CSM Service to the Product Owner Practice Question
A Product Owner frequently changes the order of Product Backlog items mid-Sprint, causing the Developers to lose focus on the Sprint Goal. The Scrum Master wants to help the Product Owner understand the impact of these changes. Which action best serves the Product Owner in this situation?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming the Scrum Master should protect the Sprint by restricting the Product Owner's ability to reorder the backlog, rather than coaching them on the impact of their actions.
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
✓
Coach the Product Owner on how ordering decisions affect the Developers' ability to meet the Sprint Goal, and suggest they collaborate with the Developers before making significant changes.
The Scrum Master serves the Product Owner by coaching them on how backlog ordering affects the Developers' focus and Sprint Goal. Encouraging collaboration with the Developers helps the Product Owner make better decisions without undermining their authority. This approach fosters understanding and self-management, aligning with Scrum values.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Instruct the Developers to ignore any changes to the Product Backlog during the Sprint and continue working on the original plan.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the Developers should not ignore the Product Owner; the Scrum Master should not instruct them to disregard legitimate input. The Sprint Goal provides focus, but the Product Owner may still adjust the backlog for future Sprints. This action undermines collaboration and the Product Owner's role.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to senior management so they can remind the Product Owner of the importance of a stable Sprint.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because escalation is not the Scrum Master's first approach; it damages trust and bypasses coaching. The Scrum Master serves the Product Owner by helping them understand Scrum principles, not by involving management to enforce stability. Escalation should be a last resort after other coaching efforts fail.
- ✓
Coach the Product Owner on how ordering decisions affect the Developers' ability to meet the Sprint Goal, and suggest they collaborate with the Developers before making significant changes.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the Scrum Master serves the Product Owner by coaching them on how their backlog ordering impacts the Developers' focus and Sprint Goal. Encouraging collaboration helps the Product Owner make informed decisions while respecting the Sprint's integrity. It addresses the root cause without imposing control, aligning with Scrum's empirical approach.
- ✗
Ask the Product Owner to stop changing the Product Backlog during the Sprint and only make changes between Sprints.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because it imposes a rule that Scrum does not mandate. The Product Owner can change the Product Backlog at any time, though changes during a Sprint should not jeopardize the Sprint Goal. The Scrum Master should facilitate understanding rather than dictate restrictions.
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 Scrum Alliance exam blueprint
This CSM practice question is part of Courseiva's free Scrum Alliance 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 CSM exam.