Tips for the PSPO I / PSM I exam day

Assuming you're well prepared to take your real exam:

- You have read the Scrum Guide many times.

- You have taken some mock exams to get you ready.

- You are well rested and you feel ready and confident.

Here are some practical tips for managing the PSM I and PSPO I certification exams effectively while taking the real exam:

1. Read Each Question Carefully: Take the time to fully understand what each question is asking. Pay attention to details that might affect the answer.

2. Manage Your Time: Both exams have a time limit. Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself so that you have time to answer all questions. Aim to complete questions you are sure about quickly, leaving more time for challenging ones.

3. Use Elimination Techniques: If you're unsure about an answer, try to eliminate the clearly wrong options first. This can often help you make a more educated guess.

4. Flag and Review: If an online testing system allows, flag questions you are unsure about to review them later. This ensures you spend the necessary time on questions you find difficult without running out of time.

5. Stay Calm and Focused: Keep a calm mindset throughout the exam. If you find yourself getting stuck or anxious, take a moment to breathe deeply and refocus.

6. Trust Your Preparation: Rely on the knowledge and understanding you've built during your study. Overthinking can lead to changing answers from right to wrong.

7. Review Your Answers: If time permits, go through your answers again, especially those you were uncertain about, to ensure they make sense given the question asked.

8. Follow Scrum Principles: When in doubt, think back to the core principles of Scrum outlined in the Scrum Guide. Often, the simplest solution that aligns with Scrum values is the correct one.

9. Avoid Rushing: Even though time management is crucial, avoid rushing through the questions. Misreading or misinterpreting a question can lead to avoidable mistakes.

10. Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: Ensure you are physically comfortable during the exam and have water nearby. Being physically comfortable can help maintain mental clarity.

Implementing these strategies during your exam can help maximize your performance and increase your chances of success.

Keep in mind that the PSPO I and PSM I exams are "open book" which means that you are allowed to refer to study materials during the test.

This can include the Scrum Guide, class notes, books, or any other resources that might help you answer the questions. It's different from closed book exams, where no reference materials are permitted.

For these exams, having the ability to look up information can help clarify doubts or confirm your understanding of specific Scrum concepts. However, it's still crucial to be familiar with the material, as the time limit means you won't have time to look up every answer. Efficient navigation and familiarity with your resources are key to making the most of an open book format.