The Professional Scrum Developer (PSD) exam is an essential certification for anyone interested in developing valuable software using the Scrum framework. The PSD certification is proof of one’s understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of developing products using Scrum. Passing this exam requires adequate preparation, practice, and dedication. In this article, we will discuss various tips and techniques to help you pass the PSD exam on your first attempt.
Table of Contents
Understanding the PSD Exam
Before diving into the preparation strategies, it’s essential to understand the exam format and content. The PSD exam is a multiple-choice test that consists of 80 questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. The questions are designed to test your knowledge of Scrum theory, roles, events, and artifacts, as well as your ability to apply Scrum practices and techniques.
The PSD exam content is divided into four categories, including:
Fundamentals of Scrum: This category tests your understanding of the Scrum framework, its values, and principles.
Scrum Theory and Principles: This category tests your knowledge of the empirical process control theory, self-organization, and continuous improvement.
Cross-functional and Self-managing Teams: This category tests your understanding of the importance of cross-functional teams, self-managing teams, and team dynamics.
Technical Skills and Practices: This category tests your ability to apply technical skills and practices, including coding standards, continuous integration, test-driven development, and automated testing.
Preparation Strategies
Preparing for the PSD exam requires adequate planning and dedication. Here are some strategies to help you prepare effectively for the exam:
1. Understand Scrum Concepts and Principles
The PSD exam is designed to test your understanding of the Scrum framework and its principles. Therefore, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of Scrum concepts and principles. You can do this by reading the Scrum Guide, attending Scrum training courses, or watching online Scrum tutorials.
2. Practice Scrum Activities and Techniques
The PSD exam also tests your ability to apply Scrum practices and techniques. Therefore, it’s essential to practice Scrum activities and techniques, such as Sprint planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. You can do this by participating in Scrum projects or practicing Scrum activities with your colleagues.
3. Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is an excellent way to prepare for the PSD exam. Practice tests help you identify your weak areas and improve your knowledge and understanding of Scrum concepts and principles. You can find PSD practice tests online, including Scrum Developer Open from scrum.org and Exam Prep for PSD. The Exam Prep for PSD course provides multiple practice tests, comprehensive questions covering all PSD topics, as well as detailed explanations is designed to improve your knowledge of Scrum product development and help you pass the PSD exam.
4. Join Scrum Study Groups
Joining a Scrum study group can be a great way to prepare for the PSD exam. Study groups provide an opportunity to learn from others, share ideas, and ask questions. You can find study groups through Scrum training providers, online forums, or social media platforms.
Tips for Taking the PSD Exam
Now that you have prepared adequately for the PSD exam, here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Manage Your Time
The PSD exam consists of 80 questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. Therefore, it’s essential to manage your time effectively. Read the questions carefully, and avoid spending too much time on a single question.
2. Answer All Questions
The PSD exam is a multiple-choice test, and there’s no penalty for guessing. Therefore, it’s essential to answer all questions, even if you’re not sure of the correct answer. If you’re unsure, eliminate the obvious wrong answers and make an educated guess.
3. Review Your Answers
Before submitting your answers, review them to ensure that you have answered all the questions and checked for any errors or mistakes. Reviewing your answers can help you identify any mistakes or areas that need improvement.
4. Stay Calm and Focused
During the exam, it’s essential to stay calm and focused. Avoid getting distracted by other things, and concentrate on the questions at hand. If you encounter a difficult question, take a deep breath, and try to approach it logically.
5. Trust Your Knowledge
You have prepared adequately for the PSD exam, and you have the knowledge and skills to pass it. Trust in your abilities and trust that you can answer the questions correctly. Don’t let stress or anxiety get the best of you, and remember that you’ve got this!
Conclusion
Passing the PSD exam requires dedication, preparation, and practice. Understanding Scrum concepts and principles, practicing Scrum activities and techniques, taking practice tests such as the Exam Prep for PSD course, and joining Scrum study groups are all effective ways to prepare for the exam. During the exam, it’s essential to manage your time effectively, answer all questions, review your answers, stay calm and focused, and trust your knowledge. With these tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of passing the PSD exam on your first attempt.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Those who hold the (Professional Scrum Developer) PSD certification have proven their knowledge and ability to apply the development practices and techniques that support building complex solutions within a Scrum Team. The PSD assessment evaluates your understanding of Scrum principles and practices as they apply to the development the practices and techniques that support building complex software, including modern Agile and DevOps practices. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. The passing score for the PSD assessment is 85%.
Official PSD™ exam details:
- Passing score: 85%
- Time limit: 60 minutes
- Number of Questions: 80
- Format: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer and True/False
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Language: English only
- Fee: $200 USD per attempt
- Carefully read and understand the Scrum Guide.
- Read the Professional Scrum Competencies and how it can be applied to the Scrum framework.
- Read the article Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework to understand framework application.
- Read the article Managing Products with Agility and Developing People and Teams with a focus on how it applies to Scrum without compromising the fundamentals.
- Learn about Developing & Delivering Products Professionally.
- Repeat the Scrum Open and Scrum Developer Open.
- Take ScrumPrep’s Exam Prep for Professional Scrum Developer (PSD™) practices questions and simulation exam until you consistently score 90-100%.
The time it takes to prepare for the exam depends on your previous experience with Scrum and your learning style. On average, it takes 1-2 months of preparing for the exam, however, it can be taken in less time depending on how much you’ve already mastered.
The exam is updated periodically (sometimes monthly) to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest practices. Be sure to check for updates and changes to the resources and exam content before taking the exam.
The PSD (Professional Scrum Developer) and PSM (Professional Scrum Master) exams are both certification exams related to Scrum, but they differ in their focus and target audience. The PSD exam evaluates your understanding of the development principles, skills, and technical knowledge to be an effective Developer in a Scrum Team, including software engineering practices, DevOps, and continuous delivery. The PSM exam, on the other hand, evaluates the ability to apply fundamental Scrum principles and practices in complex scenarios.
Yes, you can take the exam multiple times if you don’t pass on the first attempt. However, you need to pay for each attempt.
Passing the PSD assessment demonstrates your ability to develop high-quality software products using modern Agile and DevOps practices within Scrum.
Benefits of passing the PSD assessment include demonstrating your ability to develop high-quality software products using Scrum and modern development principles and practices, which can lead to career advancement opportunities and a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, passing the PSD assessment can increase your earning potential and provide a foundation for further Scrum and Agile engineering certifications.
There is no prerequisite to taking the PSD Certification assessment. You can take the PSD assessment if you feel you already possess fundamental knowledge of the practices and techniques that support building complex software as a member of a Scrum Team and ability to apply that knowledge.
The certification does not expire, and there is no need for renewal. However, staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and skills are crucial for maintaining your professional edge.
