Purpose of the Scrum Guide
Scrum Definition
Scrum Theory
Scrum Values
Scrum Team
Scrum Events
Scrum Artifacts
End Note
General Questions

Purpose of the Scrum Guide

We developed Scrum in the early 1990s. We wrote the first version of the Scrum Guide in 2010 to help people worldwide understand Scrum. We have evolved the Guide since then through small, functional updates. Together, we stand behind it.
The Scrum Guide contains the definition of Scrum. Each element of the framework serves a specific purpose that is essential to the overall value and results realized with Scrum. Changing the core design or ideas of Scrum, leaving out elements, or not following the rules of Scrum, covers up problems and limits the benefits of Scrum, potentially even rendering it useless.
We follow the growing use of Scrum within an ever-growing complex world. We are humbled to see Scrum being adopted in many domains holding essentially complex work, beyond software product development where Scrum has its roots. As Scrum’s use spreads, developers, researchers, analysts, scientists, and other specialists do the work. We use the word “developers” in Scrum not to exclude, but to simplify. If you get value from Scrum, consider yourself included.
As Scrum is being used, patterns, processes, and insights that fit the Scrum framework as described in this document, may be found, applied and devised. Their description is beyond the purpose of the Scrum Guide because they are context sensitive and differ widely between Scrum uses. Such tactics for using within the Scrum framework vary widely and are described elsewhere.

Q&A

Question:

What can Scrum be used for? (choose all that apply)

Develop products and enhancements.
Research and identify viable markets, technologies, and product capabilities.
Release products and enhancements, as frequently as many times per day.
Develop and sustain Cloud (online, secure, on-demand) and other operational environments for product use
Sustain and renew products.

Explanation
Scrum was initially developed for managing and developing products. Starting in the early 1990s, Scrum has been used extensively, worldwide, to:

Research and identify viable markets, technologies, and product capabilities;
Develop products and enhancements;
Release products and enhancements, as frequently as many times per day;
Develop and sustain Cloud (online, secure, on-demand) and other operational environments for product use; and,
Sustain and renew products.

Scrum has been used to develop software, hardware, embedded software, networks of interacting function, autonomous vehicles, schools, government, marketing, managing the operation of organizations and almost everything we use in our daily lives, as individuals and societies.

Question:

What does the word “development” mean in the context of Scrum? (choose the best answer)

Software and hardware development
Development of an operational environment for the Product
Product development, its releasing and sustaining
Complex work that can include all the suggested options and even more
Research and identifying of viable markets, technologies, and Product capabilities

Explanation
When the words “develop” and “development” are used in the Scrum Guide, they refer to complex work including software and hardware development, development and releasing of products and enhancements, development and sustaining product operational environments, research and identifying of viable markets and technologies, and even more.

Scrum Definition

Scrum is a lightweight framework that helps people, teams and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems.

Q&A

Question:

What is Scrum? (choose the best answer)

A software development cookbook including the best agile practices.
A complete process to deliver complex products.
Scrum is a lightweight framework that helps people, teams, and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems.

Question:

Scrum is a technique for developing complex products. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

Explanation
Scrum is "considered" a framework, not a methodology, process, techniques, etc. It can be used to develop new products or maintain/sustain existing ones.

Question:

True or False: Scrum is not a definitive method or technique.

FALSE
TRUE

Explanation
Scrum: A framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems, while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value. Scrum is not a process, technique, or definitive method. Rather, it is a framework within which you can employ various processes and techniques.

In a nutshell, Scrum requires a Scrum Master to foster an environment where:

Q&A

Question:

When the Scrum Team becomes mature enough in using Scrum, they won't need a Scrum Master anymore. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

A Product Owner orders the work for a complex problem into a Product Backlog.
The Scrum Team turns a selection of the work into an Increment of value during a Sprint.
The Scrum Team and its stakeholders inspect the results and adjust for the next Sprint.
Repeat

Scrum is simple. Try it as is and determine if its philosophy, theory, and structure help to achieve goals and create value. The Scrum framework is purposefully incomplete, only defining the parts required to implement Scrum theory. Scrum is built upon by the collective intelligence of the people using it. Rather than provide people with detailed instructions, the rules of Scrum guide their relationships and interactions.

Various processes, techniques and methods can be employed within the framework. Scrum wraps around existing practices or renders them unnecessary. Scrum makes visible the relative efficacy of current management, environment, and work techniques, so that improvements can be made.

Q&A

Question:

Which three following are true about Scrum? (choose the best three answers)

The Scrum Master is Scrum’s way of having a project manager for a self-managed context
Scrum is founded on empiricism and lean thinking.
Scrum is a lightweight framework that helps people, teams, and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems.
Scrum is a methodology and you can adapt to your needs as you wish
Each element of the framework serves a specific purpose that is essential to the overall value and results realized with Scrum.

Question:

Which of the following are valid ways of dealing with regulatory compliance issues in Scrum? (choose the best two answers)

They are handled by a Compliance team
Throughout the product development
They are treated as regular Product Backlog items and addressed in early Sprints. However, independent of the situation, every Sprint must have at least some business functionality, no matter how small.
They are dealt with specialized Sprints before developing business functionality

Explanation
During a Sprint, the Scrum Team turns a selection of the work into an Increment of value. In other words, for each Sprint, the Scrum Teams must deliver business functionality. Further, Scrum Teams are cross-functional, meaning the members have all the skills necessary to create value for each Sprint.

Scrum Theory

Scrum is founded on empiricism and lean thinking. Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes from experience and making decisions based on what is observed. Lean thinking reduces waste and focuses on the essentials.

Scrum employs an iterative, incremental approach to optimize predictability and to control risk. Scrum engages groups of people who collectively have all the skills and expertise to do the work and share or acquire such skills as needed.

Scrum combines four formal events for inspection and adaptation within a containing event, the Sprint. These events work because they implement the empirical Scrum pillars of transparency, inspection, and adaptation.

Q&A

Question:

Upon what type of process control is Scrum based? (choose the best answer)

Complex
Hybrid
Defined
Empirical

Question:

Select which are not part of the pillars that uphold Scrum? (choose all that apply)

Question:

Which three following are true about Scrum? (choose the best three answers)

The Scrum Master is Scrum’s way of having a project manager for a self-managed context
Scrum is founded on empiricism and lean thinking.
Scrum is a lightweight framework that helps people, teams, and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems.
Scrum is a methodology and you can adapt to your needs as you wish
Each element of the framework serves a specific purpose that is essential to the overall value and results realized with Scrum.

Question:

Which of the following is Scrum founded upon? (choose the best two answers)

Question:

Which three of the following are pillars of Scrum? (Select the best three answers)

Question:

The three pillars of empiricism are: (choose the best answer)

Planning, Demonstration, Retrospective.
Planning, Inspection, Adaptation.
Inspection, Transparency, Adaptation.
Respect For People, Kaizen, Eliminating Waste.
Transparency, Eliminating Waste, Kaizen.

Question:

Which two of the following are pillars of Scrum? (Select the best two answers)

Transparency

The emergent process and work must be visible to those performing the work as well as those receiving the work. With Scrum, important decisions are based on the perceived state of its three formal artifacts. Artifacts that have low transparency can lead to decisions that diminish value and increase risk.

Transparency enables inspection. Inspection without transparency is misleading and wasteful.

Q&A

Question:

Which of the following best describes transparency?

The process should be visible and understood by stakeholders and project managers.
Significant aspects of the process must be visible to those responsible for the outcome.
Significant aspects of the process must be visible to stakeholders and project managers.
The whole process should be visible to everyone.

Inspection

The Scrum artifacts and the progress toward agreed goals must be inspected frequently and diligently to detect potentially undesirable variances or problems. To help with inspection, Scrum provides cadence in the form of its five events.

Inspection enables adaptation. Inspection without adaptation is considered pointless. Scrum events are designed to provoke change.

Q&A

Question:

How regularly should Scrum users examine Scrum artifacts and progress approaching a Sprint Goal? (choose the best answer)

Frequently, but it should not get in the way of the work
After the Daily Scrum
As frequently as possible
At the Sprint Review

Adaptation

If any aspects of a process deviate outside acceptable limits or if the resulting product is unacceptable, the process being applied or the materials being produced must be adjusted. The adjustment must be made as soon as possible to minimize further deviation.

Adaptation becomes more difficult when the people involved are not empowered or self-managing. A Scrum Team is expected to adapt the moment it learns anything new through inspection.

Q&A

Question:

If any aspects of a process deviate outside acceptable limits so that the resulting product will be unacceptable, when must an adjustment be made? (choose the best answer)

During the next Sprint Review.
As soon as possible to minimize further deviation
Whenever the Product Owner approves it.
During the next Daily Scrum.
Whenever the Scrum Master approves it.

Scrum Values

Successful use of Scrum depends on people becoming more proficient in living five values:

Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, and Courage

The Scrum Team commits to achieving its goals and to supporting each other.
Their primary focus is on the work of the Sprint to make the best possible progress toward these goals.
The Scrum Team and its stakeholders are open about the work and the challenges.
Scrum Team members respect each other to be capable, independent people, and are respected as such by the people with whom they work.
The Scrum Team members have the courage to do the right thing, to work on tough problems.

These values give direction to the Scrum Team with regard to their work, actions, and behavior. The decisions that are made, the steps taken, and the way Scrum is used should reinforce these values, not diminish or undermine them. The Scrum Team members learn and explore the values as they work with the Scrum events and artifacts. When these values are embodied by the Scrum Team and the people they work with, the empirical Scrum pillars of transparency, inspection, and adaptation come to life building trust.

Q&A

Question:

Select the five Scrum Values. (choose all that apply)

Question:

Which three Scrum values are demonstrated by focusing on the most valuable items first? (Select the best three answers)

Question:

Which Scrum value is demonstrated when we continuously show the correct performance on a burn-down chart that everyone can see? (Select the best answer)

Openness
Self-management
Adaptation
Trust

Question:

Which of the following ways of forming Scrum Teams meet Scrum´s values? (choose the best two answers)

The Scrum Masters form the teams
Management collaborates to form the teams
Bring all the candidate members together and let them organize into Scrum Teams
Existing teams propose the new Scrum Teams

Explanation
The people from the Scrum Teams should be respected as capable of self-organizing. Management’s job is to give them the support and environment necessary for being efficient. This is the bottom-up intelligence mindset expected for Scrum to succeed.

Scrum Team

The fundamental unit of Scrum is a small team of people, a Scrum Team. The Scrum Team consists of one Scrum Master, one Product Owner, and Developers. Within a Scrum Team, there are no sub-teams or hierarchies. It is a cohesive unit of professionals focused on one objective at a time, the Product Goal.

Q&A

Question:

What is the fundamental unit of Scrum? (choose the best answer)

Question:

A Scrum Team consists of the following: (choose the best three answers)

Scrum Teams are cross-functional, meaning the members have all the skills necessary to create value each Sprint. They are also self-managing, meaning they internally decide who does what, when, and how.

Q&A

Question:

When does a Developer become accountable for the value of a Product Backlog item selected for the Sprint? (choose the best answer)

At the Sprint Planning Event.
During the Daily Scrum.
Never. The entire Scrum Team is accountable for creating value every Sprint.
Whenever a team member can accommodate more work.

Question:

When does a Developer become the sole owner of an item on the Sprint Backlog? (choose the best answer)

Never. All Sprint Backlog items are "owned" by the Developers on the Scrum Team.
At the Sprint Planning event.
Whenever a team member can accommodate more work.
During the Daily Scrum.

Question:

What are the characteristics of a Scrum Team? (choose the best three answers)

Accountability belongs to the Scrum Team as a whole
Cross-functional
Having at least one test engineer as a Developer
Everybody must be full-time
Scrum recognizes no sub-teams or hierarchies, within a Scrum Team

Question:

Select three of the following actions that Scrum Master may take in starting up a Scrum implementation: (choose the best three answers)

Ensure that a bonus system is in place for the top performance of individuals.
Ask the Product Owner to explain the product, its business need, history, goals, and context.
Ask the Developers to discuss and identify the way they are going to develop the product.
Ask the development managers to introduce their departments and capabilities
Ask the Scrum Team to work together and prepare a complete Product Backlog.
Ask the Developers to introduce themselves to each other and tell about their skills and background

Explanation
Product Backlog is never complete. It has to be about the project and people internal to it, not the external departments. Remember that the team is cross-functional and does everything needed for the project, without outside help. Having a reward system is harmful to the unity of the team.

Question:

Which two of the following actions may a Scrum Master take in starting up an initiative to develop a new product? (Select the best two answers)

Ask the Developers to introduce themselves to each other and tell about their skills and background.
Ensure that a bonus system is in place for the top performance of individuals.
Ask the Product Owner to explain the product, its business need, history, goals, and context.
Ask the team to work together and prepare a complete Product Backlog.
Ensure that there's a clear understanding of the whole scope of the project.

Question:

Select three of the following actions that Scrum Master may take in starting up a project:

Ensure that a bonus system is in place for the top performance of individuals.
Ask the Developers to discuss and identify the way they are going to develop the product.
Ask the Developers members to introduce themselves to each other and tell about their skills and background
Ask the development managers to introduce their departments and capabilities
Ask the team to work together and prepare a complete Product Backlog.
Ask the Product Owner to explain the project, its business need, history, goals, and context.

The Scrum Team is small enough to remain nimble and large enough to complete significant work within a Sprint, typically 10 or fewer people. In general, we have found that smaller teams communicate better and are more productive.

Q&A

Question:

What is the typical size for a Scrum Team? (choose the best answer)

9.
10 or fewer.
7 plus or minus 2.
Minimum of 7.

Question:

How many people are there in a Scrum Team with optimal size? (Select the best answer)

If Scrum Teams become too large, they should consider reorganizing into multiple cohesive Scrum Teams, each focused on the same product. Therefore, they should share the same Product Goal, Product Backlog, and Product Owner.

Q&A

Question:

True or False: When multiple teams work together on the same product, each team has its Product Owner. Therefore, it is possible to have multiple Product Owners for the same product.

True
False

Question:

True or False: All Scrum Teams working on the same Product must use a single Product Backlog.

True
False

Question:

True or False: When multiple teams work together on the same product, each team should maintain a separate Product Backlog to reduce complexity.

True
False

Question:

You are a Scrum Master and about to begin working with five new Scrum Teams; all working on the same product. Which of the following should you strive for? (choose the best two answers)

There should be only a single Product Backlog
There should be five Project Backlogs, inheriting from a single Product Backlog
There should be five Product Owners, reporting to a Chief Product Owner
There should be only a single Product Owner
There should be five Product Backlogs, one for each Scrum Team
There should be five Product Owners, one for each Scrum Team

Question:

Which two statements are correct about the number of Product Owners when there are three products being developed using Scrum? (Select the best two answers)

There can be a single Product Owner for all products.
There can be a different Product Owner for each product.
There should be only one Product Owner.
Each product should have a separate Product Owner.

Question:

In scaled Scrum, each Scrum Team demonstrates their individual Increment. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

Question:

Which three statements are correct when four teams are working on a product? (Select the best three answers)

There can be multiple Scrum Masters.
There can be multiple Definitions of Done.
There can be multiple Product Backlogs.
Each Scrum Team maintains its individual Sprint Backlog.
There is only one Sprint Backlog each Sprint.
There is only one Definition of Done.

Question:

When multiple teams are working on the same product, one person can be a Developer on more than one Scrum Team. (Select the best answer)

TRUE
FALSE

Explanation
None of the Scrum accountabilities are necessarily full-time, and a single person can occupy more than one role or the same role in more than one team; e.g., there may be a special expertise that is needed in multiple teams, but it's not needed in a full-time basis. So, one person can provide that special type of expertise to multiple teams.

The Scrum Team is responsible for all product-related activities from stakeholder collaboration, verification, maintenance, operation, experimentation, research and development, and anything else that might be required. They are structured and empowered by the organization to manage their own work. Working in Sprints at a sustainable pace improves the Scrum Team’s focus and consistency.

Q&A

Question:

True or False: The Product Owner is the main person responsible for engaging the stakeholders

False
True

Question:

Who is responsible for engaging the stakeholders?
(Select the best answer)

Question:

Who's responsible for quality?
(Select the best answer)

Team leaders
The Developers
Testers
The Scrum Team

The entire Scrum Team is accountable for creating a valuable, useful Increment every Sprint. Scrum defines three specific accountabilities within the Scrum Team: the Developers, the Product Owner, and the Scrum Master.

Q&A

Question:

Who is accountable for creating a valuable, useful Increment every Sprint. (choose the best answer)

Developers

Developers are the people in the Scrum Team that are committed to creating any aspect of a usable Increment each Sprint.

The specific skills needed by the Developers are often broad and will vary with the domain of work. However, the Developers are always accountable for:

Creating a plan for the Sprint, the Sprint Backlog;
Instilling quality by adhering to a Definition of Done;
Adapting their plan each day toward the Sprint Goal; and,
Holding each other accountable as professionals.

Q&A

Question:

Who is committed to creating any aspect of a usable Increment each Sprint?

Question:

Which of the following are true? (Select the best three answers)

The Developers are always accountable for instilling quality by adhering to a Definition of Done
The fundamental unit of Scrum is a small team of people, a Scrum Team.
The Product Owner is responsible for the sizing Product Backlog items.
Sprints are the heartbeat of Scrum, where ideas are turned into value.

Question:

True or False: The Product Owner and the Scrum Master cannot be a part of Developers

False
True

Explanation
Scrum does not prohibit the Product Owner or the Scrum Master do development work. However, it is not the best practice because it could create a conflict of interest.

Question:

Which of the following are true? (Select the best three answers)

The Developers are always accountable for instilling quality by adhering to a Definition of Done
The fundamental unit of Scrum is a small team of people, a Scrum Team.
The Product Owner is responsible for the sizing Product Backlog items.
Sprints are the heartbeat of Scrum, where ideas are turned into value.

Explanation
c. The Developers who will be doing the work are responsible for the sizing. The Product Owner may influence the Developers by helping them understand and select trade-offs.

Question:

Which of the following are the responsibilities of the Developers of a Scrum Team? (choose the best three answers)

Report their progress to management
Estimate the size of Product Backlog items
Do the work planned in the Sprint Backlog
Select Product Backlog items for the Sprint
Order the Product Backlog

Explanation
Comments: a. False, the Scrum Team is self-managed and doesn’t report progress to management. B. True, The Developers who will be doing the work are responsible for the sizing. C. True, Developers are the people in the Scrum Team that are committed to creating any aspect of a usable Increment each Sprint in light of the Sprint Backlog. D. True, during Sprint Planning, the Developers select items from the Product Backlog to include in the current Sprint. e. False, the Product Owner is accountable for ordering the Product Backlog. This one can be tricky because it is possible for the Product Owner to delegate the task of ordering the Product Backlog to Developers. However, since the question is asking for the three best answers, this one shouldn’t be considered correct.

Product Owner

The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team. How this is done may vary widely across organizations, Scrum Teams, and individuals.

The Product Owner is also accountable for effective Product Backlog management, which includes:

Developing and explicitly communicating the Product Goal;
Creating and clearly communicating Product Backlog items;
Ordering Product Backlog items; and,
Ensuring that the Product Backlog is transparent, visible and understood.

The Product Owner may do the above work or may delegate the responsibility to others. Regardless, the Product Owner remains accountable.

For Product Owners to succeed, the entire organization must respect their decisions. These decisions are visible in the content and ordering of the Product Backlog, and through the inspectable Increment at the Sprint Review.

The Product Owner is one person, not a committee. The Product Owner may represent the needs of many stakeholders in the Product Backlog. Those wanting to change the Product Backlog can do so by trying to convince the Product Owner.

Q&A

Question:

Who is responsible for maximizing the value of the work the Scrum Team performs?

Question:

Who is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team?
(choose the best answer)

Question:

Which statement best describes a Product Owner's responsibility?
(choose the best answer)

Managing the project and ensuring that the work meets the commitments to the stakeholders.
Optimizing the value of the work the Scrum Team does.
Keep stakeholders from distracting the Developers.
Directing the Developers.

Question:

Select the three most applicable items that Product Backlog management includes: (choose the best three answers)

Ensuring that the Product Backlog is transparent, visible, and understood
Developing and explicitly communicating the Product Goal
Presenting Product Backlog items to the Key Stakeholders
Moving Product Backlog items into the Sprint Backlog
Ordering Product Backlog items

Question:

Which of the following is NOT correct about the Scrum Master?
(Select the best answer)

Manages the Product Backlog
Helps the organization to implement Scrum
Is a true leader who serves the Scrum Team and the larger organization
Causes the removal of impediments

Question:

Who is accountable for managing the Product Backlog? (choose the best answer)

The Product Owner
The Developers
The Scrum Master
The Key Stakeholders

Question:

Who is allowed to update the Product Backlog?
(choose the best two answers)

Question:

Which two statements best describe the Product Backlog?
(Select the best two answers)

It changes as we learn more about the product.
Contains all tasks identified by the Developers.
It's used to create the project plan.
The Product Owner is accountable for it.

Question:

Who should know the most about the progress toward a business objective or a release, and be able to explain the alternatives most clearly? (choose the best answer)

The Product Owner
The Project Manager
The Developers
The Scrum Master

Explanation
The Product Owner is the sole person responsible for ordering the Product Backlog. Their responsibilities include making the Product Backlog visible, transparent, and clear to all.

Question:

Which of the following are applicable characteristics of the Product Owner? (choose the best four answers)

Product Visionary
Product Value Maximizer
Product Marketplace Expert
Lead Facilitator of Key Stakeholder Involvement
Facilitator of Scrum events

Question:

Which of the following are applicable characteristics of the Product Owner?

Lead Facilitator of Key Stakeholder Involvement
Product Visionary
Product Marketplace Expert
Product Value Maximizer
Facilitator of Scrum events

Scrum Master

The Scrum Master is accountable for establishing Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide. They do this by helping everyone understand Scrum theory and practice, both within the Scrum Team and the organization.

The Scrum Master is accountable for the Scrum Team’s effectiveness. They do this by enabling the Scrum Team to improve its practices, within the Scrum framework.

Scrum Masters are true leaders who serve the Scrum Team and the larger organization.

Q&A

Question:

Who is accountable for establishing Scrum? (choose the best answer)

Question:

Who is responsible for coping with incomplete artifact transparency?

The Scrum Master
The Scrum Team
The Developers
The Product Owner

Question:

Which of the following is NOT correct about the Scrum Master? (Select the best answer)

Manages the Product Backlog
Helps the organization to implement Scrum
Is a true leader who serves the Scrum Team and the larger organization
Causes the removal of impediments

Question:

True or False: The Scrum Master does not help those outside the Scrum Team understand which of their interactions with the Scrum Team are helpful and which aren’t.

True
False

Explanation
Scrum Masters are true leaders who serve the Scrum Team and the larger organization. The Scrum Master helps those outside the Scrum Team understand which of their interactions with the Scrum Team are helpful and which aren’t. The Scrum Master helps everyone change these interactions to maximize the value created by the Scrum Team.

Helping the Scrum Team

The Scrum Master serves the Scrum Team in several ways, including:

Coaching the team members in self-management and cross-functionality;
Helping the Scrum Team focus on creating high-value Increments that meet the Definition of Done;
Causing the removal of impediments to the Scrum Team’s progress; and,
Ensuring that all Scrum events take place and are positive, productive, and kept within the timebox.

Q&A

Question:

How does the Scrum Master serve the Scrum Team? (choose the best three answers)

Managing the Developers
Helping the Scrum Team focus on creating high-value Increments that meet the Definition of Done
Coaching the team members in self-management and cross-functionality
Causing the removal of impediments to the Scrum Team’s progress

Question:

Which of the following is NOT correct about the Scrum Master? (Select the best answer)

Manages the Product Backlog
Helps the organization to implement Scrum
Is a true leader who serves the Scrum Team and the larger organization
Causes the removal of impediments

Question:

Which of the following are actions that The Scrum Master must do regarding the Daily Scrum? (choose the two best answers)

The Scrum Master is responsible for conducting the Daily Scrum
The Scrum Master must manage all events because he or she is the team lead.
The Scrum Master ensures that the Developers has the meeting
The Scrum Master teaches the Developers to keep the Daily Scrum within the 15-minute time-box

Question:

Your Scrum Team’s impediment list is growing. Which techniques would be most helpful in this situation? (choose the best two answers)

The Scrum Master removes the impediments as soon as possible
The Product Owner adds the impediments to the Product Backlog
The Scrum Master discusses the impediments with the Scrum Team
The Scrum Team prioritizes the list and works on them in order

Explanation
The Scrum Team is self-managed and must figure out how to remove the impediments. However, the Scrum Master is accountable for causing the removal of impediments, which might include discussing them with the Scrum Team when needed.

Question:

You are the Scrum Master of a Scrum Team. What are the two primary ways that you can help it to become more productive? (choose the best two answers)

By scheduling rooms for the Scrum Events
By facilitating Scrum decisions
By updating the issue tracker
By causing the removal of impediments to the Scrum Team’s progress

Explanation
a. The Scrum Master is not a secretary. B. The Scrum Master is not a secretary. C. The Scrum Master, respecting the Scrum Team’s self-management characteristic, removes impediments that the Scrum Team members can’t deal with when they ask for help or coaches them on how to remove the impediments.

Question:

What are two ways a Scrum Master serves to enable effective Scrum Teams? (choose the best two answers)

By facilitating Developer decision-making.
By keeping high value features high in the Product Backlog.
By removing impediments that hinder the Scrum Team.
By starting and ending the meetings at the proper time.

Explanation
The Scrum Master serves the Scrum Team in several ways. Facilitation and removing impediments are examples of ways a Scrum Master helps a team become more effective.

Question:

You are the Scrum Master for a Scrum Team that got caught in an internal disagreement about which agile practices to apply. Which of the following techniques could you use to serve the team? (choose the best two answers)

Consult with an external agile coach
Facilitate involving the whole Scrum team in making a decision
Use coaching techniques, such as conflict resolution and active listening
Consult with the organization’s Human Resources department

Explanation
First of all, the Scrum Master is a member of the Scrum Team, which is self-managed and cross-functional, which means that it should have the capabilities to solve such disagreements without the need to consult external sources. Further, the Scrum Team having internal disagreement can be seen as an impediment. The Scrum Master serves the Scrum Team by coaching them to self-manage, which includes having the Scrum Team capable of removing their impediments. He/she does this by, for instance, using coaching, mentoring, and facilitating decision making. Notice that the Scrum Master should step in and solve impediments that exceed the self-managing capabilities of the Scrum Team, which depends on the context.

Helping the Product Owner

The Scrum Master serves the Product Owner in several ways, including:

Helping find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management;
Helping the Scrum Team understand the need for clear and concise Product Backlog items;
Helping establish empirical product planning for a complex environment; and,
Facilitating stakeholder collaboration as requested or needed.

Q&A

Question:

How does the Scrum Master help the Product Owner? Select the four most appropriate answers.

Helping find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management
Helping establish empirical product planning for a complex environment.
Helping the Scrum Team understand the need for clear and concise Product Backlog items
Leading and coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption.
Facilitating stakeholder collaboration as requested or needed.

Question:

How does the Scrum Master help the Product Owner? (choose the best three answers)

Helping the Scrum Team understand the need for clear and concise Product Backlog items
Helping find techniques for effective Sprint Goal definition
Helping find techniques for effective Product Backlog management
Leading and coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption.
Helping establish the project plan
Facilitating stakeholder collaboration as requested or needed

Question:

At some point during the product development cycle, a key stakeholder started using the product and was unhappy with its quality. Thus, he made his concern very clear to the Product Owner. According to the key stakeholder, the product’s performance was below what he expected. Thus, the Product Owner went to talk to you, the Scrum Master, about this issue. What should you tell her? (choose the best two answers)

Tell the Product Owner that she should talk to the testers, because, such an issue should not leak to the users and they must improve their quality control procedures
Tell the Product Owner that, in Scrum, the technical expertise is expected from the Developers and they are the ones responsible for defining acceptable quality standards, not the stakeholder
Coach the Product Owner on how to address the Developers about this issue
Encourage the Product Owner to add Product Backlog items focusing on the given quality concerts and express the stakeholder´s concern to the Developers
Tell the Product Owner that she should bring this up only on the Sprint Retrospective

Explanation
a. A Scrum Team is expected to adapt the moment it learns anything new through inspection. B. The Developers must be aware of the feedback and it might be necessary for the Scrum Master to coach the Product Owner on how to talk to them to avoid causing negative effects. C. There is no “testers” role in Scrum. D. Quality aspects can be treated as Product Backlog items or as part of the Definition of Done. E. No member of the Scrum Team is assumed to know everything required for solving a complex problem. For this reason, Scrum's nature is to inspect and adapt.

Helping the organization

The Scrum Master serves the organization in several ways, including:

Leading, training, and coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption;
Planning and advising Scrum implementations within the organization;
Helping employees and stakeholders understand and enact an empirical approach for complex work; and,
Removing barriers between stakeholders and Scrum Teams.

Q&A

Question:

How does the Scrum Master serve the Organization? (choose the best answer)

Forming Scrum Teams.
Helping employees and stakeholders understand and enact an empirical approach for complex work.
Inviting key stakeholders are invited to all Scrum Reviews within the organization.
Updating the Burndown charts.

Scrum Events

The Sprint is a container for all other events. Each event in Scrum is a formal opportunity to inspect and adapt Scrum artifacts. These events are specifically designed to enable the transparency required. Failure to operate any events as prescribed results in lost opportunities to inspect and adapt. Events are used in Scrum to create regularity and to minimize the need for meetings not defined in Scrum. Optimally, all events are held at the same time and place to reduce complexity.

Q&A

Question:

Which of the following is true about the Sprint Events? (Select the best answer)

The Sprint Retrospective concludes the Sprint.
The Sprint Review concludes the Sprint.
A Sprint may initiate with a Sprint Planning.
All events must be held at the same time and place to reduce complexity.

Explanation
b. The Sprint Review is the second to last event of the Sprint. This is a rule. c. Sprint Planning initiates the Sprint by laying out the work to be performed for the Sprint. This is a rule. d. Optimally, all events are held at the same time and place to reduce complexity. Not a rule.

The Sprint

Sprints are the heartbeat of Scrum, where ideas are turned into value.

They are fixed length events of one month or less to create consistency. A new Sprint starts immediately after the conclusion of the previous Sprint.

All the work necessary to achieve the Product Goal, including Sprint Planning, Daily Scrums, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective, happen within Sprints.

During the Sprint:

No changes are made that would endanger the Sprint Goal;
Quality does not decrease;
The Product Backlog is refined as needed; and,
Scope may be clarified and renegotiated with the Product Owner as more is learned.

Sprints enable predictability by ensuring inspection and adaptation of progress toward a Product Goal at least every calendar month. When a Sprint’s horizon is too long the Sprint Goal may become invalid, complexity may rise, and risk may increase. Shorter Sprints can be employed to generate more learning cycles and limit risk of cost and effort to a smaller time frame. Each Sprint may be considered a short project.

Various practices exist to forecast progress, like burn-downs, burn-ups, or cumulative flows. While proven useful, these do not replace the importance of empiricism. In complex environments, what will happen is unknown. Only what has already happened may be used for forward-looking decision making.

A Sprint could be cancelled if the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete. Only the Product Owner has the authority to cancel the Sprint.

Q&A

Question:

True or False: The purpose of a Sprint is to produce a valuable and useful Increment of working product.

True
False

Question:

When is the Sprint over? (Select the best answer)

When the timeboxed duration is over
When the Product Owner announces the end of the Sprint
When the Scrum Master announces the end of the Sprint
When the Sprint Backlog tasks are done

Question:

What should be the length of a Sprint? (choose the best two answers)

At most, one month
Whatever works best for management
At least, one week
Short enough to keep the business risks acceptable

Question:

Which two of the following should be considered in setting the timeboxed duration of Sprints? (Select the best two answers)

It cannot be longer than one month.
It's better to have shorter Sprints when the project is riskier.
It should be shorter when there are more Developers.
It shouldn't be longer than 6 weeks.
It should be longer in bigger projects.

Question:

It's generally better to have shorter Sprints when the project is riskier. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

Question:

Who is responsible for setting the timeboxed duration of Sprints? (Select the best answer)

Question:

Which of the following is false with regards to what happens during the Sprint? (choose the best two answers)

Scope may be clarified and renegotiated with the Product Owner as more is learned
Quality goals do not decrease
Sprint scope is defined at the Sprint Planning and cannot be changed
No changes are made that would endanger the Sprint Goal
The Sprint Goal is changed frequently to reflect the status of the remaining work

Question:

How much work must the Developers do to a Product Backlog item it selects for a Sprint? (choose the best answer)

All development work, except for specialized ones that require additional resources such as environments and tools.
Analysis, specification, architecture, design, programming, testing, documentation, and deployment.
As much as negotiated with the Product Owner and in conformance with the Definition of Done.
As much as possible.

Question:

Who has the authority to cancel the Sprint? (choose the best answer)

Question:

When might a Sprint be abnormally cancelled? (choose the best answer)

When the Developers feel that the work is too hard.
When the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete.
When the sales department has an important new opportunity.
When it becomes clear that not everything will be finished by the end of the Sprint.

Question:

When does a Scrum Master cancel a Sprint? (Select the best answer)

When there's an unsolved technical dependency
When the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete
When not enough resources are available for the project
The Scrum Master doesn't have the authority to cancel the Sprint.

Question:

When is the Sprint over? (Select the best two answers)

When the Product Owner cancels the Sprint
When the Sprint Backlog tasks are done
When all Sprint Backlog items are done
When the Scrum Master announces the end of the Sprint
When the timeboxed duration is over

Question:

How much time does the Product Owner spend on Product Backlog Refinement? (Select the best answer)

As much as needed
Usually not more than 5% of their time
Not more than 30% of their time
Usually not more than 20% of their time

Question:

How much time does the Scrum Team spend on Product Backlog Refinement? (Select the best answer)

Usually not more than 5% of their time
Usually not more than 10% of their time
Usually not more than 20% of their time
As much as needed

Question:

Refinement usually consumes how much of part of the capacity of the Scrum Team? (choose the best answer)

Not more than 5%
Not more than 10%
Not more than 20%
It is up to the Scrum Team.

Question:

Which two statements are correct about Product Backlog Refinement? (Select the best two answers)

Multiple teams may participate in it.
It can take as much time as needed.
Normally, it shouldn't take more than 10% of the Scrum Team's time.
Normally, it doesn't take more than 10% of the Development Team's time.
The Scrum Master should facilitate it.
Normally, it doesn't take more than 10% of the Product Owner's time.

Explanation
During the Sprint, the Product Backlog is refined as needed. Further, there are no restrictions on how many teams can participate in refinement activities.

Question:

Scrum Teams are allowed to use burn-up charts instead of burn-down charts. (Select the best answer)

False
True

Explanation
The Scrum Team can adopt practices to forecast progress, like burn-downs, burn-ups, or cumulative flows. However, these do not replace the importance of empiricism.

Question:

What does a burn-down chart measure? (Select the best answer)

The amount of business value delivered to the customer
Work that is done based on the Definition of Done
Cost of the project across time
Work remaining across time

Question:

What does a Sprint Burn-down Chart show? (choose the best answer)

Dependencies, start times and stop times for project tasks
How much work remains till the end of the Sprint
Hierarchy of tasks that comprise a project
The evolution of the amount of uncertainty during a project

Sprint Planning

Sprint Planning initiates the Sprint by laying out the work to be performed for the Sprint. This resulting plan is created by the collaborative work of the entire Scrum Team.

The Product Owner ensures that attendees are prepared to discuss the most important Product Backlog items and how they map to the Product Goal. The Scrum Team may also invite other people to attend Sprint Planning to provide advice.

Sprint Planning addresses the following topics:

Q&A

Question:

A Sprint initiates with a Sprint Planning. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

Question:

Who participates in Sprint Planning? (choose all that apply)

The Developers
The Product Owner
The Scrum Master
Invited people

Question:

True or False: Only people of the Scrum Team can participate in the Sprint Planning.

True
False

Topic One: Why is this Sprint valuable?

The Product Owner proposes how the product could increase its value and utility in the current Sprint. The whole Scrum Team then collaborates to define a Sprint Goal that communicates why the Sprint is valuable to stakeholders. The Sprint Goal must be finalized prior to the end of Sprint Planning.

Q&A

Question:

Who is responsible for defining the Sprint Goal during Sprint Planning? (choose the best answer)

Question:

All of the following are possible inputs to Sprint Planning, EXCEPT: (Select the best answer)

Topic Two: What can be Done this Sprint?

Through discussion with the Product Owner, the Developers select items from the Product Backlog to include in the current Sprint. The Scrum Team may refine these items during this process, which increases understanding and confidence. Selecting how much can be completed within a Sprint may be challenging. However, the more the Developers know about their past performance, their upcoming capacity, and their Definition of Done, the more confident they will be in their Sprint forecasts.

Q&A

Question:

How does the Product Owner determine the number of items for the Sprint Backlog? (Select the best answer)

Based on velocity
He or she doesn't do it!
Based on a combination of velocity and team capacity
Based on what is needed for the next release

Explanation
Through discussion with the Product Owner, the Developers select items from the Product Backlog to include in the current Sprint.

Question:

Sprint Planning is not a place for refining Product Backlog items. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

Topic Three: How will the chosen work get done?

For each selected Product Backlog item, the Developers plan the work necessary to create an Increment that meets the Definition of Done. This is often done by decomposing Product Backlog items into smaller work items of one day or less. How this is done is at the sole discretion of the Developers. No one else tells them how to turn Product Backlog items into Increments of value.

The Sprint Goal, the Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint, plus the plan for delivering them are together referred to as the Sprint Backlog.

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

Q&A

Question:

Ordinarily, items on the Sprint Backlog tend to be... (choose the best answer)

Smaller than those on the Product Backlog
The same size as those on the Product Backlog
Larger than those on the Product Backlog

Question:

On average, items on the Product Backlog tend to be _____ (Select the best answer)

Smaller than those on the Sprint Backlog
The same size as those on the Sprint Backlog
Larger than those on the Sprint Backlog

Question:

The timebox for the Sprint Planning event is? (choose the best answer)

8 hours for a monthly Sprint. For shorter Sprints it is usually shorter.
Monthly.
Whenever it is done.
4 hours.

Question:

During Sprint Planning, the Developers must plan the work for all days of the Sprint. It is decomposed by the end of this meeting, often to units of one day or less. (choose the best answer)

No, this is not a rule and it is up to the Developers to plan the work necessary to create an Increment that meets the Definition of Done.
Yes, Sprint Backlog is decomposed down into user stories, and the delivery time and effort are estimated considering the Sprint duration
No, because who estimates the work to be done at Sprint is the Scrum Master
Yes, all items in the Sprint Backlog should be decomposed to units of one day or less by the end of the Sprint Planning

Daily Scrum

The purpose of the Daily Scrum is to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog as necessary, adjusting the upcoming planned work.

The Daily Scrum is a 15-minute event for the Developers of the Scrum Team. To reduce complexity, it is held at the same time and place every working day of the Sprint. If the Product Owner or Scrum Master are actively working on items in the Sprint Backlog, they participate as Developers.

The Developers can select whatever structure and techniques they want, as long as their Daily Scrum focuses on progress toward the Sprint Goal and produces an actionable plan for the next day of work. This creates focus and improves self-management.

Daily Scrums improve communications, identify impediments, promote quick decision-making, and consequently eliminate the need for other meetings.

The Daily Scrum is not the only time Developers are allowed to adjust their plan. They often meet throughout the day for more detailed discussions about adapting or re-planning the rest of the Sprint’s work.

Q&A

Question:

Who is responsible for managing the progress of work during a Sprint? (choose the best answer)

The Scrum Master.
The most junior member of the team.
The Developers.
The product owner.

Question:

Who must attend the Daily Scrum? (choose the best answer)

The Developers and the Product Owner.
The Scrum Team.
The Developers.
The Developers and Scrum Master.

Question:

Who is allowed to participate in the Daily Scrum?

Question:

Which of the following is a valid reason for the Scrum Master to be at the Daily Scrum?

To update the burn-down chart.
To conduct the meeting, making sure that everyone answers the three questions.
To collect the status of the developer and, if necessary, report to the management.
The Scrum Master does not have to be in the daily scrum; however, he or she must ensure that the developer hold it.

Question:

What is the main reason for the Scrum Master to be at the Daily Scrum? (choose the best answer)

To write down any changes to the Sprint Backlog, including adding new items, and tracking progress on the burn-down.
To gather status and progress information to report to management.
To make sure every team member answers the three questions.
They do not have to be there; they only need to ensure the Developers have a Daily Scrum.

Question:

The timebox for a Daily Scrum is? (choose the best answer)

The same time of day every day.
15 minutes.
Two minutes per person.
4 hours.
15 minutes for a 4-week sprint. For shorter Sprints it is usually shorter.

Question:

What's the timeboxed duration of Daily Scrums when there are 6 developers in the team and Sprints are two weeks long? (Select the best answer)

2 minutes per developer + 2 minutes
2 minutes per developer
As much as needed to answer the three standard questions
15 minutes

Question:

The time-box for a Daily Scrum for a two-week Sprint is? (choose the best answer)

Question:

Why is the Daily Scrum held at the same time and same place? (choose the best answer)

Rooms are hard to book and this lets it be booked in advance.
The place can be named.
The Product Owner demands it.
The consistency reduces complexity.

Question:

The Scrum Guide says that Daily Scrum is held at the same time and place. Why? (choose the best answer)

Such consistency reduces complexity.
To have it run in the team’s War Room.
To avoid having people arriving late.
To ease the process of booking rooms, since this might be challenging in large-scale organizations.

Question:

Which two statements are correct about Daily Scrums? (Select the best two answers)

Developers must answer the 3 standard questions during the meeting.
It's timeboxed for 2 minutes per developer.
Only the Developers participate in the meeting.
It's held at the same time and place every day.

Question:

What are the three classical questions of Daily Scrums, if you decide to go through them? (Select the best three answers)

Are we able to deliver all Sprint Backlog items by the end of the Sprint?
What problems did I have yesterday?
What impediments are in my way or in the way of the team?
What is the progress of the Sprint?
What work did I do yesterday to help the team achieve its goal?
What work am I going to do today to help the team achieve its goal?

Explanation
It's not mandatory to use these questions, but very common. They don't appear anymore on Scrum Guide 2020, but might be good to know.

Sprint Review

The purpose of the Sprint Review is to inspect the outcome of the Sprint and determine future adaptations. The Scrum Team presents the results of their work to key stakeholders and progress toward the Product Goal is discussed.

During the event, the Scrum Team and stakeholders review what was accomplished in the Sprint and what has changed in their environment. Based on this information, attendees collaborate on what to do next. The Product Backlog may also be adjusted to meet new opportunities. The Sprint Review is a working session and the Scrum Team should avoid limiting it to a presentation.

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

Q&A

Question:

Who attends the Sprint Review? (choose all that apply)

The Scrum Master.
Key Stakeholders
The Developers
The Product Owner.

Question:

In which Scrum event do key stakeholders collaborate with the Scrum Team about the outcome of the Sprint and future adaptations? (choose the best answer)

The Sprint Planning
The Daily Scrum
The Sprint Review
The Sprint Retrospective

Question:

What is a possible result of the Sprint Review? (choose the best answer)

A list of improvements that the Scrum Team will implement in the next Sprint
A common understanding of what can be delivered in the Increment and how will the work needed to deliver the Increment be achieved
A common understanding of progress toward the Sprint Goal and how progress is trending toward completing the work in the Sprint Backlog
A revised Product Backlog that defines the probable Product Backlog items for the next Sprint.

Question:

True or False: The Sprint Review is a formal meeting for demonstrating the Increment.

True
False

Question:

Which statement best describes the Sprint Review? (choose the best answer)

It is when management verifies the tasks performed by the Developers during a Sprint.
It is when the Scrum Team demonstrates the work done for everyone in the organization.
The purpose of the Sprint Review is to inspect the outcome of the Sprint and determine future adaptations.

Question:

The Sprint review is ... (mark the best option)

It is an event to monitor and control the Developers' activities.
It is a demonstration at the end of the Sprint in which all the stakeholders can check on the work done.
It is held at the end of the Sprint to inspect the outcome of the Sprint and determine future adaptations.

Question:

The timebox for the Sprint Review is: (choose the best answer)

Question:

What's the timeboxed duration of Sprint Review events? (choose the best answer)

3 hours
Maximum 4 hours in a one-month Sprint, and usually shorter for shorter Sprints.
3 hours in a one-month Sprint
Maximum 3 hours

Sprint Retrospective

The purpose of the Sprint Retrospective is to plan ways to increase quality and effectiveness.

The Scrum Team inspects how the last Sprint went with regards

to individuals,
interactions,
processes,
tools, and
their Definition of Done.

Inspected elements often vary with the domain of work. Assumptions that led them astray are identified and their origins explored. The Scrum Team discusses what went well during the Sprint, what problems it encountered, and how those problems were (or were not) solved.

The Scrum Team identifies the most helpful changes to improve its effectiveness. The most impactful improvements are addressed as soon as possible. They may even be added to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint.

The Sprint Retrospective concludes the Sprint. It is timeboxed to a maximum of three hours for a one-month Sprint. For shorter Sprints, the event is usually shorter.

Q&A

Question:

True or False: During Sprint Retrospective the definition of Done can not be reviewed and adapted.

False
True

Question:

What should the Scrum Team do when during the Sprint Retrospective meeting, they identified some improvements that can be done? (choose the best answer)

Assign a responsible team member for at least one improvement. Check the progress at the next Retrospective.
Make sure the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint includes all the improvements.
The most impactful improvements are addressed as soon as possible. They may even be added to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint.
Assign responsible team members for every improvement. Check the progress at the next Retrospective.
They should not talk about improvements because it could harm the company.

Question:

What is the Sprint Retrospective? (choose the best answer)

It is the meeting that occurs at the end of the project to identify its lessons learned.
It is a meeting where the Development Team plans work for the next 24 hours.
It is a meeting to inspect the Increment and adapt the Product Backlog if needed.
It is an opportunity for the Scrum Team to plan ways to increase quality and effectiveness.

Question:

True or False: The Definition of Done is created during the first Sprint and remains unchanged until the end of the project.

False
True

Question:

Which of the following are topics to be discussed during Sprint Retrospective? (choose the best two answers)

Identify the most helpful changes to improve its effectiveness
The Products Backlog order
The team’s collaboration
Refine the Product Backlog

Question:

Who must participate in Sprint Retrospectives? (choose the best answer)

The Scrum Master and The Developers.
The Developers and The Product Owner.
The Scrum Team.
The Developers and The Project Manager.
The Scrum Team and key stakeholders

Question:

When does a Sprint conclude? (choose the best answer)

When the Product Owner decides enough has been delivered to meet the Sprint Goal.
When the Sprint Retrospective is complete.
When all the tasks are completed by the Developers.
When all Product Backlog items meet their Definition of Done.

Question:

Which of the following is true about the Sprint Events? (Select the best answer)

The Sprint Retrospective concludes the Sprint.
The Sprint Review concludes the Sprint.
A Sprint may initiate with a Sprint Planning.
All events must be held at the same time and place to reduce complexity.

Question:

The Sprint Retrospective is time-boxed to: (choose the best answer)

Four hours and longer as needed.
Three hours for a monthly Sprint. For shorter Sprints, it is usually shorter.
As long as the Scrum Master defines.
Four hours for a monthly Sprint. For shorter Sprints, it is usually shorter.
One day.

Question:

What's the timeboxed duration of Sprint Retrospective meetings? (Select the best answer)

3 hours in a one-month Sprint, usually shorter for shorter Sprints.
8 hours in a one-month Sprint
Maximum 8 hours
3 hours

Question:

Which of the following are appropriate topics for the Scrum Team to discuss during a Sprint Retrospective? (choose the best three answers)

Team collaboration
Refine the Product Backlog items
The Scrum Team’s processes and tools
Definition of Done
Refine the top items of the Product Backlog to make sure that they are Ready for the next Sprint

Question:

Which two of the following may be done in the Sprint Retrospective meeting? (Select the best two answers)

Question:

What's the role of a Product Owner during Sprint Retrospectives? (Select the best answer)

They should not participate in this meeting
Participating as a Scrum Team member
Capturing requirements for the Product Backlog
Summarizing and report the results of the meeting to stakeholders

Question:

True or False: The Scrum Team must choose at least one high-priority process improvement, identified during the Sprint Retrospective, and place it in the Sprint Backlog.

True
False.

Question:

True or False: The Scrum Team must choose at least one high priority process improvement item, identified during the Sprint Retrospective, and place it in the Sprint Backlog.

True
False

Explanation
An earlier version of the Scrum Guide prescribed the practice of placing one improvement in the Sprint Backlog. This was removed in the 2020 update to the Scrum Guide because it was felt to be too prescriptive. However, if this practice provides value to you then you should adopt it. It is simply not prescribed anymore, but can still be valuable.

Question:

At least one high-priority process improvement item exists in each Sprint Backlog. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

Explanation
False. This is an old rule from Scrum Guide 2017 and removed in Scrum Guide 2020. "The Scrum Team identifies the most helpful changes to improve its effectiveness. The most impactful improvements are addressed as soon as possible. They may even be added to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint.", Scrum Guide 2020

Question:

Choose three alternatives that may occur at the Sprint Retrospective meeting: I. To refine the Product Backlog. II. To talk about the upcoming Sprint goal. III. To talk about what (from the Product Backlog) will be used for the upcoming Sprint. IV. To talk about how, throughout the Sprints, Product Backlog Refinement is done. V. To discuss the timeboxed duration of Sprints. VI. To discuss progress toward the Product Goal. VII. To discuss the Definition of Done.

Scrum Artifacts

Scrum’s artifacts represent work or value. They are designed to maximize transparency of key information. Thus, everyone inspecting them has the same basis for adaptation. Each artifact contains a commitment to ensure it provides information that enhances transparency and focus against which progress can be measured:

For the Product Backlog it is the Product Goal.
For the Sprint Backlog it is the Sprint Goal.
For the Increment it is the Definition of Done.

These commitments exist to reinforce empiricism and the Scrum values for the Scrum Team and their stakeholders.

Q&A

Question:

What are the Scrum Artifacts? (choose all that apply)

Question:

Which of the following are commitments of Scrum Artifacts. (choose all that apply)

Question:

Which of the following is true about Artifact's commitments? (choose the best answer)

They are optional
They are mandatory.
The Increment commits to the Definition of Ready
The Product Backlog commits to the Product Vision

Question:

Which of the following is mandatory in Scrum? (Select the best answer)

Story Points
Pair-Programming
Product Goal
User Stories

Product Backlog

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.

Product Backlog items that can be Done by the Scrum Team within one Sprint are deemed ready for selection in a Sprint Planning event. They usually acquire this degree of transparency after refining activities. Product Backlog refinement is the act of breaking down and further defining Product Backlog items into smaller more precise items. This is an ongoing activity to add details, such as a description, order, and size. Attributes often vary with the domain of work.

The Developers who will be doing the work are responsible for the sizing. The Product Owner may influence the Developers by helping them understand and select trade-offs.

Q&A

Question:

TRUE or FALSE: The Product Backlog items consist of a description, order, and size.

TRUE
FALSE

Question:

Which of the following are true? (Select the best three answers)

The Developers are always accountable for instilling quality by adhering to a Definition of Done
The fundamental unit of Scrum is a small team of people, a Scrum Team.
The Product Owner is responsible for the sizing Product Backlog items.
Sprints are the heartbeat of Scrum, where ideas are turned into value.

Question:

The Product Owner should have a complete Product Backlog before the first Sprint can start. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

Question:

The Product Backlog is ordered by: (choose the best answer)

Least valuable items at the top to most valuable at the bottom.
Items are randomly arranged.
Size, where small items are at the top and large items are at the bottom.
Risk, where safer items are at the top, and riskier items are at the bottom.
Whatever is deemed most appropriate by the Product Owner.

Question:

During a Sprint, the CEO asks the Developers to add an urgent item to the Sprint Backlog. What should the Developers do? (choose the best answer)

Add the item to the current Sprint without any adjustments
Add the item to the Product Backlog
Add the item to the current Sprint and remove an item from the Sprint Backlog of equal size
The Scrum Master must not allow the CEO to talk to the Developers
Inform the Product Owner so that the matter can be worked with the CEO

Question:

The CEO asks the Developers to add a "very important" item to a Sprint that is in progress. What should the Developers do? (choose the best answer)

Add the item to the next Sprint.
Inform the other members of the Scrum Team so the team can decide what to do.
Add the item to the current Sprint without any adjustments.
Add the item to the current Sprint and drop an item of equal size.

Question:

Which element should NOT be an attribute of Product Backlog items? (Select the best answer)

Description
Size
Order
Owner

Question:

Product Backlog refinement is the act of breaking down and further defining Sprint Backlog items into smaller more precise items. (Select the best answer)

TRUE
FALSE

Question:

Which two statements best describe the Product Backlog? (Select the best two answers)

It changes as we learn more about the product.
Contains all tasks identified by the Developers.
It's used to create the project plan.
The Product Owner is accountable for it.

Question:

The first Sprint can start as soon as the Product Backlog is complete. (Select the best answer)

FALSE
TRUE

Question:

How do changes in the product environment impact the Product Backlog? (Select the best answer)

The old baselined Product Backlog would be saved, and a new one would be created for the rest of the product.
There's no effect on the Product Backlog.
It evolves to reflect the changes
The Product Backlog should be kept high-level enough to tolerate such changes.

Question:

The Developers are ready to start the first Sprint, but the Product Backlog is not ready yet. What should the Product Owner do? (Select the best answer)

Ask the Developers to help you refine the Product Backlog instead of starting the first Sprint.
Let the Sprint begin, but only with the goal of completing the Product Backlog.
Let the team start the first Sprint, and continue refining the Product Backlog.

Question:

Which two of the following may change during the Sprint? (Select the best two answers)

Sprint Backlog
Product Backlog
Minimum level of quality
Sprint Goal

Question:

Who is allowed to update the Product Backlog? Select two correct answers.

Question:

From the list below, which are Product Backlog features?

It is never complete
As long as a product exists, its Product Backlog also exists
When the final version of a product is rolled out, its Product Backlog is dismissed
It is dynamic
A Product Backlog could be closed when it contains no items to include into the next Sprint

Question:

Choose the statement that precisely details the Product Backlog:

The Product Backlog is useful for producing the project plan.
The Product Backlog does not get complete and is easily updated.
The Product Backlog makes all available sufficient data that allow developers to create a product. It is a list of requirements approved by the product manager.
The Product Backlog is full of recognized tasks by the developers. It has to contain many user stories.

Commitment: Product Goal

The Product Goal describes a future state of the product which can serve as a target for the Scrum Team to plan against. The Product Goal is in the Product Backlog. The rest of the Product Backlog emerges to define “what” will fulfill the Product Goal.

A product is a vehicle to deliver value. It has a clear boundary, known stakeholders, well-defined users or customers. A product could be a service, a physical product, or something more abstract.`

The Product Goal is the long-term objective for the Scrum Team. They must fulfill (or abandon) one objective before taking on the next.

Q&A

Question:

Which of the following is false about the Product Goal. (choose the best answer)

When reaching the Product Goal, the Scrum Team chooses to release or not the Increment.
The Product Owner is also accountable for developing and explicitly communicating the Product Goal.
The Scrum Team must fulfill (or abandon) one Product Goal before taking on the next.
The Product Goal is in the Product Backlog.
For the Product Goal to be fulfilled, the entire Product Backlog must be Done.
The Product Goal is the long-term objective of the Scrum Team.

Explanation
The Product Goal describes a future state of the product which can serve as a target for the Scrum Team to plan against. The Product Goal is in the Product Backlog. The rest of the Product Backlog emerges to define “what” will fulfill the Product Goal. The Product Goal is the long-term objective for the Scrum Team. They must fulfill (or abandon) one objective before taking on the next.

Question:

Which of the following are correct regarding the Product Goal? (choose the best four answers)

Once a product reaches the Product Goal, it must be released.
In the case of existing multiple Product Goals, they must be organized into a Product Roadmap.
The Product Goal must consist of a vision statement, the main features, a deadline, and target measures.
During the Sprint Review, progress toward the Product Goal is discussed.
The Scrum Team must only pursue one Product Goal at a time.
If there are multiple Scrum Teams working on the same product, they should share the same Product Goal.
An Increment is a concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal.

Explanation
The Scrum Guide does not prescribe the use of a Product Roadmap, the components of the Product Goal, neither when to release the product.

Question:

True or False: The Scrum Team can only pursue one Product Goal at a time.

True
False

Sprint Backlog

The Sprint Backlog is composed of

the Sprint Goal (why)
the set of Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint (what)
as well as an actionable plan for delivering the Increment (how).

The Sprint Backlog is a plan by and for the Developers. It is a highly visible, real-time picture of the work that the Developers plan to accomplish during the Sprint in order to achieve the Sprint Goal. Consequently, the Sprint Backlog is updated throughout the Sprint as more is learned. It should have enough detail that they can inspect their progress in the Daily Scrum.

Q&A

Question:

What belongs totally to the Developers?

The Increment
The Product Backlog
The Sprint Backlog
The Definition of Done

Question:

Who is allowed to change the Sprint Backlog during the Sprint?

Question:

Who is allowed to change the actionable plan for delivering the Increment? (choose the best answer)

Question:

True or False: The Sprint Backlog is created at Sprint Planning. It is prohibited to add new work into the Sprint Backlog later by the Developers.

True
False

Question:

Which statement is correct about the Sprint Backlog? (choose the best answer)

It has all the details.
It has no detail.
It has just enough detail.

Question:

The Sprint Backlog consists of what? (choose the best answer)

The Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint.
The plan for delivering the selected Product Backlog items.
The Sprint Goal, the set of Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint, plus an actionable plan for delivering the product Increment.
The tasks for delivering the Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint, including their relationships and owners. __

Question:

The Developers should not be interrupted during the Sprint and the Sprint Goal should remain intact. These are conditions that foster creativity, quality and productivity. (Which one the following answers is FALSE?)

The Product Owner can help clarify or optimize the Sprint when asked by the Developers.
The Developers may work with the Product Owner to add or remove work if they find themselves with more or less capacity than expected.
The Sprint Backlog is fully formulated in the Sprint Planning event and does not change during the Sprint.
As a decomposition of the selected Product Backlog items, the Sprint Backlog changes and may grow as the work emerges.

Question:

Which two of the following may change during the Sprint? (Select the best two answers)

Sprint Backlog
Product Backlog
Minimum level of quality
Sprint Goal

Question:

Which of the following may change during the Sprint? (Select the best answer)

Sprint Goal
Sprint Backlog
Minimum level of quality

Commitment: Sprint Goal

The Sprint Goal is the single objective for the Sprint. Although the Sprint Goal is a commitment by the Developers, it provides flexibility in terms of the exact work needed to achieve it. The Sprint Goal also creates coherence and focus, encouraging the Scrum Team to work together rather than on separate initiatives.

The Sprint Goal is created during the Sprint Planning event and then added to the Sprint Backlog. As the Developers work during the Sprint, they keep the Sprint Goal in mind. If the work turns out to be different than they expected, they collaborate with the Product Owner to negotiate the scope of the Sprint Backlog within the Sprint without affecting the Sprint Goal.

Increment

An Increment is a concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal. Each Increment is additive to all prior Increments and thoroughly verified, ensuring that all Increments work together. In order to provide value, the Increment must be usable.

Multiple Increments may be created within a Sprint. The sum of the Increments is presented at the Sprint Review thus supporting empiricism. However, an Increment may be delivered to stakeholders prior to the end of the Sprint. The Sprint Review should never be considered a gate to releasing value.

Work cannot be considered part of an Increment unless it meets the Definition of Done.

Q&A

Question:

The Increment is:

All items in the Sprint Backlog that could be released regardless of whether the Product Owner decides to actually do it
All "Done" items in the Sprint Backlog
Additive to all prior Increments and thoroughly verified, ensuring that all Increments work together.
The sum of all the Product Backlog items completed during the Sprint
The sum of all the Product Backlog items completed during the Sprint, excluding the value of the increments of all previous Sprints.

Question:

Choose two alternatives among the statements below that are true about an undone Product Backlog item.
I. Consider the done part of the item in velocity calculation and then create a new item in the Product Backlog for the remaining work.
II. Demonstrate it in the Sprint Review meeting, even if it is not within the terms of acceptance. It is important to get feedback.
III. Move it back to the Product Backlog.
IV. Do not include it in the Increment.
V. It could be added to the Increment if it does not fail in the user acceptance tests.

Question:

Choose two alternatives among the items below that are appraised as real outputs of a Sprint.
I. Some Done features that are added to the earlier version of the software
II. A proposal for the following Sprints
III. A part of the software that is available to the end-users
IV. New features that are available for integration

Question:

Which two statements explain when a Product Backlog item is considered complete? (Select the best two answers)

When the customer approves its completeness
When no work is left based on the Definition of Done
When user acceptance tests are passed
When it's usable.

Commitment: Definition of Done

The Definition of Done is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product.

The moment a Product Backlog item meets the Definition of Done, an Increment is born.

The Definition of Done creates transparency by providing everyone a shared understanding of what work was completed as part of the Increment. If a Product Backlog item does not meet the Definition of Done, it cannot be released or even presented at the Sprint Review. Instead, it returns to the Product Backlog for future consideration.

If the Definition of Done for an increment is part of the standards of the organization, all Scrum Teams must follow it as a minimum. If it is not an organizational standard, the Scrum Team must create a Definition of Done appropriate for the product.

The Developers are required to conform to the Definition of Done. If there are multiple Scrum Teams working together on a product, they must mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done.

Q&A

Question:

How does the Definition of Done (DoD) help the Scrum Team? (choose the best three answers)

DoD is used to assess when work is complete.
DoD ensures artifact transparency
DoD helps to calculate the velocity of the Scrum Team
DoD guides the Developers in knowing how many Product Backlog items it can select during Sprint Planning.

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. The Definition of Done creates transparency by providing everyone a shared understanding of what work was completed as part of the Increment.

Question:

Which of the following are true regarding the Definition of Done? (choose the best three answers)

Each Product Backlog item contains a Definition of Done containing the criteria it needs to meet to be accepted
Guides the Developers on how many Product Backlog items to select for the Sprint
Is committed to by the Increment
Defines the criteria for a Sprint to be Done
Increases transparency

Explanation
a. The Definition of Done is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product. B. It is one of the factors used by the Developers during Sprint Planning to define what can be Done during the given Sprint. C. The Increment commits to the Definition of Done. d. It defines when a Product Backlog item becomes an Increment. E. The Definition of Done creates transparency by providing everyone a shared understanding of what work was completed as part of the Increment.

Question:

Select the two most suited items that should be taken into the reckoning for the Definition of Done? (choose the best two answers)

Definition of Done of other Scrum Teams working on other products
The standards of the Organization
Definition of Done of other Scrum Teams working on the same Product
Advice of the Scrum Master
Experience of the Product Owner

Explanation
If the Definition of Done for an increment is part of the standards of the organization, all Scrum Teams must follow it as a minimum. If it is not an organizational standard, the Scrum Team must create a Definition of Done appropriate for the product. The Developers are required to conform to the Definition of Done. If there are multiple Scrum Teams working together on a product, they must mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done.

Question:

Who is responsible for creating the Definition of Done? (choose the best answer)

The Scrum Master
The Developers
The Product Owner
The Scrum Team

Question:

How does the Definition of “Done” (DoD) help the Scrum Team? Select the three most applicable items.

DoD is used to assess when work is complete on the product Increment.
DoD helps to calculate the velocity of the Scrum Team
DoD ensures artifact transparency
DoD guides the Developers in knowing how many Product Backlog items it can select during Sprint Planning.
DoD defines when a Product Backlog item may be considered during Sprint Planning

Question:

When is an item in the Sprint Backlog considered complete?

When the Sprint is over
The item has all the quality requirements defined by the Product Owner.
When the customer approves its completeness
When it's usable, fulfilling the Definition of Done and becoming an Increment.

Explanation
a. Maybe you may not even start working on the item before the Sprint was over, then you can't call it complete. b. They can still miss something. On the other hand, if the test is focused on the unit, what about testing the integrated solution? It may break something. c. It doesn't guarantee that we're absolutely done with the item and that it satisfies the customer and user. A Product Backlog item that you have in the Sprint Backlog is Done when it satisfies the Definition of Done. Note: usable for end-users = potentially shippable = potentially releasable = Done based on the Definition of Done. An Increment is a concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal. Each Increment is additive to all prior Increments and thoroughly verified, ensuring that all Increments work together. In order to provide value, the Increment must be usable.

Question:

When is an item in the Sprint Backlog considered complete? (choose the best answer)

The item has all the quality requirements defined by the Product Owner.
When the customer approves its completeness
When it meets the Definition of Done.
When the Sprint is over

Question:

What two things should happen with undone Product Backlog items at the end of the Sprint? (choose the best two answers)

If the Product Owner is satisfied with the work, he can accept them and release them
The items should be demonstrated during the Sprint Review, the Sprint’s velocity should consider the part of the items that were Done during the Sprint, and the remaining work should be considered as a new Product Backlog item
They should be placed on the Product Backlog
They must not be included as part of the Increment

Question:

Who describes the Definition of Done in the case of multiple Scrum Teams working on a single product? (choose the best answer)

It depends on the type of product.
Each Scrum Team defines its own.
All the Scrum Teams must mutually define the Definition of Done.

End Note

Scrum is free and offered in this Guide. The Scrum framework, as outlined herein, is immutable. While implementing only parts of Scrum is possible, the result is not Scrum. Scrum exists only in its entirety and functions well as a container for other techniques, methodologies, and practices.

Q&A

Question:

It's up to the self-managing team to decide which Scrum artifacts are needed in the project. (Select the best answer)

TRUE
FALSE

Explanation
Self-managing is not unlimited; e.g., you should follow the Scrum framework. While implementing only parts of Scrum is possible, the result is not Scrum. Scrum exists only in its entirety and functions well as a container for other techniques, methodologies, and practices.

Question:

True or False: According to the Scrum framework, the Scrum components and rules for the project are chosen depending on the project's specific characteristics.

False
True

Explanation
While implementing only parts of Scrum is possible, the result is not Scrum. Scrum exists only in its entirety and functions well as a container for other techniques, methodologies, and practices.

General Questions

Q&A

Question:

Which three of the following are timeboxed? (Select the best three answers)

Question:

Which of the following are time-boxed Scrum events? (choose the best three answers)

Explanation
a. Not a valid Sprint. B. Not a valid Sprint. C. Yes, Sprint Planning is timeboxed to a maximum of eight hours for a one-month Sprint. For shorter Sprints, the event is usually shorter. D. Not a Scrum Event. E. Not a Scrum Event. F. Yes, the Daily Scrum is timeboxed to 15-minutes. G. Yes, Sprint Retrospective is timeboxed to a maximum of three hours for a one-month Sprint. For shorter Sprints, the event is usually shorter.

Question:

Which two of the following are required by Scrum? (Select the best two answers)

Question:

At some point, several of the Developers from a Scrum Team come to you, the Scrum Master, complaining that the work identified for the upcoming Sprint will require a full-time commitment from a specialist who is external to the teams. What should you consider in this situation? (choose the best two answers)

The need for the team to keep delivering value fast
The need for the Developers to keep a sustainable pace
The benefits of having the Developers figure out a solution for themselves
The ability of the Scrum Teams to produce Increments

Explanation
Scrum Teams are self-managed and cross-functional. Thus, the Scrum Master should coach the team to be autonomous whenever possible. However, it is also important for the Scrum Master to consider the cases in which specialists are really needed and that problem at hand is too complex for the Developers to figure out on their own. In these cases, the Scrum Master can work with the Developers with the possibility of having specialized training or even having the specialist join the Scrum Team for the period in which his/her expertise is needed. Whatever the case, keep in mind that the Scrum Master has to respect the Scrum Team's self-management, but fulfill his/her accountability for the Scrum Team’s effectiveness.

Question:

What does it mean to say that an event has a time-box?

a. The event must happen at a set time.
b. The event can take no more than a maximum amount of time (upper limit).
c. The event must happen by a given time.
d. The event must take at least a minimum amount of time (lower limit).
e. The event might have to finish given a maximum amount of time.

Question:

Which of the following four behaviors demonstrate that a team is NOT following the Scrum Guide? I. Project Stakeholders attend the Daily Scrum to check progress. II. External stakeholders participate during Sprint Planning assisting the Developers to turn a Product Backlog item into an Increment via a complete and detailed Sprint Backlog. III. The Scrum Team is structured and empowered by the organization to organize and manage their own work. IV. The Developers work given their functional description such as analyst, developer, and tester. V. Developers individually selecting their own work during the Sprint. VI. The Developers own the Sprint Backlog. Check the correct alternative.

Explanation
I- The Daily Scrum is an internal meeting for the Developers. It should not be used by external stakeholders to check progress. II- During Sprint Planning, the entire Scrum Team collaborates on understanding the work of the Sprint. The Developers define the work for the first days of the Sprint. The Sprint Backlog emerges during the Sprint. III- Scrum Team members self-organize. IV- Scrum recognizes no sub-teams within the Scrum Team. V- The Developers collaboratively plan work execution. VI- The Sprint Backlog is owned by the Developers.

Question:

If there are multiple Product Goals, they must be organized into a Product Roadmap.

TRUE
FALSE

Explanation
The Scrum Guide does not prescribe using a Product Roadmap.

Question:

True or False: Velocity of Scrum Teams should be normalized so that administrators can measure and compare their performance.

TRUE
FALSE

Explanation
Progress measurements are done internally, not by external managers. Also, comparing the velocity (dependent on the estimates) of two different teams is never reliable.

Question:

Which of the following is not allowed in Scrum?
I. Release Planning
II. Using Planning Poker
III. Integration Sprints
IV. Using User Stories
V. Canceling a Sprint

Question:

What happens when a Sprint is canceled? (choose the best three answers)

Several top Product Backlog Items are taken into the Sprint Backlog to replace the obsolete items
At the Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum Master determines who from the Developers is responsible for canceling the Sprint
If part of the work is potentially releasable, the Product Owner typically accepts it
All incomplete Product Backlog Items are re-estimated and put back on the Product Backlog
Any completed and “Done” Product Backlog items are reviewed

Explanation
The Scrum Guide is not explicit anymore about what happens. However, these are the best options following Scrum's mindset. Independent of the case, if a Product Backlog item does not meet the Definition of Done, it cannot be released or even presented at the Sprint Review. Instead, it returns to the Product Backlog for future consideration.

Question:

True or False: The Sprint for all the Scrum Teams working on the same product must start and end on the same date.

True
False