SSM Supporting ART Events Practice Question
What is the primary reason the Scrum Master encourages the team to reserve capacity during the Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often suggest using the IP iteration for 'catch-up' work or finishing delayed features, which contradicts the core purpose of innovation and 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
✓
To allow for innovation, continuing education, and PI Planning preparation.
The IP Iteration provides a buffer for the ART and time for activities that are difficult to fit into a regular execution iteration. The Scrum Master must protect this time to ensure the ART remains healthy, teams can continue learning, and the upcoming PI Planning event is properly prepared.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
To provide extra time to finish stories from the previous iteration.
Why it's wrong here
While the IP iteration can absorb some overflow, it should not be planned as a 'buffer' for incomplete work. If the team consistently uses IP time for unfinished stories, it indicates a problem with their iteration planning and prevents them from participating in innovation and training activities.
- ✗
To allow the Product Owner to add new features for immediate delivery.
Why it's wrong here
The IP iteration is not for delivering new customer-facing features. Adding work here defeats the purpose of the iteration, which is to allow for innovation, education, and planning. It would also likely lead to poor quality as the teams rush to finish work before PI Planning.
- ✓
To allow for innovation, continuing education, and PI Planning preparation.
Why this is correct
The IP iteration is specifically designed for non-feature work that supports the long-term health of the ART. This includes time for the team to innovate, learn new skills, and prepare the artifacts and context needed for a successful PI Planning session in the following week.
- ✗
To give the team a vacation before the next high-pressure PI begins.
Why it's wrong here
The IP iteration is still a working iteration, not a vacation. While it offers a change of pace, the activities are structured and essential for the ART's success. The Scrum Master ensures the team stays productive on these specific IP activities rather than treating it as idle time.
About these practice questions
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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.