CSM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CSM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is one technique a Scrum Master can use to improve team dynamics? → Team-building exercises
2. What is the Sprint Backlog? → Items for the current Sprint
3. Scrum employs an iterative, incremental approach. Why? → To control risk and to optimize predictability
4. What is the difference between velocity and capacity in Scrum? → Velocity is historical throughput; capacity is available time/effort for a Sprint
5. The Scrum value of Focus is best described as: → Everyone focuses on the Sprint work and goals of the Scrum Team
6. What happens to unfinished Sprint Backlog items at the end of a Sprint? → They are returned to the Product Backlog for re-ordering
7. Which of the following is a primary service the Scrum Master provides to the organization? → Leading and coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption.
8. Which scenario best illustrates the Scrum value of Courage? → A team member voices concerns about a technical approach that could cause serious problems
9. What is cycle time in agile metrics? → The time from when work starts on an item to when it is delivered
10. A Scrum Team is conducting a Sprint Review at the end of their one-month Sprint. According to the Scrum Guide, what is the maximum timebox for this event? → 4 hours
11. What does velocity measure in Scrum? → The average amount of work a team completes per Sprint
12. What is the recommended size for a Scrum Team? → Typically 10 or fewer people.
13. What does transparency mean in Scrum? → Clear visibility of work and goals
14. Who participates in the Sprint Review? → Scrum Team and Stakeholders
15. Which of these statements is correct? → The Product Owner is one person, not a committee.
16. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Scrum Master? → Assigning tasks to team members
17. What are the five core Scrum values? → Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, Respect
18. Which statement about the Sprint Goal is correct? → It must be finalized before Sprint Planning ends
19. What defines an Increment in Scrum? → A concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal that meets the Definition of Done
20. The Scrum value of Openness is best described as: → Being transparent about work, progress, and challenges faced
21. Why is focus important in Scrum? → To stay aligned on Sprint Goals
22. Who owns the Sprint Backlog? → Development Team
23. The Daily Scrum is a 15-minute Event – what feature of the Daily Scrum is a way to reduce complexity? → The Daily Scrum is held at the same time and place every day
24. What is the result of effective transparency? → Better decisions
25. A cumulative flow diagram (CFD) is most useful for: → Visualizing workflow stability and identifying bottlenecks across Scrum stages
26. What is velocity trend analysis used for? → Forecasting how many Product Backlog items can be completed in future Sprints
27. How long should the Daily Scrum be? → 15 minutes
28. Each Scrum Artifact contains a commitment to enhance transparency and focus. Which pairing of artifact and commitment is correct? → Increment and Definition of Done
29. The Product Owner has resigned and left the organization. What should happen next? → A Stakeholder or Developer can step into the Product Owner role
30. What is the maximum duration of Sprint Planning for a one-month Sprint? → 8 hours