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The Scrum framework on one page

Scrum's three accountabilities, five events and three artifacts — with the commitments added in the 2020 Scrum Guide. For PSM / CSM exams.

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Three accountabilities

AccountabilityResponsible for
Product OwnerMaximizing product value; owns and orders the Product Backlog.
Scrum MasterScrum's effectiveness; coaches the team, removes impediments (a servant-leader).
DevelopersBuild the Increment each Sprint and own the Sprint Backlog.

The three together are the Scrum Team — typically 10 or fewer people. There is no "team lead" or "project manager" role in Scrum.

Five events

EventPurposeTimebox (1-mo Sprint)
The SprintThe container for all work; ≤ 1 month, back-to-back.≤ 1 month
Sprint PlanningPlan the Sprint Goal and the work.≤ 8 hrs
Daily ScrumDevelopers re-plan the day toward the Sprint Goal.15 min
Sprint ReviewInspect the Increment with stakeholders, adapt the backlog.≤ 4 hrs
Sprint RetrospectiveInspect and improve how the team works.≤ 3 hrs

Three artifacts & their commitments

ArtifactCommitment (added 2020)
Product BacklogProduct Goal
Sprint BacklogSprint Goal
IncrementDefinition of Done

Exam traps

  • Scrum Master as a boss. It's a servant-leader/coach, not a manager.
  • Daily Scrum = status meeting. It's the Developers re-planning, not reporting to the SM/PO.
  • Three questions are mandatory. The 2020 Guide dropped that requirement.
  • Extending a Sprint. Sprints are fixed-length and never extended.

Test yourself

4 quick questions — tap an answer to check it instantly. Nothing is sent anywhere.

1. How many events are there in Scrum (including the Sprint)?

Answer: C. Five: the Sprint (container), Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective.

2. Which is NOT a Scrum accountability?

Answer: C. Scrum has no project-manager role; the three accountabilities are PO, SM, Developers.

3. The commitment for the Product Backlog is the…

Answer: C. Product Backlog → Product Goal; Sprint Backlog → Sprint Goal; Increment → Definition of Done.

4. The Daily Scrum is timeboxed to…

Answer: B. The Daily Scrum is 15 minutes.

Sources

  1. Ken Schwaber & Jeff Sutherland — The Scrum Guide (2020).

Reference summary only. See the official Scrum Guide for the authoritative text.