Question bank
Professional Scrum Master I
41 Professional Scrum Master I questions with the correct answer and a written explanation, organised across 3 exam domains.
- 41 questions
- 3 domains
- Foundation level
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Developing People and Teams
14 questions in this domain
- Question 1Single Choice
What is the primary responsibility of a self-managing team in Scrum?
- ATo assign tasks to individual team members
- BTo decide how to perform the work within the Sprint GoalCorrect answer
- CTo report progress daily to the Scrum Master
- DTo define the order of the Product Backlog
Why this is the answer
A self-managing team determines how to perform its work within the Sprint Goal, not who does what individually.
- Question 2Multiple Select
Which two statements are true about cross-functional teams in Scrum?
- AEvery team member must be an expert in all skills
- BThe team collectively has all necessary skills to deliver a potentially releasable IncrementCorrect answer
- CThe team relies on external specialists to complete tasks
- DCross-functionality includes having skills such as development, testing, and UX designCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
A cross-functional team possesses all required skills collectively; it doesn't require every member to be an expert in everything.
- Question 3Interactive
The following code represents a team's Sprint Backlog. Which action aligns with self-management?
- AThe Scrum Master assigns Charlie to help with testing login
- BThe team decides to pair Alex with Charlie on testing loginCorrect answer
- CBob asks the Product Owner to add more API tasks
- DThe team votes to remove the automated tests item
Why this is the answer
Self-management means the team decides how to do the work; pairing is a team decision, not an external assignment.
- Question 4Single Choice
What does servant leadership mean for a Scrum Master?
- AThe Scrum Master directs the team's work to ensure efficiency
- BThe Scrum Master serves the team by removing impediments and coaching self-organizationCorrect answer
- CThe Scrum Master makes all decisions for the team
- DThe Scrum Master reports team performance to management
Why this is the answer
Servant leadership means the Scrum Master enables the team through coaching and impediment removal, not by controlling decisions.
- Question 5Multiple Select
Which two responsibilities are part of the Scrum Master's servant leadership role?
- AAssigning tasks to team members based on skill
- BFacilitating Scrum events to ensure productivityCorrect answer
- CRemoving organizational impediments that block the teamCorrect answer
- DDeciding the Sprint Goal for the team
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master facilitates events and removes impediments, but does not assign tasks or set Sprint Goals.
- Question 6Interactive
Read the scenario. The Product Owner asks the Scrum Master to reorder the Product Backlog. What should the Scrum Master do?
- AThe Scrum Master reorders the backlog as requested
- BThe Scrum Master coaches the Product Owner to make the decisionCorrect answer
- CThe Scrum Master asks the team to decide the order
- DThe Scrum Master ignores the request and continues coaching
Why this is the answer
Servant leadership means the Scrum Master serves the Product Owner by coaching them on their accountability, not taking over.
- Question 7Single Choice
What is the difference between self-management and self-organization in Scrum?
- ASelf-management is a broader concept that includes governance of processes and improvementCorrect answer
- BSelf-organization is the same as self-management
- CSelf-management only deals with task allocation
- DSelf-organization includes deciding the Sprint Goal
Why this is the answer
Self-management extends beyond task allocation to include process governance and continuous improvement; self-organization is a subset.
- Question 8Multiple Select
Which two techniques help a Scrum Master coach a team toward self-management?
- AAsking powerful questions instead of providing answersCorrect answer
- BAssigning specific tasks to each developer
- CFacilitating the team to resolve their own impedimentsCorrect answer
- DSetting deadlines for the team to meet
Why this is the answer
Coaching with questions and facilitating self-resolution of impediments empowers the team, while assigning tasks and setting deadlines undermines self-management.
- Question 9Interactive
The team asks: \"How should we estimate these Product Backlog items?\" What should the Scrum Master do?
- AThe Scrum Master gives a detailed estimation method
- BThe Scrum Master facilitates a discussion for the team to decide their own methodCorrect answer
- CThe Scrum Master asks the Product Owner to provide estimates
- DThe Scrum Master estimates the items for the team
Why this is the answer
A coach facilitates the team to discover solutions, not impose them; the team should own their estimation process.
- Question 10Single Choice
What is the Scrum Master's role in facilitating the Daily Scrum?
- AThe Scrum Master asks each team member what they did yesterday
- BThe Scrum Master ensures the event stays timeboxed and focused on the Sprint GoalCorrect answer
- CThe Scrum Master assigns tasks to developers based on the discussion
- DThe Scrum Master presents a status report to stakeholders
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master facilitates by enforcing the timebox and ensuring the team inspects progress toward the Sprint Goal; they do not lead or assign tasks.
- Question 11Multiple Select
Which two facilitation techniques are appropriate for Sprint Retrospective?
- AUsing dot voting to prioritize improvementsCorrect answer
- BAssigning blame for Sprint failures
- CConducting a 'Start/Stop/Continue' exerciseCorrect answer
- DExtending the timebox if the discussion is productive
Why this is the answer
Dot voting and structured exercises like Start/Stop/Continue are effective; blame and extending timeboxes are not.
- Question 12Interactive
During Sprint Planning, the team discusses technical details instead of the Sprint Goal. What should the Scrum Master do?
- AThe Scrum Master tells the team to stop and focus on the Sprint Goal
- BThe Scrum Master reminds the team of the timebox and redirects to the Sprint GoalCorrect answer
- CThe Scrum Master joins the technical discussion to help decide
- DThe Scrum Master extends the Sprint Planning to allow the discussion
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master facilitates politely and enforces timeboxes; redirecting to the Sprint Goal is appropriate, not dictating or extending.
- Question 13Single Choice
What type of conflict is considered productive in a Scrum team?
- APersonal attacks between team members
- BDisagreement about the best technical approach to solve a problemCorrect answer
- CPower struggles over leadership roles
- DBlaming individuals for missed deadlines
Why this is the answer
Productive conflict centers on ideas and tasks, not personal issues or power struggles.
- Question 14Multiple Select
Which two actions can a Scrum Master take to build psychological safety in a team?
- AModel vulnerability by admitting mistakesCorrect answer
- BDiscourage team members from challenging each other
- CEncourage honest feedback during RetrospectivesCorrect answer
- DAssign blame when a Sprint fails
Why this is the answer
Psychological safety is built through modeling vulnerability and encouraging honest inspection without blame.
Managing Products with Agility
13 questions in this domain
- Question 15Single Choice
What is the product vision in the context of Scrum?
- AA long-term aspirational objective defining the enduring purpose and desired future state of the product.Correct answer
- BA detailed specification of all features to be built over the next year.
- CA short-term goal to be achieved in the next Sprint.
- DA commitment made by the Development Team at Sprint Planning.
Why this is the answer
The product vision is a long-term aspirational objective that guides the Scrum Team. It is not a detailed specification, not a Sprint goal, and not a commitment of the Development Team. The Product Owner is accountable for the vision, but it evolves based on feedback.
- Question 16Multiple Select
Which of the following are true about the Product Goal? (Select two.)
- AIt is a commitment of the Product Backlog.Correct answer
- BIt is set during Sprint Planning.
- CIt describes a future state of the product that serves as a target for the Scrum Team.Correct answer
- DIt is the same as the Sprint Goal.
Why this is the answer
The Product Goal is a commitment of the Product Backlog (Scrum Guide 2020) and describes a future state of the product. It is not set during Sprint Planning; Sprint Planning produces the Sprint Goal. The Product Goal spans multiple Sprints and is distinct from the Sprint Goal.
- Question 17Interactive
Review the scenario in the code block. Which statement correctly identifies the development team's error?
- AThey confused the Product Goal with the Sprint Goal.Correct answer
- BThey set a Product Goal that was too short-term.
- CThey used the Product Goal to define the Sprint Backlog items.
- DThey involved stakeholders in creating the Sprint Goal.
Why this is the answer
The scenario describes a team setting a 'product goal' for a two-week period, which is actually a Sprint Goal. The Product Goal spans multiple Sprints. The team's error is confusing the two commitments.
- Question 18Single Choice
Who is accountable for the content and ordering of the Product Backlog?
- AProduct OwnerCorrect answer
- BScrum Master
- CDevelopment Team
- DStakeholders
Why this is the answer
The Product Owner is solely accountable for the Product Backlog's content, ordering, and transparency. The Scrum Master facilitates, the Development Team estimates, and stakeholders provide input, but the Product Owner holds accountability.
- Question 19Multiple Select
Which activities are part of Product Backlog refinement? (Select two.)
- ABreaking large items into smaller ones.Correct answer
- BCreating the Sprint Backlog.
- CAdding acceptance criteria to Product Backlog items.Correct answer
- DSetting the Sprint Goal.
Why this is the answer
Refinement includes breaking down large PBIs, adding acceptance criteria, re-estimating, and removing outdated items. Sprint Backlog creation and Sprint Goal setting happen during Sprint Planning, not refinement.
- Question 20Interactive
Refer to the code block. Which ordering technique could the Product Owner use to resolve the prioritization conflict?
- AWeighted Shortest Job First (WSJF)
- BMoSCoWCorrect answer
- CKano Model
- DValue vs. Effort Quadrant
Why this is the answer
The scenario describes a situation where items need to be categorized by necessity for a release. MoSCoW (Must, Should, Could, Won't) is a simple technique for release-level categorization. WSJF requires cost of delay data not provided. Kano and Value vs. Effort are also possible but MoSCoW fits best here.
- Question 21Single Choice
What is the primary purpose of the Sprint Review?
- ATo inspect the Increment and adapt the Product Backlog.Correct answer
- BTo demonstrate finished work to stakeholders without discussion.
- CTo review the team's performance and assign tasks for the next Sprint.
- DTo decide which team members will work on which tasks.
Why this is the answer
The Sprint Review is a working session where the team inspects the Increment and stakeholders provide feedback to adapt the Product Backlog. It is not a demo or performance review. Task assignment happens in Sprint Planning.
- Question 22Multiple Select
Which of the following are ways stakeholders collaborate with the Scrum Team? (Select two.)
- AParticipating in Sprint Reviews.Correct answer
- BAttending the Daily Scrum.
- CProviding feedback during Product Backlog refinement.Correct answer
- DEstimating Product Backlog items during Sprint Planning.
Why this is the answer
Stakeholders actively participate in Sprint Reviews to inspect the Increment and provide feedback. They also collaborate during Product Backlog refinement to clarify requirements. Daily Scrum is for the Development Team only. Sprint Planning estimation is done by the Development Team, not stakeholders.
- Question 23Interactive
Look at the scenario in the code block. What principle of value-driven development is being violated?
- AEvery increment must be potentially shippable and meet the Definition of Done.Correct answer
- BThe Product Owner must prioritize value over stakeholder demands.
- CThe team must deliver as many features as possible in each Sprint.
- DStakeholder feedback should be collected only at the end of the project.
Why this is the answer
Value-driven development requires that each Increment is 'Done' (meets the Definition of Done) and potentially releasable. The scenario shows the team releasing an incomplete feature as an 'MVP', violating the DoD. An MVP should still be done and valuable.
- Question 24Single Choice
What is the Definition of Done?
- AA formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product.Correct answer
- BA list of tasks that must be completed before a Sprint ends.
- CA document that defines when a Product Backlog item is ready for Sprint Planning.
- DA commitment of the Sprint Backlog.
Why this is the answer
The Definition of Done is a commitment of the Increment. It is a shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete and potentially usable. It is not a task list, not a 'Ready' definition, and not a Sprint Backlog commitment.
- Question 25Multiple Select
Which of the following are true about forecasting in Scrum? (Select two.)
- AForecasts are based on empirical data such as velocity.Correct answer
- BForecasts are commitments to deliver specific scope on a fixed date.
- CForecasts include a range to account for uncertainty.Correct answer
- DForecasts are created once at the beginning of the project.
Why this is the answer
Forecasting in Scrum uses empirical data (e.g., velocity) and expresses uncertainty via ranges. They are not commitments, and they are updated at each Sprint Review, not created once.
- Question 26Interactive
The code block shows a conversation. Which pillar of empiricism is most directly being ignored?
- ATransparencyCorrect answer
- BInspection
- CAdaptation
- DCommitment
Why this is the answer
The Product Owner is not making the full backlog transparent to stakeholders, which violates the transparency pillar. Without transparency, inspection and adaptation cannot occur effectively.
- Question 27Single Choice
How should Product Backlog items at the top of the backlog be compared to those at the bottom?
- AMore detailed and clearer than items lower in the backlog.Correct answer
- BEqually detailed throughout the backlog.
- CLarger and more vague than lower items.
- DLess detailed because they are urgent.
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Guide states that items at the top of the Product Backlog are clearer and more detailed than items lower down. Lower items are larger and coarser. This supports just-in-time refinement.
Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework
14 questions in this domain
- Question 28Single Choice
What are the three pillars of empiricism in Scrum?
- ATransparency, Inspection, AdaptationCorrect answer
- BPlanning, Execution, Review
- CCommitment, Courage, Focus
- DRoles, Events, Artifacts
Why this is the answer
The three pillars of empiricism are Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation. They enable teams to manage complexity through evidence-based decision-making.
- Question 29Multiple Select
Which of the following are Scrum events? (Select all that apply.)
- ASprint PlanningCorrect answer
- BDaily ScrumCorrect answer
- CSprint ReviewCorrect answer
- DPhase Gate Review
Why this is the answer
Scrum defines five events: Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Phase Gate Review is not a Scrum event.
- Question 30Interactive
Refer to the code block. What is the purpose of the Daily Scrum?
- AInspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint BacklogCorrect answer
- BReport status to the Product Owner
- CDemo the Increment to stakeholders
- DAssign tasks to individual developers
Why this is the answer
The Daily Scrum is a 15-minute event for the Developers to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog for the next 24 hours.
- Question 31Single Choice
Who is accountable for the Product Backlog?
- AProduct OwnerCorrect answer
- BScrum Master
- CDevelopers
- DStakeholders
Why this is the answer
The Product Owner is accountable for the Product Backlog, including its content, ordering, and transparency.
- Question 32Multiple Select
Which of the following are Scrum values? (Select all that apply.)
- ACommitmentCorrect answer
- BCourageCorrect answer
- CFocusCorrect answer
- DEfficiency
Why this is the answer
The five Scrum values are Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect. Efficiency is not a Scrum value.
- Question 33Interactive
Examine the code block. What is the commitment of the Sprint Backlog?
- ASprint GoalCorrect answer
- BProduct Goal
- CDefinition of Done
- DRelease Plan
Why this is the answer
The Sprint Goal is the commitment for the Sprint Backlog. It provides a single objective that gives focus and flexibility.
- Question 34Single Choice
What is the maximum time-box for a Sprint?
- AOne monthCorrect answer
- BTwo weeks
- CSix weeks
- DThree months
Why this is the answer
A Sprint is time-boxed to one month or less. Shorter Sprints are common to increase feedback frequency.
- Question 35Multiple Select
Which roles are part of the Scrum Team? (Select all that apply.)
- AProduct OwnerCorrect answer
- BScrum MasterCorrect answer
- CDevelopersCorrect answer
- DProject Manager
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Team consists of one Product Owner, one Scrum Master, and Developers. There is no Project Manager role in Scrum.
- Question 36Interactive
Look at the code. What does the Definition of Done provide for the Increment?
- AA commitment that ensures transparency and qualityCorrect answer
- BA list of tasks for the Sprint
- CThe Sprint Goal
- DA report for stakeholders
Why this is the answer
The Definition of Done is the commitment for the Increment. It ensures a shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete, enabling transparency and quality.
- Question 37Single Choice
Who is responsible for the Sprint Backlog during the Sprint?
- ADevelopersCorrect answer
- BProduct Owner
- CScrum Master
- DStakeholders
Why this is the answer
The Developers are accountable for the Sprint Backlog. They own it and can update it during the Sprint as they learn more.
- Question 38Multiple Select
Which of the following are true about the Sprint Review? (Select all that apply.)
- AIt inspects the Increment and adapts the Product BacklogCorrect answer
- BIt is a time-boxed event at the end of the SprintCorrect answer
- CStakeholders provide feedbackCorrect answer
- DIt is a formal approval gate for release
Why this is the answer
The Sprint Review inspects the Increment, adapts the Product Backlog, and includes stakeholders. It is not an approval gate; the decision to release is separate.
- Question 39Interactive
Examine the code block. What is the role of the Scrum Master?
- AEstablishing Scrum as defined in the Scrum GuideCorrect answer
- BAssigning tasks to Developers
- CMaking business decisions
- DWriting code for the product
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master is accountable for establishing Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide. They coach, facilitate, and remove impediments.
- Question 40Single Choice
What is the primary purpose of the Sprint Retrospective?
- AInspect and adapt the team's processCorrect answer
- BReview the product Increment
- CPlan the next Sprint
- DDemo completed work to stakeholders
Why this is the answer
The Sprint Retrospective inspects how the last Sprint went regarding people, relationships, process, and tools, and creates a plan for improvements.
- Question 41Multiple Select
Which statements about the Product Backlog are correct? (Select all that apply.)
- AIt is an ordered list of everything needed in the productCorrect answer
- BIt is owned by the Product OwnerCorrect answer
- CIt is never completeCorrect answer
- DIt is fixed after the first Sprint
Why this is the answer
The Product Backlog is an emergent, ordered list owned by the Product Owner. It is never complete; it evolves as the product and environment change.
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