Passing the PSK I (Professional Scrum with Kanban I) exam is a significant achievement for anyone pursuing a career in Scrum and Kanban. The exam tests your knowledge and understanding of Scrum and Kanban principles, practices, and frameworks. The PSK I certification demonstrates that you have a solid understanding of how to use Scrum with Kanban to improve flow and deliver value. However, passing the exam requires more than just memorizing Scrum and Kanban concepts. It requires dedication, preparation, and practice. In this article, we’ll provide you with some strategies to help you prepare effectively for the PSK I exam.
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Preparation Strategies
Preparing for the PSK I exam requires adequate planning and dedication. Here are some strategies to help you prepare effectively for the exam:
1. Understand Scrum and Kanban Concepts
To pass the PSK I exam, you need to have a good understanding of Scrum and Kanban concepts and principles. This includes knowing the Scrum framework, roles, events, artifacts, and the principles and values of Scrum. You also need to have a good understanding of Kanban principles, including visual management, flow metrics, and the impact of WIP (work in progress) on lead time. You can gain this knowledge through Scrum and Kanban training courses, reading the Scrum Guide and Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams, or watching online tutorials.
2. Study the PSK I Exam Objectives
The PSK I exam objectives outline the knowledge and understanding you need to pass the exam. Study the objectives thoroughly and ensure that you have a good grasp of each topic. You can find the PSK I exam objectives on the Scrum.org website at https://www.scrum.org/courses/professional-scrum-kanban-i.
3. Join Scrum and Kanban Study Groups
Joining a Scrum and Kanban study group can be a great way to prepare for the PSK I exam. Study groups provide an opportunity to learn from others, share ideas, and ask questions. You can find study groups through Scrum and Kanban training providers, online forums, or social media platforms.
4. Review the Scrum and Kanban Guides
The Scrum and Kanban guides provide valuable information on the Scrum and Kanban frameworks, principles, and practices. Reviewing these guides can help you deepen your understanding of Scrum and Kanban concepts and principles, and prepare you for the PSK I exam. You can find the Scrum and Kanban guides on the Scrum.org website at https://www.scrum.org/resources/scrum-guide and https://www.scrum.org/resources/kanban-guide-scrum-teams.
5. Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is an excellent way to prepare for the PSK I exam. Practice tests help you identify your weak areas and improve your knowledge and understanding of Scrum and Kanban concepts and principles. You can find PSK I practice tests online, including the Professional Scrum with Kanban Open assessment from Scrum.org and Exam Prep for PSK I. The Exam Prep for PSK I offers multiple practice tests, questions covering all PSK I topics, as well as detailed explanations to help you prepare thoroughly for the PSK I exam.
Tips for Taking the PSK I Exam
Now that you have prepared adequately for the PSK I exam, here are some tips to help you succeed:
1. Manage Your Time
The PSK I 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 PSK I 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 PSK I 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 PSK I exam requires dedication, preparation, and practice. Understanding Scrum and Kanban concepts, studying the exam objectives, joining Scrum and Kanban study groups, reviewing the Scrum and Kanban guides, and taking practice tests 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 PSK I exam on your first attempt.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The PSK I (Professional Scrum with Kanban) assessment evaluates your understanding of how to apply Kanban to improve Scrum processes, including flow, visual management, and limiting work in progress (WIP) resulting in increased team effectiveness and delivery of value. The exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. The passing score for the PSK I assessment is 85%.
Official PSK I™ exam details:
- Passing score: 85%
- Time limit: 60 minutes
- Number of Questions: 45
- 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 Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams published by Scrum.org.
- Read the blog Understanding the Kanban for Scrum Teams Guide for insights.
- Read the Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework with a focus on how Scrum and Kanban can be used together without compromising either.
- Repeat the Scrum with Kanban Open Assessment.
- Take ScrumPrep’s Exam Prep for Professional Kanban (PSK I™) 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 PSK (Professional Scrum with Kanban) and PSM I (Professional Scrum Master) exams are both offered by Scrum.org and test knowledge and understanding of the Scrum framework.
However, the PSK exam is focused on understanding how Kanban practices can be used in Scrum to improve flow, while the PSM I exam focuses on the fundamental Scrum framework.
The PSK exam covers topics such as flow metrics, visual management, and the impact of WIP (work in progress) on lead time, while the PSM exam covers the core Scrum fundamentals.
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 PSK I assessment demonstrates your ability to optimize value delivery using a combination of Kanban practices within the Scrum framework.
Benefits of passing the PSK I assessment include demonstrating your ability to optimize value delivery by applying practices from Kanban to help in supporting Scrum values and principles, which can lead to career advancement opportunities and a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, passing the PSK I assessment can increase your earning potential and provide a foundation for further Scrum and Kanban certifications.
There is no prerequisite to taking the PSK I Certification assessment. You can take the PSK I assessment if you feel you already possess a high understanding of Kanban Practices, Agile Metrics, and The Scrum Framework.
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.
