CSM Scrum Master Core Competencies Practice Question
During the Sprint Planning, the team is struggling to agree on a Sprint Goal. What is the Scrum Master's role?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often believe the Scrum Master should write the Sprint Goal for the team or force a specific objective to save time during 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
✓
Facilitate a discussion to find a common objective.
The Scrum Master facilitates the conversation to ensure the team aligns on the value they intend to deliver. A clear Sprint Goal provides focus and direction. Without it, the team is just a group of individuals working on tasks, rather than a cohesive unit working towards a shared outcome, which is essential for maximizing the value delivered during the Sprint.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Choose the Sprint Goal for them.
Why it's wrong here
The team must define the goal, as they are the ones who must commit to achieving it. Imposing a goal leads to lack of ownership and potential failure. The Scrum Master should act as a facilitator, not a dictator, guiding the team toward a goal they believe in and can achieve.
- ✓
Facilitate a discussion to find a common objective.
Why this is correct
Facilitating a discussion ensures that every team member's perspective is considered, leading to a meaningful and shared Sprint Goal. This commitment is vital for the team to stay motivated and aligned when faced with obstacles during the Sprint, ensuring that their work remains focused on delivering real customer value.
- ✗
Cancel the Sprint Planning session.
Why it's wrong here
Canceling the session is an extreme measure that delays work without solving the root cause of the disagreement. The Scrum Master should work through the conflict using facilitation techniques to help the team reach a consensus. Avoiding the hard work of building consensus stunts the team's collaborative maturity and growth.
- ✗
Suggest that the Product Owner dictates the goal.
Why it's wrong here
While the Product Owner provides the 'what', the Sprint Goal is a result of the team's collaborative planning. Simply letting the Product Owner dictate it ignores the team's capacity and reality. The Scrum Master must ensure the goal is a negotiated agreement that reflects both product strategy and technical feasibility.
About these practice questions
This CSM question is part of Courseiva's 312-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.