CERTIFIED SCRUMMASTER (CSM) CERTIFICATION:
COMPLETE PRACTICE EXAM WITH ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES
TOPIC 1: SCRUM THEORY & AGILE PRINCIPLES
Question 1
Which of the following statements best describes the empirical process control
theory that underpins Scrum?
A) Work is broken down into small, predictable sequences of steps that are
planned upfront and followed rigidly
B) Knowledge comes from experience and making decisions based on what is
observed
C) All requirements must be fully defined and signed off before development
begins
D) The process is based on mathematical models and theoretical calculations
Answer: B
Rationale: Empiricism is the foundation of Scrum. It asserts that knowledge comes
from experience and that decisions are made based on what is observed . Scrum
relies on this empirical approach through the three pillars of Transparency,
Inspection, and Adaptation. Option A describes a defined process model, not an
empirical one. Option C is characteristic of traditional waterfall approaches.
Option D describes a theoretical approach, not the practical, experience-based
approach of Scrum .
,Question 2
The three pillars of Empiricism are:
A) Planning, Execution, and Review
B) Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation
C) Analysis, Design, and Testing
D) Collaboration, Communication, and Commitment
Answer: B
Rationale: The three pillars of Empiricism are Transparency, Inspection, and
Adaptation . Transparency ensures that significant aspects of the process are
visible to those responsible for the outcome. Inspection enables regular checks on
progress toward goals. Adaptation allows the team to adjust the process or
product based on the results of inspection. Options A, C, and D describe other
concepts but are not the three pillars of Empiricism .
Question 3
What is the maximum amount of time the team should spend in the Daily Scrum?
A) As long as it takes to address all issues
B) 30 minutes
C) 15 minutes
D) 45 minutes
Answer: C
Rationale: The Daily Scrum is time-boxed to 15 minutes . This is a hard limit for the
event itself. The purpose is for the Developers to inspect progress toward the
Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog as necessary. The event is held at the
same time and place each day to reduce complexity. Option B is incorrect as 30
,minutes is the time-box for the Sprint Planning event for a 30-day Sprint. Option A
violates the time-box principle. Option D is not a Scrum time-box .
Question 4
The control model that requires every piece of work to be completely understood
before it begins is called the:
A) Empirical Process Control Model
B) Defined Process Control Model
C) Iterative Process Control Model
D) Incremental Process Control Model
Answer: B
Rationale: A defined process control model requires that every piece of work be
completely understood . This is characteristic of traditional, predictive approaches
where requirements are fully specified upfront. Scrum uses an empirical process
control model, which acknowledges that complex problems cannot be fully
understood upfront and requires ongoing inspection and adaptation. Option A is
Scrum's approach. Options C and D describe aspects of Agile development but are
not control models .
Question 5
Scrum is best suited for solving which types of challenges?
A) Simple problems with obvious solutions
B) Complicated scenarios with well-understood cause-and-effect relationships
C) Complex adaptive problems related to developing and managing valuable
products
D) Problems that can be solved using a step-by-step cookbook approach
, Answer: C
Rationale: Scrum is a framework within which people can address complex
adaptive problems while productively and creatively delivering products of the
highest possible value . It is not designed for simple problems (A) where obvious
solutions exist. For complicated problems (B) with known cause-and-effect
relationships, expert analysis can often predict outcomes. For truly complex
problems where the solution is unknown and emerges through experimentation,
Scrum provides the appropriate framework. Option D describes a defined process,
not Scrum .
Question 6
Which of the following best describes a "cross-functional team" in Scrum?
A) A team where each member has a specialized function and works
independently
B) A team comprised of members with all the skills necessary to create value each
Sprint
C) A team that rotates members between different projects
D) A team that includes members from different departments who work on
separate tasks
Answer: B
Rationale: A cross-functional team in Scrum is comprised of members with all the
skills necessary to create value each Sprint . This means the team has everything it
needs to deliver a potentially shippable Increment without depending on others
outside the team. Option A describes a functional team structure, not cross-
functional. Option C is not a defining characteristic of cross-functionality. Option D
describes a team with diverse departmental representation but not necessarily
cross-functionality .
COMPLETE PRACTICE EXAM WITH ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES
TOPIC 1: SCRUM THEORY & AGILE PRINCIPLES
Question 1
Which of the following statements best describes the empirical process control
theory that underpins Scrum?
A) Work is broken down into small, predictable sequences of steps that are
planned upfront and followed rigidly
B) Knowledge comes from experience and making decisions based on what is
observed
C) All requirements must be fully defined and signed off before development
begins
D) The process is based on mathematical models and theoretical calculations
Answer: B
Rationale: Empiricism is the foundation of Scrum. It asserts that knowledge comes
from experience and that decisions are made based on what is observed . Scrum
relies on this empirical approach through the three pillars of Transparency,
Inspection, and Adaptation. Option A describes a defined process model, not an
empirical one. Option C is characteristic of traditional waterfall approaches.
Option D describes a theoretical approach, not the practical, experience-based
approach of Scrum .
,Question 2
The three pillars of Empiricism are:
A) Planning, Execution, and Review
B) Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation
C) Analysis, Design, and Testing
D) Collaboration, Communication, and Commitment
Answer: B
Rationale: The three pillars of Empiricism are Transparency, Inspection, and
Adaptation . Transparency ensures that significant aspects of the process are
visible to those responsible for the outcome. Inspection enables regular checks on
progress toward goals. Adaptation allows the team to adjust the process or
product based on the results of inspection. Options A, C, and D describe other
concepts but are not the three pillars of Empiricism .
Question 3
What is the maximum amount of time the team should spend in the Daily Scrum?
A) As long as it takes to address all issues
B) 30 minutes
C) 15 minutes
D) 45 minutes
Answer: C
Rationale: The Daily Scrum is time-boxed to 15 minutes . This is a hard limit for the
event itself. The purpose is for the Developers to inspect progress toward the
Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog as necessary. The event is held at the
same time and place each day to reduce complexity. Option B is incorrect as 30
,minutes is the time-box for the Sprint Planning event for a 30-day Sprint. Option A
violates the time-box principle. Option D is not a Scrum time-box .
Question 4
The control model that requires every piece of work to be completely understood
before it begins is called the:
A) Empirical Process Control Model
B) Defined Process Control Model
C) Iterative Process Control Model
D) Incremental Process Control Model
Answer: B
Rationale: A defined process control model requires that every piece of work be
completely understood . This is characteristic of traditional, predictive approaches
where requirements are fully specified upfront. Scrum uses an empirical process
control model, which acknowledges that complex problems cannot be fully
understood upfront and requires ongoing inspection and adaptation. Option A is
Scrum's approach. Options C and D describe aspects of Agile development but are
not control models .
Question 5
Scrum is best suited for solving which types of challenges?
A) Simple problems with obvious solutions
B) Complicated scenarios with well-understood cause-and-effect relationships
C) Complex adaptive problems related to developing and managing valuable
products
D) Problems that can be solved using a step-by-step cookbook approach
, Answer: C
Rationale: Scrum is a framework within which people can address complex
adaptive problems while productively and creatively delivering products of the
highest possible value . It is not designed for simple problems (A) where obvious
solutions exist. For complicated problems (B) with known cause-and-effect
relationships, expert analysis can often predict outcomes. For truly complex
problems where the solution is unknown and emerges through experimentation,
Scrum provides the appropriate framework. Option D describes a defined process,
not Scrum .
Question 6
Which of the following best describes a "cross-functional team" in Scrum?
A) A team where each member has a specialized function and works
independently
B) A team comprised of members with all the skills necessary to create value each
Sprint
C) A team that rotates members between different projects
D) A team that includes members from different departments who work on
separate tasks
Answer: B
Rationale: A cross-functional team in Scrum is comprised of members with all the
skills necessary to create value each Sprint . This means the team has everything it
needs to deliver a potentially shippable Increment without depending on others
outside the team. Option A describes a functional team structure, not cross-
functional. Option C is not a defining characteristic of cross-functionality. Option D
describes a team with diverse departmental representation but not necessarily
cross-functionality .
