How to pass your CSM Certification exam first time
How to pass your CSM Certification exam first time

Certified Scrum Master is the one responsible for helping the project teams use Scrum methodology properly and increase the likelihood of the overall success of the project. As a CSM, you will be understanding the values, applications, and practices of Scrum and provide a level of expertise and knowledge that is above and beyond that of a typical project manager. CSMs are considered to be Servant Leaders. They also protect teams from internal as well as external distractions. By helping the Scrum team work together and learn the framework, they ensure the success of the project. Here are the roles involved in the Scrum methodology:

  • Scrum Team
  • Scrum Master
  • Product Owner

The Scrum methodology is made up of the following processes:
  • Sprint Planning
  • Product Backlog
  • Sprint Backlog
  • Spring Execution
  • Daily Scrum
  • Sprint Review
  • Sprint Retrospective

Requirements
In order to take the CSM exam, you have to first attend the CSM training course. This is a two-day long, in-person CSM course that is taught by a CST or Certified Scrum Trainer. Once you have completed the course successfully, you will have to pass the CSM exam. In order to get a passing score, you have to get at least 37 questions correct out of 50. After you have successfully passed the CSM test, you have to accept the CSM License Agreement and finish your Scrum Alliance membership profile.

Duration and Timeline

Once you have completed the course, you will have 90 days for taking the exam. However, it is recommended that you don’t take this long. You should take the exam while the course material is still fresh in your mind. This will give you the best chance of passing the test with ease. There are 50 Multiple Choice questions in the CSM exam that you have to answer within 1 hr. However, it might take you less than that to finish the exam.

Step-by-step process to take the Certified Scrum Master
  • Attend the two-days long Scrum Master course.
  • Complete the registration process for the Scrum Master Certification Program.
  • Once you have registered successfully, your Exam Access code will be sent to you
  • The next step is completing the online test that you can take any time, anywhere, and answer the 50 MCQs.
  • Lastly, accept the License Agreement and finish your Scrum Alliance membership profile. You can also download the certificate’s soft copy.
Tips on passing the Scrum Master Exam for the first time
Here, we are going to provide you with a few tips about taking the Scrum Master exam and the multiple-choice questions test:
  • You should read the last sentence before reading the whole question. This way, you will know exactly what you need from the question. Also, you will be less likely to get confused because of the tricky wording.
  • Before you look at the choices, answer the question. You have taken the class and studied. This means that you already know the answer. Then, you can look at your choices.
  • You should read all the answers before you select one. This way, you won’t be picking up the answer that is closest to the correct one.
  • When you are reading the multiple-choice questions, start from the bottom up. This will avoid your bias towards the first reasonable answer.
  • Start by eliminating the wrong answers. There will be some obvious wrong answers.
  • Be careful of words like always, all, never, and none. An answer always means that in the whole wide world there is not a single event where it is not so. These words are intentionally kept to confuse the candidates.
  • Once you are done, you have to review your answers. Double-check all the answers before submitting the test.
  • In case you are stuck on a question, flag it for review. You can come back to it once you are done with the other questions.
  • Search the internet for even more tips on multiple-choice questions.

Tips that are specific for the CSM test
  • In case you are reading this article before attending the class, make sure that you select the right course. All the training materials that you are reading in your workshop should be up to date.
  • You have to study the Scrum Guide. It is the official source material. The rest of the online resources might only confuse you further. In the online version, there is a table of contents hyperlink for finding the material that you need.
Benefits of the Scrum Master Certification
When you earn a CSM certification, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits:
  • Expanding your career opportunities to stay relevant and marketable through all different industry sectors that are adopting Agile practices.
  • Demonstrating to your colleagues and employers about your attainment of Scrum knowledge.
  • Learning the foundation of Scrum and scope of the CSM’s role from the experts in the methodology.
  • Engaging with a community of Scrum experts who are committed to continuous improvement.

As a Certified Scrum Master, you will be either working as a Scrum team member or a Scrum Master. Through the certification process, you will be able to understand the Scrum framework, team roles, artifacts, and activities. Along with your CSM certification, you will be given access to the 2-year membership with the Scrum Alliance. You can use this membership for joining online social networks, local user groups, gain access to deep discounts, and additional member-only resources. Apart from these, CSMs also has a specially-designed logo for highlighting their credentials.

The journey of Agile and Scrum is lifelong. If you want to incorporate the principles and practices of Scrum into your world, it will require patience, diligence, and a commitment to continual improvement. Here is how you can enhance your skills and knowledge:
  • Join a user group.
  • Share your experience with the community.
  • Attend the Scrum Alliance events and gatherings.
  • Gain the expertise and experience for becoming a Certified Scrum Professional Scrum Master or Advanced Certified Scrum Master.
  • Market yourself by telling others about your CSM certification through logos and a profile on Scrum Alliance.

Getting the CSM certification is just the beginning of your Agile journey. It is the first step on the path of constant learning. The CSM Test is the reflection of this. All you need to do is pay attention in class and practice, and you will be able to pass the CSM certification exam in your first attempt.