How to pass the PSM 1 certification can be confusing without a clear study plan. With so much information available, it’s easy to waste time on the wrong materials or misunderstand core concepts. Here’s a practical guide to help you focus on what actually works when studying for the assessment.
How to pass the PSM 1 Certification: Begin with the Scrum Guide
Take the Open Assessment
The free open assessment from Scrum.org is a great starting point. It familiarizes you with the structure and format of the questions. However, it’s not meant to be memorized. Scoring 100% repeatedly may give a false sense of confidence if you’re not actually understanding the content.
Use it to identify gaps in your knowledge and reinforce your understanding of the Scrum Guide—not to drill answers by rote. True success on the PSM 1 certification comes from comprehension, not memorization.
Focus on Empiricism and Self-Management
Two key areas that show up consistently on the assessment are empiricism and self-management.
Empiricism means creating transparency, then inspecting and adapting. This cycle is built into every event and artifact in Scrum. If you don’t clearly understand how this works, questions involving how the team adapts or inspects may be tricky.
Self-management is another critical theme. Scrum Teams manage themselves. There’s no project manager directing their work. If you fall into the trap of thinking someone else sets the direction or assigns tasks, you may choose incorrect answers. Understanding the team’s autonomy is essential for how to pass the PSM 1 certification.
Learn to Spot the Rules
Not everything in Scrum is a rule. Some things are just guidance. The Scrum Guide contains both, and knowing the difference can help you answer a significant portion of questions correctly.
To find the rules, search for absolute words like “must” or “never.” These phrases define what a team is required to do. Everything else—like recommended team sizes or how work gets split—is flexible. Recognizing this distinction will help you interpret assessment questions more accurately.
Invite Aunt TIA to Every Scrum Event
A simple, memorable acronym—TIA (Transparency, Inspection, Adaptation)—can make a big difference when preparing for the PSM 1 certification. Think of TIA as a guest who should be present at every Scrum event. If Aunt TIA isn’t there, something’s likely broken. This lighthearted reminder highlights a serious point: these three pillars of empiricism are core to Scrum and a big part of how to pass the PSM 1 certification. When tackling assessment questions, ask yourself, “Is Aunt TIA here?” If not, that might be your clue to the correct answer.
Don’t Rely on Google
Another tip on how to pass the PSM 1 certification: Don’t use google during the test. One of the biggest mistakes test-takers make is using Google to find answers during the PSM 1 certification. Many online posts are outdated or reflect practices from earlier versions of Scrum or specific organizations. These sources often contradict the current Scrum Guide and can lead to wrong answers.
Stick to official sources, especially the Scrum Guide, when preparing. It’s the most accurate and up-to-date reference for the assessment.
You’ve Got This
The path on how to pass the PSM 1 certification doesn’t have to be complicated. Read the Scrum Guide carefully, understand the difference between rules and guidance, take the open assessment strategically, and internalize core principles like empiricism and self-management.
Avoid shortcuts like memorization or Googling answers during the test. A strong, focused understanding of Scrum is what truly leads to success. With the right approach, passing the PSM 1 certification is completely achievable. Good luck—you’ve got this!
