Scaled Agile SSM (6.0) - SAFe Scrum Master Exam Practice Test

Answer : A

One benefit of having an IP Iteration every PI is that it creates an estimating buffer for meeting PI objectives. PI objectives are a set of SMART goals that align the teams and stakeholders to a common vision and mission for the upcoming Program Increment (PI).They are derived from the business context, priorities, and dependencies, and are agreed upon and committed by the teams during PI Planning1However, since PI objectives are based on estimates and assumptions, there is always a degree of uncertainty and variability in the delivery process. To account for this, SAFe recommends that teams reserve 10% of their capacity for each PI as an estimating buffer.This buffer is used during the IP Iteration, which is a unique, dedicated iteration that occurs every PI and provides dedicated time for innovation, continuing education, PI Planning, and Inspect and Adapt events2By having an IP Iteration as an estimating buffer, the teams can improve the predictability and flow of value delivery, as well as reduce the stress and pressure of meeting the PI objectives23(Must be taken from SAFe 6 Scrum Master resources)

PI Objectives - Scaled Agile Framework

Innovation and Planning Iteration - Scaled Agile Framework

SAFe Scrum Master Course Outline

Answer : B

Norming is the stage of team development where team members stop focusing on their own goals and begin focusing on developing better ways of working together.Norming occurs after the team has gone through the Forming and Storming stages, where they have established their roles and responsibilities, and have resolved their initial conflicts and disagreements12In the Norming stage, the team starts to build trust, respect, and cohesion among themselves.They also align on a common vision, mission, and goals, and agree on the norms and expectations for their collaboration and communication12The team becomes more productive, efficient, and effective, as they leverage their collective strengths and skills, and support each other in overcoming challenges and delivering value12The team also develops a sense of identity and pride, and celebrates their achievements and learnings12(Must be taken from SAFe 6 Scrum Master resources)

Agile Teams - Scaled Agile Framework

5 Stages of Team Development | Agile Scrum Guide | Book | Blog

Answer : D

One benefit of PI Planning is that it allows for faster decision-making by bringing together all the members of the Agile Release Train (ART) and the relevant stakeholders in a face-to-face (or virtual) event. PI Planning provides an opportunity for the ART to align on a common vision and mission, review the business context and priorities, identify and resolve dependencies and risks, and commit to a realistic and achievable plan for the next Program Increment (PI). By having everyone involved in the planning process, the ART can leverage the collective knowledge and expertise of the participants, reduce ambiguity and uncertainty, and make informed and timely decisions that support the delivery of value to the customers. (Must be taken from SAFe 6 Scrum Master resources)

PI Planning - Scaled Agile Framework

Planning Interval (PI) - Scaled Agile Framework

Preparing for PI Planning | Checklist for Scrum Masters and Product ...

Scrum Master - Scaled Agile Framework

Scrum Master role in PI Planning - ValueGlide

Answer : D

One Iteration Retrospective anti-pattern is when the team only brings up issues that are outside of their control to address, such as organizational policies, external dependencies, or stakeholder expectations.This can lead to frustration, helplessness, and cynicism among the team members, as well as a loss of focus on their own improvement opportunities12(Must be taken from SAFe 6 Scrum Master resources)

Iteration Retrospective - Scaled Agile Framework

21 Sprint Retrospective Anti-Patterns | Scrum.org

Answer : C

According to SAFe, one output of a successful Iteration Retrospective is the creation of a few improvement Stories that enter the Team Backlog for the next iteration. These stories reflect the team's agreement on what they can do better in terms of their process, practices, and performance. The improvement stories are visible and prioritized along with the other stories in the backlog. They help the team implement the concept of relentless improvement, which is one of the core values of SAFe.

Answer : B

One recommended practice for Scrum Masters/Team Coaches when coaching teams on presenting a draft plan at PI Planning is to align on how the team will answer questions about their proposed objectives. This practice helps the team to prepare for the feedback and input they will receive from the business owners, product management, and other teams and stakeholders during the draft plan review. The team should agree on who will present the objectives, how they will explain the business value and technical feasibility, and how they will handle any objections or concerns. The team should also rehearse their presentation and anticipate potential questions and scenarios. By aligning on how to answer questions, the team can increase their confidence and clarity, and demonstrate their commitment and alignment to the vision and goals of the ART.

PI Planning - Scaled Agile Framework

Presenting PI Planning Draft and Final Plan Reviews Virtually

SAFe Scrum Master/Team Coach - Scaled Agile Framework

Answer : C

PI Planning is one of the events that aligns teams on a train. PI Planning is a cadence-based event for the entire Agile Release Train (ART) that aligns teams and stakeholders to a shared mission and vision. PI Planning provides an opportunity for the ART to review the business context and priorities, identify and resolve dependencies and risks, and commit to a realistic and achievable plan for the next Program Increment (PI).PI Planning is essential to SAFe: If you are not doing it, you are not doing SAFe1(Must be taken from SAFe 6 Scrum Master resources)

PI Planning - Scaled Agile Framework

Planning Interval (PI) - Scaled Agile Framework

Preparing for PI Planning | Checklist for Scrum Masters and Product ...

Scrum Master - Scaled Agile Framework

SAFe 6.0 Scrum Master Certification (SSM) Course - Vinsys