Chapter 1 of 3 · Scrum.org PSM I
Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework
Empiricism, the Scrum Values, the Scrum Team, the five events, the three artifacts and the Definition of Done.
- 5topics
- 18 minfast track
- 5diagrams and exhibits
Topics in this chapter
Take them in order, or jump to the one you need.
- 1Empiricism and the Scrum ValuesScrum theory for PSM I: empiricism and lean thinking, the three pillars of transparency, inspection and adaptation, and the five…Diagram3 min
- 2The Scrum Team and Its AccountabilitiesThe Scrum Team for PSM I: size, cross-functional and self-managing teams, and the accountabilities of the Developers, Product…Diagram4 min
- 3The Sprint and Sprint PlanningThe Sprint as the container event, its rules and cancellation, and Sprint Planning: why, what and how, the Sprint Goal and Sprint…3 min
- 4Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Sprint RetrospectiveThe Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective for PSM I: purpose, who takes part, timeboxes and what each event…Diagram4 min
- 5Artifacts, Commitments and the Definition of DoneThe three Scrum artifacts and their commitments: Product Backlog and Product Goal, Sprint Backlog and Sprint Goal, Increment and…Diagram4 min
About this chapter
What this chapter covers
Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework is the heart of the PSM I exam. Scrum.org lists its focus areas as empiricism, the Scrum Values, the Scrum Team, the events, the artifacts and Done. Most PSM I questions test whether you know what the Scrum Guide 2020 says, and how to apply it when a team or organization drifts from it.
Scrum is deliberately incomplete: it defines only the parts required to implement Scrum theory. Everything here comes from the Scrum Guide 2020, which is the source of truth for the exam.
How the topics fit together
The Scrum Team works in Sprints. Each event is a formal opportunity to inspect and adapt, and each artifact makes key information transparent. Each artifact has a commitment: the Product Goal, the Sprint Goal and the Definition of Done.
When an answer option adds something the Scrum Guide does not require, such as a team lead, a hardening Sprint or a mandatory estimation technique, it is almost always wrong. When in doubt, choose the option that matches the Scrum Guide's own wording.
How to use these pages
Each topic page has the same shape, so you can skim for what you need.
- What it is: the idea in plain words.
- How it works: the mechanism, with tables and examples.
- What to remember for the exam: the facts to memorise and how questions are phrased.
- Common mistakes: the classic traps.
- Check yourself: three questions to test your understanding.
Ready for more practice?
The full Scrum.org PSM I question bank has 811 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.
This study guide is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Scrum.org. Vendor names, certification names and exam codes are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification only.