The CSM Exam Study Checklist
Free CSM exam prep checklist: what to study, in what order, and the 5 mistakes that fail most candidates. Works before, during, or after your class.
What's inside
Everything you'll find in the checklist (pdf)
- The 7 topics the exam actually tests (and how many questions hit each one)
- Study order that builds on itself instead of jumping around
- The 5 mistakes that fail 60% of first-time test-takers
- Time-blocking templates for 2-week, 4-week, and 8-week study plans
- Scrum Guide sections worth re-reading vs. the stuff that doesn't appear on the exam
Why this exists
The CSM exam is 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. You need 37 correct to pass (74%). Most people who fail do so not because they don't understand Scrum, but because they studied the wrong things, ran out of time, or misread what the exam actually tests.
You get up to 2 attempts within 90 days of completing your class. After that, each retake costs $25. A checklist that tells you what to study, in what order, and what traps to avoid saves you both attempts and money.
Who it's for
- You're researching the CSM before signing up for a class and want to know what to expect
- You're enrolled in a CSM course and want a study plan that works alongside your class materials
- You finished your class and have 2–4 weeks before your exam window closes
- You failed your first attempt and need to know what you actually missed
Who it's NOT for
- You're looking for a replacement for taking the class (you need the 16 hours of instruction; the exam alone won't teach you Scrum)
- You want a deep dive into Scrum theory (this is tactical exam prep, not a philosophy text)
Trust
Giora Morein is a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) — one of approximately 250 globally. He's trained over 55,000 professionals and holds a 4.9/5 rating from 5,582+ verified Trustpilot reviews. This checklist comes from 20+ years of watching what actually moves the needle on exam day.
Related Resources
- To understand how strategy shapes your product's journey, read our guide on Product Roadmap vs. Product Strategy.
Outcomes
What you'll be able to do after reading it
Know exactly what to study instead of guessing or re-reading everything
Spot the common traps before you hit them on exam day
Pass on your first attempt and avoid the $25 retake fee
Or — when you're ready, here are the next CSM classes
June 2026
3 classes
No spam, no nudge campaign
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