PSM I - Professional Scrum Master
The PSM I certifies a solid grasp of Scrum fundamentals and its practical use in teams.
- Exam fee
- $200
- Typical salary
- $90K–$120K
PSM I is worth it for anyone who wants a respected, entry‑level Scrum credential and plans to work in Agile teams. If you need a deeper, enterprise‑scale certification, consider a higher‑level Scrum.org or SAFe option.
What PSM I - Professional Scrum Master covers
Scrum.org's rigorous Scrum certification. PSM holders demonstrate deep understanding of Scrum framework and its application.
Key topics covered: Scrum framework, Empiricism in Scrum, Scrum Team dynamics, Product Backlog management, Done increment, Scaling Scrum.
Best suited for: Scrum practitioners, developers, and team leads wanting a rigorous, respected Scrum credential.
Common career paths: Scrum Master, Agile Lead, Product Owner, Agile Coach.
PSM I - Professional Scrum Master exam details
Exam domains
- Scrum framework
- Empiricism in Scrum
- Scrum Team dynamics
- Product Backlog management
- Done increment
- Scaling Scrum
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $200
How to prepare for PSM I - Professional Scrum Master
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the Scrum Basics Read the Scrum Guide and internalize the core roles, events, and artifacts. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Dive into Empiricism and Scrum Theory Study how transparency, inspection, and adaptation drive Scrum decisions. | Week 2 |
| 3 | Explore Team Dynamics and Backlog Management Learn how Scrum Teams collaborate and how the Product Backlog is refined and ordered. | Week 3 |
| 4 | Practice Increment and Definition of Done Apply the concept of a potentially shippable increment and the criteria for ‘Done’ in sample work. | Week 4 |
| 5 | Take Sample Exams and Review Gaps Do timed practice questions, then revisit any weak areas before the real test. | Week 5 |
Jobs and salary with PSM I - Professional Scrum Master
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $90K–$120K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
PSM I - Professional Scrum Master questions answered
What is the PSM I - Professional Scrum Master certification?
The PSM I certifies a solid grasp of Scrum fundamentals and its practical use in teams. It is issued by Scrum.org and sits in the Project Management field.
Is PSM I - Professional Scrum Master hard?
PSM I - Professional Scrum Master is rated Beginner. Most candidates can prepare without prior professional experience in the field.
How much does the PSM I - Professional Scrum Master exam cost?
The listed exam fee is $200. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with Scrum.org before you book.
What salary can I expect with PSM I - Professional Scrum Master?
Professionals with PSM I - Professional Scrum Master commonly report pay in the $90K–$120K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for PSM I - Professional Scrum Master?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to PSM I - Professional Scrum Master
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| PMP - Project Management Professional | PMI | Advanced |
| CAPM - Certified Associate in PM | PMI | Beginner |
| PMI-ACP - Agile Certified Practitioner | PMI | Intermediate |
| CSM - Certified ScrumMaster | Scrum Alliance | Beginner |
| CSPO - Certified Scrum Product Owner | Scrum Alliance | Beginner |