?? How to Achieve 100% on the Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) Exam: A Practical Guide

The Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) certification is a challenging yet rewarding milestone for professionals seeking to validate their knowledge of Scrum and Agile practices. Passing with a score of 100% is no small feat, but with the right strategy and tools, it’s entirely achievable.

Here's my step-by-step guide to help you prepare independently, without the need for formal training:

?? Week 1: Build a Solid Foundation

1. Register and evaluate your baseline:

? Create an account and register for the exam.

? Take the free Scrum Open Assessment to gauge your initial knowledge.

2. Study the Scrum Guide:

? Download the Scrum Guide (2020 version) and analyse it thoroughly.

? Take notes and revisit it multiple times.

?? Week 2: Deep Dive into the Theory

This is the week to immerse yourself in theory and reinforce your understanding.

1. Explore free resources:

? Watch free video tutorials and tackle mock questions available here.

2. Follow the official learning path:

? Access the Scrum.org learning path and the suggested reading materials.

3. Solidify your concepts:

? Familiarise yourself with terms like Scalable Scrum, Burn Down Charts, Cone of Uncertainty, and Technical Debt.

? Use the official Scrum Glossary as your reference.

?? Week 3: Practice Makes Perfect

Practical application of knowledge is critical.

1. Leverage Mikhail Lapshin’s resources (an absolute treasure trove!):

? Dive into his Scrum Q&A and take his quizzes daily.

2. Expand your reading:

? Review the Nexus Guide to understand scalable Scrum frameworks.

3. Revisit your notes:

? Use personal summaries and question sets for review. Access mine here.

Bonus Tips for Success

• Mind the clock: You’ll have 80 multiple-choice questions to answer in 60 minutes. Avoid analysis paralysis!
• Bookmark wisely: Mark only a handful of questions to revisit later—don’t overload yourself.
• Expand your prep scope: Practice not just PSM mock tests but also Product Owner, Scrum Developer, and Nexus tests.
• Stay consistent: Commit to daily practice, particularly Mikhail Lapshin’s quizzes.

Wishing you the absolute best of luck! ??