Certification comparison
PSM I vs PSPO IWhich Scrum certification fits you?
PSM I and PSPO I are Scrum.org's entry-level certifications for the Scrum Master and the Product Owner. Both exams have 80 questions, a 60-minute time limit and an 85% pass mark. The difference is the role: PSM I asks how Scrum works well, PSPO I asks how value is maximised.
Side by side
The facts of both assessments in one table.
| Fact | PSM I | PSPO I |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Professional Scrum Master I | Professional Scrum Product Owner I |
| Awarded by | Scrum.org | Scrum.org |
| Questions | 80 | 80 |
| Time limit | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | 85% | 85% |
| Cost | $200 USD | $200 USD |
| Role in focus | Scrum Master | Product Owner |
| Core question | Is Scrum understood and working well, and is the Scrum Team effective? | Is the team building the most valuable product it can? |
What each exam focuses on
Both exams test the whole Scrum Guide. Each one looks at it through the accountability of its role.
PSM I: the Scrum Master
The Scrum Guide makes the Scrum Master accountable for establishing Scrum and for the Scrum Team's effectiveness.
- Establishing Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide
- Coaching the Scrum Team in self-management and cross-functionality
- Removing impediments and facilitating Scrum events when needed
- Serving the Product Owner and the wider organisation
PSPO I: the Product Owner
The Scrum Guide makes the Product Owner accountable for maximising the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team.
- Maximising the value of the product
- Developing and communicating the Product Goal
- Ordering and making the Product Backlog transparent
- Working with stakeholders and customers
Which one to take first
Pick the certification that matches the role you have or are moving into. A Scrum Master, agile coach or team lead usually starts with PSM I. A Product Owner, product manager or business analyst usually starts with PSPO I.
Because both exams are built on the same Scrum Guide, preparing for one covers most of the other. Many people take both: after the first, the second mainly needs extra practice on the other role's accountability.
Frequently asked questions
- Is PSPO I harder than PSM I?
- The format is the same: 80 questions, 60 minutes and an 85% pass mark. Which one feels harder depends on your background. People with product experience often find PSPO I more natural; people who coach teams often find PSM I easier.
- Should I take PSM I or PSPO I first?
- Take the one that matches the role you have or want. If you are unsure, PSM I is a common starting point because it covers the whole framework from the point of view of the person accountable for Scrum working well. Both exams test the full Scrum Guide.
- Can I prepare for both at the same time?
- Yes. Most of the knowledge overlaps, because both exams are built on the same Scrum Guide. Learn the framework once, then spend extra time on the accountability of the role you are about to be tested on.
- Can I use the Live Assistant during the real exam?
- No. Scrum.org exams must be taken without outside help, and using any tool during the exam breaks their rules. The Live Assistant is a study tool. Use it while you practise to understand why an answer is right, so you can pass on your own.
Prepare for either exam
Practise with explanations.Start for free.
Free practice quizzes for both exams, with an explanation for every answer.