CSM® Certification Exam Guide
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM®) certification, offered by the Scrum Alliance, validates your understanding of Scrum principles, Agile practices, and the Scrum Master role.
After completing the mandatory 2-day training conducted by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST®), candidates become eligible to take the online CSM certification exam.
To succeed, candidates should understand Scrum roles, Scrum events, Scrum artifacts, Agile values, and the responsibilities of Scrum team members such as Product Owners, Developers, Business Analysts, and Scrum Masters.
CSM Exam Format
The CSM exam is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge of Scrum fundamentals and Agile principles.
Exam Details
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice |
| Number of Questions | 50 |
| Exam Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Passing Score | 74% |
| Correct Answers Required | 37 out of 50 |
| Open Book Exam | Yes |
| Language Options | Multiple Languages Available |
Supported Languages
The CSM exam is available in:
English
Spanish (Castilian)
Latin American Spanish
Portuguese
French
Italian
German
Danish
Czech
Polish
Russian
Simplified Chinese
Japanese
CSM Exam Features
Candidates are provided with several exam navigation options:
✅ Skip questions and answer later
✅ Bookmark questions for review
✅ Return to previous questions anytime
✅ Review bookmarked questions before submission
✅ Receive instant results after exam submission
⚠️ The exam cannot be paused or restarted once it begins.
If unanswered questions remain during submission, the system displays a warning message allowing candidates to review their responses before final submission.
CSM Exam Domains and Weightage
The exam questions are based on Scrum Alliance Learning Objectives and are distributed across the following domains:
| Domain | Percentage of Questions |
|---|---|
| Scrum and Agile | 6% |
| Scrum Theory | 6% |
| Scrum Values | 6% |
| Scrum Team | 20% |
| Scrum Master | 22% |
| Scrum Events | 20% |
| Scrum Artifacts | 20% |
Key Focus Areas
Agile Manifesto and Principles
Scrum Framework
Scrum Values
Scrum Team Roles
Scrum Master Responsibilities
Scrum Events and Timeboxes
Scrum Artifacts and Commitments
Product Backlog Refinement
Facilitation and Coaching
How to Prepare for the CSM Exam
To maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt:
1. Read the Scrum Guide
The Scrum Guide is the primary source of knowledge for the exam and should be thoroughly reviewed.
2. Review Scrum Alliance Learning Objectives
Focus on the official learning objectives covered during the training program.
3. Attend Training Actively
Participate in discussions, exercises, simulations, and practical activities conducted during the course.
4. Take Practice Assessments
Practice questions help reinforce Scrum concepts and familiarize candidates with the exam format.
5. Understand Roles and Responsibilities
Pay special attention to the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Developers' responsibilities, as these areas contribute significantly to the exam.
How to Take the CSM Exam
Step 1: Complete Training
Attend the mandatory 2-day (16-hour) CSM training program.
Step 2: Receive Exam Invitation
Within approximately 48 hours of completing the training, candidates receive an email from Scrum Alliance containing exam access instructions.
Step 3: Take the Exam
Candidates must complete the exam within 90 days of receiving the exam invitation.
⚠️ If the exam is not attempted within 90 days, candidates may be required to attend the training again.
Exam Retake Policy
| Attempt | Fee |
|---|---|
| First Attempt | Included |
| Second Attempt | Included |
| Third and Subsequent Attempts | $25 per attempt |
If a candidate is unsuccessful on the first attempt, a second attempt is typically provided at no additional cost.
Professionals who fail multiple attempts are encouraged to revisit the training materials and strengthen their understanding of Scrum fundamentals before retesting.
What Happens After Passing the Exam?
After successfully passing the exam:
Create or access your Scrum Alliance account.
Complete your certification profile.
Accept the licensing agreement.
Access and download your digital certificate.
Receive a two-year Scrum Alliance membership.
Certification Validity
| Requirement | Details |
| Certification Validity | 2 Years |
| Renewal Requirement | 20 SEUs |
| Renewal Fee | $100 |
Maintaining certification helps professionals stay current with evolving Agile and Scrum practices.
CSM Exam Process at a Glance
Attend 2-Day CSM Training
⬇️
Receive Exam Access Email
⬇️
Take Online Exam (50 Questions / 60 Minutes)
⬇️
Score 74% or Higher (37/50 Questions)
⬇️
Accept Scrum Alliance License Agreement
⬇️
Download Your CSM Certificate
⬇️
Become a Certified ScrumMaster
💡 Key Takeaway: The CSM exam is designed to test practical understanding of Scrum rather than memorization. Candidates who actively participate in training, study the Scrum Guide, and understand Scrum roles, events, and artifacts are well-positioned to pass the exam and begin their Agile journey as a Certified ScrumMaster.
