Frequently Asked Questions
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 designed for exam preparation after completing the course.
Why is this plan only 4 weeks?
Because 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 not the volume of material. It 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?
Once you are consistently hitting 85% or above on Legend mode across two or more sessions, and you feel confident applying servant leadership principles to scenario questions, you are ready. 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, but do not rush.
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 considered 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. The most common mistake. If the answer involves the Scrum Master 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. Confusing these accountabilities leads to incorrect answers.
- Not understanding the 2020 Scrum Guide changes. Candidates who studied older versions of the Scrum Guide may have outdated knowledge. "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. The exam tests whether you understand that continuous improvement is a core Scrum principle. Never skip or undervalue the Retrospective.
- Confusing events with meetings. Scrum events are not just meetings on a calendar. Each event has a specific purpose, timebox, and expected outcome. The Daily Scrum is not a status report to the Scrum Master. The Sprint Review is not a demo. Know the purpose of each event.
What are the three biggest preparation mistakes?
- Reading the Scrum Guide once and assuming it is enough. The Scrum Guide is only 14 pages, but it is dense. Every sentence is intentional. Read it at least three times: once for overview, once for details, once for nuances. You will notice something new each time.
- 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, when it becomes a blame session, or when management wants to attend.
- Studying older Scrum Guide versions. The 2020 Scrum Guide made significant changes. If your study materials reference "Development Team" (instead of "Developers"), "three roles" (instead of "three accountabilities"), or do not mention Product Goal and Sprint Goal as commitments, 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.
Quick-Reference: What Is on the Exam
For full details, visit the Scrum Alliance® CSM® page and read the Scrum Guide (2020).
| Area |
Key Skills |
| Scrum theory and values |
Empiricism (transparency, inspection, adaptation), lean thinking, iterative and incremental delivery, the five Scrum values (commitment, courage, focus, openness, respect), Scrum as a framework not a methodology |
| Scrum Team |
Three accountabilities (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), self-management, cross-functionality, one Scrum Team (not separate sub-teams), Product Owner accountability for maximizing value, Developers accountability for creating the Increment, Scrum Master accountability for enabling effectiveness |
| Scrum events |
Sprint (timebox, purpose, cancellation), Sprint Planning (topic why, topic how, Sprint Goal), Daily Scrum (15-minute timebox, Developers only, inspect and adapt), Sprint Review (inspect Increment, adapt Product Backlog, stakeholder collaboration), Sprint Retrospective (inspect process, improve team, plan improvements), event timeboxes and required participants |
| Scrum artifacts and commitments |
Product Backlog (emergent, ordered, refined) committed to Product Goal, Sprint Backlog (plan for the Sprint, emergent) committed to Sprint Goal, Increment (sum of completed work) committed to Definition of Done, backlog refinement (ongoing activity, not an event), Definition of Done as a quality commitment |
| Scrum Master responsibilities |
Service to the Product Owner (facilitating stakeholder collaboration, coaching backlog management), service to the Developers (facilitating events, removing impediments, coaching self-management), service to the organization (leading agile adoption, advising stakeholders, removing organizational impediments), facilitation, coaching, and teaching stances |