Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Scrum Foundations and Agile Mindset Syllabus

In the Cynefin 'Complex' domain, what is the recommended approach?

Probe–Sense–Respond: run safe-to-fail experiments because cause and effect are only clear in hindsight (emergent practice). This is where Scrum fits best.

In the Cynefin 'Complicated' domain, what is the approach and who is needed?

Sense–Analyze–Respond using good practice; cause and effect require expertise/analysis, so experts are needed (the domain of 'known unknowns').

In the Cynefin 'Clear/Obvious' domain, what is the approach?

Sense–Categorize–Respond using best practice; cause and effect are obvious to everyone.

In the Cynefin 'Chaotic' domain, what is the approach?

Act–Sense–Respond; there is no clear cause-and-effect relationship, so act first to establish order, then sense and respond (novel practice).

Which Cynefin domain is Scrum specifically designed to address?

The Complex domain, where requirements and solutions emerge and an empirical, experimental approach is needed.

How does the Scrum Guide define Scrum?

A lightweight framework that helps people, teams, and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems.

Is Scrum a methodology, a process, or a framework?

Scrum is a lightweight framework, not a complete methodology or process; it is purposely incomplete and must be complemented with other practices.

What is the stated purpose of Scrum?

To help people and teams deliver value incrementally in a collaborative way, addressing complex adaptive problems through empiricism.

What does it mean that Scrum is 'immutable'?

While implementing only parts of Scrum is possible, the result is not Scrum; Scrum exists only in its entirety and functions well as a container for other techniques.

What are the five Scrum Values?

Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, and Courage.

What does the Scrum Value of Commitment mean?

The Scrum Team commits to achieving its goals and to supporting each other.

What does the Scrum Value of Focus mean?

The team's primary focus is on the work of the Sprint to make the best possible progress toward the Sprint Goal.

What does the Scrum Value of Openness mean?

The Scrum Team and its stakeholders are open about the work and the challenges they face.

What does the Scrum Value of Respect mean?

Scrum Team members respect each other to be capable, independent people, and are respected as such by the people with whom they work.

What does the Scrum Value of Courage mean?

Scrum Team members have the courage to do the right thing and to work on tough problems.

Why are the Scrum Values important?

When embodied by the Scrum Team, the values build trust and bring the empirical pillars of transparency, inspection, and adaptation to life.

What is the difference between iterative and incremental delivery?

Iterative means repeating cycles to refine and improve the product through feedback; incremental means building and delivering the product in small, usable pieces (increments). Scrum uses both together.

What is an 'Increment' in Scrum?

A concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal; each Increment is additive to all prior Increments, thoroughly verified, and must be usable (meet the Definition of Done).

Why does Scrum favor short iterations (Sprints)?

To limit risk and cost to one iteration's worth of effort, generate frequent feedback, and enable inspection and adaptation of both the product and the process.

What is a self-managing (self-organizing) Scrum Team?

A team that internally decides who does the work, how it is done, and when, rather than being directed by people outside the team.

What does 'cross-functional' mean for a Scrum Team?

The team has all the skills necessary to create value each Sprint without depending on others outside the team.

What is the typical size of a Scrum Team according to the Scrum Guide?

Typically 10 or fewer people; small enough to remain nimble and large enough to complete significant work within a Sprint.

Does a Scrum Team have sub-teams or hierarchies?

No. The Scrum Team is one cohesive unit of professionals focused on one Product Goal, with no sub-teams or internal hierarchies.

What types of problems is Scrum best suited for?

Complex, adaptive problems with high uncertainty in requirements and technology, where outcomes are unpredictable and learning emerges through doing.

For what kinds of work is Scrum a poor fit?

Simple, repetitive, or highly predictable work where requirements are stable and fully known up front — defined processes are more efficient there.

Can Scrum be used outside of software development?

Yes. Although it originated in software, Scrum is used in research, sales, marketing, hardware, education, government, and other domains for complex work.

What is a common misconception about Scrum and documentation?

That Scrum means no documentation. In reality, Scrum values working software over comprehensive documentation but does not eliminate necessary documentation.

What is a common misconception about the Scrum Master being a manager?

That the Scrum Master is a project manager or boss who assigns tasks. In fact the Scrum Master is a servant-leader/true leader who serves the team and removes impediments, with no authority to assign work.

What is a common misconception about Scrum and planning?

That Scrum means no planning. In reality Scrum plans continuously (Sprint Planning, Backlog refinement, Daily Scrum) rather than doing all planning up front.

What is the misconception that 'Scrum is the same as Agile'?

Agile is a mindset defined by the Manifesto's values and principles; Scrum is one specific framework that implements Agile. Being 'Scrum' does not automatically make an organization Agile, and Agile is broader than Scrum.