acsm exercise guidelines Study Guide 2025: Updated Prep Materials
Get ready for the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification with our comprehensive 2025 study guide. Updated with the latest exam objectives, study strategies, and expert tips to help you pass on your first attempt.
Exam Quick Facts
Why This 2025 Guide?
Prepared with the latest exam objectives and proven study strategies
2025 Updated
Reflects the latest exam objectives and content updates for 2025
Exam Aligned
Covers all current exam domains with accurate weightings
Proven Strategies
Time-tested study techniques from successful candidates
Fast Track Path
Efficient study plan to pass on your first attempt
Complete Study Materials
Comprehensive 2025 study guide for Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Complete Study Guide for Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is an entry-level certification offered by Scrum Alliance that validates your understanding of Scrum framework, practices, and principles. This certification demonstrates your ability to facilitate Scrum teams and apply Scrum methodology in real-world projects. Unlike many certifications, CSM requires attendance at an official 2-day training course before taking the exam.
Who Should Take This Exam
- Project Managers transitioning to Agile methodologies
- Team leads and development managers
- Product owners and business analysts
- Software developers interested in Scrum
- Anyone seeking to facilitate Agile teams
- Professionals new to Scrum framework
Prerequisites
- No formal prerequisites required
- Attendance at a 2-day CSM training course (mandatory)
- Basic understanding of software development lifecycle
- Familiarity with team collaboration concepts
- English language proficiency for reading comprehension
Official Resources
Scrum Alliance CSM Certification Overview
Official certification page with requirements, process, and certification details
View ResourceThe Scrum Guide (Official)
The definitive guide to Scrum by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland - essential reading for the exam
View ResourceScrum Alliance Learning Resources
Official learning materials about Scrum framework, values, and practices
View ResourceScrum Alliance Resource Library
Articles, webinars, and community-contributed content on Scrum topics
View ResourceFind CSM Training Courses
Search and register for mandatory 2-day CSM training courses from certified trainers
View ResourceRecommended Courses
Recommended Books
Scrum: A Breathtakingly Brief and Agile Introduction
by Chris Sims and Hillary Louise Johnson
Concise introduction to Scrum framework, perfect for quick review and understanding core concepts before the CSM exam
View on AmazonThe Scrum Field Guide: Agile Advice for Your First Year and Beyond
by Mitch Lacey
Practical guidance on implementing Scrum with real-world scenarios that help prepare for scenario-based exam questions
View on AmazonScrum Mastery: From Good To Great Servant-Leadership
by Geoff Watts
Deep dive into the Scrum Master role and servant leadership philosophy, essential for understanding role-related questions
View on AmazonEssential Scrum: A Practical Guide to the Most Popular Agile Process
by Kenneth S. Rubin
Comprehensive guide covering all aspects of Scrum framework with detailed explanations of roles, events, and artifacts
View on AmazonAgile Estimating and Planning
by Mike Cohn
Excellent resource for understanding backlog management, estimation techniques, and sprint planning covered in the exam
View on AmazonThe Professional ScrumMaster's Handbook
by Stacia Viscosity Broderick
Practical handbook with tips and techniques for effective Scrum Master practices and exam preparation
View on AmazonPractice & Hands-On Resources
Mikhail Lapshin's Scrum Master Practice Test
Free, highly-regarded practice test with 85+ questions that closely simulate the actual CSM exam format and difficulty
View ResourceScrum Alliance Sample Test Questions
Official sample questions from Scrum Alliance to familiarize yourself with question format and style
View ResourceVolkerdon Free Scrum Master Test
Free 40-question practice test focusing on Scrum Guide content with detailed explanations
View ResourceManagement Plaza CSM Quiz
Multiple free quizzes covering different aspects of Scrum framework with instant feedback
View ResourceTrello Scrum Board Template
Free template to practice setting up and managing Scrum artifacts in a visual tool
View ResourceScrum Simulation Game (online)
Interactive scenarios to practice Scrum Master decision-making in various situations
View ResourceCommunity & Forums
r/scrum
Active Reddit community discussing Scrum practices, certification advice, and real-world challenges. Great for asking CSM exam questions
Join Communityr/agile
Broader Agile community with discussions on Scrum implementation and certification experiences
Join CommunityScrum Alliance Community
Official Scrum Alliance community with forums, local user groups, and networking opportunities
Join CommunityAgile Alliance Community
Broader Agile community with resources, discussions, and connections to Agile practitioners worldwide
Join CommunityScrum.org Forums
Active forums discussing Scrum framework, certification paths, and practical implementation challenges
Join CommunityMountain Goat Software Blog
Mike Cohn's blog with excellent articles on Scrum practices, estimation, and team dynamics
Join CommunityScrum.org Blog
Official blog with insights from Scrum experts, case studies, and deep dives into Scrum topics
Join CommunityLinkedIn Scrum Master Groups
Multiple professional groups for Scrum Masters to share experiences, study tips, and job opportunities
Join CommunityStudy Tips
Scrum Guide Mastery
- Read The Scrum Guide at least 3-5 times - it's only 19 pages and contains everything you need
- Print out The Scrum Guide and highlight key phrases about roles, events, and artifacts
- The exam questions often use exact wording from The Scrum Guide - memorize key phrases
- Pay attention to what is NOT in The Scrum Guide - Scrum is minimal and doesn't prescribe many practices
- Focus on the 2020 version of The Scrum Guide as it's the current official version
Memorization Priorities
- Memorize all timeboxes: Sprint (1-4 weeks), Sprint Planning (8h max), Daily Scrum (15 min), Sprint Review (4h max), Retrospective (3h max)
- Know the five Scrum values by heart: Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, Courage
- Memorize the three pillars of empiricism: Transparency, Inspection, Adaptation
- Remember team size: 3-9 Development Team members (not counting PO and SM)
- Know who owns what: Product Owner owns Product Backlog, Development Team owns Sprint Backlog, no one 'owns' the Increment
Understanding vs. Memorizing
- Understand WHY Scrum has these practices, not just WHAT they are - scenario questions test this
- Focus on the principles behind servant leadership and self-organization
- Study how Scrum Masters remove impediments vs. solving problems for the team
- Understand the difference between Daily Scrum (for Development Team) vs. Daily Standup (not a Scrum term)
- Know that Scrum Master does NOT assign tasks, make technical decisions, or manage the team
Practice Exam Strategy
- Take at least 3-5 full practice exams before the real test
- Time yourself strictly: 60 minutes for 50 questions
- Review ALL answers (correct and incorrect) to understand the reasoning
- Look for questions with 'except' or 'not' - these are commonly missed
- If unsure, eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- Your CSM trainer will provide you with a practice exam link after the course
Training Course Maximization
- Take detailed notes during your mandatory 2-day CSM training
- Ask your trainer about commonly missed exam questions
- Participate actively in exercises - they often mirror exam scenarios
- Exchange contact information with classmates for study group formation
- Review your trainer's materials immediately after class while fresh
- Most trainers provide exam tips and additional resources - use them all
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't confuse Scrum with generic Agile - the exam is specifically about Scrum framework
- Don't bring in practices from other frameworks (Kanban, SAFe) unless asked
- Avoid thinking of Scrum Master as a traditional project manager role
- Don't assume Scrum prescribes specific tools (Jira, burndown charts) - it doesn't
- Remember that 'best practice' varies, but Scrum framework rules are fixed
- Don't overthink questions - stick to what The Scrum Guide says
Exam Timing and Format
- The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes (online, open after training)
- You can take the exam from anywhere with stable internet connection
- You have 90 days after your training to take the exam (two attempts included)
- If you fail, you can retake once for free, then pay for additional attempts
- You need 37/50 correct answers (74%) to pass
- You receive results immediately upon completion
- The exam is open-book - you can reference The Scrum Guide during the test
Exam Day Tips
- 1Have The Scrum Guide open in a browser tab for quick reference during the exam
- 2Ensure stable internet connection and quiet environment before starting
- 3Read each question carefully - pay attention to 'except', 'not', and 'best' qualifiers
- 4Don't spend more than 1.5 minutes on any single question - mark and return if needed
- 5Trust your first instinct if you've studied thoroughly - overthinking leads to errors
- 6Take the exam within 2-3 weeks after your training when material is freshest
- 7Answer all questions even if unsure - there's no penalty for wrong answers
- 8Focus on what The Scrum Guide explicitly states, not what you think makes sense
- 9Remember that servant leadership, self-organization, and empiricism are core themes
- 10Stay calm - the exam is designed to be passable if you've attended training and studied
- 11Review flagged questions at the end if time permits before submitting
- 12The exam is immediately after training while certified, but most take it within 1-2 weeks for best results
Study guide generated on January 8, 2026
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) 2025 Study Guide FAQs
acsm exercise guidelines is a professional certification from Scrum Alliance that validates expertise in certified scrummaster (csm) technologies and concepts. The official exam code is CSM.
The acsm exercise guidelines Study Guide 2025 includes updated content reflecting the latest exam changes, new technologies, and best practices. It covers all current exam objectives and domains.
Yes, the 2025 acsm exercise guidelines study guide has been updated with new content, revised exam objectives, and the latest industry trends. It reflects all changes made to the CSM exam.
Start by reviewing the exam objectives in the 2025 guide, then work through each section systematically. Combine your study with practice exams to reinforce your learning.
More 2025 Resources
Complete your exam preparation with these resources