Professional Scrum Master I in Auckland
New Zealand · Asia Pacific
What is Professional Scrum Master I?
The Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) is an entry-level certification from Scrum.org that validates your understanding of the Scrum framework, its roles, events, and artifacts. Unlike some credentials, it requires no prerequisites and no mandatory training, making it genuinely accessible. In Auckland, where agile delivery has become standard practice across industries from fintech to government digital services, the PSM I signals to hiring managers that you can contribute to Scrum teams from day one. Auckland's growing tech sector means demand for certified Scrum practitioners is rising steadily, and this credential is increasingly appearing as a listed requirement or strong preference in local job postings across the city.
Exam details
- Exam cost
- $200 USD
- Duration
- 60 min
- Passing score
- 85
- Renewal
- Every 3 yrs
Prerequisites: None required
Is Professional Scrum Master I worth it in Auckland?
At $200 USD, the PSM I is one of the most cost-efficient certifications available to Auckland IT professionals. With the average IT salary in Auckland sitting around $72,000 per year, the reported average uplift of $9,000 annually represents a 12.5% salary increase — a return on investment you'd recover within the first few weeks of a new role. The certification never expires outright, though Scrum.org recommends renewal every three years to stay current. For Auckland professionals looking to move into Scrum Master, delivery lead, or agile coaching roles, the PSM I provides a credible, internationally recognised foundation without the lengthy study commitment that other certifications demand.
12-week study plan
Weeks 1–4
Master the Scrum Guide
- Read the official 2020 Scrum Guide cover to cover at least twice and take structured notes on accountabilities, events, and artifacts
- Use the Scrum.org Open Assessments daily — aim for consistent scores above 85% before moving on
- Create a personal reference sheet mapping each Scrum event to its purpose, timebox, and who is accountable
Weeks 5–8
Deepen Scrum Theory and Empiricism
- Study the five Scrum values and the three pillars of empiricism — expect multiple exam questions testing nuanced understanding of these concepts
- Work through the Mikhail Lapshin PSM I practice exam set and review every incorrect answer against the Scrum Guide
- Focus on common misconception areas: the Product Owner's authority, when a Sprint can be cancelled, and the Definition of Done
Weeks 9–12
Exam Simulation and Gap Closing
- Take full 80-question timed practice exams under real conditions — 60 minutes, no notes, track your weak topic areas
- Revisit any topic where your practice score falls below 80% and re-read the relevant Scrum Guide sections directly
- Book your exam date to create a firm deadline, then do one final full practice run the day before to build confidence
Recommended courses
pluralsight
Professional Scrum Master I Learning Path
Tech skills platform — monthly subscription
View on Pluralsight →Exam tips
- 1.Never answer PSM I questions based on how your workplace does Scrum — always answer based strictly on what the 2020 Scrum Guide says, even if it differs from your real-world experience.
- 2.Pay close attention to questions about who has authority over the Product Backlog and Sprint cancellation — these are among the most frequently misanswered areas on the PSM I.
- 3.The exam allows you to flag questions and return to them, so move quickly through questions you are confident on and use remaining time to revisit flagged items rather than getting stuck.
- 4.Memorise the exact timeboxes for all five Scrum events for a one-month Sprint — these appear regularly and the numbers need to be precise, not approximate.
- 5.Scrum.org's own free Open Assessments are the closest available simulation to the real exam format and wording — use them daily in the final two weeks rather than relying solely on third-party question banks.