Mikhail Lapshin

Quiz FAQ

Mikhail Lapshin > Blog > Quiz FAQ

This page contains questions about the quizzes and the web site.

Are the quizzes up to date?
Q: When the quizzes were created? Are they fresh enough? Do they include the latest Scrum Guide changes?

Mikhail: Yes, the quizzes are based on the latest Scrum Guide version. I created them in 2015, but I am tracking all the Scrum Guide changes and update the quizzes appropriately. You can find information about the corresponding Scrum Guide version in the beginning of every quiz description.
Quizzes are based on particular Scrum Guide version

Confusing Order It questions
Q: Sometimes people report that the quiz marks a correctly answered “Order It” question as incorrect like at the picture below:
"Order It" question

Mikhail: This is a quiz engine feature. When you press “Check” button for an “Order It” question, it always sets the answers in the correct order and marks in red the answers that were at wrong places.
So, the following happened before the situation shown at the screen shot. The user placed Sprint Retrospective as #3, Sprint Review as #4 and pressed “Check” button. The quiz engine swapped the two last answers and marked them in red.

What do I need for PSM II?
Q: Mikhail, the PSM quiz prepared by you was indeed very helpful and several practices helped me to sail smoothly on the final day and score 96 %. I am planning for PSM II, hence looking forward to your guidance on this.

Mikhail: What about PSM II, the certifications at Scrum.org are changing. The new PSM III is the former PSM II (essay questions + multiple choice) and the new PSM II is the former PSP (only multiple choice questions).

So, now PSM II is simpler than it was before. No more essay questions. The number of questions is just 30, but the questions are tough (think about the hardest questions in PSM I).
PSM II covers wider subject areas: additional questions from PSPO subject area and from Nexus.

PSM or CSM?
Q: What is the best Scrum certification? Is it PSM I by Scrum.org or CSM by ScrumAlliance?

Mikhail: As far as I know, the both certifications are equally recognized. However, there are some important differences:

  1. To get certified with ScrumAlliance it is mandatory to take their course (and pay for it). For PSM I certification no courses required, but you can take their course if you want.
  2. PSM I exam is harder to pass (but it is still completely manageable). PSM has 80 questions and 85% passing score whereas CSM has only 35 questions and 69% passing score.

So, there are two points to consider when you are choosing between PSM and CSM:

  1. Do you need a Scrum training? If yes, there is no much difference between the certifications. Look at the available trainings: location, time, reviews, opinions about specific trainer and choose the one that suits you best.
  2. Do you have extra money for the training (about $1000)? If not, your choice is PSM certification.
How much time to take PSM after payment?
Q: Does anyone know how much time you have to take the exam once you pay for it?

Mikhail: At the PSM I page you can find that: “Passwords have no expiration date, but are valid for one attempt only.”
So, when you pay for the exam, the next day you have a password to start the exam. The password has no expiration date.

Where are the hard questions?
Q: I just passed PSM I and must add there were several questions that I have never encountered before, neither in your quiz nor in the open exams. Why does not your quiz contain them?

Mikhail: I created my quiz reading the Scrum Guide and composing questions about every paragraph. So, it is pretty straightforward. It helps to study the Scrum Guide well.

However, my quiz asks nothing about applying Scrum in the real life. Questions about it I name as “second level” questions. They have no direct answer in the Guide, however if you think about it, you should be able to deduce the answer.

Fortunately, the real PSM I exam contains just a few of them. Such questions are the base for the next level PSM certifications. So, I ask people to score about 100% in the open assessments to pass the exam even if the harder questions are answered wrong.

I believe it is possible to create more “second level questions” than direct questions about the Scrum Guide. So, I cannot invent all of them and include into the quiz. However, adding 4-5 “second level” questions into the quiz looks as a good idea.

141 Comments

  1. babursenturk

    Hi Mikhail.
    Today i have PSM1 exam. Currently i’m studing for it. I prepared with your assestments and many other. Today i noticed that, one of your RM question’s replies is different to LM. RM agreed; Sprint Goal as an artifact. But LM is not agreed Sprint Goal is an artifact. LM only accept Sprint Backlog, Product Backlog and Increment as artifacts. Also i google them. Almost every internet source gives different things as Scrum Artifacts. (Burn Down chart etc.) So can we say “Sprint Goal” is an artifact?
    Thanks
    Babur

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi,

      My quizzes should be identical in Learning Mode and Real Mode. I will check them. Thanks for reporting it.

      The Scrum Guide classifies as an artifact only the following three things:
      * Product Backlog
      * Sprint Backlog
      * Increment

      Formally, everything else is not a Scrum artifact.

      Good luck in passing the exam!

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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      1. mlapshin (Post author)

        I checked the quizzes and did not find the difference. The both of them (LM and RM) contain the same question:

        What are the Scrum Artifacts? Select all applicable items.

        And the both have the same answer: The Scrum artifacts are Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog and Increment.

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  2. CASPER87

    Hi Mikhail,

    What typically happens if the product backlog is not sufficientlu clear at sprint planning :
    a- Nothing in particular
    b-the meeting is cancelled
    c-it compensated if the product owner gives the team a sprint goal
    d- the dev team has difficulties creating a forcast of work for the sprint

    I say a but i am not sure

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    1. AgileIsMe

      Correct answer is “d”, it appeared on my test and I got 100% on that section.

      If a user story is unclear, devs can’t know for sure what needs to be done. Estimations become random for all purposes. Devs will take what they can, and hope they are getting it right.

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      1. mlapshin (Post author)

        Hi,

        I agree, D is the correct option.
        C is partially right. Setting a Sprint Goal gives vision to the team, but does not compensate unclear items.

        On practice if some items are unclear, the team tries to clarify the details with the PO. However, it takes time and the Sprint Planning can exceed its time box.

        I remember, I’ve seen a question like: “What is enough to start the first Sprint?”
        And the correct answer was like “a Scrum Team and a Product idea”. The reasoning behind is the team can start iterate early and get everything else during this process.

        Thanks,
        –Mikhail

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  3. houz9

    Hi,

    I am currently preparing for PSPOI. I would like to know if the questions from PSMI comes into the exams. Do i need to go through these questions also? The ones on your website?

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi,

      Yes, you need to master PSM-related questions too. They are also based on the Scrum Guide.
      My quizzes share about a half of the questions with each other.
      It looks like the same is true for the real exams.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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      1. houz9

        Thanks Mikhail for your response. I have already completed PSM I last year in April 2019. I will again go through the PSMI questions as a practice.

        You are doing an awesome. Thank you so much!

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        1. houz9

          Glad to inform everyone that I have passed my PSPO I exams. The tips, and questions from your website has greatly helped. Thank you so much Mikhail !!

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          1. mlapshin (Post author)

            I am glad my quizzes helped you!
            Thanks for sharing your success here.

            Best Regards,
            –Mikhail

  4. Santosh Kumar

    Hi Mikhail,

    I have been preparing for PSM since a month. I have given the open assessment in the scrum.org for Scrum Open, Scrum Master, Agile Leadership and Measurement. But I never got a 100%. 🙁
    Then I tried your site after getting a suggestion from a video in youtube. I tried first the learning quiz and after couple of attempts, I scored 78.16% then 90.8%.
    I am sure I have to still understand on scrum artifacts and events.

    There are some questions I am not so clear.

    1. Could the Sprint Planning be finished if only work planned for the first days of the Sprint is decomposed to units of one day or less? –> I don’t understand this question first of all.

    2. If an inspector determines that one or more aspects of a process deviate outside acceptable limits, when must an adjustment be made? Who is an inspector? Is it a role outside from Scrum Team?

    3. Scrum recommends using only those Scrum components and rules which suit most for a particular project. Why it is false?

    Also when can I confirm myself that I can go for the real exam?

    Thanks

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi Santosh,

      Thanks for using my quizzes and your questions.

      1. This question means if a Scrum Team conducts the Sprint Planning meeting and for some reason they need to finish it earlier. According to the Scrum Guide it is fine even if only work planned for the first days of the Sprint is decomposed to units of one day or less. Ideally, they would split all the PB items to tasks, but it is OK to proceed if only top of them are broken down.

      2. An inspector here is any member of the Scrum Team. One of the main concepts in Scrum are self-inspection and feedback loops.

      3. The Scrum framework works the best when it is completely adopted. If only some parts of it are used, it is often called “Scrum but…” The Scrum Guide clarifies: “Each component within the framework serves a specific purpose and is essential to Scrum’s success and usage.”

      I would try to score something close to 100% in all the open quizzes to make sure I’ll pass the real exam.
      Also, I would read at least one book from the recommended reading list here: https://www.scrum.org/resources/suggested-reading-professional-scrum-master

      Best Regards,
      –Mikhail

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      1. Santosh Kumar

        Thanks Mikhail, for your respond and answers.
        So Scrum team is self-organizing, cross-functional and now you said self-inspection.
        I will follow your instruction before the real exam.

        Thanks
        ~Santosh

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  5. Santosh Kumar

    Hi Mikhail, to achieve a certification in PSM1, do I need to go for the open quizzes i.e. Scrum Developer, Nexus and Scrum with Kanban from scrum.org? In that case I have to read related documents for the same topics (Scrum Developer, Nexus and Scrum with Kanban) … Can you help what are the areas of Scrum I have to cover (in-scope)?

    Thanks
    ~Santosh

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi Santosh,

      I would recommend to master Scrum Developer open assessment because it shares the same concepts with Scrum Master and Product owner, but from a Dev Team member perspective.

      It is good to try Nexus open assessment too. The real PSM and PSPO exams usually contain a couple of related questions on how to organize work for several Scrum Teams.

      I am not sure you need Scrum with Kanban.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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  6. Santosh Kumar

    Hi Mikhail,

    I have studied enough to understand scrum and gone through many questions from your site. I have passed 98% and 100% the Scrum Master Real mode scrum quizzes couple of times from your site, I got myself confident to go for the real exam and planned to go for the real exam on 11th Feb 20 but when I appeared one demo exam from Udemy.com I scored only 66% and failed. Please suggest what to do next, I am now loosing confident.

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi Santosh,

      I think, you should be good.
      As far as I know, Udemy suggests mock tests for PSPO II exam. It is too tough If you are targeted for PSM I.

      Also, I am skeptical about any mock exams suggesting level II questions. The reason is it is hard to compose good level II questions that are in accordance with the real exams. Such questions usually have no direct answer in the Scrum Guide and require some interpretation. It is easy to have some nuances different which can lead to a failed exam. It is the main reason why I am not providing a level II quiz.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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  7. aldoenano

    Hi Mikhail

    When I started taking the PSM RM exams noticed that wrong answers were marked in red but nowadays I don’t see that happening, could you please let me know if I have to activate any option or need to do something?

    Regards!

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    1. aldoenano

      Nevermind Mikhali, I just realized is the difference between LM and RM. Thanks anyway.

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      1. mlapshin (Post author)

        Hi,

        I am glad you figured it out.

        Thanks,
        –Mikhail

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  8. Santosh Kumar

    Hi Mikhail,

    When it says “Scrum Teams are self-organizing and cross-functional. Self-organizing teams choose how best to accomplish their work, rather than being directed by others outside the team. Cross-functional teams have all competencies needed to accomplish the work without depending on others not part of the team.”

    What is the difference between ‘others outside the team’ and ‘others not part of the team’ ?

    To me both means same to me. 🙂

    Please share your understanding on this..

    Thanks
    Santosh

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi Santosh,

      I am sharing your understanding. ‘Others outside the team’ and ‘others not part of the team’ mean the same.
      Probably, it is for better wording in terms of English language.

      Best Regards,
      –Mikhail

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  9. elinaiervolino

    Hello. Acceptance criteria must be defined by the PO before considering a PBI for the sprint planning? thanks

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi,

      No, Scrum has no such requirement. However, it is better to have all the top items in the Product Backlog well described and the Dev Team should understand them. It will reduce time spent for the Sprint Planning.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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  10. elinaiervolino

    Hello, the PO is the same as a product manager?

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi,

      Scrum does not have “Product Manager” role. So, the correct answer in a Scrum.org quiz would be “No”.

      “Product Manager” role comes from companies that do not use Scrum.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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  11. elinaiervolino

    Hello, the PB has to be in line with the business vision (of the company)? thanks

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi,

      The Product Owner should have vision that is in sync with the business vision of the company. Otherwise, this PO won’t last long at the position. 🙂

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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  12. Aleksandra

    Hi Mikhail,

    In a question “Who is allowed to participate in the Daily Scrum?” the right answer is “The Development Team” and i totally agree with this. But I also chose “The Scrum Master”, bescause he/she is allowed to participate, but it is not obligated, and this answer is incorrect.
    Shouldn’t be there a multiple choice?

    Thank you

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi Aleksandra,

      Actually, this question involves knowing the difference between “participate” which means “come and speak” and “attend” which means “come and stay silent”.
      So, the Scrum Master comes, but does not speak.Usually, after several first Daily Scrums when the Dev Team understands its purpose, the SM stops attending it and just makes sure the event takes place.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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  13. Priyanjana

    Hi Mikhail,

    Need your guidance here. Appreciate your time!

    I am planning to appear PSM 1 exam on the month of May 2020. I have already started preparation and gone through only Scrum guide from Scrum.org and appeared open assessment thr. And then I came to know about your website which attracted me with the content.

    Can you guide me here –
    – Which all topics should I study from Scrum.org along with Scrum guide ?
    – Does LM and RM mock papers cover all topics for PSM 1 and Are those sufficient for clearing exam OR any additional mock test you recommend ?

    Thank you!

    ↓
    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi,

      Check this list for all the areas you need to cover: https://www.scrum.org/resources/suggested-reading-professional-scrum-master

      My quizzes just cover the basics from the Scrum Guide. I strongly recommend using additional resources for preparation to get a better understanding of Scrum framework.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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  14. srini

    Hi Mikhail,

    I am planning to prepare PSM1 Certification.In PSM exam ,did they ask any questions regarding Scrum Developer Questions?
    Also do they ask any questions regarding Nexus too. Let me know.

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi,

      For sure, you won’t face any developer-specific questions like Version Control systems or Integration Testing.

      However, you could get some questions regarding several teams working on the same Product. So, you need basic understanding how to do it. How many Product Backlogs and Product Owners they need.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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  15. srini

    Hi Mikhail,

    I passed PSM1 today with 90% in 1st attempt. Your Scrum Quizzes are very very helpful.

    Thank you
    srini

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  16. mlapshin (Post author)

    Hi Srini,

    Congrats with passing the exam and thanks for your words!

    –Mikhail

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  17. beena robert

    Dear Mikhail,

    I’m preparing for my PSM1 exams and I found your site very useful.
    however,it would if you could clarify:

    1. What does LM and RM exams mean? (I saw it in above comments)
    2. Can there be multiple DoD when multiple scrum teams are working on the same project?
    yes ? no – justify?

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    1. beena robert

      Figured out what LM and RM means..:)
      if you could help with 2nd question ,it would be great!
      thanks a lot 🙂

      ↓
      1. mlapshin (Post author)

        Hi,

        I am glad you found out about the quiz modes. 🙂

        Let me answer your second question.
        Yes. All the teams should agree on some base level DoD. However, each team could add anything they need on top of it. For example, some additional testing.

        Thanks,
        –Mikhail

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  18. emriyaz

    Hi Mikhail, Reading Scrum Guide, questions keep triggering 🙂

    As part of CI , Sprint Backlog should at least include one high priority process improvement identified from Retrospective meeting. Also, during Sprint Retrospective DoD should be adapted with one identified improvement. I am confused where should the process improvement be included, to Sprint backlog or DoD. Could you Pls explain.

    Thanks in advance.
    Riaz.

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    1. mlapshin (Post author)

      Hi Riaz,

      At the Sprint Retro the team discusses all possible process improvements they can think of (for example, start using a new issue tracking system). They should order them by priority and add at least the first one into the next Sprint Backlog.

      The Retrospective is a a formal opportunity to focus on inspection and adaptation. It is the best time to adapt the definition of “Done”. However, if the DoD is already good, there is no point in changing it. It is an optional action.

      Thanks,
      –Mikhail

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      1. emriyaz

        Thanks Mikhail, got my doubt cleared 🙂

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  19. kr5756066

    Question: A Scrum Team must have at least one Release Sprint: Yes/No

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    1. agiledoctor

      hi Mikhail
      I passed PSM1 today 97.5% in 1st attempt. Your Scrum Quizzes are very very helpful. howeer i need some help about two false questions. The themes are artefacts and scrum values. I did not find these two questions, however I thought I answered just the 80 questions. I did not get 100% because of these two questions on the two themes (artifacts and scrum’s value) do you have any idea on the difficult questions for these two themes? thanks you

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  20. Delia

    Hi Mikhail,
    Hope you are doing well. Last month I had PSPOI and had a question on: True of false: A properly functioning Scrum Team will have at least one Release Sprint and may well have several.
    could you please share with me your aswner ?
    I found different asnwers from different sources and it’s confusing.
    Thanks a lot.

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