Quick Answer: CREA-SM vs PSM I — Which Should You Choose?
PSM I (Professional Scrum Master from Scrum.org) and CREA-SM serve different purposes. PSM I is the gold standard for pure Scrum theory — it tests the Scrum Guide deeply and rigorously. CREA-SM tests enterprise application — how you use Scrum in real organisations with real tools, scaling frameworks, and AI delivery contexts.
Key Facts:
- CREA-SM cost: £119, no renewal, 2 attempts included
- PSM I cost: $200 (approximately £158), no expiry, no renewal
- CREA-SM exam: 80 scenario-based questions, 90 minutes, 75% pass mark
- PSM I exam: 80 questions, 60 minutes, 85% pass mark (harder threshold)
- CREA-SM covers: Scrum + enterprise scaling + tooling + AI + coaching + metrics
- PSM I covers: Scrum Guide comprehensively — nothing beyond it
- PSM I pass rate: approximately 55–65% (genuinely rigorous)
- CREA-SM pass rate: approximately 62–68%
Recommendation: If you work in pure Scrum teams and want Scrum.org credibility, do PSM I. If you work in enterprise environments with multiple tools, scaling frameworks, and AI delivery — CREA-SM is the better investment. Many practitioners do both.
PSM I (Professional Scrum Master) from Scrum.org is respected for its rigorous open-book-style exam. CREA-SM matches that rigour while adding enterprise tooling, scaling frameworks, and AI delivery content.
Background
Scrum.org built PSM I on Ken Schwaber's philosophy that the exam should be genuinely hard — pass rate around 65–70%. CREA-SM was designed with the same no-shortcut philosophy but extends scope beyond the Scrum Guide to cover what enterprise practitioners actually need.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | PSM I (Scrum.org) | CREA-SM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $200 (~£160) | £119 |
| Renewal fee | None | None |
| Questions | 80 | 80 |
| Time limit | 60 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Pass mark | 85% | 75% |
| Attempts included | 1 | 2 |
| Enterprise tools | None | Jira, Azure DevOps, Rally |
| Scaling frameworks | None (separate exams) | SAFe, LeSS, Nexus, S@S |
| AI delivery module | No | Yes (add-on) |
| Coaching models | Not covered | GROW, CLEAR, Co-Active |
Exam Difficulty
PSM I has an 85% pass mark in 60 minutes — you need to answer correctly and quickly. CREA-SM has a 75% pass mark over 90 minutes with scenario-based questions that test judgment rather than speed recall.
PSM I tests Scrum Guide mastery. CREA-SM tests practical judgment in enterprise contexts. Both are genuinely demanding; neither is a participation credential.
Scope
PSM I is strictly Scrum Guide content. CREA-SM tests six modules: Scrum foundations, enterprise scaling, tool proficiency, metrics and reporting, coaching and facilitation, and stakeholder management. This breadth is why CREA-SM holders tend to perform better in enterprise interviews.
Which Is Right for You?
For pure Scrum Guide mastery: PSM I is excellent. For enterprise roles in financial services, payments, or scaled environments: CREA-SM covers more of what you will be asked in interviews and use daily.
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