PSM (Professional Scrum Master)
A Scrum.org certification assessing knowledge of the Scrum Guide and the Scrum Master accountability, available at levels I, II, and III.
What it means
PSM certification is issued by Scrum.org, one of the two main certifying bodies alongside Scrum Alliance's CSM. It is exam-based rather than course-attendance-based, and does not expire once earned.
PSM I tests foundational Scrum Guide knowledge; PSM II tests applied Scrum Master skills in realistic scenarios; PSM III tests deep mastery, including coaching and organizational-level Scrum Master work.
Common mistakes
Passing a PSM exam demonstrates conceptual knowledge of Scrum; it does not by itself certify practical experience facilitating real teams, which is why many practitioners pair certification with hands-on practice.
Example
A new Scrum Master studies the current Scrum Guide closely before sitting the PSM I exam.