Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) Mock Test for Canada

Overview of the PSM II Certification

The Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) certification is an advanced assessment designed for Scrum Masters who have a deep understanding of the Scrum Framework and have demonstrated the ability to apply it effectively in complex organizational settings. While the Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) focuses on the foundational knowledge of Scrum, PSM II delves into the nuances of servant-leadership, coaching, facilitation, and removing organizational impediments. It's ideal for experienced Scrum Masters in Canada looking to validate their expertise in fostering agile environments, coaching multiple teams, and driving organizational change.

Achieving PSM II demonstrates your capacity to handle challenges beyond basic Scrum implementation, such as dealing with resistance to change, fostering self-organizing teams, and working with stakeholders at various levels of an organization. This certification is globally recognized and highly respected within the agile community, signalling a significant level of professional development and practical experience in the Scrum Master role.

PSM II Syllabus Chapters and Key Topics

The PSM II assessment covers a broad range of topics that are critical for an advanced Scrum Master. The syllabus is structured to test not just theoretical knowledge but also the application of Scrum principles in real-world scenarios. Key areas include:

• Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework: Advanced concepts of Scrum theory, empiricism, and Scrum Values. Deep understanding of the roles, events, and artifacts, and how they interact in complex situations.
• Developing People and Teams: Coaching, mentoring, and facilitating development teams towards self-organization and cross-functionality. Conflict resolution, team dynamics, and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Managing Products with Agility: Supporting the Product Owner in product backlog management, stakeholder collaboration, and value maximization. Understanding advanced product planning and forecasting techniques.
• Developing and Delivering Products Professionally: Facilitating continuous improvement, technical excellence, and the adoption of engineering practices that enhance product delivery. Understanding the importance of done and technical debt.
• Evolving the Agile Organization: Coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption, identifying and removing organizational impediments, and helping management understand agile principles and practices. Scaling Scrum concepts.
• Serving the Development Team: Protecting the team from external interruptions, helping them resolve impediments, and fostering a high-performance environment.
• Serving the Product Owner: Helping the Product Owner achieve maximum value from the product, understand and practice empiricism, and effectively manage stakeholders.
• Serving the Organization: Leading and coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption, planning Scrum implementations, and working with other Scrum Masters to increase the effectiveness of the application of Scrum in the organization.

Test Rules and Format

The PSM II assessment is an online, unproctored exam that can be taken from anywhere in Canada with an internet connection. It is an open-book exam, meaning you can refer to resources, but the time limit and complexity of questions require a deep understanding rather than simply looking up answers.

• Questions: 30 multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and true/false questions.
• Time Limit: 90 minutes.
• Passing Score: 85% (at least 26 correct answers).
• Language: English.
• Format: Online, web-based, no retakes provided for a single purchase (a new purchase is required to retake if failed).

The questions are designed to be scenario-based, testing your ability to apply Scrum principles and your judgment as an experienced Scrum Master in various challenging situations.

Scoring and Passing Marks

To pass the Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) assessment, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 85%. This means out of 30 questions, you need to answer at least 26 correctly. Each question typically carries equal weight, and there are no partial marks for partially correct answers in multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions. The assessment is challenging, reflecting the advanced level of knowledge and experience it aims to validate. Immediate feedback on your score is provided upon completion of the exam.

Preparation Tips for PSM II

Preparing for the PSM II requires more than just memorizing definitions; it demands a deep understanding of Scrum and the ability to apply it in complex scenarios. Here are some effective preparation tips:

1. Gain Practical Experience: PSM II is not for beginners. Ensure you have significant real-world experience as a Scrum Master, ideally working with multiple teams or in challenging organizational contexts.
2. Review the Scrum Guide: Master the latest version of the Scrum Guide. While PSM I covers the basics, PSM II expects you to understand the spirit and intent behind each rule and artifact.
3. Attend Advanced Scrum Master Training: Consider attending a Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II) course offered by Scrum.org. These courses provide insights into advanced topics and practical application scenarios.
4. Read Recommended Books: Explore books on advanced Scrum Master topics, coaching, facilitation, organizational change, and agile leadership. Authors like Daniel Pink, Edgar Schein, and Patrick Lencioni offer valuable perspectives.
5. Practice with Open Assessments: While there isn't a direct PSM II Open assessment, regularly taking the PSM I Open assessment and the Scrum Master Learning Path quizzes can reinforce foundational knowledge and prepare your mindset.
6. Understand the Scrum.org Forums and Blog Posts: The Scrum.org website offers a wealth of articles and forum discussions that delve into common challenges and advanced concepts.
7. Focus on the Scrum Master Stances: Understand the different stances a Scrum Master takes (servant-leader, coach, facilitator, teacher, mentor, impediment remover, change agent) and when to apply each.
8. Form a Study Group: Discuss complex scenarios with other experienced Scrum Masters. Explaining concepts to others can solidify your understanding.
9. Time Management Practice: With only 90 minutes for 30 questions, practice reading and analyzing questions quickly to manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
10. Reflect on Your Experiences: Think about real-world situations you've encountered and how you would apply advanced Scrum techniques or coaching strategies. This helps in answering scenario-based questions.