Which of the following events aligns teams on a train?

1. A. Architect Sync
2. B. Iteration Planning
3. C. PI Planning
4. D. Coach Sync

Correct Answer: C
PI Planning is one of the events that aligns teams on a train. PI Planning is a cadence-based event for the entire Agile Release Train (ART) that aligns teams and stakeholders to a shared mission and vision. PI Planning provides an opportunity for the ART to review the business context and priorities, identify and resolve dependencies and risks, and commit to a realistic and achievable plan for the next Program Increment (PI). PI Planning is essential to SAFe: If you are not doing it, you are not doing SAFe1 (Must be taken from SAFe 6 Scrum Master resources)
References:
✑ PI Planning - Scaled Agile Framework
✑ Planning Interval (PI) - Scaled Agile Framework
✑ Preparing for PI Planning | Checklist for Scrum Masters and Product ??
✑ Scrum Master - Scaled Agile Framework
✑ SAFe® 6.0 Scrum Master Certification (SSM) Course - Vinsys

During which of the following stages of team development do team members stop focusing on their own goals and begin focusing on developing better ways of working together?

1. A. Forming
2. B. Norming
3. C. Storming
4. D. Transforming

Correct Answer: B
Norming is the stage of team development where team members stop focusing on their own goals and begin focusing on developing better ways of working together. Norming occurs after the team has gone through the Forming and Storming stages, where they have established their roles and responsibilities, and have resolved their initial conflicts and disagreements12 In the Norming stage, the team starts to build trust, respect, and cohesion among themselves. They also align on a common vision, mission, and goals, and agree on the norms and expectations for their collaboration and communication12 The team becomes more productive, efficient, and effective, as they leverage their collective strengths and skills, and support each other in overcoming challenges and delivering value12 The team also develops a sense of identity and pride, and celebrates their achievements and learnings12 (Must be taken from SAFe 6 Scrum Master resources) References:
✑ Agile Teams - Scaled Agile Framework
✑ 5 Stages of Team Development | Agile Scrum Guide | Book | Blog

Team A has decided to use the IP Iteration to continue the finalizing Feature delivery work they have been working on for the past two Iterations. What is one effect Team A might experience by continuing to stay heads-down rather than using the IP Iteration as intended?

1. A. Individual team members could lose an opportunity to learn from one another
2. B. Individual team members could lose an opportunity to keep their technical skills current
3. C. Individual team members could lose an opportunity to consider their team work more holistically
4. D. Individual team members could lose an opportunity to refresh their motivation

Correct Answer: C
By continuing to stay heads-down on the finalizing Feature delivery work, Team A might miss the chance to reflect on their team work more holistically and identify areas for improvement. The IP Iteration is intended to provide time for the team to participate in the Inspect and Adapt event, where they can review their PI performance, analyze the root causes of any issues, and create an improvement backlog. The IP Iteration also allows the team to engage in innovation and learning activities, such as hackathons, that can foster creativity, collaboration, and experimentation. These activities can help the team generate new ideas, solutions, and feedback that can benefit their future work. By skipping the IP Iteration, Team A might lose the opportunity to learn from their past experiences, improve
their processes, and innovate their products. References: Innovation and Planning Iteration
- Scaled Agile Framework, Exam Study Guide: SSM (6.0) - SAFe® Scrum Master

What is the intended value of the Backlog Refinement event?

1. A. The team is able to prepare requirements for Iteration Planning
2. B. The team aligns on the progress of Iteration Goals
3. C. The team is able to commit to a set of goals to be delivered in the Iteration
4. D. The team reviews and improves processes before the next Iteration

Correct Answer: A
The intended value of the Backlog Refinement event is that the team is able to prepare requirements for Iteration Planning. Backlog Refinement is an ongoing process where theteam collaborates with the Product Owner and other stakeholders to review, split, prioritize, and estimate the stories in the Team Backlog1 One of the main objectives of Backlog Refinement is to ensure that the stories are ready for Iteration Planning, which means they are clear, feasible, testable, and small enough to be completed in a single Iteration2 By doing so, the team can improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of their work, as well as deliver value to the customers and the organization123 References:
✑ Team Backlog - Scaled Agile Framework
✑ Backlog Refinement - Scaled Agile Framework
✑ What is backlog refinement? | Miro