SAFe 5 Government Practitioner Exam (5.0) Questions and Answers
Toward the end of the Iteration, the Product Owner raises a red flag stating there is an additional requirement that needs to be added to the current Iteration. The Agile Team could handle the requirement if they work late and over the next weekend. What should the Scrum Master do?
Options:
Meet with the team and if they agree to work overtime, accept the work
Talk to the Product Owner, compare the new work to existing backlog priorities, and negotiate a sustainable solution
Accept the work and extend the Iteration, informing other teams about the delay in delivery of other committed stories
Refuse the new requirement because it is too late to accept requirements at this point in the Iteration
Answer:
BExplanation:
According to the Scrum Master article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, the Scrum Master should talk to the Product Owner, compare the new work to existing backlog priorities, and negotiate a sustainable solution when the Product Owner raises a red flag stating there is an additional requirement that needs to be added to the current Iteration. The article states that “The Scrum Master helps the Product Owner manage the backlog effectively by facilitating backlog refinement and prioritization. The Scrum Master also helps the Product Owner understand and apply the concepts of WSJF, MVP, MMF, and other economic prioritization methods. The Scrum Master supports the Product Owner in negotiating with stakeholders, customers, and the team to ensure that the backlog items are clear, concise, and ready for implementation.” Therefore, the correct answer is B, talk to the Product Owner, compare the new work to existing backlog priorities, and negotiate a sustainable solution. The other options are not accurate, as they do not follow the Scrum principles of self-organization, time-boxing, and delivering value. Meeting with the team and accepting the work if they agree to work overtime (A) would violate the team’s autonomy and sustainability. Accepting the work and extending the Iteration © would disrupt the cadence and synchronization of the team and the ART. Refusing the new requirement (D) would ignore the feedback and collaboration of the Product Owner and the stakeholders.
What describes converting unpredictable events into predictable ones?
Options:
Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration
Program Increment (PI) Planning
Cadence
Backlog refinement
Answer:
CExplanation:
According to the Apply Cadence, Synchronize with Cross-Domain Planning article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, cadence is the term that describes converting unpredictable events into predictable ones. The article states that “Cadence is the rhythm, or heartbeat, of the Agile Release Train (ART). It provides a steady and predictable pattern for planning, developing, and delivering value. Cadence helps teams manage the variability inherent in product development. By converting unpredictable events into predictable ones, cadence enables fast and reliable decision-making.” Therefore, the correct answer is C, cadence. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the terms that describe converting unpredictable events into predictable ones. Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration (A) is a special iteration that occurs at the end of every Program Increment (PI) and provides an opportunity for innovation, planning, and system-level integration and testing. Program Increment (PI) Planning (B) is a face-to-face event that serves as the heartbeat of the ART, aligning all the teams on the ART to a shared mission and vision. Backlog refinement (D) is the process of breaking down, estimating, and prioritizing the backlog items.
An agency performs development using contractors. Who is responsible for designating a story as 'Complete' based on acceptance criteria?
Options:
The government Product Owner
The vendor program manager
The government contracting officer
The team
Answer:
AExplanation:
The government Product Owner is responsible for designating a story as ‘Complete’ based on acceptance criteria1. The Product Owner is the primary representative of the customer and stakeholder needs, and has the authority to accept or reject the work done by the team2. The Product Owner reviews the acceptance criteria for each user story and verifies that they are met by the working software. The Product Owner also ensures that the work meets the definition of done, which is a shared understanding of the quality standards for the team3.
1: Government - Building in Quality and Compliance - Scaled Agile Framework 2: Product Owner - Scaled Agile Framework 3: When is a User Story “Done?”— Acceptance Criteria and the Definition of “Done” [Article] | Treehouse Blog
In reference to large programs, what are Strategic Themes?
Options:
A collection of ideas used at the program level to create Epics
Itemized mission objectives connecting a portfolio to the strategy
Persuasive concepts used to aid in the "tipping" process of decision-makers in an agency or program
Vehicles used to decentralize decision-making
Answer:
BExplanation:
Strategic themes are specific, defined business objectives that connect a portfolio to the enterprise’s strategy1. They provide business context for portfolio decision-making and influence the investments in value streams and solutions2. They also serve as inputs to the vision, budget, and backlogs of the portfolio, large solution, and program levels3. Strategic themes help align the portfolio with the mission and goals of the enterprise or government agency.
1: Strategic Themes - Scaled Agile Framework 2: Strategic Themes - Scaled Agile Framework 3: The Influence of Strategic Themes across a Portfolio - Scaled Agile Framework
Which aspect of leading by example challenges Lean-Agile leaders to 'walk the talk' by being a role model of desired professional and ethical behaviors by acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency?
Options:
Emotional intelligence
Authenticity
Life-long learning
Decentralized decision-making
Answer:
BExplanation:
Authenticity is the aspect of leading by example that challenges Lean-Agile leaders to ‘walk the talk’ by being a role model of desired professional and ethical behaviors by acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency1. Authentic leaders are genuine, self-aware, and trustworthy. They align their actions with their words and values, and they inspire trust and respect from others2. Authenticity helps leaders create a culture of openness, collaboration, and continuous learning in their organizations3.
1: Lean-Agile Leadership - Scaled Agile Framework 2: What Is One Way Lean-agile Leaders Lead by Example? - CGAA 3: Three Dimensions of Lean-Agile Leadership: A Guide for Leading Your …
Which statement describes uncommitted objectives?
Options:
They are reflected in the team's load but not the capacity
Teams have low confidence they can meet the objective, but include in their plan
Extra tasks a team could do in case they have time
They are included in the PI commitment, making the commitment more reliable
Answer:
BExplanation:
According to the PI Objectives article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, uncommitted objectives are used to identify work that can be variable within the scope of a PI. The article states that “Uncommitted objectives help improve the predictability of delivering business value since they are not included in the team’s commitment or counted against teams in the ART predictability measure. Uncommitted objectives are used to identify work that can be variable within the scope of a PI. The work is planned, but the outcome is simply not certain. Teams can apply uncommitted objectives whenever there is low confidence in meeting the objective, but include in their plan.” Therefore, the correct answer is B, teams have low confidence they can meet the objective, but include in their plan. The other options are not accurate, as they do not reflect the definition of uncommitted objectives.
Which three are configurations of SAFe 5.0? (Choose three.)
Options:
Essential SAFe
Portfolio SAFe
Team SAFe
Multi-train SAFe
Full SAFe
Lean Enterprise SAFe
Answer:
A, B, EExplanation:
According to the SAFe 5 for Lean Enterprises article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, the three configurations of SAFe 5.0 are Essential SAFe, Portfolio SAFe, and Full SAFe. The article states that “SAFe 5 for Lean Enterprises is a knowledge base of proven, integrated principles, practices, and competencies for Lean, Agile, and DevOps. It’s configurable and scalable for a single team, a large program, a portfolio, or an entire enterprise. SAFe 5 for Lean Enterprises is available in three configurations: Essential SAFe, Portfolio SAFe, and Full SAFe.” Therefore, the correct answers are A, Essential SAFe, B, Portfolio SAFe, and E, Full SAFe. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the configurations of SAFe 5.0. Team SAFe © is not a configuration, but a level within the Essential SAFe configuration. Multi-train SAFe (D) is not a configuration, but a term that refers to multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs) working together. Lean Enterprise SAFe (F) is not a configuration, but a goal that SAFe 5.0 aims to help organizations achieve.
When should government technology programs be organized as Solution Trains?
Options:
When the program crosses multiple agency divisions or branches
When the cost of the program exceeds $100M
When the program involves classified information
When the size and complexity require two or more ARTs
Answer:
DExplanation:
According to the Solution Train article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, Solution Trains are the organizational construct used to build large solutions that require the coordination of multiple ARTs and suppliers. The article states that “Solution Trains form for different reasons. Some trains form with new ARTs and Agile Teams to specifically address a large initiative, while others begin by combining existing ARTs and teams.” Therefore, the correct answer is D, when the size and complexity require two or more ARTs. The other options are not relevant to the definition of a Solution Train.
What is the Manifesto for Agile Software Development?
Options:
A set of four values and twelve principles that help organizations implement systems thinking
A shared set of values and principles intended to improve software development
A value system that only applies to software development
A set of practices that originated from Scrum
Answer:
BExplanation:
The Manifesto for Agile Software Development, also known as the Agile Manifesto, is a shared set of values and principles intended to improve software development1. The Agile Manifesto was created in 2001 by a group of 17 software practitioners who wanted to find a better way of developing software than the traditional, documentation-driven, and heavyweight processes. The Agile Manifesto states four values and twelve principles that guide the agile approach to software development, which emphasizes individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change2. The Agile Manifesto is not a specific methodology or practice, but rather a philosophy that can be applied to various agile frameworks, such as Scrum, Kanban, XP, and SAFe3.
1: Manifesto for Agile Software Development 2: What is the Agile Manifesto? | Agile Principles and Values - ProductPlan 3: The Agile Manifesto - Project Management Institute
Which statement is true about optimizing batch sizes for newly-formed SAFe teams in a program?
Options:
Batch size optimization happens over time as teams figure out the balance between holding cost and transaction cost
Batch size is optimized immediately by looking at transaction and holding costs
Batch size is already optimized if there is continuous flow
Batch size is optimized when transaction and holding costs seldom change
Answer:
AExplanation:
According to the Visualize and Limit WIP, Reduce Batch Sizes, and Manage Queue Lengths article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, batch size optimization happens over time as teams figure out the balance between holding cost and transaction cost. The article states that “To improve the economics of handling smaller batches—and thus increase throughput—teams must focus on reducing the transaction costs of any batch. This is a continuous improvement activity that happens over time as teams figure out the balance between holding cost and transaction cost.” Therefore, the correct answer is A, batch size optimization happens over time as teams figure out the balance between holding cost and transaction cost. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the statements that are true about optimizing batch sizes for newly-formed SAFe teams in a program. Batch size is not optimized immediately by looking at transaction and holding costs (B), as it takes time for teams to understand the nature of the work, identify bottlenecks, and find the optimal batch size that minimizes both costs. Batch size is not already optimized if there is continuous flow ©, as optimization involves finding the right balance between batch size and costs, even within a continuous flow environment. Batch size is not optimized when transaction and holding costs seldom change (D), as holding costs and transaction costs can change over time due to various factors such as team size, workload, and external dependencies.
What are two reasons objective Milestones, like the System Demo, are useful? (Choose two.)
Options:
They allow the contracting officer to release funds for payment
They satisfy phase-gate governance processes
They satisfy a SAFe requirement
They provide tangible evidence of progress
They allow for cost-effective adjustments towards an optimum Solution
Answer:
D, EExplanation:
According to the System Demo article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, objective milestones, like the System Demo, are useful because they provide tangible evidence of progress and allow for cost-effective adjustments towards an optimum solution. The article states that “The system demo offers the ART a fact-based measure of current, system-level progress within the PI. It’s the true measure of ART velocity and progress. Achieving this requires implementing the scalable engineering practices necessary to support Continuous Integration across the ART.” The article also states that “The system demo provides the opportunity to get fast feedback from the stakeholders, which is essential for building the right solution. The feedback can be used to validate assumptions, evaluate hypotheses, and identify potential pivots or changes in direction. The system demo also helps to identify and resolve any integration issues, dependencies, or risks that may affect the solution’s fitness for purpose or compliance.” Therefore, the correct answers are D, they provide tangible evidence of progress, and E, they allow for cost-effective adjustments towards an optimum solution. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the reasons why objective milestones are useful. They do not necessarily allow the contracting officer to release funds for payment, satisfy phase-gate governance processes, or satisfy a SAFe requirement.
What is the purpose of governance on a Lean-Agile government program?
Options:
To provide a framework for decision-making to achieve desired mission outcomes
To ensure the Solution is delivered within fixed time, cost, and scope constraints
To ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
To ensure contractors are accountable for how taxpayer money is spent
Answer:
AExplanation:
Governance is a framework for decision-making and oversight to ensure that programs achieve the desired mission outcomes1. It is not merely a set of constraints or compliance requirements, but a way to align the program vision, strategy, and execution with the agency goals and values2. Governance helps to ensure that the solutions delivered by the program are fit for purpose, meet the user needs, and provide value to the public3.
1: Government - Adapting Governance Practices to Support Agility and Lean Flow of Value - Scaled Agile Framework 2: Government - Scaled Agile Framework 3: Agile Government and Agile Governance: We Need both
Which role in SAFe has content authority over the Agile Team's backlog?
Options:
Release Train Engineer
Product Owner
Product Management
Agile Team
Answer:
BExplanation:
According to the Essential SAFe article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, the Product Owner (PO) is the role in SAFe that has content authority over the Agile Team’s backlog. The article states that “The Product Owner (PO) is the content authority for the team backlog. The PO is responsible for defining stories and prioritizing the backlog.” Therefore, the correct answer is B, Product Owner. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the roles that have content authority over the Agile Team’s backlog. The Release Train Engineer (A) is the servant leader and chief Scrum Master for the Agile Release Train (ART). The Product Management © is the content authority for the program backlog. The Agile Team (D) is the cross-functional group of developers, testers, and other specialists that deliver value in an iteration.