PSM I vs PSPO I
Which Scrum.org certification should you take first?
Short answer
Take PSM I first unless you already work as a Product Owner.
Both assessments share a large body of Scrum framework content, and both cost the same and take the same 60 minutes at the same 85% pass mark. The difference is what sits on top of that shared base.
PSM I adds the Scrum Master accountability: serving the team, coaching, and removing organisational impediments. PSPO I adds value, Product Backlog management, stakeholders and forecasting.
PSM I is the more common first step because its extra material is closer to the framework itself, so the study effort compounds. If your job is already deciding what gets built, invert that and start with PSPO I.
Because of the overlap, taking the second within a few weeks of the first is markedly easier than starting fresh.
Side by side
PSM I
Professional Scrum Master I
- Awarding body
- Scrum.org
- Level
- Foundation
- Questions
- 80
- Time
- 60 min
- Pass mark
- 85% (68)
- Per question
- 45s
- Format
- Open book
- Cost
- $200
- Prerequisite
- None
- Practice questions
- 342
PSPO I
Professional Scrum Product Owner I
- Awarding body
- Scrum.org
- Level
- Foundation
- Questions
- 80
- Time
- 60 min
- Pass mark
- 85% (68)
- Per question
- 45s
- Format
- Open book
- Cost
- $200
- Prerequisite
- None
- Practice questions
- 349
Who each one is for
PSM I
Scrum Masters, developers and managers working on or alongside a Scrum Team who want a recognised, evidence-based credential.
Practise PSM I free →PSPO I
Product Owners, product managers, business analysts and anyone accountable for what a development team builds.
Practise PSPO I free →