Introduction
Earning a Professional Scrum Master Certification is a popular path for those seeking Scrum qualifications. This certification recognizes your expertise in the Scrum project management methodology and can qualify you to work as a Scrum master, a specialized project manager who implements Scrum principles. As proof of your accomplishment, you will be permitted to use a logo with your certification. If you’ve encountered colleagues who hold the certification, you may have noticed the distinction between PSM™ 1 and PSM™ 2. The PSM™ 1 certification tests basic knowledge and understanding of Scrum concepts, while PSM™ 2 is a more advanced certification that assesses your ability to apply Scrum principles to real-world scenarios.
To help you choose the best path for your career, this article will outline the distinctions between PSM™ I and PSM™ II. You can decide based on this article if you want to pursue a PSM™ 1 or PSM™ 2 certification, or both. Let’s first have a look at PSM™.
What is PSM™?
A highly trained person with the responsibility of leading a team through a project utilizing agile project management best practices is called a Scrum Master. To ensure the greatest outcomes, a Scrum Master oversees all plans, communications, and team member involvement. Of the many approaches already on the market, Scrum Master is one of the best frameworks for projects with tight deadlines. Not only have agile methodologies been adopted by the IT sector, but Scrum Master roles are now open in every sector of the global economy.
There is an increasing need for professionals with knowledge of Agile and Scrum approaches and an understanding of the fundamental delivery principles as more projects choose to use these methodologies. A certification programme called Professional Scrum Master (PSM™) is supported and managed by Scrum.org. Your understanding of the Scrum framework, the responsibilities of the Scrum Master, and how to implement Scrum are validated by the Professional Scrum Master certification. It has three levels in total:
- PSM™ I: For individuals who want to prove that they possess a basic degree of Scrum expertise.
- PSM™ II: For individuals who seek to demonstrate their fundamental understanding of Scrum concepts and their capacity to put them to use in the real world.
- PSM™ III: For those who have a thorough knowledge of Scrum methods and are able to use them in a range of challenging organizational environments.
Although they are the most common, we’ll concentrate on the first two levels today. There are 80 questions in the PSM™ I Assessment, and they must be answered in one hour. If you pass the exam, you will receive a logo and the PSM™ I certification. If you feel you already possess the required level of Scrum competence, you may submit an application to take the PSM™ -1 Exam. But sticking to the course will provide you the necessary preparation to ace the exam the first time. According to Scrum.org data, only a small percentage of PSM™ I certified individuals pursue the PSM™ II certification, making it a valuable way to distinguish yourself in the job market and demonstrate your advanced Scrum knowledge.
Introducing PSM™ Certification
If you’re interested in working within a team and fascinated by the Scrum Framework, obtaining the Scrum Master Certification can be beneficial. It validates your knowledge and proficiency in the Scrum Framework, sets you apart from other job applicants, improves your capacity for collaboration and risk identification, and may open up new employment opportunities. The following are some benefits of earning this certification:
Makes your resume more visible
Adding your Scrum Master Certification to your resume demonstrates to potential employers that you’re keeping up with industry standards, advancements, and technology in Product Development. It also showcases your ability to effectively lead your team to resolution by applying Scrum practices and concepts. Adding your Scrum Master Certification to your resume demonstrates to potential employers that you’re keeping up with industry standards, advancements, and technology in Product Development. It also showcases your ability to effectively lead your team to resolution by applying Scrum practices and concepts.Incorporating your Scrum Master Certification into your resume highlights your dedication to industry excellence, leadership proficiency, and adaptability. Utilize a resume builder to showcase these strengths effectively.
Maintaining your marketability and relevance
Obtaining a Scrum certification can be a valuable asset in promoting your expertise in a particular industry to upper management and peers. It also expands your career opportunities within organizations that utilize agile methodologies. Professional Scrum master certification showcases your comprehensive understanding of agile principles and your adaptable mindset, making you a valuable asset to any company utilizing agile methodologies. Gaining this certification demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development, making you a sought-after candidate in today’s job market.
Builds a solid foundation for Scrum
Obtaining a Scrum Certification is the most effective way to learn Scrum, as it helps you acquire fundamental knowledge, Agile principles, and best practices. It makes it easier for beginners to understand the Scrum Framework, and even seasoned practitioners can gain unique knowledge to overcome challenges while leading large Scrum teams and multiple departments.
Improves the Efficiency of Your Team
Earning your Scrum Master certification can enhance your team’s productivity and success. It equips you with the skills to inspire your team to maintain organization and focus toward achieving each goal. As a certified PSM™, you can improve your colleagues’ understanding of Scrum fundamentals, which can aid in implementing effective agile processes throughout the company.
Badge of Honour
You may show your commitment to your team members’ professional growth by teaching and certifying them in the Scrum technique if you are adept at implementing it in your business. The more informed your workforce is, the more advantages and benefits your company will experience.
Develop Your Risk Assessment Skills
By mastering the Scrum Process, you may recognize risks and hazards before they become major issues and anticipate events and problems before they occur.
Offer Value and Assure Product Quality
Adding value and ensuring product quality are Agile’s two guiding principles. These goals are accomplished successfully by Scrum. You may learn more about how to deliver value and guarantee product quality with the help of Scrum certification.
Certified professionals get paid more
You may stand out from colleagues who aren’t trained by obtaining a PSM™ Certification, which also gives you a practical grasp of Scrum. Gaining work at an entry-level in a Scrum job without a Scrum Certification is incredibly difficult.
Differences Between PSM™ I and PSM™ II
Complexity of the exams
PSM™ I is ideal for those who seek a deep understanding of Scrum’s fundamentals. The assessment tests your comprehension of the Scrum Guide and the principles of adopting Scrum.
For those who desire to advance, PSM™ II is the next level. It goes beyond simply demonstrating your comprehension of Scrum and demonstrates your ability to use it in the business. Holders of PSM™ II have a thorough grasp and comprehension of the Scrum procedures and concepts. Both exams are equally challenging in terms of complexity.
Level of knowledge required
You learn the essentials at the PSM™ I level in a way that you can support with evidence. It is ensured that you are familiar utilising the globally recognised language for Scrum techniques through the training and study that are necessary prior to the assessment. Holders of PSM™ II have a thorough grasp and comprehension of the Scrum procedures and concepts. They are aware of the motivations behind the Scrum methodology. They are equipped to drive delivery in complex commercial situations using Scrum.
Both qualifications are accepted in the business and show that you can function as a scrum master for a scrum team.
Exam format
Instead of just showing up for the training and leaving with a certificate, as with some other Agile and Scrum courses, there is an online evaluation. Employers are aware that applicants who possess these credentials possess the ability to use their Scrum knowledge in real-world settings and have attained at least the required pass rate on an exam designed to gauge this ability. As we’ve seen, the two Professional Scrum Master certifications have various topic areas covered in the exams. Throughout the tests, there are also additional variations.
Prerequisites
For applicants who want to take the PSM™ I online examination, there are no prerequisites. But, it makes sense for you to have received some Scrum Master training so that you are familiar with the language and the core concepts. To take the PSM™ II assessment, PSM™ I is a must. Before taking the PSM™ II test, you must have successfully completed and passed the PSM™ I assessment because the PSM™ II level expands on what was assessed at Level 1.
Scoring criteria
The PSM™-I test has a time limit of 60 minutes, and the applicant must respond to a total of 80 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), multiple-answer questions, and true/false questions. You must correctly answer at least 68 out of the 80 questions for a score of at least 85% to qualify.
In a manner comparable to PSM™ I, the PSM™ II evaluation is also arranged. There are 30 questions with multiple choices in them. The evaluation must be finished in 90 minutes, and you must have a score of 85% or above to pass.
Relevance to different roles and industries
Particularly in the IT industry and the sector of software delivery, employers place a high value on both certificates. If you work in one of these fields, earning a Professional Scrum Master certification can show your employer that you are committed to your professional development and to helping your firm get the greatest results from projects.
Recommended pathway for obtaining both certifications
You have access to a broad range of platforms from which to choose, but if you visit the right website, like Knowledgehut, you will be able to learn from the best teachers through their unique programmes, which will help you in obtaining your Professional Scrum Master Certification. You will be able to do your very best work while studying for the PSM certification. By doing this, you will increase your chances of becoming a successful professional Scrum master, and you may then advance to roles with greater responsibility.
Subject Differences Between PSM™ I and PSM™ II
The two credentials each cover a different field of study, as one might assume. More information is included in PSM™ II, which also looks at recent problems that affect Scrum Masters. Let’s now analyze the subjects covered in PSM™ I and PSM™ II. The categories tested in the assessment are summarised by PSM™ level in the table that follows:
| Category | PSM™ 1 | PSM™ 2 |
| Scrum framework | Yes | Yes |
| Scrum theory and principles | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-Functional, Self-Organizing Teams | Yes | Yes |
| Coaching and Facilitation | Yes | Yes |
| Done and Undone | No | Yes |
| Maximizing value | No | Yes |
| Product backlog management | No | Yes |
| Scaling fundamentals | No | Yes |
PSM™ I vs PSM™ II – Which is Better for You?
When it comes to deciding between PSM™ I and PSM™ II, it’s important to note that they complement each other. Although there are differences between the two, they reflect the level of knowledge and understanding required at each stage. PSM™ II builds on what is assessed at the PSM™ I level, making it an excellent way to advance your Scrum Master career. Both certifications are highly valued in the IT and software delivery sectors, making them complementary to each other. There is no superiority between the two, and they are both useful in different scenarios, depending on your career goals and aspirations. Hence, no certification is superior to the other, and they are both useful in different situations.
Conclusion
If you work in the IT industry and lead Scrum teams, holding a PSM certification can demonstrate to your employer that you are dedicated to your professional growth and to delivering the best project outcomes for your company. Becoming a certified Scrum Master might put you on the path to a new profession shortly .
