CSM
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance validates foundational understanding of the Scrum framework and the ScrumMaster accountability. It covers Scrum values, roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), events (Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective), and artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment). CSM is one of the most widely held agile certifications globally.
CSM Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) |
| Governing Body | Scrum Alliance |
| Number of Questions | 50 |
| Time Limit | 60 minutes |
| Passing Score | 74% (37/50) |
| Exam Fee | $250 to $2,495 depending on the required Scrum Alliance course provider |
| Category | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | Scrum Alliance official website ↗ |
CSM Content Areas and Domains
Domain areas are sourced from the Scrum Alliance content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Agile Manifesto, 4 values and 12 principles
- ✓ Scrum Theory, empiricism, transparency, inspection, adaptation
- ✓ Scrum Team, Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers accountabilities
- ✓ Scrum Events, Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective
- ✓ Scrum Artifacts, Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment and their commitments
- ✓ Definition of Done, quality standard and increment acceptance
- ✓ ScrumMaster Service, service to Product Owner, Developers, and organization
- ✓ Agile Estimation, story points, Planning Poker, velocity
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CSM
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CSM is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CSM format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
Sample CSM Practice Questions
Q1.During Sprint Review, stakeholders request significant changes to the Increment that were not part of the Sprint Backlog. What is the Scrum Team's correct course of action?
- Thank stakeholders for feedback and add the new requests to the Product Backlog for prioritization in future Sprints.Correct
- Immediately add the requested changes to the current Sprint Backlog to be completed before Sprint closure.
- Ignore the stakeholder requests until after the Sprint Retrospective to avoid disruption.
- Cancel the current Sprint to accommodate the new requirements in a fresh Sprint.
Stakeholder feedback during Sprint Review informs the Product Backlog for future prioritization. Immediate changes during Sprint Review cannot be added to the current Sprint Backlog, which is fixed. Ignoring feedback reduces transparency and collaboration. Cancelling a Sprint is reserved for extreme circumstances.
Q2.In which situation should a Scrum team practice courage as a value to enhance their performance?
- Sharing failures openlyCorrect
- Avoiding difficult conversations
- Ignoring team dynamics
- Sticking rigidly to processes
Practicing courage involves sharing failures openly, which fosters a learning culture and allows the team to improve. Avoiding difficult conversations demonstrates a lack of courage. Ignoring team dynamics can lead to dysfunction, and sticking rigidly to processes does not reflect the adaptive nature of Scrum.
Q3.What is the primary purpose of the Daily Scrum for the Development Team?
- To inform the Scrum Master of progress.
- To synchronize activities and create a plan for the next 24 hours.Correct
- To review and adjust the Product Backlog.
- To demonstrate completed work to stakeholders.
The Daily Scrum's primary purpose is to synchronize activities and create a plan for the next 24 hours among the Development Team members. Option 1 incorrectly implies it is for the Scrum Master, while option 3 relates to backlog refinement, and option 4 describes the Sprint Review, not the Daily Scrum.
CSM Frequently Asked Questions
What does CSM stand for?
CSM stands for Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). It is administered by Scrum Alliance.
Who administers the CSM?
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is administered by Scrum Alliance. For official information, visit the Scrum Alliance website.
How many questions is the CSM?
The CSM consists of 50 questions. Candidates are given 60 minutes to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CSM?
The passing score for the CSM is 74% (37/50), as set by Scrum Alliance. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CSM exam cost?
The CSM exam fee is $250 to $2,495 depending on the required Scrum Alliance course provider. This fee is set by Scrum Alliance and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
Do I have to take a course to get CSM?
Yes, Scrum Alliance requires completion of a 2-day live CSM course from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) before taking the online CSM exam. The exam is included in the course fee. This is different from PSM I (Professional Scrum Master) by Scrum.org, which has no course requirement and costs $200 for the exam alone.
What is the difference between CSM and PSM I?
CSM (Scrum Alliance) requires a mandatory 2-day course and is widely recognized in enterprise environments. PSM I (Scrum.org) has no course requirement, is exam-only at $200, and is considered more technically rigorous, PSM I questions are harder and include scenario-based judgment questions. Both are respected credentials; CSM is more common in the US enterprise market, PSM I is valued globally.
What is the Scrum Master accountable for?
The Scrum Master is accountable for the Scrum Team's effectiveness by helping everyone understand Scrum theory and practice. The ScrumMaster serves the Product Owner (backlog management, refinement facilitation), the Developers (removing impediments, facilitating events), and the organization (coaching on Scrum adoption). The ScrumMaster is NOT a project manager, they don't assign tasks or manage timelines.
Does CSM expire and how do I renew?
Yes, CSM is valid for 2 years. Renewal requires earning 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs), through conferences, courses, coaching, or self-study, and paying a renewal fee ($100 for Scrum Alliance members, $200 for non-members). After CSM, the next credentials are A-CSM (Advanced CSM) and CSP-SM (Certified Scrum Professional).
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), a IT Certifications certification, administered by Scrum Alliance. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scrum Alliance. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the Scrum Alliance official website ↗ .