APMG-International AgilePM-Foundation Agile Project Management (AgilePM v3) Foundation Exam v3 update Exam Practice Test

The DSDM philosophy emphasizes that the best business value emerges when projects are aligned to clear business goals, deliver frequently, and involve the collaboration of motivated and empowered people1. The eight principles of DSDM support this philosophy and are brought to life by guiding the team in the attitude it must take and the mindset it must adopt to deliver consistently while remaining flexible1. These principles are supported by process, people, products, and practices, which enable organizations to deliver best value business solutions collaboratively1.

Active Listening: The change curve requires empathetic and effective communication to understand concerns, address resistance, and guide individuals through emotional responses to change. Active listening is a vital skill in this process.

Other Options:

Time management: Important but not specific to the emotional aspects of change.

Negotiation: Relevant for resolving conflicts but secondary to listening during change.

Decision-making: Necessary for leadership but not for guiding individuals emotionally.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Engagement and Support: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.4.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (concise, policy-compliant):

Scrum rests on empiricism and lean thinking. Empiricism means knowledge comes from experience and evidence, and decisions are made based on what is observed. Scrum implements empiricism through iterative and incremental delivery: short Sprints create frequent opportunities to inspect a usable Increment and adapt the plan based on real results rather than speculation. Iteration reduces risk by enabling rapid learning, early validation of assumptions, and continuous refinement of the Product Backlog. Evidence-based decision-making is reinforced by transparent artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment), a clear Definition of Done, and regular inspection points (Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective). Together, these ensure that planning and prioritization are continuously informed by what has actually been delivered and learned. Therefore, both statements—Scrum is iterative and decisions are evidence-based—are true.

Encourages Users: Change management focuses on equipping people to adopt and use new ways of working effectively, which maximizes the realization of benefits.

Other Options:

B: Avoiding dis-benefits is part of risk management.

C: Accountability lies with the sponsor, not change management alone.

D: Change management supports outcomes but doesn’t directly produce them.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Role of Change Management in Benefits Realization: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 7, Section 7.4.

In DSDM, the Minimum Usable Subset refers to the “Must Have” requirements as defined by the MoSCoW prioritization1. This subset ensures that the project delivers the core functionalities that are critical for the system to be considered useful and viable2.

Storming Stage: During this stage, team members test and challenge assumptions, roles, and processes. This is essential for resolving conflicts and building stronger foundations for collaboration.

Other Stages:

Forming: Initial stage with minimal conflict.

Performing: High-functioning stage with clear roles.

Adjourning: Focuses on reflection and closure.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Team Development Models: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 5, Section 5.4.

Supporting and Influencing Local Staff: Line leaders play a vital role in translating the change vision into action at the team level. They understand the specific needs and concerns of their teams and can act as a bridge between staff and senior management.

Other Options:

A: Local decision-making authority is beneficial but not their primary role.

B: Leaders are often deeply impacted by change.

D: Line leaders often juggle multiple responsibilities.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Role of Line Leaders: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 5, Section 5.6.

Statement 1: Correct. Actively responding to contributions fosters a sense of inclusion and appreciation, which is crucial for engagement and trust during change.

Statement 2: Incorrect. Decisions during change often involve emotional as well as rational considerations, as people’s behaviors and attitudes are not purely logical.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Engaging Stakeholders Emotionally: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (paraphrased from AgilePM planning/prioritization guidance):

AgilePM expects teams to establish objective MoSCoW criteria and decision rules during Foundations. Foundations is where the delivery approach, governance, Business Case, scope boundaries, quality expectations, and planning baselines are agreed. Clarifying how Should and Could items will be interpreted (e.g., business value thresholds, regulatory constraints, UX standards, operational readiness factors) avoids later ambiguity, speeds trade-off decisions inside timeboxes, and protects the Business Case. While Feasibility assesses whether proceeding makes sense, and Development executes the timeboxed work, Foundations is the optimal moment to set shared prioritization rules, acceptance criteria structures, and change control protocols so that delivery can proceed predictably while flexing scope responsibly. Hence, C is the correct choice.

Discovery: The Continuous Change Management Cycle starts with understanding the current situation, challenges, and opportunities. Discovery ensures that subsequent steps are informed and targeted.

Other Options:

A: Ideas come after discovery.

B: Prioritization occurs after potential solutions are identified.

D: Action follows the planning and prioritization phases.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Continuous Change Management Cycle: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.6.

It is during the Feasibility phase that it is first established whether further investigation of the project is justified3. This phase aims to determine if the proposed project is likely to be feasible from both a technical and business perspective.

Statement 1: Correct. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, which enhances creativity and innovation. AgilePM highlights the importance of leveraging diversity for better outcomes.

Statement 2: Correct. Diverse teams approach problems from multiple angles, resulting in more thorough decision-making. However, this often requires additional time to align perspectives.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Team Collaboration: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 5, Section 5.3.

The AgilePM lifecycle typically includes Pre-Project, Feasibility, Foundations, Evolutionary Development/Realization, Deployment, and Post-Project (benefits). Feasibility is designed as a lightweight, optional phase to confirm there is a sensible case to proceed before deeper investment. In some contexts—when viability is already established, or scope and constraints are straightforward—Feasibility may be skipped or greatly abbreviated, moving directly to Foundations, where the approach, governance, and baselines are established. By contrast, Foundations is expected for alignment and control, and Realization (timeboxed delivery) is where the solution is built; these are not optional if you are proceeding with delivery. Thus, Feasibility is the optional phase.

The Agile Manifesto values “working software over comprehensive documentation,” but does not reject documents; it promotes fit-for-purpose documentation that adds value. AgilePM echoes this with lightweight, high-value artifacts (e.g., Business Case, Foundations summary, acceptance criteria) to support clarity and governance “without excessive bureaucracy.” Therefore (1) is true: create documents when they add value. (3) is true: documents must be visible and understood by those who use them to collaborate and decide; transparency is essential. (4) is also true: high-level documents early (vision, scope boundaries, approach) support planning, alignment, and later refinement. (2) is false: agile does not prohibit contracts; it values customer collaboration over contract negotiation, yet recognizes contracts may be necessary and useful when framed to enable change. Consequently, the correct set is 1, 3, and 4, i.e., C.

Statement 1: Incorrect. Having more data doesn’t guarantee better results; quality and relevance of data matter more.

Statement 2: Correct. External data can provide fresh perspectives and reduce internal biases.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Using Data for Insights: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 7, Section 7.6.

Statement 1: Correct. Offering supportive feedback after moments of insight reinforces learning and helps individuals process change more effectively.

Statement 2: Incorrect. While talks from experts may inform, they are less impactful than engaging individuals directly.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Neuroscience in Change Management: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.2.

Within the Solution Development team, it is not required for all members to be multi-skilled experts1. While a diverse set of skills is beneficial, DSDM emphasizes collaboration and the effective use of individual strengths rather than expecting every team member to be an expert in all areas1.

Dissatisfaction with the Status Quo: The change formula includes dissatisfaction as a key driver for change. Without sufficient dissatisfaction, the motivation to change is diminished.

Other Options:

B, C, and D: These factors, while important, are not explicitly part of the Beckhard and Harris change formula.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Change Formula Framework: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.5.

AgilePM distinguishes between increments in terms of what is actually delivered to stakeholders. The emphasis is on a Solution—the integrated outcome that delivers business value—not merely isolated technical outputs. As delivery progresses, teams create Solution Increments that accumulate into a releasable Product (the broader, user-facing capability). This distinction helps align day-to-day development with business outcomes: every increment should be a cohesive slice of the evolving solution that is demonstrably usable or verifiable, while the Product view ensures that increments collectively support release goals and benefits realization. AgilePM’s focus on MoSCoW prioritization and timeboxing supports this by ensuring each Solution Increment contains the right mix of Must/Should/Could features to satisfy acceptance and maintain momentum. In practice, reviews showcase the Solution Increment’s usability to business representatives, while release planning considers how these increments roll up into Product evolution. Therefore, the two types associated with what is delivered are best captured by Solution and Product, making option A the fit with AgilePM terminology and intent.

In Scrum, a Product Backlog Item (PBI) is considered “ready” when it is sufficiently understood, appropriately sized, and clear enough that the Developers believe they can complete it within a single Sprint. PBIs that meet this threshold are suitable for selection during Sprint Planning because they have enough clarity of value, acceptance criteria, and implementation approach to be forecast as “Done” by the end of the Sprint. Readiness is typically achieved through ongoing Product Backlog refinement, where the Product Owner and Developers collaborate to add detail, order, and size. The key test is not whether an item appears on the backlog, is captured as a user story, or is merely chosen in the meeting; rather, it is whether the item is small and transparent enough to be completed within the Sprint’s timebox and to meet the Definition of Done. Therefore, option B best reflects the standard: a PBI is ready when it is small enough—and clear enough—to be completed (“Done”) within one Sprint.

In an agile context, the Scrum Master embodies servant leadership, coaching the team and the organization to apply Scrum effectively. Their accountability is to establish and uphold Scrum’s empirical approach—transparency, inspection, and adaptation—by ensuring events, artifacts, and values are understood and used as intended. They remove impediments that hinder flow, facilitate collaboration with stakeholders, and help the team focus on outcomes guided by the Sprint and Product Goals. Crucially, the Scrum Master does not manage scope, schedule, or approve the technical solution; those duties lie with product ownership and technical leadership. Nor do they “maximize value” directly—that accountability belongs to the Product Owner. Instead, the Scrum Master improves the system of work so the team can deliver value predictably and sustainably, fostering continuous improvement and adherence to agreed quality standards (e.g., Definition of Done). This aligns with option A and distinguishes it from the governance or authority-centric responsibilities implied by the other options.

The responsibility of the Business Ambassador in AgilePM is to provide day-to-day detail of the requirements during Timeboxes. This role involves representing the interests of the business within the project team, ensuring that the evolving product meets the business needs. The Business Ambassador works closely with the development team to clarify requirements, provide feedback, and make decisions promptly to keep the project on track.

DSDM differs from most other Agile approaches because it focuses on the entire project lifecycle456. This includes pre-project, feasibility, foundations, development, and deployment phases, ensuring a comprehensive approach to project management.

The Foundations phase is when it is established how quality will be assured4. This phase builds upon the preliminary investigation from the Feasibility phase to establish a fundamental understanding of the business rationale for the project and how the development and delivery of the solution will be managed, including quality assurance measures4.

Scrum supplies the core framework (roles, events, artifacts) for empirically building products, but it is intentionally lightweight. AgilePM (based on DSDM) complements Scrum by offering a well-tested pool of practices, tools, and techniques that strengthen day-to-day delivery and governance without altering Scrum’s essence. Typical enhancements include MoSCoW prioritization to manage variable scope, timeboxing to protect cadence, facilitated workshops and modeling to accelerate shared understanding, and explicit roles for business involvement to improve decision flow. AgilePM also provides guidance on project-level controls—such as business cases, incremental release planning, and benefits focus—that sit outside Scrum’s product-delivery scope. For a Scrum Master, this combination is valuable: Scrum remains the engine of iterative delivery, while AgilePM offers practical methods to refine backlog refinement, clarify acceptance criteria, manage dependencies, and support predictable delivery against time and cost constraints. Thus, the pairing gives Scrum Masters a richer toolkit to coach teams, align stakeholders, and handle real-world project contexts where governance, prioritization, and incremental release structures are needed—precisely what option B describes.

The phase in the DSDM process that aims to understand the scope of work and, in broad terms, how it will be carried out, by whom, when, and where is.

The Agile Manifesto explicitly values “individuals and interactions over processes and tools.” AgilePM fully aligns with this principle. While processes, tools, documentation, and contracts are important and often necessary (especially for governance, compliance, and clarity), they should not take precedence over effective collaboration, empowered teams, and rapid feedback. AgilePM’s practices—facilitated workshops, daily coordination, frequent reviews, and active business involvement—are designed to maximize human interaction to reduce waste, accelerate understanding, and improve quality. Even in regulated or contractual contexts, AgilePM recommends shaping processes and agreements to enable collaboration (e.g., clear roles, decision latency reduction, acceptance criteria, and incremental validation) rather than letting procedures dominate. Therefore, no listed circumstance justifies prioritizing processes and tools over individuals and interactions. The right choice is D. None of the above.

Simple: The Cynefin framework classifies situations where cause and effect are obvious as "simple," requiring straightforward solutions based on best practices.

Other Options:

Multifaceted: Not a recognized category in Cynefin.

Complex: Refers to situations where cause and effect are not immediately apparent.

Chaotic: Refers to situations with no apparent relationship between cause and effect.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Cynefin Framework for Complexity: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.

Actively Involve Line Managers: Change management frameworks highlight the importance of involving line managers to support individuals through the emotional phases of the change curve. Line managers can offer guidance, listen to concerns, and provide the reassurance needed to navigate uncertainty.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B: Negative emotions are a normal part of the change curve and should not automatically be seen as mismanagement.

C: Discouraging discussion can create further resistance and disengagement.

D: Assuming individuals will adapt over time neglects the need for proactive engagement and support.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Navigating the Change Curve: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.3

The application of Principle 8, Demonstrate Control, is collectively applied by the whole team4. This principle ensures that there are proper levels of planning, progress measurement, and reporting in place.

In Agile Project Management (AgilePM/DSDM), the control philosophy recognizes that you cannot fix time, cost, quality, and features simultaneously. Governance is achieved by fixing time and cost (and protecting quality through standards and the Definition of Done) while flexing scope using MoSCoW prioritization. This ensures predictability of delivery cadence and budget, while allowing the team to vary the amount of functionality delivered to meet the agreed constraints. Hence, some contingency must exist in at least one of the four variables—most commonly features—so that the project can respond to emerging information without compromising delivery dates or overspending. The AgilePM Handbook explicitly states: “It is unrealistic to expect all four… can be fixed and controlled… allow flexibility in at least one.” This approach enables incremental delivery, continuous negotiation of scope, and controlled change, ensuring that value is maximized within the agreed time and cost boundaries while maintaining quality. Therefore, the correct completion is “at least one of these variables.”

Statement 1: Correct. The change curve describes typical emotional responses to change, including denial, resistance, exploration, and commitment.

Statement 2: Incorrect. The change curve applies to both positive and negative changes, as it reflects the adjustment process regardless of the perceived nature of the change.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Emotional Responses to Change: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.3.

Both statements about the Technical Coordinator role in AgilePM are true. The Technical Coordinator provides the same function from a technical perspective as the Business Ambassador does from a business perspective, ensuring that the technical aspects of the project align with the overall business objectives. Additionally, the Technical Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the solution conforms to the requested technical standards, overseeing the technical integrity and quality of the product throughout the development process.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs are agreed-upon metrics that measure progress against desired outcomes. These indicators are crucial for tracking the effectiveness of change efforts.

Other Options:

A: Islands of stability refer to elements unaffected by change.

C: Incremental milestones are checkpoints but not specific measures of outcomes.

D: Transition tranches are phases of change implementation.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Outcome Measurement: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 7, Section 7.5.

The stated benefits of using DSDM include the business being better able to direct development, the reduced risk of building the wrong solution, and a smoother deployment process2. These benefits stem from DSDM’s iterative approach and close collaboration with stakeholders2.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (paraphrased from AgilePM governance guidance):

AgilePM’s financial governance relies on artifacts that demonstrate continuing business justification, predictable control, and informed decision-making. Core project artifacts include the Feasibility Assessment (early viability and value assessment), the Foundations Summary (establishes the Business Case, scope, approach, plans, and controls), and the Project Review Report (evidence-based assessments of progress, benefits, and risks). These directly support budget stewardship, investment decisions, and release planning. A Sprint Review Record is a Scrum team-level event output focused on inspecting increments and adapting the Product Backlog; it is not a defined AgilePM project artifact nor specifically a financial governance instrument. While insights from reviews inform governance, the formal artifacts tied to AgilePM’s project-level financial control are exemplified by options A, C, and D—hence B is the correct “NOT” choice.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (concise, policy-compliant):

Scrum is built on five explicit values that guide behavior and decisions: Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, and Courage. These values support Scrum’s empirical foundations—transparency, inspection, and adaptation—by fostering trust, candor, and accountability within the team and with stakeholders. “Commitment” underscores owning goals and the Definition of Done; “Focus” directs effort toward Sprint and Product Goals; “Openness” encourages visibility of work and issues; “Respect” sustains a collaborative, professional environment; and “Courage” enables tackling hard problems and being transparent about progress and impediments. “Drive” is not one of the five Scrum values. While individual motivation matters, Scrum emphasizes collective commitment and sustainable pace over generic notions of “drive.” Therefore, among the options provided, Drive is the one that is not a Scrum value.

Statement 1: Incorrect. Diverse teams tend to take longer to make decisions due to differing perspectives and approaches. However, this trade-off leads to more thorough and creative decision-making, which is a recognized strength of diverse teams.

Statement 2: Incorrect. Members of diverse teams often require time to align on communication styles, goals, and processes. Effective collaboration in diverse teams is developed through trust-building and active engagement, as outlined in Agile team practices.

Why Diverse Teams Matter in Agile:

Agile emphasizes collaboration and innovation, which are enhanced by diverse teams. However, the process of building trust and understanding takes time. AgilePM recommends fostering inclusivity and addressing conflicts constructively to harness the strengths of diverse teams.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Building Effective Teams: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 5, Section 5.3.

Trust and Transparency in Teams: Chapter 4, Section 4.6.

The Terms of Reference is identified as a governance product in DSDM because it may be used for purposes such as the prioritization of a project within a portfolio2. It provides a high-level definition of the overarching business driver and top-level objectives of the project.

AgilePM’s lifecycle comprises Pre-Project, Feasibility, Foundations, Evolutionary Development (Development), Deployment, and Post-Project. Deployment is executed in the Deployment phase, but AgilePM expects deployment planning to be identified early and progressively elaborated as part of ongoing planning during Evolutionary Development. As timeboxes deliver verified increments, the team refines release content, readiness activities, and transition tasks (training, data migration, cutover, support). Embedding deployment activities into the plans during Development ensures that release preparation progresses continuously—not as a late-stage bolt-on—supporting predictable cadence and benefits enablement. While Foundations establishes the initial approach and high-level plans, the detailed, actionable deployment tasks and their scheduling are added and maintained within the Development phase planning cycles so the upcoming Deployment phase can execute smoothly. Hence, from the options provided, the correct choice is Development phase.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (paraphrased from Agile Project Management guidance):

AgilePM treats risk management as an intrinsic, continuous activity rather than a siloed function. It reduces uncertainty through short timeboxes, early and frequent validation, empowered cross-functional teams, and active business involvement. Collaborative practices—facilitated workshops, visible backlogs, daily coordination, and regular reviews—surface risks early and promote rapid mitigation through transparency. MoSCoW prioritization and incremental delivery protect time and quality, containing exposure while enabling trade-offs when new information emerges. Formal artifacts and governance still exist, but they are lightweight and outcome-oriented, supporting timely decisions instead of creating bureaucracy. Options B and C conflict with AgilePM’s integrated, collaborative stance by proposing rigid or separated processes. Option D contradicts agile values by elevating contracts over customer collaboration. Consequently, the accurate description is A: integrate risk thinking into everyday work, leveraging collaboration and transparency to manage uncertainty.

Qualitative Measures: These provide insight into the underlying reasons, motivations, and emotions behind behaviors. Examples include interviews, open-ended surveys, and focus groups.

Other Options:

B: Quantitative measures focus on numerical data but lack context.

C: Leading indicators predict future performance but don’t explain behavior.

D: Lagging indicators reflect past performance, not the reasons behind it.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Measurement and Analysis: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 7, Section 7.5.

Maintenance is not one of the interest groups into which each DSDM role is grouped1. The recognized interest groups are Business, Solution/Technical, and Management1. These groups represent the different areas of focus within a DSDM project.

In DSDM, each role is grouped into interests such as Business, Solution/Technical, and Management. Maintenance is not one of the interests into which DSDM roles are grouped. The primary focus of DSDM roles is to ensure that the project is delivered successfully by balancing business needs, technical feasibility, and effective management practices.

The PAQ is a living risk and alignment aid used to expose approach-based risks—culture, leadership, governance expectations, stakeholder availability, decision latency, technical readiness—and to agree mitigations. AgilePM positions the PAQ for early use and for periodic re-use at key checkpoints. As the Foundations phase completes, the project has clarified goals, governance, roles, and planning baselines; revisiting the PAQ then helps validate that the agreed approach actually fits the now-explicit context and that residual risks have owners and responses. If Foundations is later revisited (for example, after significant change in scope, funding, or organization), the PAQ should be revisited as well to re-check assumptions and tune mitigations. Treating the PAQ as a one-off document would miss its purpose: to sustain a fit-for-purpose approach as conditions evolve. Therefore, both statements are true.

DSDM acknowledges that change is inevitable and that projects operate within a changing world5. The methodology is designed to embrace change and harness its benefits, rather than resist it.