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Professional Scrum Master I practice questions

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Question 1Scrum Framework and Theory

In the Scrum framework, what is the primary purpose of the Daily Scrum?

  1. To refine the Product Backlog for the next Sprint
  2. To inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog as needed Correct answer.
  3. To demonstrate the completed Increment to stakeholders
  4. To report status to the Product Owner and stakeholders

Explanation

The Daily Scrum is a 15-minute event for the Developers to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog. It is not a status meeting for stakeholders or a backlog refinement session.

Question 2Scrum Framework and Theory

Who is responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team?

  1. The stakeholders
  2. The Product Owner Correct answer.
  3. The Developers
  4. The Scrum Master

Explanation

The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product and for managing the Product Backlog effectively. The Scrum Master facilitates Scrum, and the Developers create the Increment.

Question 3Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the recommended timebox for a Sprint Review when the Sprint length is one month?

  1. Eight hours
  2. One hour
  3. Four hours Correct answer.
  4. Two hours

Explanation

The Sprint Review is timeboxed to a maximum of four hours for a one-month Sprint. For shorter Sprints, the event is usually shorter.

Question 4Scrum Framework and Theory

Which Scrum artifact is defined as a list of features, functions, requirements, enhancements, and fixes that constitute the changes to be made to the product in future Sprints?

  1. The Product Backlog Correct answer.
  2. The Increment
  3. The Sprint Backlog
  4. The Definition of Done

Explanation

The Product Backlog is an emergent, ordered list of what is needed to improve the product. It is the single source of work undertaken by the Scrum Team.

Question 5Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the maximum duration of a Sprint in Scrum?

  1. One week
  2. Two weeks
  3. One month Correct answer.
  4. Three months

Explanation

Sprints are fixed length and are limited to one month or less to maintain predictability. If a Sprint's horizon is too long, complexity may rise and risk may increase.

Question 6Scrum Framework and Theory

Which of the following best describes the Scrum Master's role in relation to the Product Owner?

  1. To prioritize the Product Backlog items according to stakeholder demands
  2. To help the Product Owner define and communicate product goals and manage the Product Backlog effectively Correct answer.
  3. To approve the Definition of Done before each Sprint
  4. To manage the Product Backlog on the Product Owner's behalf

Explanation

The Scrum Master serves the Product Owner by helping to find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management. The Scrum Master does not take over the Product Owner's accountabilities.

Question 7Scrum Framework and Theory

During a Sprint, the Developers realize they have completed all Sprint Backlog items but have not met the Sprint Goal. What should they do?

  1. Continue working on additional Product Backlog items without adjusting the Sprint Goal
  2. End the Sprint early and start a new one
  3. Ask the Product Owner to change the Sprint Goal
  4. Collaborate with the Product Owner to negotiate the scope of the Sprint Backlog Correct answer.

Explanation

The Sprint Backlog is emergent and can be adjusted during the Sprint. The Developers and Product Owner may negotiate scope as more is learned, while the Sprint Goal remains fixed unless it becomes obsolete.

Question 8Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the primary purpose of the Sprint Retrospective?

  1. To update the Definition of Done
  2. To demonstrate the Increment to stakeholders
  3. To review the Product Backlog and plan the next Sprint
  4. To inspect how the last Sprint went and identify improvements Correct answer.

Explanation

The Sprint Retrospective is an opportunity for the Scrum Team to inspect itself and create a plan for improvements to be enacted during the next Sprint. It focuses on individuals, interactions, processes, tools, and the Definition of Done.

Question 9Scrum Framework and Theory

Which statement about the Definition of Done is correct?

  1. It is optional and only used if the team decides to adopt it
  2. It is created by the Scrum Master and enforced by the Product Owner
  3. It is a checklist that must be identical for all Scrum Teams in an organization
  4. It is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product Correct answer.

Explanation

The Definition of Done is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product. It is created by the Scrum Team and is used to assess when work is complete.

Question 10Scrum Framework and Theory

Who is allowed to attend the Daily Scrum?

  1. The Developers and the Scrum Master
  2. Only the Developers Correct answer.
  3. The entire Scrum Team and stakeholders
  4. Anyone who wants to observe

Explanation

The Daily Scrum is an internal event for the Developers. If others are present, the Scrum Master ensures that they do not disrupt the meeting.

Question 11Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the role of the Product Owner in the Sprint Review?

  1. To decide which stakeholders may speak
  2. To explain what Product Backlog items have been Done and what has not Correct answer.
  3. To demonstrate the technical details of the Increment
  4. To facilitate the event and keep time

Explanation

The Product Owner discusses the Product Backlog as it stands and explains which items have been Done and which have not. The Scrum Team presents the results of their work.

Question 12Scrum Framework and Theory

Which of the following is a characteristic of the Sprint Backlog?

  1. It is a forecast by the Developers of the work needed to achieve the Sprint Goal Correct answer.
  2. It contains all Product Backlog items for the entire product
  3. It is a fixed list that cannot be changed during the Sprint
  4. It is owned exclusively by the Product Owner

Explanation

The Sprint Backlog is composed of the Sprint Goal, the Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint, and the plan for delivering them. It is a forecast by the Developers and is updated as more is learned.

Question 13Scrum Framework and Theory

What does the term 'empiricism' mean in the context of Scrum?

  1. Working in short cycles to deliver value frequently
  2. Following a detailed plan created at the start of the project
  3. Making decisions based on what is known, observed, and demonstrated Correct answer.
  4. Making decisions based on intuition and experience

Explanation

Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes from experience and making decisions based on what is observed. Scrum employs an iterative, incremental approach to optimize predictability and control risk.

Question 14Scrum Framework and Theory

A Scrum Team is working on a product with high uncertainty. How should they use the Sprint to manage risk?

  1. Deliver a potentially releasable Increment each Sprint to gather feedback Correct answer.
  2. Create a detailed risk register and review it at every Daily Scrum
  3. Extend the Sprint length to allow more time for analysis
  4. Postpone all releases until the product is fully complete

Explanation

Scrum uses short Sprints and frequent delivery of Increments to reduce risk and enable fast feedback. This allows the team to inspect and adapt based on real outcomes.

Question 15Scrum Framework and Theory

What are the three pillars of empiricism in Scrum?

  1. Inspection, adaptation, and prediction
  2. Collaboration, communication, and commitment
  3. Planning, execution, and review
  4. Transparency, inspection, and adaptation Correct answer.

Explanation

Scrum is founded on empiricism, which relies on transparency, inspection, and adaptation. These pillars support the ability to detect and respond to change.

Question 16Scrum Framework and Theory

Which Scrum event is described as a formal opportunity to inspect and adapt the product?

  1. The Sprint Planning
  2. The Daily Scrum
  3. The Sprint Retrospective
  4. The Sprint Review Correct answer.

Explanation

The Sprint Review is a formal opportunity to inspect the Increment and adapt the Product Backlog. The Retrospective inspects the team's process, not the product.

Question 17Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the primary responsibility of the Developers during Sprint Planning?

  1. To update the Definition of Done
  2. To create the Product Backlog
  3. To estimate the effort for each Product Backlog item
  4. To decide the Sprint Goal and select Product Backlog items Correct answer.

Explanation

During Sprint Planning, the Scrum Team collaborates to define the Sprint Goal and the Developers select the Product Backlog items they can complete. The Product Owner ensures the Product Backlog is ready.

Question 18Scrum Framework and Theory

Which statement best describes the relationship between the Product Backlog and the Sprint Backlog?

  1. The Sprint Backlog is a subset of the Product Backlog selected for a Sprint Correct answer.
  2. The Product Backlog is a subset of the Sprint Backlog
  3. The Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog are independent and unrelated
  4. The Sprint Backlog contains all items from the Product Backlog

Explanation

The Sprint Backlog is composed of the Sprint Goal, the selected Product Backlog items for the Sprint, and the plan for delivering them. It is a subset of the Product Backlog.

Question 19Scrum Framework and Theory

A Scrum Team has a Product Owner who is also the Scrum Master. What does the Scrum Guide say about this?

  1. It is allowed if the organization approves
  2. It is allowed if the team is small
  3. It is allowed only for a temporary period
  4. It is not allowed because the roles have conflicting accountabilities Correct answer.

Explanation

The Scrum Guide states that the Scrum Master and Product Owner are distinct roles, and combining them can create conflicts of interest. The Product Owner focuses on value, while the Scrum Master focuses on process and facilitation.

Question 20Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the purpose of the Sprint Goal?

  1. To list all the tasks needed to complete the Increment
  2. To provide a single objective for the Sprint that guides the Developers Correct answer.
  3. To provide a fixed scope for the Sprint
  4. To describe the overall product vision

Explanation

The Sprint Goal is a single objective for the Sprint that provides focus and flexibility. It is created during Sprint Planning and helps the Developers understand why they are building the Increment.

Question 21Scrum Framework and Theory

Which of the following is an example of a Scrum artifact?

  1. The Daily Scrum
  2. The Sprint Retrospective
  3. The Increment Correct answer.
  4. The Definition of Done

Explanation

The three Scrum artifacts are the Product Backlog, the Sprint Backlog, and the Increment. The Definition of Done is a commitment associated with the Increment, but the Increment itself is the artifact.

Question 22Scrum Framework and Theory

During a Sprint, a new urgent requirement is discovered. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Ignore it until the next Sprint
  2. Discuss it with the Product Owner to decide whether to include it in the current Sprint Correct answer.
  3. Add it to the current Sprint Backlog without discussion
  4. Ask the Scrum Master to prioritize it

Explanation

The Product Owner is responsible for managing the Product Backlog and maximizing value. The Developers and Product Owner collaborate to decide if the new requirement should be added to the current Sprint, considering the Sprint Goal.

Question 23Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the recommended timebox for Sprint Planning for a one-month Sprint?

  1. Four hours
  2. Six hours
  3. Two hours
  4. Eight hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Sprint Planning is timeboxed to a maximum of eight hours for a one-month Sprint. For shorter Sprints, the event is usually shorter.

Question 24Scrum Framework and Theory

Which statement about the Increment is correct?

  1. It is optional and only required for complex products
  2. It is created only at the end of the project
  3. It is the sum of all completed Product Backlog items and must be in a usable condition Correct answer.
  4. It must be released to production at the end of every Sprint

Explanation

An Increment is the sum of all completed Product Backlog items during a Sprint and the value of the increments of all previous Sprints. It must be in a usable condition to provide value, regardless of whether it is released.

Question 25Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the primary purpose of the Scrum Master serving the organization?

  1. To hire new Scrum Team members
  2. To approve all Product Backlog items
  3. To lead and coach the organization in its Scrum adoption Correct answer.
  4. To manage the organization's budget for Scrum projects

Explanation

The Scrum Master serves the organization by leading, training, and coaching it in its Scrum adoption, and by helping employees and stakeholders understand and enact Scrum.

Question 26Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the timebox for the Daily Scrum?

  1. 60 minutes
  2. 15 minutes Correct answer.
  3. 10 minutes
  4. 30 minutes

Explanation

The Daily Scrum is timeboxed to 15 minutes for every Sprint length, so the Developers can inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog.

Question 27Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the maximum timebox for the Sprint Review when the Sprint is one month long?

  1. One hour
  2. Eight hours
  3. Four hours Correct answer.
  4. Two hours

Explanation

The Sprint Review is timeboxed to a maximum of four hours for a one-month Sprint, and it is shortened for shorter Sprints.

Question 28Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the maximum timebox for the Sprint Retrospective in a one-month Sprint?

  1. 90 minutes
  2. Four hours
  3. 45 minutes
  4. Three hours Correct answer.

Explanation

The Sprint Retrospective is timeboxed to a maximum of three hours for a one-month Sprint, and it is shortened for shorter Sprints.

Question 29Scrum Framework and Theory

Which three artifacts does Scrum define?

  1. Product Vision, Product Backlog, and Release Plan
  2. Sprint Backlog, Burndown Chart, and Increment
  3. Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment Correct answer.
  4. Product Backlog, Sprint Goal, and Definition of Done

Explanation

Scrum defines exactly three artifacts: the Product Backlog, the Sprint Backlog, and the Increment. Each artifact contains a commitment: the Product Goal, the Sprint Goal, and the Definition of Done respectively.

Question 30Scrum Framework and Theory

Which commitment is associated with the Product Backlog?

  1. The Product Goal Correct answer.
  2. The Sprint Goal
  3. The Definition of Done
  4. The Increment

Explanation

Each artifact has a commitment: the Product Goal is the commitment for the Product Backlog, describing a future state of the product.

Question 31Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the timebox for the Sprint itself?

  1. Two weeks or less
  2. One month or less Correct answer.
  3. Six weeks or less
  4. As long as the team decides

Explanation

Sprints are fixed-length events of one month or less that maintain consistency. A new Sprint starts immediately after the conclusion of the previous Sprint.

Question 32Scrum Framework and Theory

Which statement best describes who is accountable for the Scrum Team's effectiveness?

  1. The Product Owner
  2. The stakeholders
  3. The Scrum Master Correct answer.
  4. The most senior Developer

Explanation

The Scrum Master is accountable for establishing Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide and for the Scrum Team's effectiveness, by enabling the team to improve its practices.

Question 33Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the recommended maximum size of the Scrum Team?

  1. Five people
  2. Twelve people
  3. Ten or fewer people Correct answer.
  4. Eight people

Explanation

The Scrum Guide recommends a Scrum Team of ten or fewer people. Smaller teams communicate better and are more productive, while larger teams require more coordination.

Question 34Scrum Framework and Theory

A Developer notices that a Sprint Backlog item no longer makes sense given new learning. What does Scrum permit?

  1. The item may be removed only by the Product Owner
  2. The Scrum Master must approve any change
  3. The item must remain until the Sprint Review
  4. The Developers may adjust the Sprint Backlog as more is learned Correct answer.

Explanation

The Sprint Backlog is a plan by and for the Developers and is updated throughout the Sprint as more is learned. Scope may be clarified and renegotiated with the Product Owner as more is learned.

Question 35Scrum Framework and Theory

A team finishes its Daily Scrum in 20 minutes with eight Developers participating. What is the most accurate assessment?

  1. This is acceptable because larger teams need more time
  2. The Scrum Master should cancel the event
  3. The event should be extended to 30 minutes for eight people
  4. The event exceeded its timebox and should be kept to 15 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

The Daily Scrum is timeboxed to 15 minutes regardless of team size. The Developers should structure the conversation so it fits within the timebox.

Question 36Scrum Framework and Theory

Who creates the Definition of Done when the organization has no existing standard?

  1. The Product Owner alone
  2. The Scrum Team Correct answer.
  3. The Scrum Master alone
  4. External stakeholders

Explanation

If the Definition of Done is not an organizational standard, the Scrum Team must create a Definition of Done appropriate for the product. All work must meet it for the Increment to be considered complete.

Question 37Scrum Framework and Theory

What happens to unfinished Sprint Backlog items when a Sprint ends?

  1. They are discarded permanently
  2. They become part of the Increment
  3. They return to the Product Backlog for reordering and prioritization Correct answer.
  4. They are automatically carried into the next Sprint unchanged

Explanation

Work that is not finished by the end of the Sprint returns to the Product Backlog, where the Product Owner can reassess and reprioritize it. Only work meeting the Definition of Done counts toward the Increment.

Question 38Scrum Framework and Theory

A stakeholder asks to add a new feature mid-Sprint that would jeopardize the Sprint Goal. What should happen?

  1. The team waits until the next Sprint Review to discuss it
  2. The Developers add the feature and extend the Sprint by a week
  3. The Product Owner and Developers discuss it, and the Product Owner may choose to cancel the Sprint if the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete Correct answer.
  4. The Scrum Master decides whether the feature is added

Explanation

Scope may be clarified and renegotiated with the Product Owner as more is learned, but a Sprint can be cancelled only by the Product Owner, and only if the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete.

Question 39Scrum Framework and Theory

Which of the following best describes the Sprint Review's focus?

  1. Confirming that the Definition of Done was followed
  2. Inspecting the Increment and adapting the Product Backlog Correct answer.
  3. Inspecting how the team collaborated and improving its processes
  4. Estimating the effort for upcoming Sprint Backlog items

Explanation

The Sprint Review inspects the outcome of the Sprint and determines future adaptations, focusing on the Increment and adapting the Product Backlog. Process improvement is the focus of the Retrospective.

Question 40Scrum Framework and Theory

In Scrum, what is the relationship between the Product Goal and the Sprint Goal?

  1. They are unrelated and set by different people
  2. The Sprint Goal must be identical to the Product Goal
  3. The Sprint Goal is a step toward achieving the Product Goal Correct answer.
  4. The Product Goal is derived from each Sprint Goal

Explanation

The Product Goal describes a future state of the product, and each Sprint Goal is a step toward it. The Sprint Goal gives the Developers focus for a single Sprint.

Question 41Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the primary reason the Sprint is a fixed-length event?

  1. To standardize reporting across teams
  2. To ensure every Sprint delivers the same amount of work
  3. To limit risk to the cost of no more than one Sprint Correct answer.
  4. To make budgeting predictable for stakeholders

Explanation

Sprints limit risk to the cost of no more than one Sprint. Fixed length provides a consistent cadence for inspection and adaptation.

Question 42Scrum Framework and Theory

Which statement accurately describes the Increment?

  1. It is only produced at the Sprint Review
  2. It can contain work that does not meet the Definition of Done
  3. It is a concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal and must meet the Definition of Done Correct answer.
  4. It must be released to production at the end of every Sprint

Explanation

An Increment is a concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal, and each Increment is additive to previous ones. Work cannot be part of an Increment unless it meets the Definition of Done.

Question 43Scrum Framework and Theory

The Product Owner wants to delegate ordering of the Product Backlog to the Developers. What does Scrum say?

  1. Delegation is prohibited under all circumstances
  2. The Product Owner may delegate the work but remains accountable for the ordering Correct answer.
  3. The Scrum Master must take over the ordering
  4. Only stakeholders may reorder the Product Backlog

Explanation

The Product Owner is accountable for effective Product Backlog management and may delegate the work to others, but remains accountable for the outcome.

Question 44Scrum Framework and Theory

What is the primary purpose of the Sprint Planning event?

  1. To define the Definition of Done for the product
  2. To review the Increment with stakeholders
  3. To identify process improvements from the last Sprint
  4. To define what can be delivered in the Sprint and how the work will be achieved Correct answer.

Explanation

Sprint Planning addresses why the Sprint is valuable, what can be done, and how the work will get done. It results in the Sprint Goal and a plan captured in the Sprint Backlog.

Question 45Scrum Framework and Theory

A Scrum Team works in two-week Sprints. What is the maximum timebox for its Sprint Planning?

  1. One hour
  2. Eight hours
  3. Two hours Correct answer.
  4. Four hours

Explanation

Sprint Planning is timeboxed to a maximum of eight hours for a one-month Sprint. For shorter Sprints the event is usually shorter; for a two-week Sprint, two hours is a reasonable proportional maximum.

Question 46Scrum Framework and Theory

Which of the following best captures how the three pillars of empiricism apply to the Sprint Review?

  1. Transparency of the Increment, inspection with stakeholders, and adaptation of the Product Backlog Correct answer.
  2. Adaptation of the Definition of Done, inspection of processes, and transparency of velocity
  3. Inspection of individual performance, adaptation of roles, and transparency of budgets
  4. Transparency of the Sprint Goal, inspection of the Daily Scrum, and adaptation of the team charter

Explanation

The Sprint Review makes the Increment transparent, allows stakeholders and the Scrum Team to inspect it, and results in adaptation of the Product Backlog for the next Sprint.

Question 47Scrum Framework and Theory

A Scrum Team delivers an Increment that meets its Definition of Done but the Product Owner decides not to release it. Which statement is true?

  1. The Increment is invalid because it was not released
  2. The Increment still exists and is a step toward the Product Goal Correct answer.
  3. The Definition of Done must be revised to require release
  4. The Sprint must be cancelled

Explanation

An Increment is created when work meets the Definition of Done, regardless of whether it is released. Releasing is a separate business decision the Product Owner may make.

Question 48Scrum Framework and Theory

Which statement best explains why the Sprint Backlog is described as a plan by and for the Developers?

  1. Because the Developers own the plan and update it as more is learned during the Sprint Correct answer.
  2. Because the Product Owner cannot see the Sprint Backlog
  3. Because the Scrum Master writes the Sprint Backlog items
  4. Because only Developers may attend Sprint Planning

Explanation

The Sprint Backlog is composed of the Sprint Goal, selected Product Backlog items, and the plan for delivering them. It is owned by the Developers, who update it throughout the Sprint as more is learned.

Question 49Scrum Framework and Theory

Which statement best describes how Scrum handles the trade-off between the Sprint Goal and the Sprint Backlog when new information emerges?

  1. Both may change at any time without Product Owner involvement
  2. The Sprint Backlog is fixed, while the Sprint Goal may change freely
  3. Both the Sprint Goal and Sprint Backlog must remain unchanged
  4. The Sprint Goal is fixed for the Sprint, while the Sprint Backlog may be adjusted to meet it Correct answer.

Explanation

The Sprint Goal is a fixed focus for the Sprint, while the Sprint Backlog is flexible and can be adjusted as more is learned. This allows the team to adapt its plan while preserving the Sprint's purpose.

Question 50Scrum Framework and Theory

A Scrum Team is asked to add a fifth event to improve coordination. How should the Scrum Master respond?

  1. Explain that Scrum defines exactly five events: the Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective Correct answer.
  2. Add the event only if the Product Owner approves
  3. Add the event and document it as a Scrum artifact
  4. Replace the Daily Scrum with the new event

Explanation

Scrum prescribes five events: the Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Additional meetings may exist but are not Scrum events, and the Sprint itself is the container for the others.