A Sprint Goal gives the Developers one shared, specific objective, which keeps them focused and working together. It does not guarantee that every selected item gets built.
Exam Question
Why do the Developers need a Sprint Goal? (choose the best answer)
- A. Sprint Goals are not valuable. Everything is known from the Product Backlog.
- B. The Developers are more focused with a common yet specific goal.
- C. A Sprint Goal only gives purpose to Sprint 0.
- D. A Sprint Goal ensures that all of the Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint are implemented.
Correct Answer
B. The Developers are more focused with a common yet specific goal.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide calls the Sprint Goal “the single objective for the Sprint.” It also says the Sprint Goal “creates coherence and focus, encouraging the Scrum Team to work together rather than on separate initiatives.” With a clear goal, the Developers can make trade-offs during the Sprint. If some work turns out bigger than expected, they talk with the Product Owner and adjust scope while still meeting the goal. Without a goal, the Sprint Backlog is just a list of tasks, and people tend to work on their own items in isolation.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. Sprint Goals are not valuable because the Product Backlog says it all. The Product Backlog lists options. The Sprint Goal explains why this Sprint matters and is a required commitment.
C. A Sprint Goal only gives purpose to Sprint 0. Scrum has no Sprint 0. Every Sprint has a Sprint Goal.
D. A Sprint Goal ensures all selected items are implemented. The Sprint Goal is the commitment, not the full list of items. Scope can be renegotiated to protect the goal.
Exam Tip
Any option claiming something “ensures” all scope gets delivered is a red flag. Scrum treats the selected items as a forecast and the Sprint Goal as the commitment.
Key Takeaways
- The Sprint Goal is the single objective of a Sprint.
- It creates focus and encourages teamwork.
- Selected items can change, the goal stays.
Get ready for the official PSM I exam
480 PSM I practice questions, each with an in-depth explanation like the one above.
- Practice Mode: study at your own pace and choose the test length.
- Mock Exam Mode: 80 random questions in 60 minutes, like the real exam.
$29 is ScrumPrep's one-time price. The official PSM I exam fee ($200) is paid separately to Scrum.org.
More PSM I exam questions
- How much of the Sprint Backlog must be defined during the Sprint Planning event?” (PSM I)
- True or False: The Sprint Backlog is a result of Sprint Planning, and it includes the Sprint Goal.” (PSM I)
- Answering “True or False: The Sprint Goal is selected before the Sprint Backlog is created
- Which of the following are appropriate topics for discussion during a Sprint Retrospective?” (PSM I)
- Developers are self-managing, which of the following do they manage?” (PSM I)