SSM Introducing Scrum in SAFe Practice Question
A Scrum Master is introducing Scrum to a team that is new to SAFe and wants to clarify how the team-level events fit the broader cadence. Which two statements accurately describe how Scrum is applied within SAFe? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is conflating the System Demo with the team's Iteration Review or shifting Product Owner accountabilities onto the Scrum Master, both of which misread how Scrum operates inside SAFe.
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
✓
The team keeps the Scrum events, and their cadence is aligned to the iteration and the PI cadence of the Agile Release Train.
In SAFe, teams keep the Scrum events but align their cadence to the iteration and the Program Increment, and the Scrum Master serves as a servant leader who facilitates events, coaches Agile practices, and helps remove impediments. Backlog ownership stays with the Product Owner, the Iteration Review is retained alongside the System Demo, and Iteration Goals are set by the team.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The team's Iteration Review is replaced by the System Demo, so the team no longer inspects its own increment.
Why it's wrong here
The System Demo shows the integrated solution from all teams on the train, but it does not replace the team's Iteration Review. Each team still inspects its own working increment with its stakeholders during the Iteration Review and adapts its Team Backlog. Removing the team-level review would eliminate valuable local feedback and weaken transparency.
- ✓
The team keeps the Scrum events, and their cadence is aligned to the iteration and the PI cadence of the Agile Release Train.
Why this is correct
SAFe builds on Scrum at the team level, so teams retain the Scrum events while aligning their timing to the iteration and the Program Increment. This alignment lets the team's work integrate with the train's System Demos, PI Planning, and Inspect and Adapt. It is a defining characteristic of how Scrum operates inside SAFe rather than in isolation.
- ✗
The Scrum Master owns the Team Backlog and prioritizes user stories for the team during Iteration Planning.
Why it's wrong here
Backlog ownership and prioritization belong to the Product Owner, not the Scrum Master. In SAFe the Product Owner manages and prioritizes the Team Backlog, while the Scrum Master coaches the team and removes impediments. Assigning prioritization to the Scrum Master would blur accountabilities and conflict with the Product Owner role described in SAFe.
- ✗
The Scrum Master sets the team's Iteration Goals and reports them to the Release Train Engineer on the team's behalf.
Why it's wrong here
Iteration Goals are created collaboratively by the team, with the Product Owner providing context and priority. The Scrum Master facilitates the process but does not set goals unilaterally or own reporting to the Release Train Engineer. Imposing goals or acting as the team's spokesperson undermines self-management, which SAFe expects teams to exercise.
- ✓
The Scrum Master serves the team by facilitating events, coaching Agile practices, and helping remove impediments that block progress.
Why this is correct
Within SAFe, the Scrum Master is a servant leader and coach who facilitates team events, teaches Agile and Scrum practices, and helps the team remove impediments. This supports the team's ability to deliver value each iteration and to participate effectively in ART events. It reflects the coaching and facilitation accountabilities expected of the role.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Scaled Agile exam blueprint
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