Road to PSM3
By Nikolay Gekht
This article was originally published in Agile Bulletin 2023. Read the magazine via the link.
There are countless certifications, each unique in its own way. But let me tell you about my absolute favorite — the one that truly transformed me into an Agile expert. It’s none other than the PSM certification from scrum.org.
The PSM certification is divided into three levels: PSM 1, PSM 2, and PSM 3. As of July 2023, there are approximately 600,000 individuals who hold the PSM 1 certification. Then around 34,000 individuals with the PSM 2 certification. Finally, just about 1,100 individuals have achieved the PSM 3 certification worldwide. So, the ratio of credential holders is approximately 600:30:1.
There is no need for formal education or training to obtain PSM certification. Prepare as much as you feel is necessary and give it a go. If you fail, it is the chance to be transparent and candid about yourself. Inspect your performance, adapt, and give it another shot. This serves as a prime example of implementing Scrum principles. The exam also demonstrates the Agile approach to quality. It sets incredibly high standards with an 85% pass threshold and sweatshop timeboxing. In 2002, Ken Schwaber wrote in his book: “Nothing unleashes creativity like a rope around your neck.” If you ever wonder what it means, try scrum.org exams, especially PSM 3. I bet you’ll understand.
When I come across the PSM certification on a candidate’s resume, I am immediately impressed. It indicates that the individual is self-disciplined and capable of putting in the hard work required to succeed. The certification also signifies that they deeply understand Scrum and have effectively applied it even in high-pressure situations. While there are many other traits that also make a great Scrum Master, the qualities demonstrated by PSM certification are definitely among the top five.
The PSM 1 exam is focused on your understanding of the Scrum Guide. Reading and comprehending every single word of it is crucial to prepare for the exam. Pay attention to every detail and avoid adding any extra information. This preparation should be sufficient to pass the exam. The exam primarily validates that your perspective of the scrum guide is complete and ungarbled. You can also use the practice exam. The primary one is the open assessment on scrum.org. Practice until you know the correct answer and understand why the answer is right. Also, Simon Knifsey, a PST, has a great practice exam on his website https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/, both free and paid.
The PSM 2 exam tests your ability to apply Scrum in real-life scenarios. It presents various situations and asks you to choose the best course of action. More than picking a good answer is required. You must find the perfect solution that aligns with the Scrum guide and Agile principles without any contradictions. Many candidates failed by choosing the logical, working answer that goes against the Scrum framework. In addition to that, the exam will also test your understanding of agile development practices. You’ll have to apply user stories, test-driven development, and the Cynefin framework.
Get Agile Bulletin’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
To prepare for the exam, practicing applying Scrum without any reservations or objections is essential. Scrum follows the open-close principle. The Scrum can be expanded with additional tools and compatible principles, but the core should be intact. So, if you want to be certified, leave “yes, but “s at home. Your homegrown method may be different and may be more effective in your specific situation. It simply wouldn’t be considered Scrum.
PSM 3 is considered one of the most challenging tests in Agile. It tests your ability to explain Scrum theory and practice under pressure. You will have to write several essays about Scrum in a short amount of time. It’s essential to follow the principles set by the Scrum authors, including the language you use. The time constraint is quite strict. I personally recommend spending no more than one minute and thirty seconds per essay.
You’ll need more than just reading the Scrum guide or practicing to excel in the Scrum exam truly. You’ll also need a solid understanding of the underlying theory behind Scrum. So, you’ll have to read a lot. Two books have been particularly beneficial to me in delving into the theoretical aspects of Scrum. The first is “Management 3.0” by Jurgen Appelo. This remarkable book offers an astonishing explanation of the Complexity theory and its profound influence on Agile practices. The second book I found immensely valuable is “Coaching Agile Teams” by Lyssa Adkins. This book comprehensively explores the theory and practice of coaching Agile teams. It is also extremely helpful to distinguish between the roles of a coach and team lead. Answering as a coach will be crucial during the exam. These books will give you a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of Scrum. They will also help equip you with the insights needed to excel as a Scrum practitioner in real-world scenarios.
Another great source is articles listed in learning paths for scrum masters and product owners at the scrum.org website. They alone would not be enough, but these articles help to build the vocabulary and approach to explain Scrum principles.
In addition to knowing, being able to survive the test is vital. Practice writing essays quickly. You need to think, word, and type fast. I took open assessments and practice exams for PSM 1 and PSM 2 levels and wrote essay answers explaining the correct answers. I wrote hundreds of them before I could do it within the time limit. However, don’t overthink the “essay” part. It is about something other than your academic writing, vocabulary, or grammar. It is about using “just enough” words and language structures to convey your understanding wholly and accurately. The typical recommendation is around 50–100 words per essay.
Don’t be afraid to fail on your first try. Embracing failure and even desiring it on your first attempt is crucial for personal growth and learning. The experience of failing provides invaluable insights and allows for deep self-reflection. Additionally, the personalized review of results from scrum.org could be more helpful than reading dozens of articles.
When taking an exam, it is essential to prioritize your time and energy effectively. If you encounter a question you are unsure about, don’t hesitate to skip it temporarily. Keep a piece of paper handy to jot down the number of the skipped question, ensuring that you remember to address it later. Additionally, use a timer to prevent getting stuck on a single question for too long. Remember, it is better to skip a question than to risk running out of time and not completing the entire exam. Before the exam, make sure to get a good night’s rest. Eliminate any potential distractions during the exam. Furthermore, reserve 30–60 minutes after the exam to relax and recharge. Your shirt will be wet after, I promise. You’ll feel overwhelmed anyway, but these little secrets will help you survive.
I believe this information will benefit you as you pursue your certification and prepare for the exam. Additionally, our corporate blog features an article that compares various Agile certifications. It’s important not to be swayed by the negative criticism surrounding certificates. While it’s true that certification alone cannot guarantee success and should not replace practical knowledge and experience, it does showcase two crucial qualities in an Agile practitioner. Certification demonstrates a willingness to learn and a commitment to objectively validating that learning. These qualities are highly valued when I am hiring Scrum Masters.
I wish you the best of luck on your journey of learning and achievement, and I hope to have the opportunity to meet you at Agile events and collaborate on future projects!
Cheers!
