Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to attend a course before taking the exam?
Yes. Scrum Alliance® requires completion of a 2-day CSM® course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer® (CST®) before you can access the exam. The course fee (typically $800-$1,500 USD) includes 2 exam attempts. This plan is for exam preparation after completing the course.
Why is this plan only 4 weeks?
The CSM® exam is based on a single 14-page document (the Scrum Guide, 2020). The content scope is narrow compared to certifications like PMP® or CISSP. The challenge is the mindset shift: thinking like a servant leader instead of a directive manager. Four weeks of focused study is sufficient for candidates who have completed the required course.
How many practice questions should I aim for?
At least 400 unique questions. The CSM® exam is narrow in scope, so repetition builds pattern recognition. Focus on questions that explain why each answer is right and why the others are wrong.
When should I take the exam?
Book when your readiness score is stable and above 80, and you have covered every domain at least once. Take the exam within a few weeks of completing your CSM® course while the material is fresh.
How long is the exam?
60 minutes for 50 multiple-choice questions. That is 72 seconds per question on average. Most candidates finish in 40-50 minutes if they know the material well. Budget your time for the full 60 minutes.
What is the passing score?
Scrum Alliance® does not publicly disclose the exact passing score. Community estimates suggest approximately 74% (approximately 37 out of 50). You will receive your result (pass/fail) immediately after submitting the exam.
What happens if I fail?
You receive 2 attempts included with your CSM® course registration. If you fail both attempts, Scrum Alliance® may require you to take an additional course or pay a fee for more attempts. Check the Scrum Alliance® website for current retake policies.
Is the CSM® exam proctored?
No. The CSM® exam is taken online through Scrum Alliance®'s website and is not proctored. However, the 60-minute time limit (72 seconds per question) means you need to know the material well. You will not have time to look up every answer.
What is the Scrum Guide and why is it important?
The Scrum Guide (2020) is the official, 14-page document written by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland that defines Scrum. It is the single authoritative source for the CSM® exam. Every question on the exam can be answered using the Scrum Guide. Read it multiple times during your preparation.
How is the CSM® different from PSM I?
Both test Scrum knowledge based on the same Scrum Guide. The key differences:
- CSM® requires a mandatory 2-day course with a Certified Scrum Trainer®. The exam is included in the course fee. It is the more accessible entry point.
- PSM I (from Scrum.org) is self-study with no required course. It has a higher passing threshold (85%) and is generally considered more difficult.
- Both are widely recognized. CSM® has more holders worldwide; PSM I is often perceived as more rigorous.
What are the most common ways people fail?
- Thinking like a project manager instead of a Scrum Master. If the answer involves assigning tasks, controlling the schedule, or making decisions for the team, it is wrong. The Scrum Master facilitates, coaches, and removes impediments.
- Confusing Scrum Master and Product Owner responsibilities. The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog and maximizes value. The Scrum Master facilitates the process and coaches the team.
- Not understanding the 2020 Scrum Guide changes. "Development Team" is now "Developers." There is one Scrum Team, not two. Product Goal, Sprint Goal, and Definition of Done are formal commitments.
- Skipping the Sprint Retrospective. Some candidates underestimate the Retrospective because it does not produce a product increment. Continuous improvement is a core Scrum principle.
- Confusing events with meetings. Each event has a specific purpose, timebox, and expected outcome. The Daily Scrum is not a status report. The Sprint Review is not a demo.
What are the three biggest preparation mistakes?
- Reading the Scrum Guide once. It is only 14 pages, but every sentence is intentional. Read it at least three times: once for overview, once for details, once for nuances.
- Not practicing scenario-based questions. The CSM® exam tests application, not recall. Knowing that the Sprint Retrospective exists is not enough. You need to know what a Scrum Master does when the team skips it or when management wants to attend.
- Studying older Scrum Guide versions. The 2020 version made significant changes. If your materials reference "Development Team" instead of "Developers" or "three roles" instead of "three accountabilities," they are outdated.
Is there a renewal option?
Yes. CSM® is valid for 2 years. To renew, you must earn 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and pay a renewal fee to Scrum Alliance® during the 2-year cycle. SEUs can be earned through training, volunteering, events, and other Scrum-related activities. If you do not meet the SEU requirements, your certification lapses and you must retake the course and exam.