30 Free Scrum PSPO-I Practice Questions

PSPO-I Practice Questions

1. Question 1.A Scrum Team has been working on a product for 9 Sprints. A new Product Owner who is new to Scrum joins the team and understands she is accountable for the Product Backlog. However, she is unsure about the purpose of the Product Backlog. She has read that the Product Backlog should be a list of all user features for the product. She goes to the Scrum Master asking where to put the other types of requirements that are going to be taken into account. Are all of the following types of requirements acceptable on a Product Backlog? Stability requirements. Performance requirements. Product Functionality. Documentation. Fixes. (choose the best answer)

   • A.Yes, they all belong on the Product Backlog. Product Backlog is supposed to be the Single Source of Truth for all the work for the product.(correct answer)
   • B.No, Product Backlog is a tool for the Product Owner. The Product Owner represents the users and stakeholders. Other types of requirements should be managed separately by the Developers. They are not the Product Owner's concern.
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: A

   Yes, they all belong on the Product Backlog. Product Backlog is supposed to be the Single Source of Truth for all the work for the product.

   Explanation

   The Product Backlog is an ordered list of everything that is known to be needed in the product. It is the single source of work for the Scrum Team, including features, functions, requirements, enhancements, and fixes.

2. Question 2.What variables should a Product Owner consider when ordering the Product Backlog? (choose the best answer)

   • A.Development cohesion as indicated by the Developers.
   • B.The availability of resources and skills for implementation.
   • C.Lowest development cost in order to maximize Return on Investment (ROI).
   • D.Effort first, then value.
   • E.Anything that informs them to achieve the product's goals and to optimize the value delivered.(correct answer)
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: E

   Anything that informs them to achieve the product's goals and to optimize the value delivered.

   Explanation

   The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product. They use any information necessary (value, risk, cost, dependencies, etc.) to order the Product Backlog in the most effective way.

3. Question 3.It is mandatory for the Product Owner to monitor and share progress of the Product Backlog by using which method? (choose the best answer)

   • A.A Product or Release burn-down chart.
   • B.A Value burn-up chart.
   • C.A Gantt Chart.
   • D.Any practice based on trends of work completed and upcoming work.(correct answer)
   • E.A Sprint Review acceptance report.
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: D

   Any practice based on trends of work completed and upcoming work.

   Explanation

   Scrum does not mandate specific tracking tools like burn-down charts. It only requires that total work remaining toward a goal is tracked and made transparent, using any method based on empirical data.

4. Question 4.The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog. Who is accountable for estimating the effort to complete the Product Backlog Items? (choose the best answer)

   • A.The Developers.(correct answer)
   • B.The PMO.
   • C.The Product Owner.
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: A

   The Developers.

   Explanation

   The Developers who will perform the work are responsible for sizing the items. The Product Owner may influence them by helping them understand and select trade-offs, but the final estimate belongs to the Developers.

5. Question 5.True or False: The Sprint Review is the only time at which stakeholder feedback is taken into account.

   • A.True.
   • B.False.(correct answer)
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: B

   False.

   Explanation

   While the Sprint Review is a key formal event for inspection and adaptation with stakeholders, the Product Owner and Scrum Team should engage with stakeholders frequently as needed to ensure value co-creation.

6. Question 6.How do timeboxes help the Product Owner and the other members of the Scrum Team validate assumptions, adapt, and maximize the value of their product? (choose the best answer)

   • A.Timeboxes help by making sure a Sprint does not stop until all testing is done, and the work is verified by the Product Owner.
   • B.Timeboxes assure the Product Owner that the Developers will finish all work on the Sprint Backlog by the end of the Sprint.
   • C.Timeboxes help minimize risk by creating the opportunity to validate assumptions using feedback from users and the market; allowing Scrum Teams to inspect progress toward the Product Goal and decide whether to pivot or persevere.(correct answer)
   • D.At the end of each Sprint when the timebox expires a detailed report with all test cases and test results is available.
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: C

   Timeboxes help minimize risk by creating the opportunity to validate assumptions using feedback from users and the market; allowing Scrum Teams to inspect progress toward the Product Goal and decide whether to pivot or persevere.

   Explanation

   Timeboxing (especially for Sprints) creates a cadence for empiricism. It limits risk to the duration of the timebox and provides a fixed point to inspect progress and adapt the plan.

7. Question 7.True or False: The value delivered by a product can only be determined by revenue.

   • A.True.
   • B.False.(correct answer)
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: B

   False.

   Explanation

   Value is multi-dimensional. It can include customer satisfaction, cost savings, strategic alignment, risk reduction, or market share, in addition to revenue.

8. Question 8.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.

   • A.True.
   • B.False.(correct answer)
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: B

   False.

   Explanation

   While the 2017 Scrum Guide suggested this, the 2020 Scrum Guide states that the most impactful improvements are addressed as soon as possible, and they MAY even be added to the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint (it is not a 'must').

9. Question 9.How important is it for a Product Owner to order Product Backlog Items by using value points? (choose the best answer)

   • A.Calculating value points is a predictive approach that conflicts with the empiricism of Scrum, and is therefore not acceptable.
   • B.Using value points is the ultimate way for a Product Owner to predict the value that the product will provide.
   • C.The Product Owner may order the Product Backlog by using value points or select another technique, the decision is up to them.(correct answer)
   Show answer & explanationHide answer

   Correct answer: C

   The Product Owner may order the Product Backlog by using value points or select another technique, the decision is up to them.

   Explanation

   Scrum defines the Product Owner's accountability for ordering the backlog but does not mandate the specific technique used to determine that order.

10. Question 10.When can the Product Backlog be updated? (choose the best answer)

    • A.Never, unless agreed to by the change request.
    • B.At any time when done by the Product Owner or a delegate.(correct answer)
    • C.Only after a Sprint Review if agreed to by the stakeholders.
    • D.Only during Product Backlog Refinement sessions if the Product Owner is present.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B

    At any time when done by the Product Owner or a delegate.

    Explanation

    The Product Backlog is a living document. It is continually updated as the product and its environment change and as new insights are gained.

11. Question 11.True or False: The Product Owner should have the entire Product Backlog documented in detail before the first Sprint can start?

    • A.True.
    • B.False.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B

    False.

    Explanation

    Initially, the Product Backlog only contains enough items to start the first Sprint. It evolves as the product is used and feedback is received (emergent architecture and requirements).

12. Question 12.True or False: The Sprint Backlog is a result of Sprint Planning, and it includes the Sprint Goal.

    • A.True.(correct answer)
    • B.False.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: A

    True.

    Explanation

    The Sprint Backlog consists 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).

13. Question 13.Who is accountable for creating a valuable and usable Increment each Sprint? (choose the best answer)

    • A.The Scrum Master.
    • B.The CEO.
    • C.The Developers.
    • D.The Scrum Team.(correct answer)
    • E.The Product Owner.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: D

    The Scrum Team.

    Explanation

    The entire Scrum Team is collectively accountable for creating a valuable and usable Increment. Each role (PO, SM, Developers) contributes their specific accountabilities to achieve this.

14. Question 14.What are two effective ways for the Scrum Team to make non-functional requirements visible? (choose the best two answers)

    • A.Run the integration and regression tests before the end of the Sprint, and capture the open work for the Sprint Backlog of the next Sprint.
    • B.Add them to the Product Backlog to ensure transparency.(correct answer)
    • C.Put them on a separate list on the Scrum board, available for all to see.
    • D.Add them to the Definition of Done so the work is taken care of every Sprint.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B, D

    Add them to the Product Backlog to ensure transparency. / Add them to the Definition of Done so the work is taken care of every Sprint.

    Explanation

    Non-functional requirements (NFRs) like security or performance can be items in the Product Backlog (if they represent discrete work) or part of the Definition of Done (if they are quality standards that must apply to all increments).

15. Question 15.The Cone of Uncertainty can be used to do what? (choose the best answer)

    • A.Determine the length of the next Sprint.
    • B.Determine the cost of a project before it begins.
    • C.Determine whether to cut quality, similar to the Iron Triangle of project management.
    • D.Illustrate that as a project forecast lengthens, it is increasingly less certain.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: D

    Illustrate that as a project forecast lengthens, it is increasingly less certain.

    Explanation

    The Cone of Uncertainty shows that at the beginning of a project, the range of possible outcomes is very large. As more is learned, the uncertainty narrows and forecasts become more reliable.

16. Question 16.Which is NOT a valid consideration when ordering a Product Backlog? (choose the best answer)

    • A.Risk.
    • B.Tools and techniques.(correct answer)
    • C.Importance to customers.
    • D.Alignment with business strategy and goals.
    • E.Dependencies on other Product Backlog Items.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B

    Tools and techniques.

    Explanation

    Ordering should be based on factors that affect value and delivery feasibility (value, risk, strategy, customers, dependencies). The specific tools use to manage the backlog are irrelevant to the ordering logic.

17. Question 17.True or False: The Product Owner must write all of the Product Backlog Items (e.g. user stories, requirements, etc.) on the Product Backlog before handing them over to the Scrum Team.

    • A.True.
    • B.False.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B

    False.

    Explanation

    The Product Owner is accountable for the management of the Product Backlog, but they may delegate the actual work of writing items to others. Regardless, the PO remains accountable.

18. Question 18.Which of the following are criteria to order Product Backlog Items? (choose all that apply)

    • A.Value of Product Backlog Items.(correct answer)
    • B.Dependencies between Product Backlog Items.(correct answer)
    • C.Dependencies to other products.(correct answer)
    • D.The availability of the Scrum Master.
    • E.All of the above.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: A, B, C

    Value of Product Backlog Items. / Dependencies between Product Backlog Items. / Dependencies to other products.

    Explanation

    Value and dependencies (internal or external) are common and valid reasons to adjust the order of the backlog. The Scrum Master's availability should not impact the product's work priority.

19. Question 19.All Scrum artifacts must be transparent to ensure sufficient accuracy of inspection. Which two measures ensure that the Product Backlog is transparent? (choose the best two answers)

    • A.The Product Backlog is managed using a web-based tool.
    • B.The Product Backlog is available to all stakeholders.(correct answer)
    • C.The Product Backlog is ordered.(correct answer)
    • D.Each Product Backlog Item has a MoSCoW priority.
    • E.The Product Backlog only has work for the next 2 Sprints.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B, C

    The Product Backlog is available to all stakeholders. / The Product Backlog is ordered.

    Explanation

    Transparency is provided by the availability of the backlog to stakeholders and by having it ordered so that the most important work is clearly visible at the top.

20. Question 20.Why is it important that there is only one Product Owner per product? (choose the best three answers)

    • A.The Scrum Team always knows who determines the order of the Product Backlog.
    • B.The Scrum Master knows who acts as their backup while on vacation.
    • C.It is clear who is accountable for the ultimate value of the product.(correct answer)
    • D.It would confuse the stakeholders if they had to work with more than one person.(correct answer)
    • E.It helps avoid barriers to effective communication and rapid decision-making.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: C, D, E

    It is clear who is accountable for the ultimate value of the product. / It would confuse the stakeholders if they had to work with more than one person. / It helps avoid barriers to effective communication and rapid decision-making.

    Explanation

    A single Product Owner ensures clear accountability, simplifies communication for stakeholders, and allows for rapid decision-making without the conflict of 'PO by committee'.

21. Question 21.Which of the following practices might help the Product Owner minimize waste in developing and sustaining the Product Backlog? (choose the best two answers)

    • A.Avoid distracting the Scrum Team by maintaining newly gathered Product Backlog items in a separate Product Backlog until they are fully understood.
    • B.Only fully describe Product Backlog items when it seems likely they will be implemented.(correct answer)
    • C.Hand off ownership of the Product Backlog to someone else.
    • D.Remove items from the Product Backlog that have not been addressed in a long time.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B, D

    Only fully describe Product Backlog items when it seems likely they will be implemented. / Remove items from the Product Backlog that have not been addressed in a long time.

    Explanation

    Lean principles suggest that detailing items too early is waste, as they may never be built or their requirements may change. Removing old, irrelevant items keeps the backlog lean and focused.

22. Question 22.True or False: Product Owners must create clear and unambiguous acceptance criteria for each Product Backlog Item before it may be selected in Sprint Planning.

    • A.True.
    • B.False.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B

    False.

    Explanation

    Items only need to be 'ready' enough to be selected (understandable and small enough). Details and acceptance criteria are often refined collaboratively during the Sprint.

23. Question 23.What three things might a Scrum Product Owner focus on to ensure the product delivers value? (choose the best three answers)

    • A.Minimizing changes to project scope.
    • B.How much of the functionality of the product is being used.(correct answer)
    • C.How quickly or easily the product can be absorbed and used by its customers.(correct answer)
    • D.Direct customer feedback.(correct answer)
    • E.Velocity is increasing over time.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: B, C, D

    How much of the functionality of the product is being used. / How quickly or easily the product can be absorbed and used by its customers. / Direct customer feedback.

    Explanation

    Value is best understood by observing how customers interact with the product and what their actual feedback is. Velocity and scope stability are performance metrics, not value metrics.

24. Question 24.How often should customer satisfaction be measured? (choose the best answer)

    • A.Quarterly.
    • B.Annually.
    • C.Daily.
    • D.Frequently.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: D

    Frequently.

    Explanation

    Frequent measurement of customer satisfaction provides the necessary empirical data to adapt the Product Backlog and ensure the Scrum Team is building the right thing.

25. Question 25.Why would you expect a Product Owner to care that the Scrum Team adheres to its Definition of Done? (choose the best two answers)

    • A.To be able to punish the team when they do not meet their velocity goal for the Sprint.
    • B.The Product Owner should not care about the Definition of Done, it is the Scrum Team's responsibility.
    • C.The Definition of Done can affect the product's total cost of ownership.(correct answer)
    • D.To have complete transparency into what has been done at the end of each Sprint.(correct answer)
    • E.To forecast the team's productivity over time.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: C, D

    The Definition of Done can affect the product's total cost of ownership. / To have complete transparency into what has been done at the end of each Sprint.

    Explanation

    If the Increment does not meet the Definition of Done, it is not 'Done' and cannot be released. This reduces transparency and increases technical debt, which raises the Total Cost of Ownership.

26. Question 26.A product's success is measured by: (choose the best three answers)

    • A.The impact on customer satisfaction.(correct answer)
    • B.The impact on cost.(correct answer)
    • C.The impact on my boss's mood.
    • D.The delivery of upfront defend scope compared to the upfront planned time.
    • E.The impact on my performance rating.
    • F.The impact on revenue.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: A, B, F

    The impact on customer satisfaction. / The impact on cost. / The impact on revenue.

    Explanation

    Product success is tied to the outcomes achieved (satisfaction, revenue) and the efficiency of achieving them (cost), rather than adherence to a fixed plan or personal metrics.

27. Question 27.True or False: Dependencies could influence how the Product Owner orders Product Backlog Items.

    • A.True.(correct answer)
    • B.False.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: A

    True.

    Explanation

    Technical or external dependencies often dictate the order in which items MUST be built, which the Product Owner must consider alongside value and risk.

28. Question 28.Scrum is based on empiricism. All of its artifacts must be transparent to ensure sufficient accuracy of inspection. How can the Scrum Team maintain the Product Backlog to maximize its transparency? (choose the best answer)

    • A.The Product Backlog is only updated at a release planning meeting with the stakeholders and the change control board present.
    • B.Product Backlog Items must be sized such that the highest ordered items are no bigger than a Sprint.
    • C.The Product Backlog is only updated at the Sprint Review, when both the Scrum Team and the stakeholders are available.
    • D.Product Backlog Items should hold no more than 8 points of work, which is the average in the range of acceptable sizes of 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 13.
    • E.The Product Backlog is continually kept up to date with the most recent insights.(correct answer)
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: E

    The Product Backlog is continually kept up to date with the most recent insights.

    Explanation

    Transparency is maintained by ensuring the Product Backlog accurately reflects the current understanding of the product and its needs at any given time.

29. Question 29.What is the responsibility of the Product Owner in crafting the Sprint Goal? (choose the best answer)

    • A.The Product Owner has no responsibility in it. This is the Developers responsibility.
    • B.The Product Owner defines the scope for a Sprint and therefore also the Sprint Goal.
    • C.The Product Owner should not come to the Sprint Planning without a clearly defined Sprint Goal.
    • D.The Product Owner should come to the Sprint Planning with a business objective in mind and work with the Developers to craft the Sprint Goal.(correct answer)
    • E.The Product Owner must work with stakeholders to set each Sprint's Goal.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: D

    The Product Owner should come to the Sprint Planning with a business objective in mind and work with the Developers to craft the Sprint Goal.

    Explanation

    The Sprint Goal is a collaborative effort between the Product Owner and the Developers during Sprint Planning. The PO provides the objective, and the team agrees on a goal that can be achieved.

30. Question 30.When should the Product Owner update the project plan? (choose the best answer)

    • A.The Product Backlog is the plan in Scrum. It is updated as new information and insights emerge.(correct answer)
    • B.The project plan must be updated prior to the Sprint Retrospective.
    • C.Before the Sprint Planning to know how much work will have to be done in the Sprint.
    • D.After the Daily Scrum to ensure an accurate daily overview of project progress.
    Show answer & explanationHide answer

    Correct answer: A

    The Product Backlog is the plan in Scrum. It is updated as new information and insights emerge.

    Explanation

    In Scrum, the Product Backlog acts as the high-level plan for the product. Traditional 'project plans' are replaced by the living backlog and frequent adaptation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep studying

Full exam

Scrum Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO-I) details

Free practice

Scrum.org PSM I

Free practice

Scrum.org PSD I

Free practice

Scrum.org PSM II