SSM Introducing Scrum in SAFe Practice Question
A new Agile Release Train (ART) is struggling to synchronize their iterations. The Scrum Master notices that teams are working on different cadences, which hinders the System Demo. What is the most effective approach to resolve this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often suggest local solutions like 'better communication' or 'staggered meetings,' failing to recognize that SAFe mandates synchronized cadences across the entire ART for effective integration and demonstration.
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
✓
Align all teams to the same iteration start and end dates within the program.
SAFe requires all teams on an ART to operate on the same cadence and synchronization to facilitate planning, integration, and the System Demo. By forcing a common iteration length, the train ensures that dependencies are managed effectively and that the entire system can be integrated and evaluated regularly. This consistency is a foundational requirement for successful program execution in the SAFe framework.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Allow teams to choose their own iteration lengths to maximize local productivity.
Why it's wrong here
Allowing teams to choose different cadence lengths breaks the core principle of synchronization within the ART. Without a shared cadence, the System Demo becomes impossible to conduct effectively, leading to integration delays and preventing the team from validating the value increment against the Program Increment objectives established during PI Planning.
- ✗
Extend the iteration length for teams that are falling behind their velocity targets.
Why it's wrong here
Extending iteration lengths is a temporary fix that obscures underlying process issues rather than solving the synchronization problem. It disrupts the ART cadence and prevents the team from participating in the bi-weekly system demos, which are essential for receiving rapid feedback and maintaining alignment with the overall program goals.
- ✓
Align all teams to the same iteration start and end dates within the program.
Why this is correct
Synchronizing all teams to the same cadence is mandatory for SAFe. This alignment enables the System Demo, simplifies dependency management, and allows the ART to maintain a predictable delivery rhythm. It ensures that every team contributes their work for integration at the same time, preventing bottlenecks and late-stage integration conflicts.
- ✗
Request that teams increase their velocity to match the fastest team on the train.
Why it's wrong here
Focusing on velocity increases rather than synchronization creates pressure that often leads to technical debt and quality issues. Velocity is a measure of capacity, not a goal for coordination. Synchronizing cadences, rather than output rates, is the primary mechanism for ensuring that teams can effectively integrate their work during the PI.
Visual reference
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Scaled Agile exam blueprint
This SSM practice question is part of Courseiva's free Scaled Agile 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 SSM exam.