Blog Post 07.         November 28, 2023

Quick Tips on How to Pass the PSM1 with Scrum.org

Read through til the end because I'll be sharing a hot tip!

Scrum.org stands as the gold standard for Scrum- this is why I chose to certify with them. 

Professional Scrum Master 1 Certification 

You'll receive a password upon payment, allowing one attempt with no expiration. The passing score is 85%. Post-exam, review feedback, and if needed, be prepared to pay a fee for a reattempt.

The exam, a mix of multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and true/false questions, is straightforward but not a walk in the park. Watch out for trick questions, and with a one-hour timeframe for the 80-item test, manage your time wisely. Don't linger too long on one question; bookmark uncertainties and revisit them before submitting.

Transparency and respect are crucial so please don't post exam details online.

Preparation

Immerse yourself in the Scrum Guide 2020, living and breathing its principles. Applying Scrum in real-world situations is its beauty. Picture facing a complex life problem—Scrum lets you break it down, solving it incrementally. Challenges make you stronger, therefore reframing your mindset is pivotal.

Likewise, supplement your knowledge with readings on the Nexus framework and Evidence-Based Managament. Take open assessments until you hit 100% on Scrum.org—they're the closest simulation to the actual test.

The certification showcases foundational Scrum understanding. A one-time read won't cut it; experience certainly matters. 

My background

I'm a former Operations Manager for a local business here in my area. I've also just recently completed the Google Project Management program with Coursera. 

I have no prior experience as a Scrum Master, but as I've said, Scrum is applicable in real world settings, and its theory has really helped me overcome recent challenges . And I think that's as great an experience as any. Which is why I've chosen the Scrum & Agile way. So it's really a continuous learning journey for me from here on.

Aaand, here's the hot tip! If you've completed the Google Project Management program, you will receive 40% discount on the PSM1 exam! Check your inbox for the email from Coursera with subject line- Celebrate your Google Project Management: Professional Certificate achievement

End note

The exam is now priced at $200- effective November 01, 2023. If you're eligible for the discount, don't forget to apply it! I was able to take it just before the increase, with the discount (such great savings)!

Planning to take the exam? You've got this! Give yourself a week, trust in the Scrum Guide, and when ready, go for it. Your preparation is key— have no doubts, everything you need to pass is in the Scrum Guide!

Best of luck and scrum on!