How hard is the Scrum exam? The Scrum exam is achievable for most candidates, but requires serious preparation. Pass rates range between 70% and 85%, depending on the certification body. With proper preparation (15-25 hours of study) the vast majority pass on their first attempt.
In this article, I compare the three major Scrum Master certifications (PSM, SMC and CSM), explain why people fail, and provide concrete tips to significantly increase your chances of passing.
Which Scrum exam is the hardest?
The three major Scrum certification bodies use different exam formats. Here's what you can expect:
| Aspect | PSM I (Scrum.org) | SMC (ScrumStudy) | CSM (Scrum Alliance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 80 | 100 | 50 |
| Time | 60 min | 120 min | 60 min |
| Pass mark | 85% | 80% | 74% |
| Time per question | 45 sec | 72 sec | 72 sec |
| Difficulty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Training required | No* | No* | Yes |
*At iPeople, PSM I or SMC certification is included with the training.
Conclusion: The PSM I exam from Scrum.org is generally considered the most difficult due to the high pass mark (85%) and tight time constraints (45 seconds per question). The CSM exam is most accessible, but requires mandatory training.
Pass rates: the reality
How often do people pass the Scrum exam?
- PSM I (Scrum.org): Approximately 70-75% pass on first attempt
- SMC (ScrumStudy): Approximately 80-85% pass on first attempt
- CSM (Scrum Alliance): Approximately 95% pass (training is mandatory)
These percentages are estimates based on available data and trainer experiences. Exact figures are not officially published.
Why people fail the Scrum exam
After guiding many hundreds of candidates, I know exactly which mistakes you should avoid:
1. Learning only theory, not application
The exam contains both theoretical questions and situational questions: "The following situation occurs....., how do you react/act as a Scrum Master?" Pure theoretical knowledge isn't enough. Tip: Discuss scenarios with colleagues or in a training.
2. Thinking from traditional project management
Many questions present scenarios where the "logical" answer from waterfall/traditional thinking is wrong in Scrum. Example: When there's a problem, the Scrum answer is often "the team solves it themselves" rather than "the manager escalates".
3. Underestimating the (time) pressure
With 45 seconds per question on PSM I and 100 questions on SMC, there's little time for lengthy deliberation. Candidates who underestimate this run out of time. Tip: Practice with a timer and skip uncertain questions to return to later.
4. Not reading the Scrum Guide and/or Scrum Body of Knowledge sufficiently
The Scrum exam tests not just understanding, but also wording. If the Scrum Guide refers to "Developers" and you choose an answer with "Development Team", that's wrong. Tip: Read the Scrum Guide at least 2 times and pay attention to exact phrasing. In addition to the summary we create during training, read the SBOK (Scrum Body of Knowledge) chapters 3 through 7 and pay extra attention to the paragraphs listed in the Roles Guide for each chapter.
5. Not doing practice questions
Many candidates learn the material but don't do practice exams. They're then surprised by the question format. Tip: Do practice questions and practice exams before taking the exam. In the online learning environment you receive after the training, you'll find practice questions and also an initial practice exam.
Realistic preparation: how much time do you need?
Required preparation time depends on your starting position and exam type:
| Starting position | PSM I | SMC | CSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Scrum experience | 25-40 hours | 20-30 hours | 16 hours training |
| Work experience with Scrum | 15-25 hours | 10-20 hours | 16 hours training |
| After 2-day training | 5-10 hours | 5-10 hours | 0-2 hours |
Recommended study materials
- The Scrum Guide 2020 - The official Scrum Guide from scrum.org
- The Scrum Body of Knowledge (SBOK) - The official study material from ScrumStudy
- Practice exams - Scrum.org offers free Open Assessments
- Training - Provides context and depth that self-study doesn't offer
Practice questions: what works and what doesn't
What works
- Scrum.org Open Assessments: Free and representative of the actual exam
- Mikhail Lapshin's PSM I quiz: Popular free resource with quality questions
- Mlapshin.com: Extensive question bank for PSM
- ScrumStudy sample exams: Good for SMC preparation
What doesn't work
- Outdated practice questions: Questions based on the 2017 Scrum Guide are no longer relevant
- "Brain dumps": Leaked exam questions are unreliable and unethical
- Too easy quizzes: If you consistently score 100%, the questions are too simple
Rule of thumb: If you consistently score 90%+ on Scrum.org Open Assessments, you're ready for the real exam.
Exam day tips
Preparation
- Find a quiet place without distractions
- Test your internet connection beforehand
- Don't have the Scrum Guide open during the exam (even if allowed for some exams)
- Get enough rest before the exam
During the exam
- Read each question twice - Many mistakes come from hasty reading
- Eliminate clearly wrong answers - Often 2 of 4 options are obviously incorrect
- Choose the "most Scrum" answer - When in doubt, choose the answer closest to the Scrum Guide
- Mark uncertain questions - Return to them later if you have time
- Watch your time - Especially for PSM I, time management is crucial
Common exam pitfalls
- "The Scrum Master decides..." - Almost always wrong, the team decides itself
- "Management determines..." - In Scrum, the team has autonomy
- Answers with "always" or "never" - Scrum is context-dependent
What if you fail?
Didn't pass? Don't panic. Here's what you can do:
- PSM I: You can retake immediately (€150 per attempt)
- SMC: Wait at least 24 hours, analyze your results, retake possible
- CSM: You have 2 free retakes after your training
Analyze your results: See which categories you scored lowest and focus your restudy there.
Conclusion: is the Scrum exam hard?
The Scrum exam is achievable but not easy. With proper preparation (15-25 hours of study, practice questions, possibly a training course) the vast majority of candidates pass on their first attempt.
Difficulty varies by certification:
- PSM I: Most challenging due to high pass mark and time pressure
- SMC: Manageable with thorough preparation
- CSM: Most accessible, training prepares you well
Want to enter the exam optimally prepared? Our Scrum Master Training prepares you in 2 days for both SMC and PSM I certification, including exam. You'll learn not just the theory, but also practice with real-world scenarios and actual exam questions.
Interested in Product Owner certification? Check out our Product Owner Training.
Written by
Merijn Visman
Certified Scrum Trainer
For over 15 years, I have been helping professionals and organizations work more effectively with Agile and Scrum. My trainings are practical, interactive, and immediately applicable in your daily work.
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