Professional Scrum Master Certification is a familiar option for professionals seeking Scrum Credentials. To show that they have accomplished this certification, Scrum permits the certificate holders to use the Scrum Logo with the certification. Have you seen your co-workers with Professional Scrum Master Certifications? Some of them might have PSM 1 certification, while some might have PSM 2 certification. Now, the question is what is the difference between PSM1 and PSM2? You can learn more about the difference between these two from this post:

PSM – A Basic Understanding

PSM stands for Professional Scrum Master. This is a certification scheme not only managed but also maintained by Scrum.org. this certification encompasses three levels. This is why some of them you came across have PSM1 certification, while some have PSM2 certification. Even, you can come across Scrum Professionals with PSM3 Certification. 

• PSM1 – When you have the PSM1 Certification, it will show that you have a basic level of Scrum Mastery.
• PSM2 – With this certification, you can prove that you have a fundamental knowhow of the Principles of Scrum. It is an indication that you can apply this knowledge in the regular world
• PSM3 – When you hold PSM3 Certification, it means that you have a in-depth knowledge of Practices of Scrum. Also, it means that you can apply this understanding to a wide range of composite business settings
• PSM1 – The Entry-Level Scrum Master Certification

So, you intend to become a Scrum Master, isn’t it? The initial step you will have to take is to get PSM1 Certification. This is the entry-level certification conferred by Scrum.org on new Scrum Masters. 

PSM1

PSM1 focuses on the basics. It covers the Scrum framework, artifacts, events and roles. To get through this certification, you will have to understand the following:

• Important Scrum artifacts like increments, sprint backlogs and product backlogs
• The role of the Scrum Master and how to facilitate Scrum Events
• The Scrum Guide Theory and Principles

PSM1 is a beginner-friendly certification. This is the best choice if you have just started with Scrum. The examination conducted for this basic level certification is multiple choice. Thankfully, you can find many institutions that train candidates for the PSM1 Certification. You can also prepare yourself using the Scrum Guide and resources at Scrum.org.

PSM2

With PSM2, you can show your present or prospective employer that you have more experience under your belt. PSM2 develops on the fundamentals. It pays attention to things like:

• Enabling collaborative decision-making
• Coaching Scrum Teams to Better Maturity Levels
• Getting rid of impediments and improving the productivity of the team
• Applying Scrum in intricate atmospheres

The test conducted for the PSM2 will have essay-type questions. These questions will need you to demonstrate your knowledge of Scrum in-depth. This advanced-level certification is the best choice if you have a minimum of a year of experience as Scrum Master under your belt.

You might be new to being a Scrum Master or you might have been practicing it for a while now. In both cases, PSM1 and PSM2 can help fortify your skills and knowledge. Interestingly, both are recognized internationally. So, you can get placed in Scrum Master jobs in any world nation. 

The Core Differences Between PSM1 and PSM2

You are here to know the difference between PSM1 and PSM2 Scrum Master. Here are the core differences you should be aware of:

PSM1 is considered to be perfect for those interested in understanding the fundamentals of Scrum thoroughly. To take the test, it is better to get trained to ensure that you have sufficient knowledge to crack the test. Also, the training will ensure that you are comfortable with using all the globally-recognized Scrum Approaches.

When talking about the differences, the test for PSM1 certification tests your ability to understand not only the Scrum Guide but also the concepts that make up the Scrum. When you complete this level, it is an indication that you have sufficient knowledge of the basics of Scrum. You can use this knowledge when you join as a Scrum Master in any organization.

On the other hand, the PSM2 is the second step in your journey to become a professional Scrum Master. If you have completed the PSM1 assessment and wish to take your Scrum understanding further, you can get trained for PSM2. When you get this certification, it is an indication that you know the Scrum processes and principles well. You will clearly know what is in the background of Scrum Framework. You will become trained to use the Scrum framework in a hard-to-understand business context. In turn, you can help any organization drive delivery.

In short, you can consider both these certifications to be valuable as they are industry-recognized. They can demonstrate your ability to act efficiently as a Scrum Master.

To be precise, PSM1 pays attention to your knowledge of the material. The test conducted to certify you with PSM1 certification encompasses multiple choice questions. The purpose is to understand how much basic knowledge you have gained about Scrum.

PSM2 on the other hand, pays attention more to real-world situations and practice. The test conducted for certifying you with PSM2 certification will be essay-type questions. The purpose is to know how you would respond in some situations in real-life scenarios as a Scrum Master. The test evaluates your advanced level of Scrum Knowledge.

Who is It For?

When you intend to understand the difference between PSM i and PSM ii, you should know who must take these courses:

PSM1

PSM1 suits candidates interested in demonstrating their basic level of mastery in Scrum. It is comparatively easier than PSM2.

PSM2

Those who have already been certified with PSM1 and are interested in proving their comprehensive knowledge of the Scrum Principles can take up PSM2. PSM2 is tougher compared to PSM1 as it needs a very clear mind to get through the examination.

Format of PSM1 and PSM2 Tests

For those interested in knowing the difference between PSM1 and PSM2, they should be aware of the format of the tests conducted for these two certifications:

• The duration of both these tests is 60 minutes
• The question papers for both tests will have 80 questions
• In PSM1, you will have multiple-choice questions. In PMS2, the questions will be essay-type
• Both need a passing score of 85%
• Both tests have intermediate-level difficulty

PSM1 and PSM2 Requirements

Are you planning to take up PSM1? If so, there are no such requirements. However, it would be beneficial if you have taken the Scrum Master Training. From the training provided by a reputed institution, you will have a solid understanding of the terminology and fundamentals of Scrum. In turn, you can crack the test conducted for PSM1 with ease.

To appear for PSM2, you should have PSM 1 certification. It means that PSM2 is the second level after PSM1 to become a professional Scrum Master.

Know About the Difficulty Level of the Tests

The number of PSM1 certification holders is growing now. But, according to Scrum.org, only 1% of professionals with PSM1 certification show interest in applying for PSM2. The main reason is the difficulty level of the PSM2 test. 

So, if you manage PSM2, you can set yourself apart from the competition. This certification will help you get further in your career. Also, you can earn well in the corporate world.

Topics Covered in PSM1 and PSM2 Tests

Some topics available in PSM1 are available in PSM2 as well. However, as PSM2 is advanced, the test for PSM2 covers an additional set of topics as well. You can understand from the table below:

You can gain more knowledge about a few of these subjects below:

Scaling Fundamentals

The questions asked under this topic are for evaluating your understanding of scaling Scrum in your environment. Also, your technical expertise will be evaluated under this topic.

Product Backlog Management

The product backlog is the source of work for a product. Managing it is a key element among the duties of the Scrum Team. Your knowledge in this area of Scrum will be evaluated under this topic.

Maximizing Value

This topic will test your understanding of the position and duties of a product owner. In case, you know how to optimize your value, you can support the person responsible for maximizing value as a Scrum Master.

Done and Undone

The purpose of this topic is to understand how you comprehend the concept of completion. Particularly, your knowledge of the Scrum Principle on incremental development will be evaluated under this section.

Supervision and Coaching

This topic will evaluate your knowledge of how a basic-level Scrum Master is different from a team leader or project manager. The questions under this section will test your knowledge of coaching and enabling teams to complete their job in the best manner.

Conclusion

So, the key difference between PSM1 and PSM2 Scrum Masters is the level of experience and expertise they focus on. When the former is introductory, the latter is for those with a deeper understanding and practical experience of the intricacies of Scrum.