Brolly Academy | Scrum Master
PSM I Certification
Exam Pattern, Fee and Preparation Plan (2026)
Everything you need to know about the Professional Scrum Master I certification in 2026: what it is, the exam pattern, the fee in rupees, why no course is required, how to practise for free, a 3-week study plan and what comes after PSM I.
PSM 1 certification in 2026: 80 questions in 60 minutes, 85% pass mark, the fee in rupees, why no course is needed, and a practical plan to pass it fast.
By Brolly Academy Team · Brolly Academy · Updated 22 October 2026
Table of Contents
1. What is the PSM I certification?
2. PSM I exam pattern and key facts
3. Eligibility: who can take PSM I?
4. PSM I certification cost in India
6. Scrum.org Open Assessments: free practice tests
7. A 3-week PSM I preparation plan
8. Best study resources for PSM I
9. How to book and take the PSM I exam
10. Is PSM I hard, and is it worth it?
Quick answer
PSM I (Professional Scrum Master I) is Scrum.org's entry-level Scrum Master certification: an online test of 80 questions in 60 minutes with an 85% pass mark, costing $200 USD per attempt, with no course required and no renewal fee. You buy a password, take the test online whenever you are ready, and the certificate is valid for life. The test is based on the Scrum Guide, so the official guide is your main study material. Free practice tests on Scrum.org help you check your readiness before you pay.
- Body: Scrum.org, one of the two main Scrum certifying bodies
- Exam: 80 questions, 60 minutes, 85% to pass, multiple choice, multiple answer and true/false
- Fee: $200 USD per attempt, about ₹19,000 at the current rate
- Course: optional, not required
- Validity: lifetime, no annual renewal fee
Key takeaways
- PSM I tests your understanding of the Scrum Guide, not your memory of any training slides. Read the guide several times.
- You need 68 correct answers out of 80 to reach 85%. That leaves room for only 12 mistakes, so accuracy matters more than speed.
- Because no course is required, PSM I is often the cheapest recognised Scrum Master certification you can earn from India.
- The free Scrum Open practice test on Scrum.org is the best way to check if you are ready before spending $200.
- PSM I never expires, which is one of its main differences from the CSM, which renews every two years.
1. What is the PSM I certification?
Short answer: PSM I is the first of three Professional Scrum Master certifications from Scrum.org. It proves that you understand the Scrum framework as described in the Scrum Guide and can apply it as a Scrum Master.
Scrum.org is one of the two main bodies that certify Scrum Masters. The other is Scrum Alliance, which runs the CSM. Scrum.org runs a ladder of three Scrum Master levels:
PSM I is the entry point. You do not need any work experience or any earlier certificate to take it. It is popular in India because it is affordable, can be taken from home, and shows employers that you understand Scrum the way the official guide describes it.
The exam is built on the Scrum Guide, the free official definition of Scrum written by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland. The current version is the November 2020 edition (Scrum Guides, October 2026). If you are new to the role itself, start with our guide on what a Scrum Master is.
2. PSM I exam pattern and key facts
Short answer: The PSM I exam has 80 questions, a 60-minute time limit and an 85% pass mark. It costs $200 USD per attempt, is taken online, and gives you a lifetime certification with no renewal fee.
Here are the official facts from the Scrum.org PSM I page (Scrum.org, October 2026):
A few points in this table deserve a closer look.
85% means 68 out of 80
The pass mark is high. You need at least 68 correct answers. Many candidates who "know Scrum" from work still fail because their company's way of working differs from the Scrum Guide. The exam asks what the guide says, not what your team does.
60 minutes for 80 questions
That is 45 seconds per question. Most questions are short, so time is usually enough if you do not get stuck. Do not spend minutes on one hard question. Move on and return to it if time allows.
One password, one attempt
When you pay, you get a password. Scrum.org says the password has no expiry date, so you can buy it now and take the test later. But each password covers only one attempt. If you fail, you pay again for a new password.
Older prices you may see online
Some older blogs and forum posts quote $150 for PSM I. That figure is outdated. The current price on the official page is $200 USD per attempt (Scrum.org, October 2026). Always check the official page before you pay, because prices can change.
3. Eligibility: who can take PSM I?
Short answer: Anyone can take PSM I. There is no degree, experience or course requirement. You only need to buy a password from Scrum.org and take the test online.
This is a big advantage over the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). For the CSM, Scrum Alliance requires a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer before you can take the test (Scrum Alliance, October 2026). For PSM I, the course is optional.
PSM I suits:
- Students and freshers who want a recognised Scrum credential before their first job
- Developers and testers who already work in Scrum teams and want to move into the Scrum Master role
- Business analysts and project coordinators who want to show agile knowledge
- Non-IT career switchers, as long as they study the Scrum Guide carefully
- Working professionals who want a certificate without taking time off for a multi-day course
You can still take a Scrum.org course if you prefer guided learning. Scrum.org course pages say that a Professional Scrum Master class includes a free PSM I attempt. If a course participant takes the test within 14 days of getting the free password and scores below 85%, Scrum.org grants a second attempt at no extra cost (Scrum.org, October 2026). This second-attempt offer applies to course participants, not to people who buy the test alone.
4. PSM I certification cost in India
Short answer: The PSM I exam costs $200 USD per attempt, which is about ₹19,000 at the Wise mid-market rate of about ₹95 per dollar on 22 October 2026. The final amount on your card may be a little higher because of bank conversion fees.
Scrum.org prices the test in US dollars, so the rupee cost moves with the exchange rate. Using the Wise mid-market rate (about ₹95 per dollar, 22 October 2026), here is an approximate view:
These rupee figures are conversions, not official prices. Your bank may add a foreign transaction charge and GST on that charge, so check with your card provider.
Other costs to plan for:
- Training (optional): A course is not required. If you choose one, the fee depends on the provider.
- Study material: The Scrum Guide is free. Scrum.org's practice tests are free.
- Retakes: Each failed attempt means buying a new password, so good preparation saves money.
For a full comparison of costs across CSM, PSM, SAFe and others, see our guide to Scrum Master certification cost.
5. What the PSM I exam tests
Short answer: PSM I tests whether you understand Scrum theory, the three accountabilities, the five events, the three artifacts and their commitments, and the Scrum Master's role in serving the team, the Product Owner and the organisation, all as written in the Scrum Guide 2020.
The questions are not about tools such as Jira, and they are not about any company's process. They are about the framework. Expect questions on these areas from the Scrum Guide 2020 (Scrum Guides, October 2026):
Scrum theory and values
Scrum is built on empiricism and lean thinking. Its three pillars are transparency, inspection and adaptation. Its five values are commitment, focus, openness, respect and courage. Many questions test whether you can spot which pillar or value applies in a situation.
The Scrum Team
The guide defines three accountabilities: Developers, the Product Owner and the Scrum Master. The team is typically 10 or fewer people. The exam often asks who is accountable for what. For example, the Product Owner is accountable for the Product Backlog, and Developers own the Sprint Backlog.
The five events
The guide says these events are usually shorter for shorter Sprints. Learn who attends each event, what it produces and what happens when something goes wrong, such as a Sprint Goal becoming obsolete.
The three artifacts and commitments
The Scrum Master's services
The guide describes how the Scrum Master serves the Scrum Team, the Product Owner and the wider organisation. The guide calls Scrum Masters "true leaders who serve the Scrum Team and the larger organization". Expect scenario questions where you choose the most helpful action for a Scrum Master, usually the one that coaches the team to solve the problem itself rather than solving it for them.
For a detailed view of these duties, read our guide to Scrum Master roles and responsibilities.
6. Scrum.org Open Assessments: free practice tests
Short answer: Scrum.org offers free Open Assessments. The Scrum Open has 30 questions drawn at random from a larger pool. It gives no certificate, but it is the best free way to check if you are ready for PSM I.
The Scrum Open is free and needs no payment (Scrum.org, October 2026). Each attempt picks 30 questions at random from a bigger question bank, so you see different questions when you retake it. Scrum.org also offers other Open Assessments, such as the Scrum with Kanban Open and the Scrum Developer Open, which are useful for wider practice.
Scrum.org itself says the Open Assessments are study tools and are not as difficult as the professional-level tests. So treat a good Open score as a minimum, not a guarantee.
How to use the Scrum Open well:
- Take it once before you study. This shows your weak areas.
- Read the feedback after each attempt. Note every wrong answer and find the matching line in the Scrum Guide.
- Repeat it many times. A common target among candidates is to score 100% several times in a row before booking PSM I. This is a community habit, not an official rule.
- Time yourself. Practise answering quickly so the real 60-minute limit feels comfortable.
Avoid "dumps" or leaked question banks. They are often wrong, they break Scrum.org's terms, and they do not teach you the reasoning the scenario questions need.
7. A 3-week PSM I preparation plan
Short answer: In three weeks, you can read the Scrum Guide several times, learn the timeboxes and accountabilities, practise with the free Scrum Open until you score well consistently, and then take the real test.
This plan assumes about one to two hours of study a day. If you already work in a Scrum team, you can compress it to two weeks.
Day-before checklist
- Read the Scrum Guide one last time, slowly.
- Revise your list of common traps.
- Check your internet connection and laptop power.
- Plan a quiet 60-minute slot with no interruptions.
Common traps to revise
- The Scrum Master is not a project manager or team boss.
- The Daily Scrum is for the Developers. Others may attend only as the guide allows.
- Only the Product Owner can cancel a Sprint.
- The Product Owner is one person, not a committee.
- The Definition of Done applies to every Increment.
- Scrum does not prescribe story points, velocity or burndown charts. The guide does not mention them as required practices.
8. Best study resources for PSM I
Short answer: Your core resources are the Scrum Guide 2020 and Scrum.org's free Open Assessments. Add a structured course or a good book only if you want more explanation or practice.
Read the guide slowly and more than once. Each re-reading reveals details you missed, such as who is accountable for the Definition of Done or what happens when a Sprint Goal becomes obsolete.
9. How to book and take the PSM I exam
Short answer: Buy a PSM I password on Scrum.org, log in when you are ready, and take the timed online test. If you pass, add the certification to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
The process is simple:
- Create a free account on Scrum.org.
- Buy a PSM I password for $200 USD. The password does not expire, so you do not need to test the same day.
- Prepare your space. Find a quiet place and a stable internet connection. You need about an hour without interruptions.
- Start the test. The 60-minute timer starts as soon as you begin and cannot be paused.
- Answer and review. Watch the clock and leave a few minutes to review your answers before you submit.
If you pass, add the certificate to your resume and LinkedIn profile. See our Scrum Master resume guide for how to list it well.
10. Is PSM I hard, and is it worth it?
Short answer: PSM I is moderately hard because of its 85% pass mark and its focus on exact Scrum Guide meaning. It is worth it for most beginners in India because it is affordable, recognised and valid for life.
Why candidates fail
- They rely on their company's version of Scrum instead of the guide.
- They skip practice tests or study only from unofficial dumps.
- They rush and misread "NOT" or "BEST" in the question.
Why it is worth it
- Low cost per year of value. At $200 USD and no renewal fee, it is a one-time expense.
- Recognised globally. Scrum.org is one of the two main Scrum certifying bodies, alongside Scrum Alliance.
- No course needed. You can self-study at your own pace.
- A ladder to grow. PSM II and PSM III give you a clear next step.
A certification alone does not get you a Scrum Master job. Employers also look for real team experience, communication and facilitation skills. Use PSM I as one part of your plan, as we explain in our guide on Scrum Master certification.
11. After PSM I: the PSM II and PSM III path
Short answer: After PSM I, you can move to PSM II, which costs $250 USD and tests real-world application, and later PSM III, which costs $500 USD and tests expert-level knowledge through essay-style questions. Both are lifetime certifications.
These figures come from the PSM II and PSM III pages on Scrum.org (Scrum.org, October 2026). The PSM II page notes partial credit on some questions. Scrum.org pages describe PSM III with essay-style questions and a much longer time limit, but two Scrum.org pages give different details on its format, so check the current page before you plan for it.
When to move up:
- PSM II: after you have worked as a Scrum Master for a while and handled real problems such as conflicts, poor backlog quality or stakeholder pressure.
- PSM III: when you coach multiple teams or organisations and can explain Scrum deeply in writing.
12. PSM I vs CSM in short
Short answer: PSM I needs no course, costs $200 USD per attempt and never expires. CSM needs a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer, includes the test in the course fee and renews every two years for $100 plus 20 SEUs.
CSM facts come from the Scrum Alliance CSM page and its renewal page (Scrum Alliance, October 2026). For a full side-by-side comparison and a decision checklist, read our CSM vs PSM guide.
13. How Brolly Academy helps
Short answer: Brolly Academy's 1-week Scrum Master course in Hyderabad covers Scrum foundations, events, artifacts and Jira, and includes dedicated CSM and PSM exam preparation, role plays and mock interviews, in classroom or live online batches.
The Scrum Master training in Hyderabad prepares you for PSM I along with CSM and SAFe Scrum Master. According to the course page (October 2026), it includes:
- A 1-week plan: Agile and Scrum foundations and roles, Scrum events and backlog with a simple capstone project, Jira and team leadership, and two days of CSM and PSM exam preparation with role plays and mock interviews.
- An 11-module syllabus, from Scrum roles, ceremonies and artifacts to burndown and burnup charts, agile estimation and scaling Scrum.
- Tools: Jira, Confluence, Trello, Miro, Asana, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Kanban boards.
- Trainer: Mr. Raju, a Scrum Master and Agile Coach with 15+ years in Agile and Scrum project management.
- Fees: Video Recording ₹5,000, Online Course ₹10,500 and Classroom Training ₹15,000, with EMI available. The PSM, CSM and SAFe exam fees are paid separately to the certifying bodies.
- Career support: ATS-friendly resumes, interview question banks, mock interviews and interview scheduling.
You can attend a free demo class before you enrol.
Prepare for PSM I with a 1-week Scrum Master course
Learn the Scrum Guide inside out, practise exam-style questions, and get guided CSM and PSM exam preparation with role plays and mock interviews. Choose classroom training in Hyderabad or live online classes. Book your free demo class with Brolly Academy today.
Frequently asked questions
What is PSM I certification?
PSM I, or Professional Scrum Master I, is the entry-level Scrum Master certification from Scrum.org. It proves that you understand the Scrum framework as described in the Scrum Guide and can apply it in the Scrum Master role. You earn it by passing an online test of 80 questions in 60 minutes with a score of at least 85%.
What is the full form of PSM?
PSM stands for Professional Scrum Master. It is the Scrum Master certification track offered by Scrum.org, with three levels: PSM I, PSM II and PSM III. PSM I is the entry level and the most popular, while PSM II and PSM III test deeper practical and expert knowledge of Scrum.
How much does PSM I certification cost in India?
The PSM I exam costs $200 USD per attempt. At the Wise mid-market rate of about ₹95 per dollar on 22 October 2026, that is roughly ₹19,000. The actual amount on your card can be slightly higher because banks add foreign transaction charges. A course is optional, so you can avoid training fees completely if you self-study.
How many questions are in the PSM I exam?
The PSM I exam has 80 questions. They are multiple choice, multiple answer and true or false questions based on the Scrum Guide. You get 60 minutes to complete them, which works out to about 45 seconds per question, so steady pacing and careful reading are important.
What is the PSM I passing score?
The PSM I pass mark is 85%. Out of 80 questions, you need at least 68 correct answers to pass. This is a high bar, so you must understand the exact meaning of the Scrum Guide rather than relying on how Scrum is practised in your current company.
Does PSM I certification expire?
No, PSM I does not expire. Scrum.org describes it as a lifetime certification with no annual renewal fee. This is a key difference from the Certified ScrumMaster, which must be renewed every two years with 20 Scrum Education Units and a $100 fee paid to Scrum Alliance.
Is a course required for PSM I?
No, a course is not required for PSM I. Anyone can buy a password from Scrum.org and take the test online. A Scrum.org Professional Scrum Master class is optional. Such classes include a free PSM I attempt, and a second free attempt if you test within 14 days and score below 85%.
What is the eligibility for PSM I certification?
There is no formal eligibility requirement for PSM I. You do not need a degree, work experience or an earlier certificate. Students, freshers, developers, testers, business analysts and non-IT career switchers can all take it. You only need to buy a password and pass the online test.
How long is the PSM I exam?
The PSM I exam lasts 60 minutes. The timer starts when you begin and cannot be paused, so plan a quiet hour with a stable internet connection. With 80 questions, you have about 45 seconds for each one, so do not get stuck on any single difficult question.
What is the PSM I exam pattern?
The PSM I exam pattern is 80 questions in 60 minutes, with multiple choice, multiple answer and true or false formats. You need 85% to pass. The test is online and based on the Scrum Guide 2020, covering Scrum theory, values, accountabilities, events, artifacts and the Scrum Master's services.
What is the PSM I syllabus?
The PSM I syllabus is the Scrum Guide 2020. It covers empiricism and the three pillars, the five Scrum values, the three accountabilities, the five events with their timeboxes, the three artifacts and their commitments, and how the Scrum Master serves the team, the Product Owner and the organisation.
How do I prepare for PSM I certification?
Read the Scrum Guide several times, make notes on accountabilities, events, timeboxes and artifacts, and practise with the free Scrum Open on Scrum.org. Review every wrong answer against the guide. A three-week plan of one to two hours a day works well for most beginners, and less time is needed if you already work in Scrum.
What is the Scrum Open assessment?
The Scrum Open is a free practice test on Scrum.org. Each attempt has 30 questions picked at random from a larger pool, so you see different questions when you retake it. It gives no certificate, and Scrum.org says it is easier than the real test, but it is the best free way to check readiness.
Is PSM I hard to pass?
PSM I is moderately hard. The 85% pass mark leaves room for only 12 mistakes, and many questions test the exact wording and intent of the Scrum Guide. Candidates who rely on their company's way of working often struggle. With careful study of the guide and regular practice tests, most beginners can pass.
Can I take PSM I without experience?
Yes, you can take PSM I without any work experience. Scrum.org has no experience requirement for this level. Freshers and career switchers pass it regularly by studying the Scrum Guide well. Experience helps with scenario questions, but strong understanding of the guide matters more for PSM I.
What happens if I fail the PSM I exam?
If you fail, you need to buy a new password for another $200 USD attempt. Each password is valid for one attempt only. Course participants are an exception, because Scrum.org grants them a free second attempt if they test within 14 days of receiving their free password and score below 85%.
Does the PSM I password expire?
No, the PSM I password does not expire, according to Scrum.org. You can buy it now and take the test whenever you feel ready. However, each password is valid for one attempt only, so you should prepare well and use practice tests before starting the real exam.
Is PSM I better than CSM?
Neither is better for everyone. PSM I suits self-learners who want a lower cost and lifetime validity, because no course is required. CSM suits people who want a guided 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer, with the test included in the course fee. Both are widely recognised Scrum Master certifications.
What is the difference between PSM I and PSM II?
PSM I tests your knowledge of the Scrum Guide with 80 questions in 60 minutes. PSM II tests how you apply Scrum in real situations with 30 harder questions in 90 minutes, with partial credit on some. PSM II costs $250 USD per attempt. Both need 85% to pass and both are lifetime certifications.
What should I do after PSM I certification?
After PSM I, add it to your resume and LinkedIn profile, then focus on gaining real Scrum experience, for example by facilitating events in your current team. Once you have handled real Scrum Master challenges, consider PSM II. Later, experienced coaches can attempt PSM III, which uses essay-style questions.
Is PSM I certification worth it in India?
Yes, for most beginners it is worth it. It costs about ₹19,000 at the current exchange rate, needs no course, never expires and is recognised worldwide. It will not get you a job on its own, but together with practical skills and team experience it strengthens your profile for Scrum Master roles.
Can I take the PSM I exam from home?
Yes, the PSM I exam is taken online, so you can take it from home. You need a computer, a stable internet connection and about one hour without interruptions. The timer cannot be paused once you start, so close other apps and choose a quiet time of day.
Is PSM I from Scrum Alliance?
No, PSM I is from Scrum.org, not Scrum Alliance. Scrum Alliance offers the Certified ScrumMaster, or CSM. The two bodies are separate organisations with different certification rules. Scrum.org runs the Professional Scrum Master levels, while Scrum Alliance runs CSM, A-CSM and CSP-SM.
Does Brolly Academy prepare students for PSM I?
Yes. Brolly Academy's 1-week Scrum Master course in Hyderabad includes dedicated CSM and PSM exam preparation, along with Scrum foundations, events, artifacts, Jira, role plays and mock interviews. It is available in classroom and live online modes. The PSM exam fee is paid separately to Scrum.org.
What is the fee for Brolly Academy's Scrum Master course?
Brolly Academy lists three options on its course page: Video Recording at ₹5,000, Online Course at ₹10,500 and Classroom Training at ₹15,000, with EMI available. These fees cover the training only. The PSM I, CSM and SAFe exam fees are paid separately to the certifying bodies.
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