Agile Change Agent

Question bank

APMG International logo

Agile Change Agent

agile-change-agent

41 Agile Change Agent questions with the correct answer and a written explanation, organised across 4 exam domains.

41 questions
4 domains
Foundation level

Question index

Jump straight to any question. Answers and explanations are inline.

Agile Fundamentals and Mindset

11 questions in this domain

  1. Question 1Single Choice

    Which value does the Agile Manifesto place above comprehensive documentation?

    • AIndividuals and interactions
    • BWorking software (or tangible outcomes)Correct answer
    • CCustomer collaboration
    • DResponding to change

    Why this is the answer

    The Agile Manifesto states 'Working software over comprehensive documentation', emphasizing tangible outcomes over extensive written records.

  2. Question 2Multiple Select

    Which two of the following are core values of the Agile Manifesto?

    • AIndividuals and interactions over processes and toolsCorrect answer
    • BFollowing a plan over responding to change
    • CCustomer collaboration over contract negotiationCorrect answer
    • DComprehensive documentation over working software

    Why this is the answer

    The four values are: individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change. Options B and D are inverted.

  3. Question 3Interactive

    A team adopts the principles 'Deliver frequently' and 'Welcome changing requirements'. Which Agile Manifesto value do these principles primarily support?

    • AIndividuals and interactions
    • BWorking software
    • CCustomer collaboration
    • DResponding to changeCorrect answer

    Why this is the answer

    Frequent delivery and welcoming changes are direct implementations of 'Responding to change over following a plan'.

  4. Question 4Single Choice

    For an Agile Change Agent, what does 'Individuals and interactions' over 'Processes and tools' mean?

    • AUse the most advanced tools available
    • BPrioritize building trust and facilitating conversationsCorrect answer
    • CFollow the defined process strictly
    • DDocument all interactions comprehensively

    Why this is the answer

    This value places people at the centre; building trust and collaboration is more important than rigid processes or tools.

  5. Question 5Multiple Select

    Which two roles are defined in the Scrum framework?

    • AProduct OwnerCorrect answer
    • BProject Manager
    • CScrum MasterCorrect answer
    • DCustomer

    Why this is the answer

    Scrum defines three roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team. Project Manager and Customer are not official roles.

  6. Question 6Interactive

    A Kanban team visualizes work and limits work-in-progress. What is the primary metric they use to measure performance?

    • AVelocity
    • BCycle timeCorrect answer
    • CBurndown
    • DEarned value

    Why this is the answer

    Kanban focuses on flow; cycle time measures the time from start to finish of a work item, reflecting efficiency.

  7. Question 7Single Choice

    According to Carol Dweck's growth mindset, what is believed about abilities?

    • AThey are fixed from birth
    • BThey can be developed through effort and learningCorrect answer
    • CThey are determined solely by IQ
    • DThey cannot change after childhood

    Why this is the answer

    Growth mindset holds that abilities can be cultivated through dedication and hard work, a foundation for agility.

  8. Question 8Multiple Select

    Which two are characteristics of traditional (waterfall) project management?

    • AIterative delivery
    • BFixed upfront planCorrect answer
    • CCustomer collaboration throughout
    • DSequential phasesCorrect answer

    Why this is the answer

    Waterfall uses linear, sequential phases and a detailed early plan. Iteration and continuous collaboration are agile traits.

  9. Question 9Interactive

    In an agile context, how is business value best measured?

    • AMeeting the triple constraint (time, cost, scope)
    • BDelivery of working increments that provide benefit to stakeholdersCorrect answer
    • CCompleting all tasks as per the initial plan
    • DFollowing the project plan without deviation

    Why this is the answer

    Agile focuses on delivering value early and often through working increments, validated by stakeholder feedback.

  10. Question 10Single Choice

    Which agile framework uses time-boxed iterations called Sprints?

    • AKanban
    • BSAFe
    • CScrumCorrect answer
    • DLean

    Why this is the answer

    Scrum defines Sprints as time-boxed iterations (1-4 weeks) for delivering increments of valuable product.

  11. Question 11Multiple Select

    Which two are official Scrum events?

    • ASprint PlanningCorrect answer
    • BGantt review
    • CSprint RetrospectiveCorrect answer
    • DPhase gate review

    Why this is the answer

    Scrum events include Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Gantt and phase gates are traditional.

Applying Agile Practices to Change Management

10 questions in this domain

  1. Question 12Single Choice

    What is the typical duration of a sprint in agile change management?

    • AOne to four weeksCorrect answer
    • BOne to two months
    • CSix to twelve weeks
    • DExactly one week

    Why this is the answer

    Sprints are time-boxed iterations of one to four weeks, as defined in the playbook.

  2. Question 13Multiple Select

    Which of the following are key events in an agile change sprint? (Select all that apply)

    • ASprint PlanningCorrect answer
    • BDaily Change Stand-upCorrect answer
    • CAnnual Review
    • DSprint RetrospectiveCorrect answer

    Why this is the answer

    Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-up, and Sprint Retrospective are all sprint events.

  3. Question 14Interactive

    Review the following code snippet. What is the primary purpose of this script in a change sprint?

    • ASprint Planning
    • BDaily Stand-up
    • CSprint RetrospectiveCorrect answer
    • DSprint Review

    Why this is the answer

    The code collects feedback on 'what went well' and 'what to improve', indicating a retrospective.

  4. Question 15Single Choice

    What is the main purpose of a sprint review in change management?

    • ATo demonstrate the change increment and gather stakeholder feedbackCorrect answer
    • BTo assign blame for incomplete work
    • CTo plan the entire change initiative
    • DTo celebrate the end of the project

    Why this is the answer

    The sprint review is a working session for inspection and adaptation, not blame or celebration.

  5. Question 16Multiple Select

    Which traits describe an agile communication approach for change? (Select all that apply)

    • AAdaptive and iterativeCorrect answer
    • BTwo-way feedback loopsCorrect answer
    • COne-size-fits-all messaging
    • DVisible information radiatorsCorrect answer

    Why this is the answer

    Agile communication is adaptive, uses feedback loops, and employs radiators; it avoids blanket messaging.

  6. Question 17Interactive

    Examine the Kanban board configuration below. What is the purpose of the WIP limit set on the 'In Progress' column?

    • ATo force multitasking
    • BTo reduce context switching and reveal bottlenecksCorrect answer
    • CTo increase the number of tasks started
    • DTo eliminate the need for a backlog

    Why this is the answer

    WIP limits prevent overloading and highlight flow issues, improving efficiency.

  7. Question 18Single Choice

    What does 'Definition of Done' mean for a change increment?

    • AIt includes evidence of adoption, not just task completionCorrect answer
    • BIt only requires the task to be finished
    • CIt is optional for each sprint
    • DIt means all stakeholder requirements are met

    Why this is the answer

    Definition of Done includes outcome measures like adoption, not just output.

  8. Question 19Multiple Select

    Which of the following are examples of information radiators in change management? (Select all that apply)

    • ACumulative flow diagramCorrect answer
    • BKanban boardCorrect answer
    • CEmail inbox
    • DBurn-up chartCorrect answer

    Why this is the answer

    CFDs, Kanban boards, and burn-up charts are all passive displays; email is not a radiator.

  9. Question 20Interactive

    The following script automates a change practice. Which agile ceremony does it support?

    • ASprint Review
    • BDaily Stand-upCorrect answer
    • CSprint Retrospective
    • DBacklog Refinement

    Why this is the answer

    The code asks about yesterday's work, today's plan, and impediments, which is the daily stand-up.

  10. Question 21Single Choice

    What is the primary role of the Agile Change Agent in a retrospective?

    • AFacilitate the team to discover improvementsCorrect answer
    • BAssign blame for failures
    • CPresent a list of solutions
    • DWrite the retrospective report alone

    Why this is the answer

    The change agent facilitates a blameless, self-discovery process for continuous improvement.

Leading and Sustaining Agile Transformation

8 questions in this domain

  1. Question 22Single Choice

    What is the primary purpose of an agile vision?

    • ATo define a detailed project plan
    • BTo create a compelling picture of the future stateCorrect answer
    • CTo list specific agile frameworks
    • DTo assign roles and responsibilities

    Why this is the answer

    The vision provides a shared picture of the future state to inspire and guide the transformation.

  2. Question 23Multiple Select

    Which two of the following are key elements of scaling agile change?

    • AExecutive sponsorshipCorrect answer
    • BStrict adherence to one framework
    • CCommunities of PracticeCorrect answer
    • DIgnoring middle management

    Why this is the answer

    Executive sponsorship and Communities of Practice are key to aligning leadership and spreading practices.

  3. Question 24Interactive

    Refer to the code block. What is the ROI if benefits are 100 and costs are 50?

    • A50%
    • B100%Correct answer
    • C200%
    • D150%

    Why this is the answer

    ROI = (100-50)/50 * 100 = 100%.

  4. Question 25Single Choice

    What is the role of a change agent in sustaining momentum?

    • ATo enforce agile practices
    • BTo design reinforcement mechanisms and coach leadersCorrect answer
    • CTo focus solely on team-level changes
    • DTo hand over responsibility to HR

    Why this is the answer

    The change agent sustains momentum by designing reinforcement and coaching leaders.

  5. Question 26Multiple Select

    Which two are common pitfalls in agile transformations?

    • AAgile-in-Name-OnlyCorrect answer
    • BOver-communication
    • CScaling without foundationCorrect answer
    • DCelebrating successes

    Why this is the answer

    AINO and scaling without foundation are common pitfalls that undermine true agility.

  6. Question 27Interactive

    Examine the SQL query. What metric does it calculate?

    • AAverage cycle timeCorrect answer
    • BTotal cycle time
    • CMaximum cycle time
    • DMinimum cycle time

    Why this is the answer

    AVG(cycle_time) calculates the average cycle time of team 1.

  7. Question 28Single Choice

    What technique helps articulate an agile vision in a memorable way?

    • AGantt chart
    • BElevator PitchCorrect answer
    • CSWOT analysis
    • DRisk register

    Why this is the answer

    An Elevator Pitch exercise helps create a concise, memorable vision statement.

  8. Question 29Multiple Select

    Which two are leading indicators for agile transformation success?

    • ATeam moraleCorrect answer
    • BFinancial ROI at end of project
    • CCycle timeCorrect answer
    • DNumber of training sessions

    Why this is the answer

    Team morale and cycle time are leading indicators that anticipate future outcomes.

The Agile Change Agent Role

12 questions in this domain

  1. Question 30Single Choice

    What is the primary responsibility of an Agile Change Agent?

    • AOwn the change plan and ensure compliance
    • BFacilitate conditions for change to emerge organicallyCorrect answer
    • CDirect teams on Agile ceremonies
    • DManage the sponsor's expectations

    Why this is the answer

    The Agile Change Agent does not own change; they enable and facilitate the conditions for change to emerge organically, bridging strategy and operations.

  2. Question 31Multiple Select

    Which of the following are core competencies of an Agile Change Agent? (Choose two)

    • AFacilitating adaptive leadershipCorrect answer
    • BIssuing directives to overcome resistance
    • CStakeholder engagement and empathyCorrect answer
    • DControlling the budget for change initiatives

    Why this is the answer

    Adaptive leadership and stakeholder empathy are core competencies; issuing directives and budget control are not typical agent responsibilities.

  3. Question 32Interactive

    An Agile Change Agent says to a stakeholder: 'I hear your concern. Can you tell me what specific aspect worries you most?' What technique is the agent using?

    • AActive listeningCorrect answer
    • BTelling
    • CCommanding
    • DIgnoring

    Why this is the answer

    The agent is using active listening by acknowledging the concern and inviting elaboration, which builds trust and understanding.

  4. Question 33Single Choice

    How does an Agile Change Agent primarily influence stakeholders without formal authority?

    • ABy exercising hierarchical power
    • BThrough credibility, empathy, and strategic diplomacyCorrect answer
    • CBy threatening to escalate issues
    • DBy assigning tasks to team members

    Why this is the answer

    The agent relies on earned credibility, empathy, and diplomacy to influence, not on formal authority.

  5. Question 34Multiple Select

    Which of the following actions help an Agile Change Agent build trust? (Choose two)

    • AConsistently delivering on promisesCorrect answer
    • BWithholding information to maintain leverage
    • CDemonstrating empathy through active listeningCorrect answer
    • DMaking decisions on behalf of stakeholders

    Why this is the answer

    Consistency and empathy build trust; withholding information and unilateral decision-making erode it.

  6. Question 35Interactive

    An Agile Change Agent is faced with a department head who resists a new release cycle because they fear it will increase errors. The agent has no authority over the department head. What is the best first step?

    • AIssue a memorandum explaining the benefits
    • BSchedule a one-on-one meeting to understand their concernsCorrect answer
    • CReport the resistance to the sponsor
    • DIgnore the resistance and proceed

    Why this is the answer

    The agent should first use empathy and active listening to understand the stakeholder's concerns, a foundational trust-building step.

  7. Question 36Single Choice

    In the context of Agile change, what does acting as a servant leader mean?

    • AThe leader serves the team first by providing resources and psychological safetyCorrect answer
    • BThe leader makes all final decisions to maintain control
    • CThe leader focuses on personal career advancement
    • DThe leader prioritises task completion over team well-being

    Why this is the answer

    A servant leader prioritizes the team's needs, enabling autonomy and safety, rather than controlling or prioritizing self-interest.

  8. Question 37Multiple Select

    Which of the following are characteristics of a coaching approach? (Choose two)

    • AAsking open-ended questions to promote self-discoveryCorrect answer
    • BProviding direct solutions to problems
    • CListening actively to understand perspectivesCorrect answer
    • DGiving detailed instructions for each step

    Why this is the answer

    Coaching focuses on facilitating self-discovery through questions and active listening, not on giving solutions or instructions.

  9. Question 38Interactive

    A team is struggling with siloed behavior. Compliance officers are reluctant to share incomplete work for fear of blame. What should the Agile Change Agent do first?

    • AMandate a new process for sharing
    • BSchedule a coaching session to explore concernsCorrect answer
    • CEscalate to the compliance director
    • DIgnore the issue as it will resolve itself

    Why this is the answer

    A coaching session helps surface the underlying fears and fosters psychological safety, which is a servant leadership approach.

  10. Question 39Single Choice

    What is the primary goal of an Agile Change Agent when facilitating collaboration across teams?

    • ATo enforce standardised processes across all departments
    • BTo create a shared language and purpose for changeCorrect answer
    • CTo assign tasks to different teams
    • DTo avoid conflicts by keeping teams separate

    Why this is the answer

    The agent facilitates alignment on language and purpose, not standardisation or avoidance, enabling self-organisation around value.

  11. Question 40Multiple Select

    Which techniques are appropriate for facilitating multi-stakeholder alignment? (Choose two)

    • AWorld CafeCorrect answer
    • BCommand-and-control meetings
    • COpen Space TechnologyCorrect answer
    • DSilent solo work

    Why this is the answer

    World Cafe and Open Space Technology are collaborative methods that surface diverse perspectives; command-and-control and solo work do not facilitate alignment.

  12. Question 41Interactive

    Two departments disagree on the order of feature releases. The Agile Change Agent facilitates a priority-mapping workshop using weighted scoring. What is the agent primarily doing?

    • AEnabling teams to make their own decisionCorrect answer
    • BMaking the decision for them
    • CReporting to the sponsor
    • DAvoiding the conflict

    Why this is the answer

    The agent facilitates a process that empowers the teams to reach a shared decision, not deciding for them.

Frequently asked questions

Everything about the Agile Change Agent question bank and how to use it.