Scrum.org Announces Significant Updates to Its Professional Scrum Master Assessment and Certification

Scrum.org has announced a restructuring of its Professional Scrum Master (PSM) assessment and certification products, as well as adding a new, additional level to the certification program. 

The purpose of these changes are to enhance the level of Scrum training and more clearly delineate certifications provided to Professional Scrum practitioners to demonstrate more clearly defined levels of understanding, knowledge and practice of Scrum. The ultimate goal of the new assessment and certification products is to enhance a Professional Scrum practitioner’s ability to apply Scrum and to help others understand and implement Scrum.

Scrum.org is a mission-based organization dedicated to improving the profession of software delivery through training, certification assessments and community. With the announced changes, Scrum.org is introducing a more comprehensive series of Professional Scrum Master certification assessments with fundamental, advanced and distinguished levels. 

By restructuring its Professional Scrum Master (PSM) assessment and certification products, and adding an additional level, Scrum.org enables individuals to demonstrate their understanding, knowledge and practice of Scrum, their ability to apply Scrum and their ability to help others.

“Because Scrum is simple to understand but difficult to master, it’s important for everyone who puts Scrum into practice to have a consistent terminology and approach to Scrum,” said Ken Schwaber, co-creator of Scrum and founder of Scrum.org. “By introducing three levels of assessments and certification, Scrum.org can more accurately validate the level of mastery for each individual.”

Based on the Scrum Guide, each Scrum.org assessment – offered online – challenges an individual’s knowledge of Scrum and how they practice Scrum. These assessments and associated globally-recognized industry certifications provide a way for individuals to prove their level of Scrum mastery.

PSM I – The essential fundamental level for Scrum mastery. This level proves that the individual understands Scrum as described in The Scrum Guide and the concepts of applying Scrum.  PSM I holders have a consistent terminology and approach to Scrum.

PSM II – The advanced level for Scrum mastery. This level proves that the individual understands the underlying principles of Scrum and can effectively apply Scrum in complex, real-world situations.

PSM III – The distinguished level for Scrum mastery. This level proves that the individual has a deep understanding of the application of Scrum, Scrum practices and the Scrum Values. Those who pass PSM III also have the ability to apply Scrum in a variety of complex team and organizational situations.

PSM I and PSM II assessments are multiple-choice, while PSM III consists of multiple-choice questions and essays.

“In listening to our community, we recognized that many people wanted to prove that their knowledge and understanding of Scrum was deeper than the fundamental level, but weren’t looking to become a coach or a trainer,” explained Dave West, Product Owner, Scrum.org. “This led us to create a PSM assessment family that supports individuals on their learning journey. Now, with the addition of the advanced level assessment, coupled with our Professional Scrum training and continued growth of the Professional Scrum Trainer community, we are able to provide an improved platform to deliver on our mission of improving the profession of software delivery.”

Professional Scrum assessments are available to anyone who wishes to assess and certify their Scrum knowledge and does not require taking a class, although Professional Scrum Training is highly recommended. Certification requires a minimum score of 85 percent on the assessment.  To learn more about the PSM assessment and certification products, go to https://www.scrum.org/Assessments/Professional-Scrum-Master-Assessments. 

Scrum.org also offers training, assessments and certification for Professional Scrum Product Owner, Professional Scrum Developer, and Scaled Professional Scrum.