Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective

Which practice tests are you using?

Something to keep in mind is that, in some cases, human languages have ambiguity. That leaves room for multiple equally valid interpretations of the same statements. Different certification bodies may have different interpretations that are carried through their training courses, material, and exams. If you're studying for the Scrum.org exam, using material written by PSTs or otherwise from Scrum.org will be more likely to align with the content you'll find on the exams.

Now, I'm not saying that this ambiguity is indeed the case. It could also be something like being based on an old version of the Scrum Guide or maybe just an error.

And to answer the specific question: Holding the events in the same place is not mandatory. The answer would be "no" if the question asks if the events must be held in the same place and time.

I've seen many preparation tests asking if the same place and time are a "must," and the answers have always been "yes."

You know they're contradicting the Scrum Guide. What would you say these tests are preparing you for?

Back in the old days when you had to book conference rooms, it was sometimes difficult to get the same room at the same time every sprint end.  But optimally it would be best if you could.  That way there is no chance of someone being late because they went to the wrong room.  Today, in the world of geographic dispersion, it is still optimally to have it at the same time using the same technology so that it eliminates a factor of complexity.  

Having said all of that, there is nothing in the Scrum Guide that states all the events "must" be held in the same place at the same time.  It is just suggested as a way of reducing complexity.