How many questions are in the PSM-AI Essentials exam?

40 questions in 60 minutes, with an 85% pass mark. That is about 90 seconds per question, more time per question than in PSM I.

Do I need PSM I before PSM-AI Essentials?

No, Scrum.org lists no prerequisite. The questions do assume you know Scrum, for example the accountabilities, the events and the Definition of Done, so a solid Scrum foundation helps.

Do I need to attend the Scrum.org class?

No. Scrum.org highly recommends its Professional Scrum Master - AI Essentials class, which includes an attempt at the assessment, but you can also buy an attempt on its own for $200 USD.

Can I use AI tools during the real exam?

No. Scrum.org assessments must be taken without outside help, and that includes AI tools and the Live Assistant. Use them while you practise, so you can pass on your own.

Study guide

Certification guide

PSM-AI Essentials certificationProfessional Scrum Master - AI Essentials.

PSM-AI Essentials is Scrum.org's certification for Scrum Masters who use AI in their work. The assessment has 40 questions, a 60-minute time limit and an 85% pass mark, and it tests how AI can make a Scrum Master more effective, and how to use it responsibly.

Exam format

The facts about the PSM-AI Essentials assessment at a glance.

Duration: 60 minutes
Questions: 40 questions
Passing score: 85%
Format: Multiple choice
Language: English
Cost: $200 USD per attempt
Validity: Lifetime, no renewal fee
Prerequisite: None. Scrum.org recommends its AI Essentials class but does not require it

The four focus areas

Scrum.org names the four focus areas without weights. Our learning path has one lesson for each.

AI Theory and Primer

AI, machine learning and generative AI
How large language models produce answers
Hallucinations and their causes
Retrieval-augmented generation, fine-tuning and agents

Effective AI Prompting

The elements of a good prompt
Context engineering
Few-shot examples, steps and clarifying questions
Iterating and reviewing AI output

AI Security and Ethics

Data protection and approved tools
Bias and fairness
Accountability and transparency
Trustworthy AI principles (EU, OECD)
Prompt injection and deepfakes

AI for Scrum Masters

Scrum accountabilities in an AI-supported team
Introducing AI empirically
AI in the Scrum events
AI and the Definition of Done
The Scrum Master as AI coach

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in the PSM-AI Essentials exam?: 40 questions in 60 minutes, with an 85% pass mark. That is about 90 seconds per question, more time per question than in PSM I.
Do I need PSM I before PSM-AI Essentials?: No, Scrum.org lists no prerequisite. The questions do assume you know Scrum, for example the accountabilities, the events and the Definition of Done, so a solid Scrum foundation helps.
Do I need to attend the Scrum.org class?: No. Scrum.org highly recommends its Professional Scrum Master - AI Essentials class, which includes an attempt at the assessment, but you can also buy an attempt on its own for $200 USD.
Can I use AI tools during the real exam?: No. Scrum.org assessments must be taken without outside help, and that includes AI tools and the Live Assistant. Use them while you practise, so you can pass on your own.

Related certifications

Prepare for PSM-AI Essentialsone focus area at a time.

Videos, audio lessons and quizzes for each focus area, then full-length practice exams in the format of the real assessment.

Open the learning path