Quick Answer
The correct answer is pair programming and test-driven development, as these are two of the core practices of Extreme Programming (XP). XP is an agile methodology focused on technical excellence and rapid feedback, and its core practices include pair programming—where two developers work together at one workstation—and test-driven development (TDD), which requires writing a failing test before writing production code. On the Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish XP practices from Scrum ceremonies; a common trap is confusing XP’s technical practices with Scrum’s events like retrospectives or sprint reviews. To remember, think of XP as a “coding discipline” that emphasizes hands-on development techniques, while Scrum focuses on team roles and time-boxed events. A useful memory tip: XP’s core practices are all about how you write code, not how you plan or review it.
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of agile frameworks and methodologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO are core practices of Extreme Programming (XP)?
Sprint review.
Why wrong: Sprint review is a Scrum ceremony.
Test-driven development (TDD).
TDD is a core XP practice where tests are written before code.
Pair programming.
Pair programming is an XP practice where two programmers work together.
Product backlog grooming.
Why wrong: Backlog grooming is common in Scrum but not a specific XP practice.
Retrospectives.
Why wrong: Retrospectives are a Scrum ceremony.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Test-driven development (TDD).
Pair programming (A) and test-driven development (C) are core XP practices. Retrospectives (B) and sprint review (D) are Scrum ceremonies. Product backlog grooming (E) is common in Scrum but not a defined XP practice.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Sprint review.
Why it's wrong here
Sprint review is a Scrum ceremony.
Test-driven development (TDD).
Why this is correct
TDD is a core XP practice where tests are written before code.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Pair programming.
Why this is correct
Pair programming is an XP practice where two programmers work together.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Product backlog grooming.
Why it's wrong here
Backlog grooming is common in Scrum but not a specific XP practice.
Retrospectives.
Why it's wrong here
Retrospectives are a Scrum ceremony.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CAPM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CAPM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Agile Frameworks and Methodologies — This question tests Agile Frameworks and Methodologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Test-driven development (TDD). — Pair programming (A) and test-driven development (C) are core XP practices. Retrospectives (B) and sprint review (D) are Scrum ceremonies. Product backlog grooming (E) is common in Scrum but not a defined XP practice.
Identify which CAPM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which practice is a key component of Extreme Programming (XP)?
mediumWhy A: Pair programming is a core XP practice where two developers work together at one workstation. Sprint Review (A) is Scrum, Backlog Grooming (C) is common in Scrum, and Velocity Tracking (D) is a measurement used in various methodologies.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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