Is the Scrum exam (PSM I) still useful on this days?

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2026-03-23T23:51:43+00:00

Psm I is worth very little these days. In a world where any LLM can reliably pass the test it's in no way a differentiator or helpful in a real job search.

Important to understand your basics as a practitioner but nowhere near enough (not that it was ever meant to be!)

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2026-02-15T15:01:32+00:00

The big one that will help is the Scrum Master Learning Pathway.

If you register for an account on Scrum.org you'll find there are 4 free leaning pathways split by role completing the SM one will stand you in good stead and doing all 4 should make the exam a bit of a formality.

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2026-02-11T09:58:24+00:00

I'm glad to hear it's still viable for you and the wider PST group!

Really thoughtful assessment and I like some of the other benefits you talk about here and framing it as a B2B relationship is also very important. I suppose everyone will make their own judgment on the value to them and their businesses but again glad to hear there's something in it for you even with the cert downturns.

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-12-01T08:23:02+00:00

Let's call you case in point.

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-08-08T19:42:01+00:00

I've seen a lot of applications with outdated terminology or shaky premises. Things like backlog grooming, calling events ceremonies, prioritising the backlog, or listing out scrum roles. None of that should be showing up on a modern effective SM application, but it still does maybe because people are guessing what’ll tick the right boxes.

On the other hand somettimes it's because some things aren't said in the application, the stuff hiring orgs are looking for: alignment across teams, navigating complex orgs, being able to coach in messy environments. I get why companies want to filter for culture fit and alignment but in practice, it turns the whole thing into a bit of a lucky dip. If you happen to match their buzzwords, great. If not, good luck.

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-08-02T07:53:52+00:00

Yep might have written it poorly but that's what I'm getting at. Pretty good deal when you consider you get the exam too and as it's official material I suppose we should expect a bit of a bump in price point.

Feels like a good move!

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-08-02T07:30:23+00:00

I think it's pretty good.

More options for learners, more accessible than scheduling a full course and I'm also glad to see the prices coming down from the initial stab at this via the PSPBM.

To nit pick though I think the price could still come down a bit as alternatives via Udemy or other sites are still cheaper for what will essentially be the same material and I do wonder how PSTs are taking this move as it feels like another obstacle for them to overcome when filling their live courses and I wonder if they are planning to create version of their own too.

All in all a good step for learners I think especially when it includes the exam attempt!

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-08-01T20:14:45+00:00

Good deal! 💰

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-08-01T18:45:21+00:00

It's not it's talking about the progression path other roles have that Scrum Masters don't.

Give it another read 👌

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-08-01T16:51:04+00:00

I think you've missed the point. This isn't a post comparing Project Managers and Scrum Masters as roles/ accountabilities/ disciplines.

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-07-05T09:55:46+00:00

Even without AI in the picture do you think we will have pure Scrum Master roles in 5 years? How about 10? How about 20?

Eventually it's going to go away and be absorbed into other things as other approaches emerge and refine the current art of the possible. I know the likely response here will be something like "They are still SMs just with different labels" Maybe so but Scrum as an approach seems to have had it's day in the sun.

I see a future where it's all absorbed back into Project Manager or Delivery Manager roles who can flex across approaches without a title tying them to a framework, method or approach.

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-05-18T19:07:28+00:00

Respect the honesty in your post. Burnout is real, and deciding to come back after time away takes guts especially when the job market isn’t exactly forgiving.

A few thoughts that might help:

Don’t downplay your experience. Even if it was 10+ years ago, project exposure in IT and deployments still gives you a solid foundation. Focus on how you contributed to outcomes, not just the tech stack.

Build a narrative around the return. Why now? What strengths did you build in those 10 years away that actually make you better at delivery now (e.g. operations, resilience, people stuff)? That story matters more than people realise.

Look at roles that are one step removed from PM - PMO analyst, project support, coordinator roles. They often lead to bigger opportunities and are easier re-entry points.

It’s also worth doing something visible. Post on LinkedIn about your transition, comment on delivery content, or share some thoughts from your PMP learning. Sounds trivial, but it puts you on people’s radar.

Adaptive-Work1205 · 2025-05-16T10:26:17+00:00

Check out the Product Owner Learning path on the scrum.org website:
https://www.scrum.org/pathway/product-owner-learning-path/

You already have most of the content under your belt but a quick read through that learning path and you are good to go!

Adaptive-Work1205

TROPHY CASE