Professional Scrum Master certification is a highly sought-after credential in the software development world. It’s also perhaps the most challenging certification to acquire in any field that involves technology. Acquiring this certification requires candidates to master a vast array of topics and processes, and the test you must pass to become certified is quite rigorous.
As such, passing the Professional Scrum Master PSM training isn’t easy. In fact, only a third of those who take the assessment pass it on their first try. Others must take it again after studying more material and practicing more tests. Still, others don’t pass it at all, but they continue studying and preparing until they succeed.
No matter your current knowledge or skill level, we can help you get ready for the PSM assessment so you can ace it with flying colors. This article discusses some helpful tips on how to ace the PSM assessment.
What is the Professional Scrum Master Assessment?
The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) assessment is an industry-recognized certification that confirms an individual's understanding of the Scrum framework and their ability to apply it effectively in a real-world setting. The PSM training is administered by Scrum.org, and there are three levels of the PSM certification: PSM I, II, and III. To earn a passing score on the PSM I assessment, individuals must correctly answer at least 80% of the questions. The PSM II and PSM III assessments are more difficult and require a score of 85% or higher to pass. Upon successfully passing the assessment, individuals receive a digital badge that can be displayed on their resumes. The PSM training certification has lifetime validity, after which individuals don’t need to retake the assessment to maintain their credentials.
Why Should You Take the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) Assessment?
There are many reasons to take the Professional Scrum Master (PSM) assessment. For one, it is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to Scrum and your dedication to continuous improvement. Furthermore, the PSM training can help you stand out from your peers and show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful Scrum Master. Finally, the PSM assessment is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of Scrum principles and practices. By taking the assessment, you will not only improve your understanding of Scrum, but you will also be better equipped to be a Scrum instructor. Thus, whether you are looking to advance your career or simply deepen your understanding of Scrum, taking the PSM assessment is a great first step.
How to Ace the PSM Assessment?
1. Understand the Objectives of the PSM Assessment
The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) assessment is an objective measure of a candidate's ability to apply Scrum theory, practices, and principles to solve complex problems. The assessment is designed to identify whether a candidate has the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively perform the role of Scrum Master. There are three primary objectives of the PSM training:
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To assess a candidate's knowledge of Scrum theory, practices, and principles.
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To assess a candidate's ability to apply Scrum theory, practices, and principles to solve complex problems.
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To identify areas where a candidate may need further development.
By understanding these objectives, candidates can better prepare for the assessment and increase their chances of passing.
2. Familiarize Yourself with the Questions
You need to be familiar with the types of questions that will be asked in the exam. There are three main categories of questions: factual, interpretive, and application. Factual questions will test your knowledge of the Scrum framework and its terminology. Interpretive questions will require you to interpret a given scenario and determine what the best course of action would be.
Application questions will ask you to apply your knowledge of Scrum to a real-world situation.
While you are studying, you should also begin to practice the PSM assessment test questions. You can find these questions online and in textbooks designed to help you prepare. The best way to prepare is to get the test questions you find and create practice tests for yourself. This will help you learn the correct answers and prepare for the type of questions you’ll see on the actual assessment. It also helps to create other material that will help you study and practice more effectively. You could create flashcards, for example, to help you remember the main points of Scrum theory. You could create a mind map, flow chart, or other diagrams to help you better visualize and understand the details of Scrum theory.
3. Time Your Practice Sample Questions
You need to be able to think on your feet. The assessment is timed, so you won't have time to second guess yourself. This means that you'll need to be able to quickly recall relevant information and apply it to the question at hand. If you can do this, then you'll be well on your way to clearing the PSM assessment.
Finally, don't forget that practice makes perfect. If you want to ace the PSM assessment, then you need to go through rigorous PSM training. There are a number of online resources that can help you prepare for the assessment, so use them. The more prepared you are, the better your chances will be of passing the assessment and becoming a Professional Scrum Master.
4. Study the Scrum Guide and Other Material
The Scrum Guide is the official source for learning Scrum, so it’s a great place to start studying. In this guide, you will learn about the four roles of Scrum: The Product Owner, the Scrum Master, the team, and the stakeholders. You’ll also find a detailed overview of the Scrum process, which describes how Scrum teams organize and manage their work. You should also read through the other official references. These include the Glossary, which defines many of the key terms used in Scrum, the health checklist for Scrum teams, and the information about becoming a certified Scrum trainer. You can also find many other helpful materials online in blogs, podcasts, and articles. These provide additional insights and examples of Scrum theory and practices, so you can better prepare for the PSM assessment.
5. Review Your Knowledge of Agile Methodologies and Frameworks
The PSM assessment is based on a wide array of knowledge and skills. But one of the most important areas of focus is Agile methodologies and frameworks. You’ll need to understand Scrum and its relationship with other Agile concepts and methodologies. You should also be familiar with their definitions and key concepts. These include Agile Manifesto values, Agile principles, Lean principles, and the general definition of Agile. You should also know the definitions of Agile methodologies and frameworks such as Extreme Programming, Feature-Driven Development, and Crystal.
6. Review Your Knowledge of the Scrum Process
The PSM assessment also requires that you thoroughly understand the Scrum process and how teams follow it. You should understand how Scrum teams organize and manage themselves, plan their work, track their progress, and report their findings. You should understand how they create a product backlog, break down work into Sprints, and deliver a potentially shippable product at the end of each Sprint. It is important to know the roles and responsibilities of each member of a Scrum team, how they use the Product Owner role to create a product vision, and how they use the Scrum Master role to facilitate the team.
7. Review Your Knowledge of Software Development Practices
Finally, you should also have a strong knowledge of common software development practices. You should understand how Agile practices like Test Driven Development and Continuous Integration relate to Scrum, and other common practices like code reviews, pair programming, and design sprints. You should also understand how these practices help teams create better products, reduce risks, and avoid issues like technical debt. You should have a basic understanding of how these practices help Scrum teams create better products by providing better visibility, improved predictability, and reduced risk.
8. Take Time to Prepare for the Exam
The PSM training assessment is a great way to show your knowledge and expertise in the field. However, it can be quite daunting, and you may feel like you need to revise for the exam. This is not necessary, and it may actually be counterproductive. Instead, take a few days to relax and mentally prepare for the assessment. Consider what you already know about Scrum and focus on areas where you may need additional study. By taking some time to relax and mentally prepare, you'll be in a much better position to ace the Professional Scrum Master assessment.
Conclusion
The Professional Scrum Master certification is considered the most challenging certification in the software development industry. Candidates are required to have a thorough knowledge of Scrum techniques and principles to ace the PSM training. Before taking the test prepare yourself with all the available material so you can ace it with flying colors.
FAQs
Q1. Is the PSM test hard?
The Professional Scrum Master level I (PSM I) is an online test that is low-cost and has a lifetime validity offered by Scrum.org. It is well known for being quite challenging. Candidates require an 85% score to pass it, which is unusually high.
Q2. What is the validity of the PSM certification?
PSM certification comes with a validity that lasts a lifetime. The certification is offered by Scrum.org which requires no renewal of the certification.
Q3. What is the use of PSM certification?
The PSM certification will assist you in creating a simple framework that enhances collaboration, communication, and speed across complex ventures. Through the Agile environment's principles, the group may self-organize to make the necessary changes to the project.
"This is a contributor's post and the views expressed in this publication do not reflect the views of Decipher Zone Technologies."