CSM: Certified ScrumMaster Examination Practice Test

The primary prerequisite is attending a two-day (16-hour) CSM course led by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) approved by the Scrum Alliance. Upon completion of the course, the trainer provides a link to access the online exam. There are no formal educational or work experience prerequisites mandated by Scrum Alliance to sit for the exam, making it accessible to individuals new to the role.

The CSM certification is valid for two years from the date you pass the exam. To renew, you must earn 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and pay a renewal fee to the Scrum Alliance every two years. SEUs can be earned through various professional development activities related to Agile and Scrum, such as attending workshops, webinars, conferences, or participating in community events.

The key difference lies in the governing body and approach. The CSM, from Scrum Alliance, requires mandatory live training from a CST. The PSM I from Scrum.org does not require a course, allowing for self-study before the exam. Both are highly respected, but their emphasis may differ slightly; the CSM often emphasizes the human-side and facilitation aspects of the role, while the PSM is known for its rigorous, knowledge-based assessment. The choice often depends on individual learning preferences and organizational recognition.

The exam is an online, proctored assessment comprising 50 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Questions are multiple-choice and true/false, derived directly from the Scrum Guide and course materials. Content rigorously tests knowledge across all key areas: Scrum Theory & Values, Scrum Roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner, Developers), Events (Sprint, Planning, Daily Scrum, Review, Retrospective), Artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment), and the Definition of Done.

The CSM is directly targeted at the Scrum Master role but is also highly valuable for Project Managers, Team Leads, Agile Coaches, Product Owners, Business Analysts, and developers transitioning into leadership. It is a foundational credential for anyone involved in Agile product development, IT, software engineering, or any industry undergoing digital transformation, serving as a common language and proof of competency in Agile practices.