Answering: “Which two of the following are true about the Scrum Master?” (PSD)

The Scrum Master helps people outside the team interact with the Scrum Team and teaches the team to work within timeboxes. Assigning tasks, updating burndowns and judging what is done belong to others.

Exam Question

Which two of the following are true about the Scrum Master?
(choose the best two answers)
A. The Scrum Master assigns tasks to Developers when they need work.
B. The Scrum Master helps those outside the team interact with the Scrum Team.
C. The Scrum Master teaches the Scrum Team to use timeboxes.
D. The Scrum Master is responsible for updating the Sprint Burndown.
E. At the Sprint Review, the Scrum Master identifies what work is done and not done.

Correct Answer

B and C.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The 2020 Scrum Guide describes the Scrum Master as serving the Scrum Team, the Product Owner and the wider organization. Toward the organization, one service is “Removing barriers between stakeholders and Scrum Teams.” That is option B: helping outsiders understand which interactions with the team are useful. Toward the team, the Scrum Master ensures that all Scrum events take place, are positive and productive, and are kept within the timebox. Teaching the team why timeboxes matter and how to respect them is option C. Both are teaching and enabling activities, which fits the Scrum Master’s accountability for establishing Scrum as defined in the Guide.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Assigns tasks to Developers when they need work. Developers are self-managing and decide who does what. A Scrum Master who assigns tasks undermines that.

D. Is responsible for updating the Sprint Burndown. The Sprint Backlog belongs to the Developers, and burndowns are optional. If one is used, the Developers keep it current.

E. Identifies done and not done work at the Sprint Review. Whether work is done is judged against the Definition of Done by the Scrum Team. The Scrum Master is not the inspector of the Increment.

Exam Tip

When an option gives the Scrum Master control over the team’s work, such as tasks, tracking or acceptance, it is almost always wrong. Look for teaching, coaching and removing barriers.

Key Takeaways

• The Scrum Master removes barriers between stakeholders and the Scrum Team.
• Teaching timeboxes is part of the Scrum Master’s job.
• The Developers own task choice and progress tracking.