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Question bank
Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)
42 Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) questions with the correct answer and a written explanation, organised across 7 exam domains.
- 42 questions
- 7 domains
- Foundation level
certilumQuestion index
Jump straight to any question. Answers and explanations are inline.
Advanced Scrum Mastery
4 questions in this domain
- Question 1Single Choice
In Tuckman's group development model, what does the 'Storming' stage represent for a team as described in the playbook?
- AA necessary conflict phaseCorrect answer
- BA sign of failure
- CA final performance stage
- DAn initial orientation phase
Why this is the answer
Storming is a necessary, healthy conflict phase. If managed correctly, it enables stronger norms and leads to the Performing stage.
- Question 2Multiple Select
According to the playbook, which of the following are common traps an A-CSM should avoid? Select all that apply.
- AAssuming Storming is a failureCorrect answer
- BOver-coaching a mature teamCorrect answer
- CConfusing self-organization with no accountabilityCorrect answer
- DEncouraging psychological safety
Why this is the answer
The three traps are viewing Storming as failure, over-coaching mature teams, and confusing self-management with lack of accountability. Psychological safety is beneficial.
- Question 3Interactive
Read the scenario in the code block. Based on the playbook, which Tuckman stage is this team currently experiencing?
- AForming
- BStormingCorrect answer
- CNorming
- DPerforming
Why this is the answer
The scenario shows visible conflict and facilitation, which matches Storming. This stage, though uncomfortable, is required before the team can perform.
- Question 4Single Choice
According to the playbook, what is the best definition of psychological safety within a Scrum team?
- ABelief team is safe for interpersonal risk-takingCorrect answer
- BGuarantee that no one is ever challenged
- CRequirement that all team members agree
- DA formal list of team behavior rules
Why this is the answer
Psychological safety is the shared belief that interpersonal risk-taking is safe. It allows vulnerability and candor, preventing hidden mistakes and stalled innovation.
Agile Fundamentals
4 questions in this domain
- Question 5Single Choice
According to Tuckman's model, which stage involves interpersonal conflict and is recognized as a healthy, necessary phase for team growth?
- AForming
- BStormingCorrect answer
- CNorming
- DPerforming
Why this is the answer
Storming is a necessary, healthy phase of group development. When an A-CSM manages it correctly, the conflict experienced during Storming leads to stronger norms and ultimately enables the team to reach Performing.
- Question 6Multiple Select
Which of the following are common traps an A-CSM must avoid when supporting Scrum teams? Select all that apply.
- AAssuming 'Storming' is a sign of team failure.Correct answer
- BProviding solutions to a Performing team instead of letting it self-manage.Correct answer
- CEncouraging the team to take collective ownership of the Sprint Goal.
- DConfusing self-organization with lack of accountability.Correct answer
Why this is the answer
The traps are assuming Storming is failure, over-coaching a mature team, and confusing self-organization with a lack of accountability. Encouraging collective ownership of the Sprint Goal is a desired coaching behavior, not a trap.
- Question 7Interactive
A team has created the working agreement object shown in the code block. Based on the playbook, what is the primary purpose of this artifact?
- AIt replaces the Sprint Goal and Definition of Done.
- BIt assigns individual tasks to each team member.
- CIt formalizes the team's norms, values, and behaviors to help resolve friction and maintain agreed standards.Correct answer
- DIt is a tool for tracking the team's velocity.
Why this is the answer
A social contract or working agreement is the formalization of team norms, values, and behaviors. It serves as the foundational framework for resolving friction and ensures the team operates according to agreed-upon professional standards.
- Question 8Single Choice
What is the primary coaching goal when working with a mature, Performing team?
- AProviding detailed solutions and tactical direction for every issue.
- BAssigning every Sprint task to a specific individual.
- CAlways making final decisions for the team.
- DMoving the team toward autonomy and reducing the need for tactical intervention.Correct answer
Why this is the answer
The A-CSM's coaching goal is to move the team toward autonomy. Over-coaching a mature, Performing team by providing solutions can regress it to a lower maturity level, so reducing tactical intervention is essential.
Scrum Artifacts
6 questions in this domain
- Question 9Single Choice
Which Tuckman stage involves necessary conflict that, if managed correctly, leads to stronger norms and higher performance?
- AForming
- BStormingCorrect answer
- CNorming
- DPerforming
Why this is the answer
Storming is a necessary, healthy conflict stage; if managed correctly, it leads to stronger norms and higher performance, enabling the team to reach Performing.
- Question 10Multiple Select
According to the playbook, which two of the following behaviors are common traps for a Scrum Master to avoid?
- ATreating Storming as a sign of failureCorrect answer
- BOver-coaching a Performing teamCorrect answer
- CEncouraging psychological safety
- DEstablishing working agreements
Why this is the answer
The playbook warns against treating Storming as failure and over-coaching mature teams. Psychological safety and working agreements are healthy practices, not traps.
- Question 11Interactive
Review the code snippet. Which common Scrum Master trap is represented by the behavior in the code?
- AOver-coaching a mature teamCorrect answer
- BTreating Storming as failure
- CConfusing self-organization with lack of accountability
- DFailing to establish a social contract
Why this is the answer
The snippet shows the Scrum Master providing a solution to a Performing team, which is over-coaching and can regress the team to a lower maturity level.
- Question 12Single Choice
According to the playbook, what two commitments must a self-managing team remain strictly accountable to?
- ASprint Goal and Definition of DoneCorrect answer
- BVelocity and burndown chart
- CDaily Scrum and sprint review
- DTeam roles and job titles
Why this is the answer
The playbook warns against confusing self-organization with lack of accountability; a self-managing team remains strictly accountable to the Sprint Goal and Definition of Done.
- Question 13Multiple Select
According to the playbook, which two of the following practices are part of coaching for high performance?
- AAdapting the coaching style to the team's maturity levelCorrect answer
- BHelping the team move toward greater autonomyCorrect answer
- CSolving challenging problems for the team
- DDirecting every task during the Daily Scrum
Why this is the answer
Coaching for high performance means adapting the coaching style to team maturity and moving the team toward autonomy, reducing the Scrum Master's tactical intervention.
- Question 14Interactive
Based on the playbook, what lesson about self-management does the code snippet express for a Scrum Master?
- ASelf-management does not remove accountability for the Sprint GoalCorrect answer
- BSelf-managing teams are not accountable to the Definition of Done
- CAccountability ends once a team reaches high maturity
- DSelf-managing teams may change the Sprint Goal without business input
Why this is the answer
The snippet communicates that a self-managing team is still strictly accountable to the Sprint Goal and Definition of Done; autonomy does not remove accountability.
Scrum Events
7 questions in this domain
- Question 15Single Choice
In Tuckman's model, which sequence correctly lists the stages of group development?
- AForming, Storming, Norming, Performing, AdjourningCorrect answer
- BForming, Norming, Storming, Performing, Adjourning
- CForming, Storming, Performing, Norming, Adjourning
- DStorming, Forming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning
Why this is the answer
Tuckman's stages are Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. The A-CSM must know this sequence to guide team development.
- Question 16Multiple Select
Which statements correctly describe the Storming stage in Tuckman's model?
- AIt is an unhealthy stage that indicates the team is failing.
- BIt is a necessary phase of conflict that can lead to stronger norms.Correct answer
- CIt is a sign of growth and a requirement for reaching the Performing stage.Correct answer
- DIt is a stage that should be avoided by high-performing teams.
Why this is the answer
Storming is healthy, necessary conflict, not failure. It drives growth and enables teams to reach Performing.
- Question 17Interactive
The code block declares a variable that stores an upcoming Tuckman stage. What stage is stored?
- AForming
- BStorming
- CNormingCorrect answer
- DPerforming
Why this is the answer
The string value 'Norming' corresponds to the third Tuckman stage, where the team establishes agreements and cohesion.
- Question 18Single Choice
In a self-managing Scrum team, who decides who does what, when, and how?
- AThe Product Owner assigns every task to individual members.
- BThe team autonomously decides who does what, when, and how.Correct answer
- CThe Scrum Master gives detailed tactical instructions for all work.
- DStakeholders approve each team member's daily assignments.
Why this is the answer
Self-management means the team autonomously owns the how, who, and when, guided by the Sprint Goal.
- Question 19Multiple Select
Which options accurately describe psychological safety in a Scrum team?
- AIt is the shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking.Correct answer
- BWithout psychological safety, innovation halts and mistakes are hidden.Correct answer
- CIt allows vulnerability and radical candor to be seen as strengths.Correct answer
- DIt means team members never disagree or give direct feedback.
Why this is the answer
Psychological safety enables risk-taking, surfaces errors, and values vulnerability and radical candor. It does not eliminate disagreement.
- Question 20Interactive
The code block estimates a team condition based on a safety score. Which core Scrum concept is being measured?
- APsychological SafetyCorrect answer
- BSelf-Management
- CStorming
- DSocial Contract
Why this is the answer
The code uses team.safety to represent psychological safety, which supports honest communication and risk-taking.
- Question 21Single Choice
What common misconception about Storming does the playbook call a trap?
- AStorming means the team has reached high performance.
- BStorming is a sign of failure and should be avoided.Correct answer
- CStorming requires the Scrum Master to solve all conflicts.
- DStorming is necessary only for remote teams.
Why this is the answer
The playbook warns that assuming Storming is a sign of failure is a trap; it is a sign of growth.
Scrum Master Role
10 questions in this domain
- Question 22Single Choice
Which statement best describes Tuckman's 'Storming' stage of group development?
- AA necessary, healthy phase of conflict that leads to stronger norms and performanceCorrect answer
- BA sign that the team is failing and should be restructured
- CThe final stage where the team is already fully performing
- DA stage that should be avoided by strong teams
Why this is the answer
Storming is a necessary and healthy phase in Tuckman's model. When managed well, conflict during Storming helps the team move into Norming and then Performing.
- Question 23Multiple Select
Which behaviors indicate that a Scrum team is truly self-managing rather than merely self-organizing?
- ATeam autonomously decides who does what, when, and howCorrect answer
- BThe team collectively owns the Sprint Goal and internal processesCorrect answer
- CThe Scrum Master assigns every task to a named person
- DTeam members wait for the Product Owner to tell them how to build the product
Why this is the answer
True self-management means the team decides who does what, when, and how, and takes collective ownership of the Sprint Goal and internal processes. Task assignment by the Scrum Master or waiting for the Product Owner does not reflect self-management.
- Question 24Interactive
Review the team scenario shown in the code block. Based on A-CSM coaching principles, what is the Scrum Master's best action to promote true self-management?
- AUse a non-directive coaching approach to guide the team to decide task ownership collectivelyCorrect answer
- BAssign the payment module to the most senior developer to keep the Sprint moving
- CEscalate to management that the team is not ready for self-management
- DTake over the daily Scrum and assign all tasks for the rest of the Sprint
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master should coach the team toward autonomy by using a non-directive approach. Assigning tasks, escalating, or taking over the daily Scrum keeps the team dependent and blocks true self-management.
- Question 25Single Choice
Which definition best matches 'psychological safety' in a Scrum team?
- AThe shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-takingCorrect answer
- BThe team avoids all conflict to keep everyone comfortable
- CThe team only speaks positively during retrospectives
- DThe Scrum Master protects the team from every negative outcome
Why this is the answer
Psychological safety is the shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. Without it, innovation halts and mistakes are hidden.
- Question 26Multiple Select
Which outcomes are likely when a Scrum team has strong psychological safety?
- ATeam members openly admit mistakes and learn from themCorrect answer
- BTeam members take interpersonal risks without fear of punishmentCorrect answer
- CMistakes are hidden to avoid blame
- DTeam members avoid challenging one another
Why this is the answer
Strong psychological safety encourages openness and interpersonal risk-taking. Hidden mistakes and avoiding challenge are signs of low psychological safety.
- Question 27Interactive
According to the agreement shown in the code block, what is the primary purpose of this team working agreement?
- AIt formalizes team norms, values, and behaviors as a framework for resolving frictionCorrect answer
- BIt lists the product requirements for the next Sprint
- CIt is a legal contract between the team and the Product Owner
- DIt replaces the Definition of Done
Why this is the answer
A social contract or working agreement is the formalization of team norms, values, and behaviors. It serves as the foundational framework for resolving friction and setting expectations for professional conduct.
- Question 28Single Choice
What is a social contract (or working agreement) in Scrum?
- AThe formalization of team norms, values, and behaviorsCorrect answer
- BA financial agreement between the company and the Scrum Team
- CA list of tools chosen by the Scrum Master
- DThe Product Owner's requirements for the Sprint
Why this is the answer
A social contract, also called a working agreement, is the formalization of team norms, values, and behaviors. It provides the foundation for resolving friction and ensuring professional conduct.
- Question 29Multiple Select
Which of the following are common traps an Advanced Certified ScrumMaster should avoid?
- ATreating 'Storming' as a sign of failureCorrect answer
- BOver-coaching a mature team in the Performing stageCorrect answer
- CConfusing self-organization with lack of accountabilityCorrect answer
- DEncouraging conflict during the Storming stage
Why this is the answer
Storming is a healthy growth phase, not a failure. Over-coaching a Performing team can regress it, and self-management still requires full accountability to the Sprint Goal and Definition of Done.
- Question 30Interactive
In the scenario shown in the code block, what must the Scrum Master avoid doing to maintain the team's high maturity level?
- AProvide the solution immediately because the team asked for helpCorrect answer
- BRemind the team of its capability and ask what it wants to do
- CUse a facilitating coaching style to help them reflect
- DStep back and allow the team to self-manage
Why this is the answer
Over-coaching a mature Performing team by providing solutions can regress the team to a lower maturity level. The Scrum Master should avoid taking over and instead allow the team to self-manage.
- Question 31Single Choice
Which factor should primarily determine an A-CSM's coaching style?
- AThe team's current maturity levelCorrect answer
- BThe number of vacation days team members have taken
- CThe Sprint velocity alone
- DThe Product Owner's personal preference
Why this is the answer
The A-CSM should adjust coaching style, directive, non-directive, or facilitating, based on the team's current maturity level. The goal is to move the team toward autonomy.
Scrum Team
7 questions in this domain
- Question 32Single Choice
In Tuckman's group development model, which stage is marked by conflict and is considered necessary for the team to reach higher performance?
- AForming
- BStormingCorrect answer
- CNorming
- DPerforming
Why this is the answer
The playbook identifies Storming as a necessary, healthy phase of conflict that, when managed correctly, leads to stronger norms and higher performance.
- Question 33Multiple Select
Which statements accurately describe self-management in a Scrum team? Select all that apply.
- AIn true self-management, the team autonomously decides who does what, when, and how.Correct answer
- BSelf-managing teams are strictly accountable to the Sprint Goal and Definition of Done.Correct answer
- CSelf-organization means the Scrum Master assigns all tasks after Sprint Planning.
- DA self-organizing team removes all constraints and ignores the Sprint Goal.
Why this is the answer
True self-management means the team owns its work and internal processes while remaining strictly accountable to the Sprint Goal and the Definition of Done.
- Question 34Interactive
The code block shows a set of explicit promises a team defined together. What does the playbook call this artifact?
- ASocial Contract and Working AgreementsCorrect answer
- BSprint Backlog
- CBurn-Down Chart
- DDaily Scrum outcome
Why this is the answer
A Social Contract and Working Agreements formalize team norms, values, and behaviors, serving as the foundation for resolving friction and maintaining professional conduct.
- Question 35Single Choice
What is the playbook's definition of psychological safety?
- AThe shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-takingCorrect answer
- BThe absence of disagreement during Sprint Planning
- CA formal agreement to avoid discussing mistakes
- DThe Scrum Master's approval before any team decision
Why this is the answer
Psychological safety is the shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. Without it, innovation halts and mistakes are hidden.
- Question 36Multiple Select
Which of the following are common traps to avoid in Scrum Team coaching? Select all that apply.
- AAssuming Storming is a sign of failureCorrect answer
- BOver-coaching a mature team in the Performing stageCorrect answer
- CConfusing self-organization with lack of accountabilityCorrect answer
- DEncouraging teams to skip the Norming stage
Why this is the answer
The playbook names three traps: treating Storming as failure, over-coaching a Performing team, and confusing self-organization with lack of accountability.
- Question 37Interactive
The code block matches coaching style to team maturity. What is the risk if a Scrum Master ignores this logic and provides direct solutions to a Performing team?
- AThe team may regress to a lower maturity levelCorrect answer
- BThe team will immediately enter the Storming stage
- CThe Sprint Goal will be deleted
- DNo consequence, because such teams need more direction
Why this is the answer
Over-coaching a mature, Performing team by providing solutions can inadvertently regress them to a lower maturity level instead of supporting self-management.
- Question 38Single Choice
How should an A-CSM view the Storming stage in Tuckman's model?
- AAs a failure that should be immediately suppressed
- BAs a healthy, necessary phase that builds stronger norms and performanceCorrect answer
- CAs an indication that the Scrum Master should take control of all decisions
- DAs evidence that the team cannot work together
Why this is the answer
Storming is a necessary, healthy phase of conflict. When managed correctly, it leads to stronger norms and higher performance, so it is a sign of growth.
Scrum Theory and Values
4 questions in this domain
- Question 39Single Choice
In Tuckman's model of group development, how should an A-CSM interpret the Storming stage?
- AA sign that the team is failing.
- BA natural phase where healthy conflict, if managed, leads to stronger team norms.Correct answer
- CA signal to escalate issues to management immediately.
- DA stage to be skipped to reach high performance.
Why this is the answer
Storming is a necessary and healthy phase of development; managing conflict well allows the team to build stronger norms and reach Performing.
- Question 40Multiple Select
Which two statements describe true self-management in Scrum?
- AThe team autonomously decides who does what, when, and how.Correct answer
- BA manager assigns tasks to individual members.
- CThe team collectively owns the Sprint Goal and internal processes.Correct answer
- DThe team is not accountable to the Definition of Done.
Why this is the answer
True self-management combines autonomy with accountability; the team owns its work and remains accountable to the Sprint Goal and Definition of Done.
- Question 41Interactive
Based on the code block above, which Scrum principle is the Scrum Master ignoring?
- AStorming is a healthy and necessary stage of team development.Correct answer
- BSocial contracts should be removed when conflict occurs.
- CTask assignment by the Scrum Master improves self-management.
- DAdjourning should occur after every Sprint.
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master misinterprets normal Storming conflict as failure. Recognizing Storming as growth is essential to reaching Performing.
- Question 42Single Choice
What is the main purpose of a social contract or working agreements in Scrum?
- AA formalized framework of team norms, values, and behaviors that helps resolve friction.Correct answer
- BA list of individual performance bonuses.
- CA substitution for the Definition of Done.
- DA way for the Product Owner to assign tasks.
Why this is the answer
Social contracts formalize the team's norms, values, and behaviors, serving as the foundation for resolving friction and ensuring professional conduct.
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