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📘 Mapped to Scrum Alliance learning objectivesCertified Scrum Master (CSM) Syllabus 2026: Topics, Exam Format and Study Plan
The CSM course isn't a random list of Agile topics. It follows Scrum Alliance's learning objectives and the current Scrum Guide. Here's the full syllabus module by module, the exam format, and a simple plan to pass on your first attempt.
Syllabus overviewModule-by-module syllabusScrum Guide essentialsCSM exam format7-day study planAfter CSM: careersFAQs
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Book a free demoThe CSM syllabus follows Scrum Alliance's learning objectives: Lean, Agile and Scrum foundations, the Scrum Master's core competencies (facilitation and coaching), and how the Scrum Master serves the team, Product Owner and organisation. You learn it in a 16-hour live course, then take a 50-question, 60-minute online exam with a 74% pass mark.
CSM syllabus overview
Scrum Alliance groups the CSM learning objectives into five areas:
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Learning areaWhat you learn
Lean, Agile & ScrumAgile Manifesto, Scrum theory, values, accountabilities, events and artifacts
Scrum Master core competenciesFacilitation and coaching techniques
Service to the Scrum TeamSelf-management, impediment removal, team dynamics, conflict
Service to the Product OwnerProduct Goal, backlog refinement, stakeholder collaboration
Service to the organisationScrum adoption, organisational change, working across teams
Module-by-module CSM syllabus
How a typical 16-hour CSM course covers those areas:
Module 1Agile & Lean thinkingAgile Manifesto values and principles, Lean ideas, why Scrum suits complex work.
Module 2Scrum theory & valuesEmpiricism (transparency, inspection, adaptation) and the five Scrum values.
Module 3Scrum Team accountabilitiesScrum Master, Product Owner and Developers; self-management and cross-functional teams.
Module 4EventsThe Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective.
Module 5Artifacts & commitmentsProduct Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment; Product Goal, Sprint Goal, Definition of Done.
Module 6Facilitation & coachingRunning useful events, asking powerful questions, handling conflict.
Module 7Serving the PO & organisationBacklog refinement, stakeholder work, leading Scrum adoption.
Module 8Scaling & exam prepIntro to multi-team Scrum (Nexus, LeSS, SAFe), practice questions and exam tips.
Scrum Guide essentials you must know
Many exam questions test these exact definitions from the current Scrum Guide:
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ElementNameKey point
EventThe SprintOne month or less; contains all other events
EventDaily Scrum15 minutes, for the Developers, focused on the Sprint Goal
ArtifactProduct BacklogOrdered list of work; commitment: Product Goal
ArtifactSprint BacklogSprint Goal + selected items + plan; commitment: Sprint Goal
ArtifactIncrementUsable step toward the Product Goal; commitment: Definition of Done
Common mistake: “Definition of Done is an artifact.”It's the commitment for the Increment. The three artifacts are Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog and Increment.
Common mistake: “Development Team” and “roles”.The 2020 Scrum Guide uses Developers and accountabilities within one Scrum Team.
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Simulations, case studies and practice questions to pass first time.
CSM exam format
You take the exam online after completing the CSM course.
50multiple-choice questions
60 mintime limit
74%to pass (37 of 50)
Course first: 16 hours with a Certified Scrum Trainer is mandatoryTwo attempts included within 90 days of the courseTaken online through your Scrum Alliance accountCertificate and 2-year membership after passingRenew every 2 years with a fee and 20 Scrum Education Units
Rules can change, so always check Scrum Alliance's CSM page. Cost details: Scrum Master course fee.
A simple 7-day CSM study plan
Most people pass on the first attempt with a little focused revision after the course.
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DayWhat to do
1Read the Scrum Guide end to end (about 14 pages)
2–3Attend the 2-day CSM course; take notes on accountabilities, events and artifacts
4Re-read the Scrum Guide; list every time-box and commitment
5–6Practice questions; review every wrong answer against the Scrum Guide
7Take the exam in a quiet slot with a stable connection
Answer by the Scrum Guide, not your office habits
Question: “Who decides how many backlog items are selected for the Sprint?” Many people answer “the Scrum Master” or “the manager” based on their company.
Correct answer: the Developers, because they're accountable for the Sprint plan. When in doubt, go back to what the Scrum Guide says.
After CSM: roles and next steps
CSM is the starting point for several Agile roles:
StartScrum MasterFacilitate one team; learn by doing.
GrowA-CSM / Agile CoachAdvanced CSM, then coaching multiple teams.
BroadenDelivery & PMPMany later add PMP to move into delivery or program roles.
Read Scrum Master role in Agile, Scrum Master salary in India and PMP vs PSM.
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CSM syllabus: FAQs
What is covered in the CSM syllabus?
Agile and Lean foundations, Scrum theory and values, accountabilities, events, artifacts and commitments, facilitation and coaching, and how the Scrum Master serves the team, Product Owner and organisation.
How many questions are in the CSM exam?
50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. You need 37 correct (74%) to pass.
Is training mandatory for CSM?
Yes. You must attend a 16-hour course with a Certified Scrum Trainer before taking the exam.
How many attempts do I get?
Two attempts within 90 days of completing the course are usually included. Later attempts may cost extra.
How is CSM different from PSM?
CSM (Scrum Alliance) needs a 2-day course and renewal every 2 years. PSM I (Scrum.org) is exam-only, has an 85% pass mark and never expires.
Does CSM cover SAFe?
Only as an introduction to scaling. SAFe has its own SAFe Scrum Master certification.
Is CSM useful for non-IT professionals?
Yes. Scrum is used in marketing, finance, operations and product teams, not just software.
What's the best study material?
The official Scrum Guide first, then your course notes and practice questions.
Written by the PMP Academy training teamBased on Scrum Alliance's CSM learning objectives and certification rules and the Scrum Guide (2020). Last updated 15 October 2026. Spotted something outdated? Tell us on WhatsApp.
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