable of critical thinking. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, reduced concentration, and hindered memory recall.
Quality Over Quantity: It’s not just about getting enough sleep; it’s about getting quality sleep. Ensure a comfortable sleeping environment, a consistent sleep schedule, and avoid caffeine or screen time before bed.
Breaks and Relaxation: Along with nightly rest, take breaks during study sessions and engage in activities that relax you, whether it’s reading, meditating, or taking a walk.

2. Stay Calm:

Manage Anxiety: Exam-related anxiety can be counterproductive. It’s normal to feel nervous, but excessive worry can interfere with your ability to perform well.
Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing can help manage stress. Even a few minutes of focused breathing can create a sense of calm.
Positive Reinforcement: Remind yourself of your preparation and capabilities. Confidence-building exercises can create a positive mental state leading up to the exam.
Organized Preparation: Having a well-structured study plan and knowing that you’ve covered all necessary material can contribute to a calm mind. This includes reviewing the Scrum Guide, practice exams, and understanding the assessment’s structure.

3. Day of the Exam:

Nutrition: Eat a nutritious meal that provides sustained energy without causing sluggishness. Consider including complex carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains or fruits), proteins (e.g., eggs or lean meats), healthy fats (e.g., avocado or nuts), and avoid excessive caffeine and greasy foods. Try to time your meal so that you’re neither hungry nor too full during the exam. A light, nutritious snack close to the exam time might be a good idea if your meal was several hours earlier.
Final Review and Mindset: A brief review of key concepts can boost confidence. Combine this with a focus on maintaining a positive and calm mindset.
Warm Up Your Brain: Just like an athlete warms up before a game, warming up your brain before the real assessment can be beneficial. Consider taking a few Scrum Open assessments or reviewing quick flashcards. This not only helps get your mind in the right mode but also allows you to identify last-minute areas where you might need a quick review. Be mindful not to overdo it, though; the goal is to energize and focus your thinking, not exhaust yourself before the actual exam.

Understanding the Core Aspects of Scrum

As you prepare for your Scrum journey, it’s essential to grasp the nuanced roles and principles that make up the framework. Here are three key areas to focus on:

The Scrum Master as a Facilitator, Coach, and Leader: The Scrum Master’s role is not to enforce rules or direct the team but to facilitate, coach, and lead. This means creating an environment where the team can thrive, providing guidance, and removing obstacles. It’s about empowering the team, not controlling it.
The Dynamics of a Self-Managing Team: Self-management is at the heart of Scrum. The team members are trusted to solve their problems, make decisions, and adapt to changes. This self-managing principle promotes innovation, responsiveness, and collaboration. The Scrum Master aids this process but doesn’t dictate it.
The Five Scrum Values: Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect are the underlying principles that guide all actions within Scrum. These values promote a positive team culture and align with the principles of the agile mindset.

Seek Feedback if You Don’t Pass

Failure is never the end; it’s a learning opportunity. If you don’t pass the assessment on your first attempt, it’s vital not to become disheartened. Instead, focus on understanding what went wrong and how you can improve. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move forward:

Analyze Your Performance: Review the areas where you struggled and identify the specific concepts or principles that were challenging. This self-analysis will guide your subsequent preparation and help you target your efforts effectively.
Seek Professional Feedback: If available, consult with a mentor or an experienced Scrum Master who can provide insights into your performance. Their perspective may uncover underlying misunderstandings or misconceptions that you may not have noticed on your own.
Create a Targeted Study Plan: Based on your analysis and feedback, create a new study plan focusing on the areas that need improvement. Break down complex topics into manageable parts and use a variety of learning resources such as books, course, or practice assessments.
Embrace the Scrum Values: Remember the Scrum values of Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect. Show commitment to your growth, have the courage to face your mistakes, focus on your goals, be open to feedback, and respect the learning process.
Join Study Groups or Communities: Connecting with others who are preparing for the same assessment can provide support, encouragement, and different perspectives. Collaborative learning can enrich your understanding and make the preparation process more engaging.
Reflect on Your Learning Journey: Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned, not only about Scrum but about yourself as a learner. Embrace the iterative process, continuously improve, and recognize that each step, even a setback, is part of your professional growth.
Stay Positive and Resilient: Maintaining a positive attitude and resilience is key. Acknowledge the effort you’ve put in, recognize your progress, and remind yourself that you’re on a path to mastery.

Translation: Using the Google Translate Plugin

The Google Translate Plugin offers a viable option for taking the Scrum test in your native language. While many have found it helpful, it’s essential to follow specific instructions for using the plugin and recognize that Scrum.org cannot guarantee absolute accuracy in translation.

Familiarizing yourself with the tool’s functionality and considering a test run with Scrum Open can boost your comfort and confidence on exam day. Utilize the translation tool responsibly, and consider your comfort level with the translated content to ensure an effective testing experience.

Are You Ready?

One way of knowing if you are ready to take the actual PSM I assessment is to score 100% on all the assessments and quizzes from this course and mock exams.

Further, you should also be able to have a perfect score on 10 Scrum Open assessments in a row, getting done with each one in under 10 minutes.

Are you satisfying both requirements? If so, you’re in good shape!

Instructions for Taking the Professional Scrum Master Level I (PSM I) Assessment

Price: $200
Time: 60 minutes
Number of questions: 80
Passing score: 85%
Open-book: Yes

Go to Scrum.org’s PSM page, follow the purchase process, and you’ll receive instructions via email.

Conclusion

Each person has their unique learning style, but with the right approach, commitment, and understanding of Scrum principles, you can confidently pass the PSM I assessment. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a Professional Scrum Master!

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