The Scaled Professional Scrum (SPS Practice Exam) certification from Scrum.org is a challenging intermediate-level credential that validates your expertise in scaling Scrum using the Nexus Framework. With an 85% passing score requirement and comprehensive knowledge of multi-team coordination, this certification demonstrates advanced understanding of how multiple Scrum Teams work together to deliver a single product. It validates your knowledge of using the Nexus Framework as described in the Nexus Guide. It tests your ability to enable multiple Scrum Teams to work from a single Product Backlog to build an Integrated Increment that meets a goal. This certification is particularly valuable for professionals involved in large-scale Agile transformations and complex product development initiatives.
*** This SPS practice Exam was neither created nor endorsed by Scrum.org. ***
SPS Practice Exam – Subject Areas
These subject areas are contained in the syllabus. Therefore each subject area covers a specific topic. Let’s have a look at the Exam Objectives for this Certification–
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- Application of Nexus: Apply Nexus to complex situations and large software development efforts.
- Nexus Framework: Rules, Roles, Events, and Artifacts of Nexus, the exoskeleton of Scaled Scrum.
- Scaling Framework: Scaling Scrum effectively requires a firm understanding of the Scrum Framework and how it is founded on empirical theory. This includes an understanding of the scrum principles, values, and a focus on technical excellence.
SPS Practice Exam Practice Mode Questions
The purpose of this SPS Practice Exam is to allow you to test your knowledge before appearing in actual certification. This exam is in Practice mode and it is from the question bank having 50+ questions. As a result, each time you will get a random set of 20 questions out of 50+ and Results will be displayed as you answer questions.
REOPEN or REFRESH this page to retrieve the next set of 20 QUESTIONS.
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Number of Questions: 20 |
Purchase SPS Practice Exams (240 Questions – 6 sets of 40 Questions) Click Here for UDEMY or TechAgilist Paid Membership.
The Nexus Framework Deep Dive
Key Nexus Roles
Nexus Integration Team (NIT)
- Composition: Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Nexus Integration Team Members
- Accountability: Ensuring an Integrated Increment is produced at least every Sprint
- Activities: Coaching, consulting, raising awareness of dependencies, resolving integration issues
- Can work as: Both a community of coaches and a Scrum Team when needed
Nexus Integration Team Members
- Selected from: Development Team members across Scrum Teams in the Nexus
- Skills required: Technical proficiency in integration tools, continuous integration, automated testing
- Responsibilities: Detecting dependencies, facilitating shared architecture, providing transparency
Nexus Events
Cross-Team Refinement
- Purpose: Identify and minimize dependencies between teams
- Participants: Representatives from all Scrum Teams plus Product Owner
- Outcome: Well-refined Product Backlog with dependencies identified and minimized
Nexus Sprint Planning
- Result: Nexus Sprint Goal aligned with Product Goal
- Outputs: Sprint Goal for each team, Nexus Sprint Backlog, individual Sprint Backlogs
- Focus: Coordination between teams and dependency management
Nexus Daily Scrum
- Participants: Representatives from each Scrum Team
- Purpose: Inspect progress toward Nexus Sprint Goal and identify integration issues
- Duration: Time-boxed to support coordination without becoming burdensome
Nexus Sprint Review and Retrospective
- Scope: Covers integrated increment from all teams
- Focus: Cross-team learnings and improvements to the Nexus itself
Nexus Artifacts
Nexus Sprint Backlog
- Composition: Combined Sprint Backlog items from all teams
- Purpose: Making dependencies transparent and tracking cross-team work
- Updates: At least daily, often during Nexus Daily Scrum
Integrated Increment
- Definition: Combined work from all Scrum Teams that meets Definition of Done
- Quality: Must be potentially releasable and meet Nexus Sprint Goal
- Integration: Represents focus across teams, not just individual team efforts.
Exam Format
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Aspect |
Details |
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Questions |
40 questions |
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Time Limit |
60 minutes (1.5 minutes per question average) |
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Passing Score |
85% (minimum 34 correct answers) |
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Question Types |
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer, True/False |
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Language |
English only |
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Cost |
$250 USD per attempt |
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Format |
Online, open-book (though time constraints limit reference use) |
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Certificate Validity |
Lifetime (no renewal required) |
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Difficulty Level |
Intermediate |
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Prerequisites |
None (though PSM I or PSM II experience recommended) |
SPS Certification Study Guide
- Read the official Nexus™ Guide carefully – multiple times.
- Understand the roles, artifacts, and events within the Nexus framework.
- Explore the Nexus Open Assessment and TechAgilist Practice Exam for practice.
- Study how Scrum scales across multiple teams, focusing on integration, dependencies, and accountability.
- Refer to real-world examples and case studies of scaling Scrum in large organizations.
- Take time to analyze your answers after each mock test for continuous improvement.
- Join Scrum.org forums or LinkedIn groups to stay updated and share learning experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Exam and Certification Questions
Q: What are the prerequisites for taking the SPS exam?
A: There are no formal prerequisites for the SPS exam. However, Scrum.org highly recommends having solid Scrum knowledge, preferably validated through PSM I or PSM II certification, before attempting SPS. The exam assumes deep understanding of fundamental Scrum concepts.
Q: Is training required before taking the SPS exam?
A: No, training is not mandatory. However, attending the Scaled Professional Scrum with Nexus course is highly recommended. The course provides hands-on experience with scaling challenges and includes a free attempt at the SPS assessment.
Q: How difficult is SPS compared to PSM I and PSPO I?
A: SPS is significantly more challenging than PSM I and PSPO I. Many professionals report it requires more complex thinking and scenario analysis. The 85% passing score and advanced concepts make it one of the most difficult Scrum.org assessments.
Q: Can I retake the exam if I fail?
purchase a new exam attempt for $250 USD. There’s no limit on retakes, but each attempt requires full payment. If you attend an SPS course and fail within 14 days, you receive one free retake.
Q: How long is the SPS certification valid?
A: SPS certification is valid for life with no renewal requirements or fees. This contrasts with other certifications that require periodic renewal.
Preparation and Study Questions
Q: How much time should I dedicate to studying for SPS?
A: Most successful candidates spend 4-6 weeks preparing, studying 1-2 hours daily. Those with extensive scaling experience may need less time, while newcomers to scaling concepts should allow more preparation time.
Q: What’s the most important study material?
A: The Nexus Guide is absolutely critical – it’s the primary source for exam answers. Read it multiple times until you understand every concept. The Scrum Guide is also essential as foundational knowledge.
Q: Should I memorize the Nexus Guide?
A: Rather than pure memorization, focus on understanding concepts and their practical application. The exam tests application of knowledge in scaled scenarios, not just factual recall.
Q: How important are practice assessments?
A: Extremely important. Take the Nexus Open assessment until you consistently score 100%. Use multiple practice sources to see different question styles and identify knowledge gaps.
Nexus Framework Questions
Q: What’s the difference between Nexus and other scaling frameworks?
A: Nexus minimally extends Scrum rather than replacing it. It adds only what’s necessary for multiple teams to work together, preserving Scrum’s simplicity and empiricism. Other frameworks often add more complexity and overhead.
Q: How many teams can work in a Nexus?
A: A Nexus consists of approximately 3-9 Scrum Teams. For larger initiatives requiring more teams, Nexus+ can coordinate multiple Nexus groups, though this is still in development.
Q: What makes the Nexus Integration Team different from other coordination approaches?
A: The NIT is accountable for integration but doesn’t necessarily do all integration work themselves. They coach and facilitate rather than command and control, maintaining Scrum’s self-managing team principles.
Q: When should an organization consider implementing Nexus?
A: Consider Nexus when you have multiple Scrum Teams working on the same product and facing integration challenges or dependencies. Don’t scale just for scaling’s sake – ensure you actually need coordination between teams.
Career and Professional Development Questions
Q: Who should pursue SPS certification?
A: SPS is ideal for:
Scrum Masters working with multiple teams
Product Owners managing scaled products
Development leads and managers
Agile coaches supporting scaled implementations
Project/program managers in Agile environments
Q: What career opportunities does SPS certification provide?
A: SPS demonstrates expertise in scaling Agile, opening opportunities in enterprise Agile transformations, program management roles, and senior Scrum Master positions. It’s particularly valuable in large organizations with complex product development.
Q: How does SPS complement other Scrum.org certifications?
A: SPS builds upon PSM and PSPO knowledge, extending it to scaled environments. Many professionals pursue PSM I → PSM II → SPS progression to demonstrate comprehensive Scrum expertise from team to enterprise level.
Q: Is SPS recognized in the industry?
A: Yes, SPS is highly respected as a rigorous, knowledge-based certification. Unlike attendance-based certifications, SPS requires demonstrating actual competency through a challenging assessment.
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