Scrum Master
Part of the Scrum Guide chapter index. Read the canonical version inline in the app: Scrum Master on app.prettyscrum.org.
Why this chapter matters for the PSM I exam
The Scrum Master role is the highest-frequency exam topic. Most wrong answers stem from confusing servant leadership with project management. The Scrum Master is accountable for the Scrum Team’s effectiveness — not for telling Developers what to do, not for assigning work, not for running the Daily Scrum, not for canceling Sprints.
The Scrum Guide text
The Scrum Master is accountable for establishing Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide. They do this by helping everyone understand Scrum theory and practice, both within the Scrum Team and the organization.
The Scrum Master is accountable for the Scrum Team’s effectiveness. They do this by enabling the Scrum Team to improve its practices, within the Scrum framework.
Scrum Masters are true leaders who serve the Scrum Team and the larger organization.
The Scrum Master serves the Scrum Team in several ways, including:
- Coaching the team members in self-management and cross-functionality;
- Helping the Scrum Team focus on creating high-value Increments that meet the Definition of Done;
- Causing the removal of impediments to the Scrum Team’s progress; and,
- Ensuring that all Scrum events take place and are positive, productive, and kept within the timebox.
The Scrum Master serves the Product Owner in several ways, including:
- Helping find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management;
- Helping the Scrum Team understand the need for clear and concise Product Backlog items;
- Helping establish empirical product planning for a complex environment; and,
- Facilitating stakeholder collaboration as requested or needed.
The Scrum Master serves the organization in several ways, including:
- Leading, training, and coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption;
- Planning and advising Scrum implementations within the organization;
- Helping employees and stakeholders understand and enact an empirical approach for complex work; and,
- Removing barriers between stakeholders and Scrum Teams.
Source: 2020 Scrum Guide by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, © CC BY-SA 4.0. License.
Key points to remember
- Accountable for the Scrum Team’s effectiveness.
- Coaches and serves — does not direct.
- Ensures Scrum events happen, are positive, and are timeboxed.
- Serves the organization in adopting Scrum — not just the team.
- Helps remove impediments to the Developers’ progress.
Common exam trap
When in doubt on a Scrum Master question, the answer involving coaching, facilitating, or removing impediments is usually right. The answer involving directing, deciding, or assigning is usually wrong.
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Related chapters
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Author: Maurice Heinze (PSM I, certified by Scrum.org). Last updated: 2026-05-04. Scrum Guide content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.