SSM Defining the Scrum Master / Team Coach Role Practice Question
Which role on the Agile Release Train does the Scrum Master collaborate with most closely to resolve cross-team impediments?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates choose 'System Architect' or 'Product Manager' because they are leadership roles, but the RTE is the specific role dedicated to managing the train's process and impediments.
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 Release Train Engineer (RTE), who facilitates the ART and removes program-level obstacles.
The Release Train Engineer (RTE) is the 'Chief Scrum Master' for the ART. When a Scrum Master identifies an impediment that is outside the team's control or involves multiple teams, they work with the RTE to escalate and resolve it. This collaboration ensures that the train's overall flow is maintained and that systemic issues are addressed.
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 System Architect, to ensure the technical solution is robust enough to handle the blocker.
Why it's wrong here
While the System Architect helps with technical issues, they are not the primary role for resolving general organizational or cross-team impediments. The Scrum Master works with them on technical blockers, but the broader responsibility for train-level flow and impediment removal lies with the Release Train Engineer.
- ✓
The Release Train Engineer (RTE), who facilitates the ART and removes program-level obstacles.
Why this is correct
The RTE is the Scrum Master's primary partner at the program level. They provide guidance, facilitate the ART sync, and have the authority to address issues that span multiple teams. This partnership is essential for the Scrum Master to effectively protect their team from external disruptions and systemic bottlenecks.
- ✗
The Product Manager, to reprioritize the Feature so the impediment is no longer relevant.
Why it's wrong here
Reprioritization is a way to avoid an impediment, but it doesn't resolve it. The Scrum Master's job is to clear the path for the team's current commitment. While Product Management is involved in scope discussions, the RTE is the correct role for facilitating the actual removal of the obstacle.
- ✗
The Business Owner, to gain the necessary funding to hire more resources for the team.
Why it's wrong here
Hiring more resources is a long-term organizational decision and rarely the immediate solution for an Iteration-level impediment. Business Owners are stakeholders in the PI results, but the Scrum Master should work through the ART's established leadership (the RTE) before escalating to the Business Owners.
Visual reference
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.