Everything About PSM Certification

The Professional Scrum Master showcases the knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework and their ability to apply it in real-world situations. The PSM certification holds a significant value, linked with the amount of knowledge required by one to achieve it. The PSM assessments are more valuable than the different alternatives for scrum. 

The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) Certification and training is organized by the scrum organization known as Scrum Alliance. The individual gets to learn about the basics of activity-based PSM certification and develop an agile mindset while learning the techniques used by effective scrum teams by mixing discussion and exercises. 

Read more:What is Scrum Master

Scrum organization ensures the certification remains valuable and has high relevancy through frequent inspection and adaptation by systematically assessing the content. PSM has 3 certification levels, varying in cost, pay scale, beginner to experienced, and more. Let's discuss these levels in detail.

Differentiating a Comprehensive Overview: PSM 1 and PSM 2

PSM Certification Levels

The PSM Certification is maintained and managed by the scrum organization, which has three levels.

1. Professional Scrum Certification I is ideal for professionals looking to develop a basic understanding of scrum mastery.
2. Professional Scrum Certification II- The certification is for those looking to showcase their knowledge of scrum principles, which they can apply in the real world or solve issues.
3. Professional Scrum Certification III- The certification deeply understands the scrum practices that one can apply in complex organizational settings.

Professional Scrum Certification I

PSM certification level 1 is ideal for those looking to understand the basics of scrum in-depth. The training and study that individuals undergo before the assessment is to understand the required terminology for scrum approaches, which professionals should use during assessment tests.

The assessment test designed to test the professional knowledge of the scrum guide and concepts of applying the scrum in the organization. This level gives you the essential ability in an effective manner, which you can evidence and use for longer durations.

Professional Scrum Certification II

PSM Certification II is for people who want to advance and enhance their knowledge in the scrum sphere. It covers beyond the basics of understanding scrum and shows that you are eligible to use it in the workplace.

PSM II holders possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of the scrum principles and process. The professionals understand the basics behind the scrum framework and its application in complex business contexts to facilitate the drive delivery.

Professional Scrum Certification III

PSM III certifications show that the professional has gained significant scrum mastery and abilities as a scrum master. It shows the individual has learned how to become a coach, facilitate, mentor, and teach other scrum members while collaborating with the organization.

PSM III certification holders have an in-depth understanding of the application and practices of scrum and scrum values in managing complex team and organizational situations. 

PSM Certification Exam

Scrum Alliance conducts the PSM certification exam. The Professional scrum master is a 2-day course that covers the principles and empirical process theory, which showcases the scrum framework and the role of the scrum master in it. The system is a mix of instruction and team-based exercises, and it teaches what lies at the heart of the scrum and agile movement. 

The course includes a free attempt at the globally recognized Professional Scrum Master I certification exam PSM I. When an individual takes official training from the scrum official, they get a free shot at the assessment.

Also Read: Top Scrum Master Interview Questions and Answers

Application Process for PSM Certification

1. The professional pursuing PSM certification must complete an online assessment administered by Scrum Alliance and pay the required amount.
2. PSM Certification is not required, though professionals must take PSM Training, which the scrum organization hosts. These programmes are designed to help people ready for assessment based on their role.
3. The candidate can take the Professional Scrum Master or Professional Scrum Foundation 2-day courses.
4. The candidate must read the scrum guide to complete the exam on the scrum organization website, which has high relevance to scrum masters and product owner assessments.
5. The candidate must attempt 68 out of 80 questions on the PSM I exam, which are some true or false, and multiple choice questions in 60 minutes to pass the exam. The passing mark criteria is 85%.

Cost of PSM Certification

There are three certification levels offered in PSM (PSM I, PSM II & PSM III), and the cost for each group differs.

• PSM I- Foundational
• PSM II- Intermediate
• PSM III- Advanced

Note: The price of PSM I certification varies from nation to nation.

Here's the country's expansive certification cost to pursue PSM I.

Core Concepts Covered in PSM Certification

1. Scrum Framework

The framework covers the basic foundational knowledge for every scrum team member to ensure smooth working. It is mainly the scrum theory as described in the scrum guide.

2. Scrum Theory & Principles

This topic covers the basics of scrum theory, such as the empirical process, principles, and values of scrum.

3. Self-Organizing & Cross Functional

In this, questions are covered, such as how scrum teams are different from traditional development teams while cross-functional, self-empowered and self-organizing people focus on promoting flexibility, creativity, and productivity. 

4. Facilitating and Coaching

It involves questions about how the mindset and behaviour of the scrum master differ from the traditional project managers. The questions on this consist of understanding how to coach and facilitate teams to do the work effectively. 

Advantages of PSM Certification

1. It helps you gain in-depth knowledge of Scrum concepts, which include frameworks.
2. It opens doors to better job opportunities since top recruiters of reputed companies always look for skilled professionals who strive to learn and take the PSM course, which thoroughly demonstrates one's passion for work.
3. The course is ideal for professionals looking to grow in their careers and ready to take advanced scrum-related courses like PSM II & PSM III.
4. The course allows you to network with scrum professionals on professional platforms and keeps you updated with the latest agile trends.
5. As a certified scrum expert, you can take the organization to the next level.

Maintaining PSM Certification

The PSM certification is one of the renowned certifications that showcases the individual as a scrum expert who has completed the training responsibly. It is valid for a lifetime and requires no renewal, which allows the individual to save money that one can use for further training in the future.

Conclusion

The professional scrum master certification enhances the organization and ensures the team works together to manage the projects or create high-value products. The scrum masters' expertise involves creating a process that inspires the scrum developers to optimize production and takes the organization's business to the next level. 

To pursue the PSM I Certification and PSM II Certification , check out Simpliaxis Professional Scrum Master certification curated by best-in-industry experts. It covers the scrum framework's fundamentals, principles, and process theory. 

FAQ

Q.1. What is the use of Professional Scrum Master Certification?

The professional scrum master certification is one of the advanced and renowned courses for scrum masters who are looking to excel in their careers and become a coach to lead the scrum team.

Q. 2. How many levels of PSM Certification are there?

Individuals have to pursue three levels in the PSM certifications: PSM I, PSM II & PSM III.

Q.3. What is the salary range offered to PSM Certified Professionals in India?

The average annual salary range for a PSM-certified professional in India is between 12 00,000 and 45,00,00 lakhs based on experience and skills.