Yes, every Scrum Team has a Product Owner and a Scrum Master. They do not have to be dedicated to one team, but splitting their time across responsibilities can affect the team’s performance.
Exam Question
Every Scrum Team must have a Product Owner and Scrum Master. (choose the best answer)
- A. No.
- B. Yes, and they must be 100% dedicated to each team.
- C. Yes, and each Scrum Team’s performance may be affected by their degree of participation as influenced by any other responsibilities (e.g., other teams for which they are also the SM or PO).
Correct Answer
C. Yes, and each Scrum Team’s performance may be affected by their degree of participation as influenced by any other responsibilities (e.g., other teams for which they are also the SM or PO).
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide says “The fundamental unit of Scrum is a small team of people, a Scrum Team. The Scrum Team consists of one Scrum Master, one Product Owner, and Developers.” So both accountabilities must be filled. The Guide does not say these people must work full-time for a single team. A Product Owner often serves several teams working on the same product, and a Scrum Master may support more than one team. The trade-off is real, though. Less availability can mean slower answers, weaker coaching and less collaboration, so the organization should be honest about that cost.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. No. The Scrum Team is defined as including one Product Owner and one Scrum Master. Without them it is not a Scrum Team.
B. Yes, and they must be 100% dedicated to each team. Scrum does not require full dedication. One Product Owner commonly works with multiple teams on one product.
Exam Tip
When an answer has a qualifier that admits real-world trade-offs, it often beats an absolute answer. Scrum.org favors nuance over “must be 100%”.
Key Takeaways
- Every Scrum Team has one Product Owner and one Scrum Master.
- Neither must be dedicated to one team only.
- Divided attention has a cost the team should make visible.
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More PSM I exam questions
- When must the Product Owner participate in the Daily Scrum?” (PSM I)
- Who starts the Daily Scrum?
- How is management that is external to the Scrum Team involved in the Daily Scrum?” (PSM I)
- Which of the following are topics for the Developers to discuss at the Daily Scrum as they inspect their progress toward the Sprint Goal?” (PSM I)
- The Daily Scrum is an event that happens every day. What would be three key concerns if the frequency were to be lowered to every two or three days?” (PSM I)