Free PSM I Practice Test 2026 — 12 Questions That Separate Memorizers from Real Scrum Masters
Most PSM I prep focuses on memorizing the Scrum Guide. The exam tests whether you actually understand it.
Forget what you think you know about Scrum.
Seriously. Most people walk into the PSM I exam thinking it's easy because Scrum is "simple." Three roles, five events, three artifacts — how hard can it be?
Then they hit question 4 and realize the exam doesn't test whether you can recite the Scrum Guide. It tests whether you understand why Scrum works the way it does. And that's where memorizers fail.
Here are 12 questions that test real understanding. If you get less than 10 right, you need more study time.
PSM I Exam at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Provider | Scrum.org |
| Questions | 80 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Passing Score | 85% |
| Cost | $150 USD (one attempt) |
| Format | Multiple choice, multi-select, true/false |
| Expiration | Never (lifetime certification) |
| Training Required | None (self-study allowed) |
Two things make PSM I uniquely challenging: the 85% pass mark (higher than most IT certs) and the 45-second average per question. You can't deliberate. You either know it or you don't.
Key difference from CSM: PSM I (Scrum.org) doesn't require a paid course. You can self-study and take the exam for $150. CSM (Scrum Alliance) requires a 2-day course costing $500-1500. PSM I is harder but cheaper.
Practice Questions: Scrum Framework Fundamentals
Question 1
Who is responsible for managing the Product Backlog?
The Product Owner is accountable for the Product Backlog. They're the single person responsible for ordering items, ensuring clarity, and maximizing the value of the product. The PO may delegate work on the backlog to Developers, but accountability stays with the Product Owner.
Question 2
True or False: The Scrum Master is the manager of the Scrum Team.
False. The Scrum Master is a servant-leader and coach, NOT a manager. Scrum Teams are self-managing. The Scrum Master helps the team understand Scrum, removes impediments, and ensures Scrum is practiced correctly — but does not manage the team or make decisions for them.
Question 3
What is the maximum length of a Sprint in Scrum?
The Scrum Guide states Sprints are "one month or less." While most teams use 2-week Sprints, the maximum allowed is one calendar month. Shorter Sprints mean faster feedback loops and less risk. If someone says their Sprint is 6 weeks — that's not Scrum.
Practice Questions: Events & Artifacts
Question 4
During Sprint Planning, who decides HOW the work will be done?
The Product Owner decides WHAT (which backlog items to work on). The Developers decide HOW (the technical approach and plan). This separation is fundamental to Scrum's self-management principle. The Scrum Master facilitates but doesn't dictate the "how."
Question 5
What happens if the Developers realize mid-Sprint that they cannot complete all the Sprint Backlog items?
The Sprint timebox is fixed — it never extends. When the scope becomes too large, Developers negotiate with the Product Owner about which items to remove or defer. The Sprint Goal shouldn't change, but the scope of work can be refined. Adding people mid-Sprint violates team stability principles.
Question 6
Which Scrum event is specifically designed to inspect the Increment and adapt the Product Backlog?
Sprint Review inspects the Increment (what was built) and adapts the Product Backlog based on feedback. It's NOT a demo session — it's a working session where the Scrum Team and stakeholders collaborate. The Retrospective inspects the process, not the product. Daily Scrum inspects Sprint progress.
Practice Questions: Tricky Scenarios
These are the questions that separate people who memorized the Scrum Guide from people who understand it. Think carefully.
Question 7
A manager asks the Scrum Master to have the team work overtime to meet a deadline. What should the Scrum Master do?
The Scrum Master coaches the organization on Scrum practices. Sustainable pace is a key Agile principle. Rather than commanding or ignoring, the SM should educate the manager about why sustainable development matters and how Scrum handles scope vs. timeline. The team is self-managing — no one tells them to work overtime.
Question 8
Who can cancel a Sprint?
Only the Product Owner has the authority to cancel a Sprint, and only when the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete. This rarely happens in practice. Sprint cancellations are disruptive and should be avoided. The PO might get influenced by stakeholders or the SM, but the decision is theirs alone.
Question 9
The Daily Scrum is taking 30 minutes because developers are giving detailed status updates. What should the Scrum Master do?
The Scrum Master's approach is coaching, not commanding. The Daily Scrum is for Developers to plan the next 24 hours, NOT give status reports. The SM should help Developers understand its purpose: inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and create a plan for the day. Detailed discussions should happen after the Daily Scrum.
Practice Questions: Values & Principles
Question 10
Which of the following is NOT one of the five Scrum values?
The five Scrum values are: Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect (remember: CCFOR). Collaboration is important in Agile generally but isn't a specific Scrum value. Expect 2-3 questions testing these values on the actual exam.
Question 11
What is the Definition of Done?
The Definition of Done is a commitment for the Increment. It's a shared understanding across the Scrum Team of what quality standards must be met before work can be considered part of the Increment. It's not just acceptance criteria (that's per-item); DoD applies to ALL items.
Question 12
A stakeholder approaches a Developer directly and asks them to add an urgent feature during the current Sprint. What should the Developer do?
The Product Owner is the single person responsible for managing the Product Backlog and prioritizing work. When stakeholders want new features, they go through the PO. Developers shouldn't add work outside the Sprint plan without PO involvement. This protects the team's focus and the Sprint Goal.
How to Pass PSM I First Try
Read the Scrum Guide — Then Read It Again
The Scrum Guide is only 13 pages. Read it at least 3 times. On the first read, highlight key phrases. On the second, try to explain each section in your own words. On the third, focus on the parts that surprised you.
Understand WHY, Not Just WHAT
Don't just know that "the Sprint timebox is one month or less." Understand WHY shorter is better (faster feedback, less risk, more adaptation opportunities). The exam tests understanding, not recitation.
Practice Under Time Pressure
80 questions in 60 minutes = 45 seconds per question. Practice with a timer. If you can't answer within 30 seconds, flag it and move on.
Watch Out for "Real World" Traps
In the real world, Scrum is messy. Companies modify it. The exam tests PURE Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide. Answer based on the Guide, not your company's version of Scrum.
PSM I vs CSM: Which Should You Get?
Quick comparison if you're deciding:
- PSM I ($150, no course required): Harder exam, more respected technically, lifetime certification. Best for people who want to prove knowledge through a challenging test.
- CSM ($500-1500, 2-day course required): Easier exam, great for networking, requires renewal every 2 years. Best for people who want structured learning and peer connections.
- For career impact: Both are recognized. PSM I is slightly more valued in tech companies. CSM is slightly more valued in enterprise/consulting. Either works.
Related certifications: PMP Certification Guide | PMP vs CAPM | PRINCE2 Guide
FAQ: PSM I Practice Test
How hard is PSM I?
Moderate to challenging. The 85% pass mark is high, and the time pressure (45 seconds per question) catches people off guard. But if you read the Scrum Guide thoroughly and do 200+ practice questions, most people pass first try.
PSM I vs CSM — which is better?
PSM I is harder and cheaper ($150 vs $500-1500). CSM includes a mandatory 2-day course. PSM I never expires; CSM requires renewal. For pure credibility, PSM I edges ahead in tech. For learning experience, CSM's course is valuable.
Do I need experience to pass?
Not technically, but real Scrum experience makes scenario questions intuitive. If you haven't worked in a Scrum team, spend extra time on the "what would you do" type questions.
How long should I study?
1-3 weeks of focused study. Read the Scrum Guide 3-4 times (it's short!). Then do 300+ practice questions. When you're consistently scoring 90%+ on practice tests, book the exam.
Does PSM I expire?
No. PSM I from Scrum.org is a lifetime certification. Once you pass, it's yours forever. Major advantage over CSM which requires renewal every 2 years (and renewal fees).
Ready to Get Your PSM I?
Practice with more Scrum Master questions and ace the exam on your first attempt.
Full PSM I Practice Exam