CAPM Agile Frameworks and Methodologies Practice Question
A startup is using Scrum to develop a mobile app. The product owner has a clear vision and has written detailed user stories for the first release. During sprint planning, the development team estimates that they can complete 40 story points per sprint. However, after two sprints, the team has only completed 30 points per sprint. The product owner is concerned and wants to hold the team accountable. The team says that the estimates were optimistic and that they are still learning the technology. The Scrum Master notices that the team is not using pair programming or test-driven development (TDD) as originally planned. The product owner suggests reducing scope for the next sprint to match the team’s actual velocity. The Scrum Master must decide the best way to proceed. What should the Scrum Master do?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse a target velocity with actual velocity, leading candidates to choose options that enforce accountability or impose practices, rather than using empirical data to adjust planning.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Encourage the product owner to use the actual velocity of 30 as the basis for future sprint planning
The Scrum Master should use empirical data (actual velocity of 30 story points) to guide future sprint planning, not the initial optimistic estimate. This aligns with the Agile principle of transparency and adapting based on real team performance, especially when the team is still learning the technology. The product owner can then adjust scope realistically, avoiding overcommitment and fostering trust.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the team lead to send a message about accountability
Why it's wrong here
Blaming individuals is not agile; the system (estimates, process) needs improvement.
- ✓
Encourage the product owner to use the actual velocity of 30 as the basis for future sprint planning
Why this is correct
Using empirical data (actual velocity) leads to more realistic planning and reduces pressure on the team.
- ✗
Set a goal of 40 story points and ask the team to be more productive
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring actual velocity and setting unachievable goals will demotivate the team and lead to further underdelivery.
- ✗
Insist that the team adopt pair programming and TDD immediately to improve productivity
Why it's wrong here
While helpful, these practices may initially decrease velocity; they are not a quick fix for the planning issue.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.