Answering: “True or False: Cross-functional teams are optimized to work on one technical layer of a system only (e.g. GUI, database, middle tier, interfaces).”

False. Cross-functional teams have all the skills to deliver value across every layer of a system. A team that only works on one layer depends on others to finish anything usable.

Exam Question

True or False: Cross-functional teams are optimized to work on one technical layer of a system only (e.g. GUI, database, middle tier, interfaces).

• A. True
• B. False

Correct Answer

B. False

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says “Scrum Teams are cross-functional, meaning the members have all the skills necessary to create value each Sprint.” Value for users usually needs changes through several layers at once, such as the interface, the logic and the data. A team limited to one layer can only produce partial pieces that someone else must integrate. That creates hand-offs, delays and integration risk, and it stops the team from delivering a usable Increment on its own. Cross-functional teams are organized around delivering value end to end, not around a technical component.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. True This describes a component team. Such a team cannot create a usable Increment by itself, which is the opposite of cross-functional.

Exam Tip

If an option ties a Scrum Team to one technical layer or specialty, it describes a component team and is wrong.

Key Takeaways

• Cross-functional means able to deliver value end to end.
• Single-layer teams create hand-offs and integration risk.
• A Scrum Team should produce a usable Increment by itself.