The Scrum Master does not have to attend the Daily Scrum. Their job is to make sure the Developers hold it and understand its purpose, not to collect status or track tasks.
Exam Question
What is the main reason for the Scrum Master to be at the Daily Scrum? (choose the best answer)
- A. To write down any changes to the Sprint Backlog, including adding new items, and tracking progress on the burn-down.
- B. They do not have to be there; they only need to ensure the Developers have a Daily Scrum.
- C. To make sure every team member answers the three questions.
- D. To gather status and progress information to report to management.
Correct Answer
B. They do not have to be there; they only need to ensure the Developers have a Daily Scrum.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide describes the Daily Scrum as “a 15-minute event for the Developers of the Scrum Team.” The Scrum Master and Product Owner take part as Developers only if they are actively working on Sprint Backlog items. The Scrum Master’s accountability is the team’s effectiveness and establishing Scrum as defined. In practice that means teaching the Developers why the event matters and coaching them to keep it within 15 minutes, focused on progress toward the Sprint Goal. Once the Developers run it well, the Scrum Master’s presence is optional. The Developers can use any structure they like as long as it produces an actionable plan for the next day.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. Write down Sprint Backlog changes and track the burndown. The Developers own and update the Sprint Backlog. The Scrum Master is not their scribe.
C. Make sure everyone answers the three questions. The three questions are optional in the 2020 Scrum Guide. The Developers choose their own structure.
D. Gather status for management. The Daily Scrum is a planning event for the Developers, not a reporting channel.
Exam Tip
Older practice materials often mention the three questions. The 2020 Scrum Guide removed them, so any option that makes them mandatory is outdated.
Key Takeaways
- The Daily Scrum is for the Developers.
- The Scrum Master ensures it happens but need not attend.
- The three questions are optional.
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More PSM I exam questions
- Why is the Daily Scrum held at the same time and same place?” (PSM I)
- When is the Sprint Backlog created?” (PSM I)
- What should the Scrum Team do during the first Sprint?” (PSM I)
- True or False: The purpose of a Sprint is to produce a valuable, useful Increment.” (PSM I)
- What activities would a Product Owner typically undertake in the phase between the end of the current Sprint and the start of the next Sprint?” (PSM I)