psm 1 Study Guide 2025: Updated Prep Materials
Get ready for the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) 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 Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
Complete Study Guide for Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is a globally recognized certification from Scrum.org that validates your understanding of Scrum framework, theory, and the Scrum Master role. This certification demonstrates fundamental knowledge of Scrum and the ability to apply it in real-world situations. With a challenging 85% passing score requirement, thorough preparation is essential.
Who Should Take This Exam
- Aspiring Scrum Masters looking to validate their knowledge
- Project managers transitioning to Agile methodologies
- Team members wanting to understand Scrum framework deeply
- Product Owners seeking better collaboration understanding
- Development team members moving into facilitation roles
- Agile coaches building foundational credentials
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of Agile principles
- Familiarity with software development or project management concepts
- Experience working in or observing teams (recommended but not required)
- Ability to read and understand the Scrum Guide thoroughly
- No mandatory training requirement before taking the exam
Official Resources
The Scrum Guide (Official)
The definitive guide to Scrum, written by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland. This is the primary source for the exam and must be memorized thoroughly.
View ResourceScrum.org Professional Scrum Certifications Overview
Official page detailing all Scrum.org certifications including PSM I requirements and exam format
View ResourcePSM I Certification Page
Official PSM I certification details, exam structure, and registration information
View ResourceScrum Glossary
Official definitions of Scrum terminology that may appear on the exam
View ResourceUnderstanding and Applying Scrum
Learning path specifically designed for the PSM I certification covering all essential topics
View ResourceScrum Master Learning Path
Comprehensive learning path with articles, videos, and resources for Scrum Masters
View ResourceScrum.org Blog
Official blog with articles on Scrum practices, case studies, and deeper insights into framework application
View ResourceScrum Open Assessment (Free Practice)
Free practice exam with 30 questions to test your Scrum knowledge. Can be taken unlimited times.
View ResourceProfessional Scrum Master Subject Areas
Details the focus areas and subject distribution for the PSM I exam
View ResourceRecommended Courses
Recommended Books
Scrum: A Pocket Guide - 3rd Edition
by Gunther Verheyen
Concise companion to the Scrum Guide, written by a Scrum.org expert. Excellent for deepening understanding of Scrum concepts and ideal for PSM I preparation.
View on AmazonThe Professional ScrumMaster's Handbook
by Stacia Viscardi
Comprehensive guide covering all aspects of the Scrum Master role with practical examples and insights aligned with Scrum.org standards.
View on AmazonScrum Mastery: From Good To Great Servant-Leadership
by Geoff Watts
Focuses on the servant-leadership aspects of the Scrum Master role, essential for understanding the philosophy behind the accountability.
View on AmazonThe Scrum Field Guide: Agile Advice for Your First Year and Beyond
by Mitch Lacey
Practical scenarios and advice for implementing Scrum, helpful for understanding application of Scrum theory in real situations.
View on AmazonMastering Professional Scrum: A Practitioners Guide
by Stephanie Ockerman and Simon Reindl
Written by Scrum.org trainers, this book aligns perfectly with PSM I exam content and Professional Scrum standards.
View on AmazonPractice & Hands-On Resources
Scrum Open Assessment (Official)
Free 30-question practice exam from Scrum.org. Unlimited attempts. Aim for consistent 100% scores before taking PSM I.
View ResourceProduct Owner Open Assessment
Free practice focusing on Product Owner role. Helpful for understanding PO interactions with Scrum Master.
View ResourceDeveloper Open Assessment
Free practice for understanding Developer accountabilities and technical aspects of Scrum.
View ResourceMikhail Lapshin's PSM I Quiz
Popular free practice exam with 140+ questions in real exam format. Highly recommended by PSM I candidates.
View ResourceScrum Master Test Prep Questions
Free practice questions covering all PSM I topics with explanations.
View ResourcePSM I Practice Assessment by Volkerdon
Community-created practice exam with scenario-based questions similar to actual PSM I exam difficulty.
View ResourceCommunity & Forums
Scrum.org Community
Official Scrum.org forums where you can ask questions to Professional Scrum Trainers and experienced practitioners. Excellent for clarifying difficult concepts.
Join Communityr/scrum
Active Reddit community discussing Scrum practices, certification advice, and real-world implementation challenges. Search for PSM I preparation threads.
Join Communityr/agile
Broader Agile community discussing various frameworks including Scrum. Good for understanding Agile context.
Join CommunityScrum Alliance Community
While focused on CSM, contains valuable Scrum discussions and articles applicable to PSM I preparation.
Join CommunityThe Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast
Daily podcast featuring real Scrum Masters discussing challenges and solutions. Excellent for understanding practical application.
Join CommunityAge of Product Blog
Stefan Wolpers' blog with detailed articles on Scrum practices, anti-patterns, and PSM preparation resources.
Join CommunityScrum.org LinkedIn Page
Follow for updates on Scrum practices, new resources, and community discussions.
Join CommunityStudy Tips
Scrum Guide Mastery
- Read the Scrum Guide at least 5 times before the exam - it's only 13 pages but densely packed
- Print the Scrum Guide and highlight/annotate it. Create margin notes with mnemonics
- Memorize exact wordings, especially for accountabilities, events, and artifacts
- The exam often uses Scrum Guide language verbatim - if an answer doesn't sound like the Guide, it's likely wrong
- Create a one-page visual diagram showing how all Scrum components relate
Time-Box Memorization
- Create flashcards for EVERY time-box mentioned in the Scrum Guide
- Remember: Sprint (1 month or less), Sprint Planning (8 hours max for 1 month), Daily Scrum (15 minutes), Sprint Review (4 hours max for 1 month), Sprint Retrospective (3 hours max for 1 month)
- Note that shorter Sprints have proportionally shorter events
- Understand that these are MAXIMUMS, not requirements
Practice Exam Strategy
- Don't take the real exam until you're scoring 95%+ consistently on Scrum Open
- Take practice exams under actual conditions: 60 minutes, no breaks, no resources
- The real exam is harder than Scrum Open - use Mikhail Lapshin's quiz for realistic difficulty
- Review EVERY wrong answer and find the exact section in the Scrum Guide that addresses it
- Create a wrong answer journal to track your weak areas
Scenario-Based Questions
- About 30-40% of questions will be scenario-based asking 'What should the Scrum Master do?'
- Remember: Scrum Master facilitates and coaches, doesn't direct or solve problems FOR the team
- Look for answers that empower self-organization rather than providing direct solutions
- When stuck between two answers, choose the one that promotes transparency, inspection, and adaptation
- Eliminate answers that suggest the Scrum Master takes on traditional project manager tasks
Common Traps to Avoid
- Don't bring in knowledge from other frameworks (SAFe, LeSS, etc.) - stick to pure Scrum
- Scrum has no sub-teams, no hierarchies, no 'senior' developers - teams are equals
- The Product Owner cannot be a committee - it's always one person (though they may delegate work)
- Sprints cannot be extended or shortened mid-Sprint, only cancelled by Product Owner
- There are NO optional Scrum events - all are mandatory
- Definition of Done is NOT negotiable per Sprint - it must be consistently applied
Exam Mechanics
- You need 68 out of 80 questions correct (85%) to pass
- Questions are not equally weighted - some are worth more points
- You can mark questions for review and return to them
- Average about 45 seconds per question to leave time for review
- The exam system logs you out automatically after 60 minutes
- Take the exam when you're fresh and alert - you can pause briefly but timer keeps running
Last Week Preparation
- Three days before exam: take one final practice exam, review weak areas
- Two days before exam: re-read Scrum Guide one last time, review flashcards
- One day before exam: light review only, get good sleep, avoid cramming
- Exam day: eat well, have water available, find quiet space with good internet
- Test your computer and browser compatibility on Scrum.org before exam day
Exam Day Tips
- 1Ensure stable internet connection and quiet environment 30 minutes before exam start
- 2Close all other browser tabs and applications to prevent technical issues
- 3Have water and snacks nearby (you can't pause effectively, but quick sips are possible)
- 4Read each question twice before selecting an answer - wording is very precise
- 5When uncertain between two answers, choose the one closest to exact Scrum Guide language
- 6Mark difficult questions for review and move on - don't get stuck on any single question
- 7Manage your time: aim to finish first pass through all questions with 15-20 minutes remaining
- 8Use review time to reconsider marked questions with fresh perspective
- 9Trust your preparation - your first instinct is usually correct if you've studied well
- 10If you see unfamiliar terminology or scenarios, default to core Scrum principles: empiricism and self-organization
- 11Remember that Scrum Master serves, facilitates, and coaches - doesn't command or control
- 12Stay calm if you encounter difficult questions - the exam is designed to be challenging
- 13Don't overthink scenario questions - the answer promoting team self-organization is usually correct
- 14Submit the exam when confident - you cannot return after submission
- 15If you pass: celebrate! If not: you can retake after 14 days, and you'll receive feedback on weak areas
Study guide generated on January 8, 2026
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) 2025 Study Guide FAQs
psm 1 is a professional certification from Scrum.org that validates expertise in professional scrum master i (psm i) technologies and concepts. The official exam code is PSM I.
The psm 1 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 psm 1 study guide has been updated with new content, revised exam objectives, and the latest industry trends. It reflects all changes made to the PSM I 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