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Scrum.orgPSM I

Professional Scrum Master I in Nairobi

Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.

Salary uplift
+$9k
Exam cost
$200
Duration
60 min
Passing score
85
Difficulty
beginner
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◆ 01 / About

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, roles, events, and artifacts. Unlike many certifications, it requires no prerequisites — just a solid grasp of the Scrum Guide and practical thinking. In Nairobi, demand for certified Scrum practitioners is accelerating as fintech firms, NGOs, and software houses adopt agile delivery models. Companies like Safaricom, Cellulant, and a growing number of remote-first startups are actively seeking structured project facilitators. Earning the PSM I signals to Nairobi employers that you can lead sprints, remove blockers, and coach teams — making it one of the most employment-relevant credentials available in Kenya's tech sector right now.

At $200, the PSM I exam is one of the most cost-efficient certifications available to Nairobi-based professionals. The average IT salary in Nairobi sits around $18,000 per year, and certified Scrum Masters report an average uplift of $9,000 annually — that's a 50% salary increase for a single $200 investment. The certification pays for itself within days of landing a role that recognizes it. Renewal is required every three years, keeping your credential current without continuous re-examination costs. As Nairobi continues to position itself as East Africa's technology hub, Scrum-certified professionals have a measurable edge in negotiations, promotions, and international remote roles that target African talent pools.

◆ 02 / Exam details

Exam details

Exam cost
$200 USD
Duration
60 min
Passing score
85
Renewal
Every 3 yrs

Prerequisites: None required

◆ 03 / Study plan

12-week study plan

1
Master the Scrum GuideWeeks 1–4
Download and read the official 2020 Scrum Guide at least three times, annotating key definitionsLearn the five Scrum values, three accountabilities, five events, and three artifacts coldTake the free Scrum.org Open Assessment daily until you consistently score above 85%
2
Apply Scrum Concepts to ScenariosWeeks 5–8
Work through scenario-based practice questions that test edge cases in Sprint Planning and the Daily ScrumStudy the Nexus Guide to understand how Scrum scales — PSM I questions occasionally probe thisJoin a Nairobi agile community meetup or online forum to discuss real-world Scrum application
3
Simulate Exam Conditions and Fill GapsWeeks 9–12
Complete timed 80-question mock exams under the 60-minute PSM I time constraint at least four timesReview every wrong answer against the Scrum Guide — never guess why; find the exact sourceIdentify your two weakest topic areas and dedicate focused sessions to Sprint Review, Retrospective, and backlog refinement distinctions
◆ 04 / Exam tips

Exam tips

The PSM I tests the Scrum Guide precisely — if your answer contradicts the 2020 Scrum Guide, it is wrong, even if it reflects common workplace practice.

Pay close attention to who owns what: the Product Owner owns the Product Backlog, the Scrum Team owns the Sprint Backlog, and no single person 'manages' the Developers — this trips up many candidates.

Time management is critical — 80 questions in 60 minutes means 45 seconds per question. Flag uncertain answers and return; do not stall on any single question.

The Daily Scrum is for the Developers only — the Scrum Master and Product Owner attend only if they are actively working as Developers. Exam questions frequently exploit this misunderstanding.

Read every answer option fully before selecting — Scrum.org questions often include two plausible answers where one is subtly more aligned with empirical process control or Scrum values, which is always the correct pick.

◆ 05 / FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The PSM I is rated beginner difficulty but requires genuine comprehension of the Scrum Guide — not just memorization. Approximately 85% is the passing threshold, which is higher than many expect. Candidates who treat it casually often fail. Those who study the Scrum Guide deeply and practice scenario questions consistently tend to pass on their first attempt. Budget four to eight weeks of focused preparation.
◆ 06 / Other certifications in Nairobi