Question bank
SAFe Scrum Master 6.0
42 SAFe Scrum Master 6.0 questions with the correct answer and a written explanation, organised across 4 exam domains.
- 42 questions
- 4 domains
- Foundation level
certilumQuestion index
Jump straight to any question. Answers and explanations are inline.
Defining the Scrum Master / Team Coach role
12 questions in this domain
- Question 1Single Choice
In SAFe, who is accountable for facilitating the team's Scrum events and coaching the team, but not for overall program delivery?
- ARelease Train Engineer
- BScrum Master / Team CoachCorrect answer
- CProduct Owner
- DProject Manager
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master/Team Coach owns process integrity and team coaching; the RTE coordinates ART-level delivery, and the Product Owner manages backlog value.
- Question 2Multiple Select
Which two key responsibilities are part of the SAFe Scrum Master / Team Coach role at the team level?
- AFostering psychological safetyCorrect answer
- BAssigning development tasks
- CEscalating systemic impediments to RTECorrect answer
- DDeciding scope for Product Owner
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master coaches the team, fosters safety, and escalates systemic blockers, but does not assign tasks or own backlog content.
- Question 3Interactive
Based on the code block, what should the Scrum Master do when an impediment is within the team's control?
- ACoach team to resolve itCorrect answer
- BEscalate immediately to RTE
- CResolve it for the team
- DLog it and ignore it
Why this is the answer
If the impediment is within the team's control, the Scrum Master coaches the team to resolve it; doing the work for them would undermine self-management.
- Question 4Single Choice
In SAFe, what is the maximum timebox for Sprint Planning when the team uses a two-week iteration?
- ATwo hours
- BFour hoursCorrect answer
- CSix hours
- DEight hours
Why this is the answer
SAFe timeboxes Sprint Planning at two hours per week of iteration, so a two-week iteration gets four hours.
- Question 5Multiple Select
Which two statements about the purpose and facilitation of the Daily Stand-up are true in SAFe?
- ATeam synchronization and planningCorrect answer
- BStatus report to Scrum Master
- CCoach and detect impedimentsCorrect answer
- DProduct Owner assigns tasks
Why this is the answer
The stand-up is team synchronization; the SM attends as a coach, not as a status recipient or task assigner.
- Question 6Interactive
Based on the code block, which two actions should the Scrum Master take when the team misses an iteration commitment?
- ACoach team to analyze whyCorrect answer
- BReassign unfinished tasks
- CProtect team and adjust commitmentsCorrect answer
- DInform management of missed deadline
Why this is the answer
The team owns its commitments; the Scrum Master coaches the team to understand the cause and protects it while adjusting future commitments.
- Question 7Single Choice
In the Scaled Agile Framework, which event is described as the heartbeat of program-level continuous improvement?
- ADaily Stand-up
- BSprint Review
- CInspect and AdaptCorrect answer
- DPI Planning
Why this is the answer
The Inspect and Adapt workshop is SAFe's program-level heartbeat for continuous improvement, combining system demo, metrics review, and problem-solving.
- Question 8Multiple Select
Which two characteristics define a cross-functional team within a SAFe Agile Release Train?
- AT-shaped skillsCorrect answer
- BIdentical specialized expertise
- CCollective delivery capabilityCorrect answer
- DWorking in silos
Why this is the answer
Cross-functional teams use T-shaped skills and collective ability to deliver a complete increment, avoiding handoffs and silos.
- Question 9Interactive
Based on the code block, which condition requires the Scrum Master to escalate an impediment to the RTE?
- AInternal team conflict
- BExternal, beyond team controlCorrect answer
- CProduct Owner changes priority
- DTeam skips retrospective
Why this is the answer
Escalation to the RTE is appropriate when an impediment is external and beyond the team's ability to resolve; internal conflicts are handled by coaching.
- Question 10Single Choice
Which mindset best describes how the SAFe Scrum Master / Team Coach should lead and serve the team?
- ACommand and control
- BServant leadership and coachingCorrect answer
- CTechnical decision-maker
- DProject manager
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master leads by serving, asks powerful questions, and coaches the team toward self-management rather than commanding.
- Question 11Multiple Select
Which two actions, when performed by the Scrum Master, support a continuous improvement culture in a SAFe team?
- AHold retrospective even if no improvementsCorrect answer
- BTrack improvements as backlog itemsCorrect answer
- CCancel retrospective if velocity high
- DUse retrospective for blame
Why this is the answer
Improvement culture requires always holding retrospectives and treating improvement items as real backlog work; blame and cancellation hinder it.
- Question 12Interactive
Based on the code block, what should the Scrum Master do when the team is in the Storming stage?
- AFacilitate conflict resolutionCorrect answer
- BEscalate to management
- CReplace conflicting team members
- DIgnore conflict until mature
Why this is the answer
In Storming, the SM facilitates conflict resolution and helps the team build working agreements; escalation or removal is not the coaching approach.
Experiencing Program Increment Planning
14 questions in this domain
- Question 13Single Choice
What is the primary purpose of Program Increment (PI) Planning in SAFe?
- AAlign all ART members on a shared vision and collaboratively create PI objectivesCorrect answer
- BCreate a detailed project plan with fixed milestones for the whole year
- CReplace daily stand-up meetings
- DForecast individual team member utilization
Why this is the answer
PI Planning aligns the ART to a shared vision and creates committed PI objectives, not a rigid project plan.
- Question 14Multiple Select
Which sessions are part of the standard two-day PI Planning structure?
- ABusiness ContextCorrect answer
- BProduct/Solution VisionCorrect answer
- CTeam BreakoutsCorrect answer
- DDaily Stand-up
Why this is the answer
Business Context, Product/Solution Vision, and Team Breakouts are core PI Planning sessions; daily stand-ups are not part of the event.
- Question 15Interactive
The code snippet shows the standard agenda for which SAFe event?
- API PlanningCorrect answer
- BSprint Review
- CInspect and Adapt
- DBacklog Refinement
Why this is the answer
The agenda matches the two-day PI Planning structure, ending with final plan review and commitment.
- Question 16Single Choice
Who presents the Business Context session at PI Planning?
- ABusiness OwnersCorrect answer
- BScrum Master
- CRelease Train Engineer
- DProduct Manager
Why this is the answer
Business Owners present the current state of the business, market trends, and financial implications during PI Planning.
- Question 17Multiple Select
Which statements about PI Planning are TRUE?
- API Planning is a mandatory SAFe event for every ARTCorrect answer
- BPI objectives are authored collaboratively by each teamCorrect answer
- CPI Planning can be skipped when teams are stable
- DThe RTE orchestrates the overall event and publishes the Program BoardCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
PI Planning is mandatory, teams write their own objectives, and the RTE orchestrates the event and publishes the Program Board.
- Question 18Interactive
In the agenda shown in the code block, which session immediately follows Top 10 Features?
- ATeam BreakoutsCorrect answer
- BBusiness Context
- CFinal Plan Review
- DManagement Review
Why this is the answer
The agenda shows that Team Breakouts come immediately after Top 10 Features in PI Planning.
- Question 19Single Choice
Who is accountable for orchestrating the overall PI Planning event?
- ARelease Train EngineerCorrect answer
- BScrum Master
- CProduct Manager
- DBusiness Owners
Why this is the answer
The RTE orchestrates PI Planning, facilitates the management review, and publishes the Program Board.
- Question 20Multiple Select
Which tasks are part of preparing a team for PI Planning?
- ABacklog refinementCorrect answer
- BCapacity planningCorrect answer
- CIdentifying cross-team dependenciesCorrect answer
- DAssigning each story to a specific team member
Why this is the answer
Backlog refinement, capacity planning, and dependency identification prepare the team; story assignment is a self-organizing team decision.
- Question 21Interactive
What does the equation in the code block calculate?
- ATeam capacity for the upcoming Program IncrementCorrect answer
- BHistorical velocity in story points
- CBusiness value of the PI objectives
- DNumber of dependencies on the Program Board
Why this is the answer
The formula calculates available person-hours for the PI, considering team size, iteration days, and overhead.
- Question 22Single Choice
What utilization level does SAFe recommend teams plan for to allow a buffer for unplanned work?
- A80%Correct answer
- B100%
- C60%
- D50%
Why this is the answer
SAFe recommends the 80% rule to reserve capacity for unplanned work and innovation time.
- Question 23Multiple Select
Which statements about backlog refinement are TRUE?
- ARefinement is continuous and driven by the PO with SM supportCorrect answer
- BRefinement ensures stories are estimated and have clear acceptance criteriaCorrect answer
- CRefinement should only happen during PI Planning
- DRefinement includes identifying dependencies and splitting large storiesCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
Backlog refinement is continuous, ensures ready stories, and includes dependency mapping and splitting; it is not limited to PI Planning.
- Question 24Interactive
In the dependency classification shown in the code block, which color marks an unresolved and blocking dependency?
- ARedCorrect answer
- BYellow
- CGreen
- DBlue
Why this is the answer
Red dependencies are unresolved and blocking; yellow indicates risk, and green means resolved.
- Question 25Single Choice
What are uncommitted objectives in PI Planning?
- AStretch goals the team will pursue if capacity allows, but are not guaranteedCorrect answer
- BObjectives that must be delivered before committed objectives
- CObjectives assigned by Business Owners
- DObjectives that are excluded from the team presentation
Why this is the answer
Uncommitted objectives are stretch goals that reduce overcommitment risk; they are not guaranteed deliverables.
- Question 26Multiple Select
Which are key Scrum Master responsibilities during team breakout sessions?
- AEnforce timeboxes and keep the team focusedCorrect answer
- BFacilitate dependency identification and documentationCorrect answer
- CApprove or reject final team PI objectives
- DHelp the team plan within sustainable capacityCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master facilitates the process, enforces timeboxes, supports dependency identification, and protects sustainable capacity.
Facilitating Iteration Execution
6 questions in this domain
- Question 27Single Choice
What is the primary accountability of a SAFe Scrum Master during iteration execution?
- ARemoving impediments and facilitating the team's process adherenceCorrect answer
- BAssigning daily tasks to individual team members
- CPrioritizing and accepting stories for the backlog
- DDirecting team members to work overtime to meet iteration goals
Why this is the answer
The SAFe Scrum Master is a servant leader accountable for process adherence, impediment removal, and enabling self-organization, not for task assignment or backlog decisions.
- Question 28Multiple Select
Which actions reflect the SAFe Scrum Master's appropriate role during the Daily Stand-up?
- ACoaching the team to keep updates brief and focused on coordinationCorrect answer
- BDocumenting impediments mentioned by team members for follow-upCorrect answer
- CDelivering a status summary to stakeholders on behalf of the team
- DResolving every issue raised during the stand-up within the 15-minute event
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master keeps the stand-up team-focused, captures impediments for later action, and does not give external status updates or solve every issue during the time-box.
- Question 29Interactive
Based on the board flow data in the code block, what is the most likely condition of the team?
- AThe widening 'In Progress' and 'Test' bands indicate excessive WIP and reduced flowCorrect answer
- BThe team will easily finish by the end of the iteration because To Do is shrinking
- CThe Scrum Master should immediately escalate to the RTE without engaging the team
- DThe team should increase WIP limits to accelerate delivery
Why this is the answer
A widening CFD band means more work is waiting in stages, signaling a flow problem. The Scrum Master should coach the team to address WIP and bottlenecks.
- Question 30Single Choice
During which event do stakeholders review the working software and provide feedback that informs backlog refinement?
- AIteration ReviewCorrect answer
- BIteration Retrospective
- CDaily Stand-up
- DPI Planning
Why this is the answer
The Iteration Review is the event for demonstrating the increment and gathering feedback. The Retrospective focuses on the team's process, not the product.
- Question 31Multiple Select
Which are expected outputs of an effective Iteration Retrospective? Select two.
- AOne or two prioritized improvement items owned by team membersCorrect answer
- BAn updated Team Working Agreement if team norms changedCorrect answer
- CA comprehensive list of all issues with no further prioritization
- DThe Scrum Master's personal action plan to fix all team problems
Why this is the answer
Retrospectives should yield a focused set of actionable improvements owned by the team and may update team norms. Long unfocused lists or SM-owned plans undermine continuous improvement.
- Question 32Interactive
Given the transparency data in the code block, what should the SAFe Scrum Master do first?
- AFacilitate a team conversation to understand the bottleneck and optionsCorrect answer
- BUpdate the Iteration Burndown manually to reflect a more positive trend
- CHold each developer accountable for their personal velocity
- DImmediately add more stories to the team board to utilize capacity
Why this is the answer
The Scrum Master should use the visible data to start a coaching conversation with the team, not manipulate metrics, assign blame, or increase WIP.
Introducing Scrum in SAFe®
10 questions in this domain
- Question 33Single Choice
Which statement best describes how Scrum is applied within SAFe?
- AScrum is replaced by SAFe-specific ceremonies at the team level.
- BScrum is preserved and enhanced as the foundational team-level delivery framework.Correct answer
- CScrum is used only for program-level reporting and metrics.
- DScrum is limited to small, non-technical projects.
Why this is the answer
SAFe preserves Scrum and adds ART-level coordination, so Scrum remains the foundational team-level delivery framework.
- Question 34Multiple Select
Which of the following are team-level iteration events in SAFe? Select all that apply.
- AIteration PlanningCorrect answer
- BDaily Stand-upCorrect answer
- CPI Planning
- DIteration ReviewCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
SAFe team iterations include Iteration Planning, Daily Stand-up, Iteration Review, and Retrospective; PI Planning is an ART-level event.
- Question 35Interactive
According to the role mapping shown, which role facilitates ART-level events such as PI Planning and Inspect & Adapt?
- ARelease Train EngineerCorrect answer
- BScrum Master
- CProduct Owner
- DProduct Manager
Why this is the answer
The Release Train Engineer facilitates ART-level events; the Scrum Master participates and supports the team during those events.
- Question 36Single Choice
Which role owns the Team Backlog on a SAFe Scrum team?
- AProduct OwnerCorrect answer
- BScrum Master
- CDevelopers
- DProduct Manager
Why this is the answer
The Product Owner manages the Team Backlog; the Product Manager owns the Program Backlog and strategic priorities.
- Question 37Multiple Select
Which responsibilities distinguish the SAFe Scrum Master from a traditional Scrum Master? Select all that apply.
- AParticipating in PI Planning breakout sessionsCorrect answer
- BAttending the Scrum of Scrums to coordinate dependenciesCorrect answer
- CAssigning daily work tasks to developers
- DSupporting the team during Inspect & AdaptCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
SAFe SMs participate in PI Planning, Scrum of Scrums, and Inspect & Adapt, but they never assign daily work to self-organizing teams.
- Question 38Interactive
According to the PI cadence shown, which event follows the System Demo?
- AInspect & AdaptCorrect answer
- BSprint Planning
- CDaily Stand-up
- DNext PI Planning
Why this is the answer
The PI cadence ends with the Inspect & Adapt workshop after the System Demo, where the ART reviews results and improves.
- Question 39Single Choice
Which statement about iteration length in SAFe is true?
- ATeams can choose their own iteration length.
- BIterations are typically two weeks and synchronized across the ART.Correct answer
- CIterations last 30 days by default.
- DIteration length changes each PI based on team velocity.
Why this is the answer
SAFe uses fixed-length iterations, typically two weeks, synchronized across the ART to support PI planning and integration.
- Question 40Multiple Select
Which artifacts are SAFe extensions to Scrum? Select all that apply.
- AProgram BacklogCorrect answer
- BPI ObjectivesCorrect answer
- CSprint Backlog
- DTeam BacklogCorrect answer
Why this is the answer
Sprint Backlog is a core Scrum artifact. Program Backlog, PI Objectives, and Team Backlog are SAFe-specific artifacts.
- Question 41Interactive
According to the event list shown, who facilitates the Scrum of Scrums?
- ARelease Train EngineerCorrect answer
- BScrum Master
- CProduct Owner
- DProduct Manager
Why this is the answer
The RTE facilitates ART-level events, while the Scrum Master represents the team and escalates impediments at the Scrum of Scrums.
- Question 42Single Choice
Which SAFe principle is best supported by the Scrum Master coaching self-organizing teams?
- AApply systems thinking
- BTake an economic view
- CUnlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workersCorrect answer
- DBase milestones on objective evaluation of working systems
Why this is the answer
Principle #8 focuses on autonomy, mastery, and purpose, which supports the Scrum Master's coaching of self-organizing teams.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the SAFe Scrum Master 6.0 question bank and how to use it.