Top 30 Most Common Scrum Interview Questions You Should Prepare For
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Landing a role in an agile environment, especially one utilizing Scrum, requires more than just technical skills. You need to demonstrate a solid understanding of the Scrum framework, its principles, roles, events, and artifacts. Preparing for common scrum interview questions is crucial to showcase your knowledge, experience, and cultural fit within a high-performing agile team. These questions often probe not just your theoretical understanding but also your practical application of Scrum concepts in real-world scenarios. Mastering these responses can significantly boost your confidence and performance during the interview process. Interviewers use scrum interview questions to gauge your comfort level with the framework and your ability to contribute effectively. This guide presents 30 frequently asked scrum interview questions to help you prepare thoroughly.
What Are scrum interview questions?
Scrum interview questions are designed to assess a candidate's knowledge of the Scrum framework, a popular agile methodology for complex product development. They cover the fundamental building blocks of Scrum: the three roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team), the five events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective, and the Sprint itself), and the three artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment). Beyond the basics, scrum interview questions delve into practical application, asking about experience with user stories, backlog refinement, velocity, handling impediments, facilitating ceremonies, and fostering self-organizing teams. Preparing for scrum interview questions means understanding the 'why' behind Scrum practices, not just the 'what'.
Why Do Interviewers Ask scrum interview questions?
Interviewers ask scrum interview questions for several key reasons. Firstly, they need to verify that candidates possess a foundational understanding of the Scrum framework. This ensures they can integrate smoothly into a team already practicing Scrum or contribute to adopting it. Secondly, scrum interview questions help assess practical experience. Knowing the theory is one thing, but applying it effectively in a team setting requires experience. Questions about past projects, challenges, and how they were overcome using Scrum principles reveal this. Thirdly, these questions gauge a candidate's agile mindset – their adaptability, collaboration skills, commitment to continuous improvement, and ability to handle complexity. Finally, scrum interview questions help determine if a candidate can fit the specific role, whether it's a Scrum Master who facilitates, a Product Owner who manages the backlog, or a Development Team member who delivers the increment.
Preview List
How is Scrum different from Waterfall?
How is Scrum different from the Iterative model?
Do you know any other agile methodology apart from Scrum?
What are the Scrum events?
What are the roles in a Scrum?
What do you think should be the ideal size of a Scrum team?
What do you discuss in the daily Scrum?
What is the “Time Boxing” of a Scrum process called?
What should be the ideal duration of a sprint?
How are requirements defined in a Scrum?
What are the different artifacts in Scrum?
How do you define a user story?
What are the roles of a Scrum Master and Product Owner?
How do you measure the work done in a sprint?
What is Velocity?
Which entity is responsible for the deliverables? Scrum Master or Product Owner?
How do you measure the complexity or effort in a sprint?
How did you solve conflicts in your team?
Impediments that you removed and how you did that
How did you enforce the Scrum or teach it to your team/organization?
Different retrospective methods you already used and which one was the best
How did you help to create a self-organized team?
What are the necessary steps to verify if the Scrum team is following the Scrum framework?
How did you solve organizational impediments?
Do all your sprints have the same length? Is it mandatory to have the same length?
If the velocity of the team dropped between sprints, how would you address it?
If you had to remove one Scrum event, which would you choose and why?
What is empirical process control? How is Scrum based on that?
What do you know about impediments in Scrum? Give some examples of impediments
What skills do you think are invaluable for a Scrum Master?
1. How is Scrum different from Waterfall?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your foundational understanding of Agile vs. traditional methodologies and the core benefits of Scrum's iterative approach.
How to answer:
Highlight Scrum's flexibility, short cycles, feedback loops, and adaptation compared to Waterfall's linear, sequential process.
Example answer:
Scrum is iterative and incremental, delivering value in short sprints with continuous feedback and adaptation. Waterfall is linear and sequential; phases must complete before moving to the next, with less room for change once started.
2. How is Scrum different from the Iterative model?
Why you might get asked this:
This tests your knowledge of specific Agile frameworks versus broader concepts like iteration.
How to answer:
Explain that while both iterate, Scrum has defined roles, events, and artifacts, providing a more structured approach than generic iterative development.
Example answer:
Both use cycles, but Scrum is a specific framework with defined roles (PO, SM, Dev Team), events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, etc.), and artifacts, offering more structure than a general iterative model.
3. Do you know any other agile methodology apart from Scrum?
Why you might get asked this:
Shows your broader knowledge of the Agile landscape beyond just Scrum and adaptability to different frameworks.
How to answer:
List a few other recognized Agile methodologies like Kanban or XP and briefly mention a key characteristic if possible.
Example answer:
Yes, I'm familiar with others like Kanban, which focuses on workflow visualization and limiting work in progress, Extreme Programming (XP), Lean Software Development, and Crystal.
4. What are the Scrum events?
Why you might get asked this:
A basic knowledge check on the core cadence and activities within a Scrum sprint.
How to answer:
List the four main formal events (plus the Sprint itself) as defined in the Scrum Guide.
Example answer:
The core Scrum events are the Sprint (the container), Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. Each is time-boxed.
5. What are the roles in a Scrum?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your understanding of who does what within a Scrum team and their distinct accountabilities.
How to answer:
List the three distinct roles and their primary responsibility within the framework.
Example answer:
The three roles in Scrum are the Product Owner (responsible for the Product Backlog and value), the Scrum Master (serves the team, PO, and organization), and the Development Team (creates the Increment).
6. What do you think should be the ideal size of a Scrum team?
Why you might get asked this:
Probes your understanding of team dynamics, communication, and collaboration effectiveness within Scrum.
How to answer:
State the typical recommended range (Development Team) and explain the reasoning (collaboration, communication overhead).
Example answer:
The Scrum Guide suggests 3 to 9 members for the Development Team, excluding the Product Owner and Scrum Master. This size promotes effective communication and collaboration.
7. What do you discuss in the daily Scrum?
Why you might get asked this:
Checks your understanding of this key synchronization and inspection event.
How to answer:
Explain the purpose (inspect progress toward Sprint Goal, adapt Sprint Backlog) and mention common questions or flow.
Example answer:
The Daily Scrum is for the Development Team to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog. They often discuss progress, plans for today, and impediments.
8. What is the “Time Boxing” of a Scrum process called?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your knowledge of Scrum terminology and how it ensures focus and efficiency.
How to answer:
Explain that 'timeboxing' is the concept of setting a maximum duration for all Scrum events.
Example answer:
Timeboxing in Scrum refers to setting a maximum duration for each Scrum event, like Sprint Planning or the Daily Scrum. This ensures focus and keeps events concise.
9. What should be the ideal duration of a sprint?
Why you might get asked this:
Explores your understanding of sprint length considerations and their impact on feedback loops and planning.
How to answer:
Provide the typical range (1-4 weeks) and mention that consistency is key.
Example answer:
Sprints typically last between one week and one month. The ideal duration depends on the team and product, but keeping it consistent helps with planning and rhythm.
10. How are requirements defined in a Scrum?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your familiarity with common Scrum practices for articulating work items.
How to answer:
Explain the primary format used, which is user stories, and their purpose.
Example answer:
Requirements are primarily defined as Product Backlog Items, often expressed as User Stories. These describe desired functionality from a user's perspective.
11. What are the different artifacts in Scrum?
Why you might get asked this:
A fundamental knowledge check on the key information radiators and commitments in Scrum.
How to answer:
List the three official Scrum artifacts and their associated commitments.
Example answer:
The three Scrum artifacts are the Product Backlog (commitment: Product Goal), the Sprint Backlog (commitment: Sprint Goal), and the Increment (commitment: Definition of Done).
12. How do you define a user story?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your understanding of this common requirement format in Agile.
How to answer:
Define what a user story represents (a requirement from the user's perspective) and mention its typical structure.
Example answer:
A user story is a way to capture a requirement from the end-user's perspective, often written as: "As a [type of user], I want [some goal] so that [some reason]."
13. What are the roles of a Scrum Master and Product Owner?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your understanding of the distinct, non-overlapping responsibilities of these two key roles.
How to answer:
Clearly differentiate their main accountabilities as per the Scrum Guide.
Example answer:
The Product Owner maximizes the value of the product and manages the Product Backlog. The Scrum Master serves the team and organization by facilitating Scrum, coaching, and removing impediments.
14. How do you measure the work done in a sprint?
Why you might get asked this:
Probes your experience with tracking progress and common metrics in Scrum.
How to answer:
Mention common metrics like story points completed, number of items finished, or burndown charts.
Example answer:
Work done is typically measured by the completed and 'Done' Product Backlog Items based on the Definition of Done. Metrics like velocity (story points) or tracking item count can help.
15. What is Velocity?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your knowledge of a widely used metric for forecasting in Scrum.
How to answer:
Define velocity as the average amount of work (typically in story points) a Development Team completes per sprint.
Example answer:
Velocity is a measure of the amount of work, usually in story points, that a Development Team has completed and made 'Done' during an average Sprint.
16. Which entity is responsible for the deliverables? Scrum Master or Product Owner?
Why you might get asked this:
Checks if you understand the accountability for creating the actual product Increment.
How to answer:
State that the Development Team is responsible for creating the Increment. The other roles support this.
Example answer:
The Development Team is responsible for creating the Increment, the usable deliverable, each Sprint. The Product Owner defines 'what' is built, and the Scrum Master helps remove obstacles.
17. How do you measure the complexity or effort in a sprint?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your familiarity with estimation techniques used in Scrum.
How to answer:
Mention common estimation methods like story points or using relative sizing techniques.
Example answer:
Complexity or effort is commonly measured using story points, which are relative estimates agreed upon by the Development Team, often using techniques like Planning Poker.
18. How did you solve conflicts in your team?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your interpersonal skills, ability to facilitate, and maintain a healthy team environment, especially for Scrum Master roles.
How to answer:
Describe a process involving open communication, active listening, understanding perspectives, and facilitating a collaborative resolution.
Example answer:
I focus on facilitating open communication. I'd bring parties together, ensure everyone feels heard, identify the root cause of the conflict, and guide the team to find a mutually agreeable solution.
19. Impediments that you removed and how you did that
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your practical experience in overcoming obstacles that hinder the team's progress. Essential for Scrum Master roles.
How to answer:
Give a specific example of an impediment, how you identified it, and the steps you took to remove or mitigate it.
Example answer:
We had a dependency on another team for an API endpoint. I identified this during the Daily Scrum, then worked with the other team's lead to prioritize the dependency, communicating status updates back to my team.
20. How did you enforce the Scrum or teach it to your team/organization?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your coaching, leadership, and change management skills in implementing or improving Scrum practices.
How to answer:
Describe a process of education, coaching, leading by example, and continuous reinforcement of Scrum principles and values.
Example answer:
I focused on coaching the team on the 'why' behind Scrum events and rules, not just the 'what'. We did workshops, reviewed the guide, and I role-modeled the behaviors, patiently reinforcing practices.
21. Different retrospective methods you already used and which one was the best
Why you might get asked this:
Shows your experience and creativity in facilitating this critical continuous improvement event.
How to answer:
Name a couple of methods (e.g., Start, Stop, Continue; 4 L's) and explain why a particular method might be effective for certain situations.
Example answer:
I've used Start, Stop, Continue; Mad, Sad, Glad; and Lean Coffee. 'Start, Stop, Continue' is often effective for teams starting out due to its simplicity and action-oriented focus.
22. How did you help to create a self-organized team?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your ability to empower a team and foster autonomy within the Scrum framework.
How to answer:
Explain how you fostered trust, provided support, allowed the team to make decisions about their work, and protected them from external distractions.
Example answer:
I encouraged ownership by empowering the team to decide how they'd achieve the Sprint Goal. I removed impediments, ensured clear boundaries, and created a safe space for them to experiment and learn from mistakes.
23. What are the necessary steps to verify if the Scrum team is following the Scrum framework?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your understanding of Scrum's core elements and how to assess adherence or identify areas for improvement.
How to answer:
Mention observing events, checking artifact usage and transparency, and assessing adherence to roles and values.
Example answer:
I'd observe Scrum events to ensure they are held and effective, check that artifacts (backlog, sprint backlog, increment) are transparent and used correctly, and look for embodiment of Scrum Values.
24. How did you solve organizational impediments?
Why you might get asked this:
Probes your experience in operating beyond the team level to address systemic issues hindering multiple teams or the wider organization.
How to answer:
Describe escalating issues, collaborating with management or other departments, and advocating for changes at an organizational level.
Example answer:
For organizational issues like cross-team dependencies or process bottlenecks, I'd identify the right stakeholders, clearly articulate the impact on the team, and work collaboratively to find a solution or drive process change.
25. Do all your sprints have the same length? Is it mandatory to have the same length?
Why you might get asked this:
Checks your understanding of sprint consistency and the flexibility within the framework.
How to answer:
Explain that while not strictly mandatory, consistent sprint length is highly recommended for rhythm, planning, and forecasting.
Example answer:
Consistent sprint length is highly recommended for establishing a predictable rhythm, aiding planning, and using metrics like velocity effectively. While not mandatory in the guide, it's a strong practice.
26. If the velocity of the team dropped between sprints, how would you address it?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your analytical and problem-solving skills regarding team performance and metrics.
How to answer:
Explain that velocity fluctuation is normal, but a significant drop requires investigation. Mention discussing it with the team to identify root causes (e.g., new team members, significant impediments, poor estimation).
Example answer:
I'd discuss this with the team during the Retrospective. We'd explore potential causes like new team members, unexpected impediments, external distractions, or changes in work complexity, then plan improvements.
27. If you had to remove one Scrum event, which would you choose and why?
Why you might get asked this:
A challenging question testing your understanding of the purpose of each event and which one might be missed with the least immediate impact (though all are important).
How to answer:
Acknowledge all events are crucial. If forced, explain the potential consequences of removing any event and perhaps argue for one that might theoretically be absorbed elsewhere, while stressing it's detrimental. (Often Retrospective or Review is cited, but explain the loss).
Example answer:
All events are essential and removing one weakens the framework. However, removing the Retrospective means losing the formal inspect & adapt cycle for the process itself, hindering continuous improvement the most.
28. What is empirical process control? How is Scrum based on that?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your understanding of the fundamental principle behind Scrum's effectiveness in complex environments.
How to answer:
Define empiricism (learning from experience, making decisions based on what is observed) and explain how Scrum's pillars (transparency, inspection, adaptation) embody this.
Example answer:
Empirical process control means making decisions based on experience and observation. Scrum is based on empiricism through its pillars: Transparency (visibility), Inspection (regular checking of artifacts/progress), and Adaptation (adjusting based on inspection).
29. What do you know about impediments in Scrum? Give some examples of impediments
Why you might get asked this:
Checks your understanding of obstacles and the Scrum Master's role in addressing them.
How to answer:
Define impediments as anything hindering the team's progress and provide varied examples.
Example answer:
Impediments are anything that blocks or slows down the team's ability to deliver value. Examples include lack of access to resources, unclear requirements, technical debt, inter-team dependencies, or unresolved conflicts.
30. What skills do you think are invaluable for a Scrum Master?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your understanding of the core competencies needed for this specific role.
How to answer:
List key skills beyond just knowing the framework, such as facilitation, coaching, servant leadership, conflict resolution, and communication.
Example answer:
Invaluable skills include servant leadership, strong facilitation and coaching abilities, excellent communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to identify and remove impediments effectively.
Other Tips to Prepare for a scrum interview questions
Preparing thoroughly for scrum interview questions involves more than just memorizing definitions. "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity," as Seneca wisely put it. Practice articulating your answers clearly and concisely. Think about real-world examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding and application of Scrum principles. Review the official Scrum Guide – it's the definitive source. Consider using tools designed to help you practice. The Verve AI Interview Copilot can simulate interview scenarios, providing instant feedback on your responses to common scrum interview questions, helping you refine your delivery and content. Use the Verve AI Interview Copilot at https://vervecopilot.com to build confidence through realistic practice. Record yourself answering questions to identify areas for improvement, such as filler words or rambling. Preparing for scrum interview questions is a skill that improves with practice, and the Verve AI Interview Copilot is a valuable tool in this journey. Remember, confidence comes from competence, and competence comes from diligent preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Scrum Guide?
A1: It's the definitive, lightweight source document containing the definition of Scrum, roles, events, artifacts, and rules.
Q2: What is a Sprint Goal?
A2: An objective set for the Sprint that provides guidance to the Development Team on why they are building the Increment.
Q3: What is the Definition of Done?
A3: A formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product.
Q4: What is Backlog Refinement?
A4: An ongoing activity where the Product Owner and Development Team add detail, estimates, and order to Product Backlog Items.
Q5: How long should a Daily Scrum be?
A5: It is time-boxed to a maximum of 15 minutes for the Development Team.
Q6: Why is transparency important in Scrum?
A6: Key processes and work must be visible to those performing the work and those receiving the work for effective inspection and adaptation.
