Professional Scrum Master I in Sydney
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
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 course-based certifications, PSM I is earned purely by passing a rigorous 80-question online exam — no mandatory training required. In Sydney, where Agile adoption is widespread across finance, government, and tech sectors, the PSM I is one of the most recognised credentials hiring managers look for. With the city's IT job market growing steadily and Scrum Masters in consistent demand across NSW, holding a globally respected credential from Scrum.org positions you ahead of candidates with only project management experience.
At $200 USD, the PSM I is one of the most cost-efficient certifications available to Sydney IT professionals. With the average IT salary in Sydney sitting around $80,000 per year, a documented uplift of $9,000 annually means this certification pays for itself within the first two weeks of a new role. Sydney employers — particularly in banking, insurance, and digital consultancies — treat PSM I as a baseline credential for Scrum Master and Agile Coach roles. Compared to more expensive certification paths, the PSM I demands genuine Scrum knowledge rather than attendance hours, which means certified holders are taken more seriously in Sydney's competitive Agile hiring market. The ROI case is straightforward.
Exam details
Prerequisites: None required
12-week study plan
Exam tips
Answer every question from a pure Scrum Guide perspective — ignore how your current workplace does Scrum, as the exam tests the framework as written, not real-world adaptations
When a question involves conflict or blockers, the Scrum Master's first instinct in Scrum.org's view is always to coach and facilitate, not to escalate or solve directly on behalf of the team
Pay close attention to the distinction between the three accountabilities — Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Developers — the exam frequently tests whether you can identify whose responsibility a specific action belongs to
Never assume the Sprint can be extended to finish incomplete work — the Sprint is a fixed timebox and this principle appears in multiple scenario-based questions throughout the exam
If you score below 90% consistently on the Mikhail Lapshin Advanced simulator, do not book your exam yet — the real PSM I is widely considered harder than most free practice tests and the 85% pass mark is unforgiving