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SSM Defining the Scrum Master / Team Coach Role Practice Question

How does the Scrum Master support the Product Owner (PO) during the preparation for PI Planning?

⚠ Common exam trap

Candidates often think the Scrum Master should write the Stories for the PO or that they have no role in backlog preparation at all.

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

✓

By ensuring the Team Backlog is refined and that the team understands the upcoming priorities.

The Scrum Master and Product Owner have a symbiotic relationship. While the PO focuses on content and value, the Scrum Master ensures the process is followed and the backlog is healthy. Supporting the PO in refinement and ensuring the team is prepared helps the entire Agile Release Train have a more successful and efficient planning event.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✗

    By writing the technical acceptance criteria for all the Features in the Program Backlog.

    Why it's wrong here

    Writing technical acceptance criteria is usually the responsibility of the Product Owner, often in collaboration with the developers and System Architects. The Scrum Master ensures that criteria exist and are clear, but they do not typically author them, as they lack the specific product context.

  • ✓

    By ensuring the Team Backlog is refined and that the team understands the upcoming priorities.

    Why this is correct

    The Scrum Master facilitates the refinement process, ensuring the team and PO are aligned before PI Planning. This preparation is critical because it allows the team to plan effectively during the event, identifying risks and dependencies early rather than spending the time trying to understand the work.

  • ✗

    By selecting the Business Value scores for the team's PI Objectives before the event starts.

    Why it's wrong here

    Business Value scores are assigned by the Business Owners during PI Planning, not by the Scrum Master or the PO beforehand. This process ensures that the team's objectives are aligned with the actual business needs and priorities as perceived by the leadership of the ART.

  • ✗

    By acting as the primary point of contact for all stakeholder requests to keep the PO focused.

    Why it's wrong here

    The Product Owner is the primary point of contact for stakeholders regarding product content. While the Scrum Master helps manage the process, they should not isolate the PO from stakeholders, as this would prevent the PO from gathering the necessary feedback and context to prioritize effectively.

Visual reference

Client DHCP Server 1 Discover (broadcast) 2 Offer (IP: 192.168.1.10) 3 Request (I accept) 4 Acknowledge (lease confirmed) DORA — the four-step DHCP lease process

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JA

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.