Which of the following are common Scrum Master activities? (choose the top three answers)

Optimizing the value of the work the Development Team performs.

Ensuring the Development Team understands items in the Product Backlog to the level needed.

Which of the following statements about Backlog Refinement is true? (choose the two most appropriate responses)

Backlog Refinement takes place before Sprint Planning.

The Product Owner is responsible for organizing Backlog Refinement.

No more than 10% of Development Team capacity is used for Refinement.

SCRUM Practice Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: During the Sprint, who is allowed to add tasks to the Sprint Backlog? (Choose the two best responses)

The Development Team (Correct answer)
The Scrum Master
The Scrum Team
The Product Owner
The Product Owner in accordance with the Development Team (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Development Team

During the Sprint, the Development Team is solely responsible for managing the Sprint Backlog. They break down Product Backlog Items into tasks, estimate them, and adjust the work as needed to achieve the Sprint Goal. While the Product Owner clarifies items, the Development Team has the autonomy to add or remove tasks that reflect their plan for delivering the Increment.

Question 2: Can a Scrum Master also work on a Scrum Team as a Developer?

A) No
B) Yes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B) Yes

The Scrum Guide does not prohibit a Scrum Master from also acting as a Developer on the same Scrum Team. While it can present challenges in maintaining focus and avoiding conflicts of interest, it is technically permissible. If a Scrum Master takes on both roles, they must ensure they can effectively fulfill the responsibilities of both without compromising the team's agility or their servant-leader stance.

Question 3: Which of the following statements regarding a Sprint cancellation is false? (Choose the two best responses)

The Product Owner can cancel the Sprint for personal undisclosed reasons.
Sprint cancellation consumes resources.
A Sprint can be cancelled when the Sprint time-box is over. (Correct answer)
The Scrum Master may pressure the decision to cancel a Sprint.
All work from the cancelled Sprint is put back on the Product Backlog. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A Sprint can be cancelled when the Sprint time-box is over.

A Sprint cannot be cancelled once its time-box is over; at that point, it has either concluded or failed. Sprint cancellation occurs *before* the time-box ends, typically when the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete. The Product Owner is the only one with the authority to cancel a Sprint, although they may be influenced by other Scrum Team members or stakeholders.

Question 4: During the Sprint Review, it became clear that some of the work isn't "Done" due to integration issues. The team cites a lack of integration tools as an example. What do you do as a Scrum Master? (Choose the two best responses)

Respectfully bring awareness to the team that they are responsible for delivering working software.
Plan a two hour recess in which the team can integrate their work.
Note this down as something to address during the Sprint Retrospective. (Correct answer)
Suggest the Product Owner to make room in the upcoming Sprint for non-functional Backlog Items about integration tooling. (Correct answer)
Suggest the development team to look into integration tooling, for instance continuous integration.

Correct answer: Note this down as something to address during the Sprint Retrospective.

The Sprint Retrospective is the dedicated event for the Scrum Team to inspect itself and create a plan for improvements. Issues like integration problems and a lack of necessary tools are process or environmental impediments that are perfectly suited for discussion and resolution planning during this event. The Scrum Master facilitates this discussion to help the team enhance its Definition of Done and overall working practices.

Question 5: Which of the following would you consider the most unethical in Scrum software development? (Choose the two best responses)

A development team releasing software that potentially exposes customer data, because the Product Owner and stakeholders estimate the organizational risk of not releasing to be far greater. (Correct answer)
A Scrum Team committing to a deadline when many unknowns exist. (Correct answer)
A Scrum Team using KanBan to visualize the cycle time of their work and impose Work in Progress limits.
A development team mid-sprint refusing to add work to the Sprint Backlog.
A Product Owner not ordering the Product Backlog by highest value or priority.

Correct answer: A development team releasing software that potentially exposes customer data, because the Product Owner and stakeholders estimate the organizational risk of not releasing to be far greater.

Releasing software that potentially exposes customer data is a severe ethical breach, prioritizing organizational risk over customer security and trust. Scrum emphasizes transparency and adaptation, but these principles must operate within a strong ethical framework that protects users. Deliberately compromising data security is fundamentally unethical and goes against the professional responsibility of any development team.

Question 6: A team member has a pattern of being disrespectful and unethical. When confronted, he intimidates other team members and refuses to respect working arrangements set within the team. His teammates appear to be apprehensive about holding him accountable. Is a Scrum Master the best person to help with this problem? (Select the most appropriate response)

No, the team must learn to become self-organizing and handle this situation themselves. By intervening, the Scrum Master will lose trust and weaken the team's autonomy
No, this is beyond the Scrum Master role. This is one of the few situations where someone from HR or a manager is the better choice.
Yes, The Scrum Master is a servant-leader that removes impediments. This behaviour is becoming an impediment to the team. He should address this issue with care. (Correct answer)
Yes, This is toxic behavior that needs to be addressed directly. Schedule an intervention with the team as soon as possible.

Correct answer: Yes, The Scrum Master is a servant-leader that removes impediments. This behaviour is becoming an impediment to the team. He should address this issue with care.

A Scrum Master's core responsibility is to remove impediments that hinder the Development Team's progress. Toxic or disrespectful behavior from a team member is a significant impediment that can severely impact team morale and productivity. While the team should ideally self-organize, the Scrum Master, as a servant-leader, must intervene carefully to address such issues when the team is unable to resolve them independently.

Question 7: Which of the following are common Scrum Master activities? (choose the top three answers)

Optimizing the value of the work the Development Team performs.
Understanding and practicing agility. (Correct answer)
Causing change that increases the productivity of the Scrum Team. (Correct answer)
Ensuring the Development Team understands items in the Product Backlog to the level needed.
Planning Scrum implementations within the organization. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Understanding and practicing agility.

A primary responsibility of the Scrum Master is to promote and support Scrum within the organization, which includes helping everyone understand Scrum's theory, practices, rules, and values. This inherently requires the Scrum Master to deeply understand and actively practice agility themselves. They act as a coach and facilitator, guiding the team and organization towards greater agile maturity and effectiveness.

Question 8: "The Product Owner may attend the Daily Scrum but is not permitted to communicate with the development team." (choose the most appropriate response)

A) False (Correct answer)
B) True

Correct answer: A) False

While the Daily Scrum is primarily for the Development Team to synchronize their work, the Product Owner (or any other stakeholder) is permitted to attend as an observer. However, they should not interrupt the meeting or direct the Development Team during this time. Any communication or questions should be addressed outside of the Daily Scrum to maintain the team's focus and self-organization.

Question 9: Which of the following statements about Backlog Refinement is true? (choose the two most appropriate responses)

During Product Backlog refinement, items are reviewed and revised. (Correct answer)
Backlog Refinement takes place before Sprint Planning.
The Product Owner is responsible for organizing Backlog Refinement.
Product Backlog refinement is the act of adding detail, estimates, and order to items in the Product Backlog. (Correct answer)
No more than 10% of Development Team capacity is used for Refinement.

Correct answer: During Product Backlog refinement, items are reviewed and revised.

Product Backlog refinement is an ongoing, collaborative activity involving the Product Owner and Development Team. Its purpose is to add detail, estimates, and order to Product Backlog items, ensuring they are clear and understood. This process involves reviewing existing items, clarifying requirements, breaking down larger items, and revising them as new information or understanding emerges.

Question 10: What is the Nexus Integration Team's main concern during a scaled Scrum endeavor with Nexus? (choose the most appropriate response)

Ensuring dependencies between teams are minimized.
Ensuring a working integrated increment is delivered. (Correct answer)
Ensuring all teams work from one Product Backlog.
Ensuring cross-team impediments are resolved.

Correct answer: Ensuring a working integrated increment is delivered.

In the Nexus framework for scaled Scrum, the Nexus Integration Team (NIT) has the critical responsibility of ensuring that a 'Done' Integrated Increment is produced at least once every Sprint. Their main concern is to facilitate the integration of work from all individual Scrum Teams within the Nexus, addressing cross-team dependencies and impediments to create a single, valuable product increment.

Question 11: No one else may attend the Daily Scrum except the development team and potentially the Scrum Master. (choose the most appropriate response)

A) False (Correct answer)
B) True

Correct answer: A) False

Anyone can attend the Daily Scrum, but only the Development Team members actively participate in the discussion. Other attendees, such as the Product Owner or stakeholders, are observers and should not interrupt the meeting. The Daily Scrum is a 15-minute event specifically for the Development Team to plan their work for the next 24 hours and inspect progress towards the Sprint Goal.

Question 12: The development team realizes mid-sprint that the work they have planned will most likely not allow them to meet the Sprint Goal. They hold a discussion and come up with a new strategy to achieve the Sprint Goal by altering the Sprint's work plan. What Scrum Values are highlighted in this article?

Build, Measure, Learn
Inspection, Adaptation
Courage, Commitment (Correct answer)
Respect, Trust

Correct answer: Courage, Commitment

This scenario highlights the Scrum Values of Courage and Commitment. It takes Courage for the team to acknowledge a potential failure and proactively address it, rather than ignoring the issue. Their dedication to finding a new strategy to achieve the Sprint Goal, even if it means altering their original plan, demonstrates their strong Commitment to delivering on their objectives.

Question 13: Your team's Product Owner has seen numerous developers collaborating on backlog items. He is concerned that this "pair programming" will have a negative impact on the amount of work completed. What basically do you do?

Make a note to possibly address this during the Sprint Retrospective.
Teach the Product Owner that the development team decides how best to do their work.
Teach the Product Owner that the amount of work being done should not be the primary measure of progress.
Suggest the Product Owner to find a suitable moment to show interest and ask the developers why they use this approach.
All of the above. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above.

As a Scrum Master, your role is to coach and educate the Product Owner on effective Scrum practices and team dynamics. This involves teaching them about the Development Team's self-organization and autonomy in choosing how to do their work, and emphasizing that value and quality are more important than mere output quantity. Encouraging the Product Owner to respectfully inquire about the team's methods fosters transparency and understanding.

Question 14: You are approached by a Product Owner. He is uncertain of the value that his product will provide to customers. What recommendations can you provide him as a Scrum Master? (Choose the two best responses)

The Product Owner should verify his product vision with management to validate the product is still in line with expectations
By improving the Sprint Review, inviting stakeholders and end-users, more information about the current value of the product can be gained. (Correct answer)
As a Product Owner it's his responsibility the product offers the highest possible value to end-users.
Validation of product value is greatly improved by early releases to the market. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: By improving the Sprint Review, inviting stakeholders and end-users, more information about the current value of the product can be gained.

The Sprint Review is a crucial event for inspecting the Increment and adapting the Product Backlog based on feedback. By inviting relevant stakeholders and end-users, the Product Owner can gather direct input on the value delivered and validate assumptions about customer needs. This direct interaction provides essential insights into the product's actual value, helping the Product Owner make informed decisions about future development.

Question 15: Can Scrum be used at a company where the time, scope, and money for a product are all predetermined? (choose the top three answers)

Yes, by translating the available time and budget to a number of sprints until the product is finished.
Yes, but it may be less effective. (Correct answer)
Yes, apply Scrum as much as possible to obtain the benefits where possible.
Yes, Scrum acknowledges that time and money are finite, and aims to build the highest value product within those constraints. (Correct answer)
Yes, though the Scrum Master should teach the organization about the drawbacks of this approach when building complex products. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, but it may be less effective.

Scrum thrives on empiricism and adapting to change, especially regarding scope, to maximize value. When time, scope, and money are all fixed, it contradicts Scrum's core principle of flexible scope and emergent requirements. While Scrum can still be applied to manage the work, its full benefits of maximizing value and responding to change will be significantly hampered, making it less effective than in more flexible environments.

Question 16: Which of the following items are Scrum Artifacts? (choose the top three answers)

The Increment (Correct answer)
The Sprint
The Sprint Goal
The Definition of Done
The Sprint Backlog (Correct answer)
The Product Backlog (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Increment

The three official Scrum Artifacts, as defined in the Scrum Guide, are the Product Backlog, the Sprint Backlog, and the Increment. These artifacts represent work or value and are designed to maximize transparency of key information. While the Sprint, Sprint Goal, and Definition of Done are vital components of Scrum, they are not classified as artifacts.

Question 17: The Scrum Team is irritated with their Product Owner because he constantly interrupts them and asks how things are going. The Product Owner claims that he is just eager, and that the Scrum Guide supports regular inspection. What exactly do you do? (Choose the two best responses)

Plan a moment for the Scrum Team to discuss how to inspect and uphold transparency between all members without negatively impacting the work being done. (Correct answer)
Teach the Product Owner that his behavior should not obstruct the work being done. (Correct answer)
Teach the Scrum Team to limit these interactions to the Daily Scrum as much as possible.
Ask the Product Owner to limit his interactions with the team during the sprint or consult the Scrum Master before doing so.

Correct answer: Plan a moment for the Scrum Team to discuss how to inspect and uphold transparency between all members without negatively impacting the work being done.

This situation calls for the Scrum Master to facilitate a discussion about effective communication and transparency within the Scrum Team. While the Product Owner's desire for inspection is valid, constant interruptions are disruptive. By facilitating a conversation, the Scrum Master can help the team establish better ways to share progress and maintain transparency without hindering the Development Team's focus, aligning with Scrum values and principles.

Question 18: For Scrum teams, velocity is a popular statistic. Which of the following velocity assertions is correct? (choose the top three answers)

Velocity can be a useful metric for a team to self-inspect. (Correct answer)
Velocity is part of the larger Scrum Framework.
Velocity reflects outcomes of the work done by the team.
Improving Velocity is something Scrum teams strive to do.
Velocity is an output measurement. (Correct answer)
Velocity can be a useful metric to compare team performance.
G) Velocity is often impacted by estimation, scoping of Backlog Items and team composition. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Velocity can be a useful metric for a team to self-inspect.

Velocity is a measure of the amount of work a Development Team can complete in a Sprint, typically expressed in story points. It serves as a useful historical metric for a team to track its own performance, helping them forecast future work and identify trends for self-inspection and improvement. However, it is an output measurement and should not be used to compare teams or as a primary measure of value delivered.

Question 19: Two developers got into a heated disagreement about the technical method for a Backlog Item during Sprint Planning. Tensions are at an all-time high, and foul language is used. The rest of the crew is sitting in uncomfortable quiet. The Sprint Planning time limit of 8 hours adds to the pressure. What do you do as a Scrum Master? (Choose the two best responses)

Plan a short break to give everyone some breathing room. Remind the team that constructive dialogue is good, but to remain respectful. We are all humans, we're on the same team and work towards the same goals. (Correct answer)
Teach the team that not all specifics need to be known at Sprint Planning, further conversation and discovery will take place during the sprint. (Correct answer)
Allow the discussion to find a natural conclusion. If unavoidable, increase the timebox so a plan for the Sprint can be formed.
Ask the Product Owner to make a choice between the two approaches, keeping in mind his Product Vision and it's value to stakeholders.

Correct answer: Plan a short break to give everyone some breathing room. Remind the team that constructive dialogue is good, but to remain respectful. We are all humans, we're on the same team and work towards the same goals.

As a Scrum Master, facilitating healthy team dynamics and ensuring a respectful environment is paramount. When a disagreement escalates to foul language and discomfort, it becomes an impediment to effective collaboration. Calling a short break allows emotions to cool, and a reminder about respectful communication reinforces Scrum Values like Respect and Courage, helping the team refocus on their shared Sprint Goal.

Question 20: The CEO contacts you, a significant stakeholder in your team's product. He is concerned that a crucial aspect of the product's intended characteristics will not be given the attention it deserves. This ambiguity is causing him a great deal of anxiety. What can you do to assist the CEO? (Choose the two best responses)

Advise the CEO to take this up with the Product Owner. (Correct answer)
Take a short moment to give the CEO a high-level update about the result of the last Sprint Review.
Take note of the features mentioned by the CEO and relay them to the Product Owner.
Inform the Product Owner of the conversation you had. Advise him to invite the CEO to the Sprint Review. (Correct answer)
Explain to the CEO that the Product Owner is the one in control of priorities and will do everything to make sure the product offers the maximum possible value to stakeholders and customers. He does not need to worry.

Correct answer: Advise the CEO to take this up with the Product Owner.

The Product Owner is solely responsible for managing the Product Backlog, maximizing the value of the product, and representing the needs of all stakeholders. As a Scrum Master, your role is to coach the organization on Scrum principles, which includes directing stakeholders like the CEO to the Product Owner for all product-related concerns. This reinforces the Product Owner's authority and accountability for the product's direction.

Question 21: When planning in Scrum, we use the phrase "Forecast." What is the reason for this? (Select the most appropriate response)

It brings awareness to the fact that when planning the team is looking ahead and not everything is certain. The team cannot commit to the plan not changing, it's a prediction based upon what is known today. (Correct answer)
It emphasizes the difference between Scrum and plan driven approaches.
Forecasting is part of the Scrum Framework, emphasizing its importance and preventing those new to Scrum from leaving it out.
Using the term Forecasting raises transparency, because it is a term common to project and process methodologies.

Correct answer: It brings awareness to the fact that when planning the team is looking ahead and not everything is certain. The team cannot commit to the plan not changing, it's a prediction based upon what is known today.

The term 'forecast' in Scrum planning emphasizes the empirical nature of complex product development. It acknowledges that initial plans are based on current knowledge and are subject to change as new information emerges and learning occurs. Unlike a rigid 'commitment,' a forecast implies a prediction or estimate that will likely evolve, promoting flexibility and adaptation rather than strict adherence to an initial plan.

Question 22: Who is responsible for the value of the development team's work?

The Development Team
The organization
The Product Owner (Correct answer)
The Scrum Team
All of the above

Correct answer: The Product Owner

The Product Owner is solely accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Development Team. They achieve this by effectively managing the Product Backlog, making clear decisions on what to build, and ensuring the team understands the vision and goals. This accountability is a core tenet of the Scrum framework, distinguishing the Product Owner's role from other team members.

Question 23: Scrum for Inspection and Adaptation includes which of the following critical components? (Choose the two best responses)

Acceptance Criteria
Backlog Refinement
Daily Scrum (Correct answer)
Self-organization
Sprint Review (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Daily Scrum

The Daily Scrum and Sprint Review are crucial Scrum events designed for inspection and adaptation. The Daily Scrum allows the Development Team to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt their plan for the next 24 hours. The Sprint Review enables the Scrum Team and stakeholders to inspect the Increment and adapt the Product Backlog if needed, ensuring continuous alignment with evolving needs and market demands.

Question 24: What is the most important subject to discuss during the Daily Scrum?

Is the team moving toward the sprint goal and do they need to realign to reach it. (Correct answer)
Progress on doing the work forecast for this sprint.
Impediments to the team that need addressing.
What development team members work on and what they will be working on next.

Correct answer: Is the team moving toward the sprint goal and do they need to realign to reach it.

The primary purpose of the Daily Scrum is for the Development Team to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog as necessary. The discussion should focus on whether the team is on track to achieve the Sprint Goal and what adjustments are needed. While discussing individual work and impediments is part of this, the overarching goal is to ensure collective movement towards the Sprint Goal.

Question 25: Why is Scrum called a framework?

It needs all of its components to work as intended.
It is a foundation upon which other processes and techniques can be employed. (Correct answer)
You can use the elements needed for it to best perform in your organization.
It is easy to learn but difficult to master.

Correct answer: It is a foundation upon which other processes and techniques can be employed.

Scrum is called a framework because it provides a foundational structure and a set of principles, roles, events, and artifacts, rather than a prescriptive, step-by-step methodology. It offers a lightweight, incomplete structure upon which organizations can build and integrate various processes, techniques, and practices specific to their context. This flexibility allows teams to adapt Scrum to their unique needs while adhering to its core values and principles.

SCRUM Practice Test 1

During the Sprint, who is allowed to add tasks to the Sprint Backlog?
(Choose the two best responses)