No time at all is needed between Sprints, because the next Sprint starts immediately after the previous one ends. Testing, refinement and planning all happen inside Sprints.
Exam Question
How much time is required after a Sprint to prepare for the next Sprint?
(choose the best answer)
A. The break between Sprints is time-boxed to one-week for a one-month Sprint, and usually less for shorter Sprints.
B. None. A new Sprint starts immediately following the end of the previous Sprint.
C. Enough time for the Developers to finish the testing from the last Sprint.
D. Enough time for the requirements for the next Sprint to be determined and documented.
E. All of the above are allowed depending on the situation.
Correct Answer
B. None. A new Sprint starts immediately following the end of the previous Sprint.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide states “A new Sprint starts immediately after the conclusion of the previous Sprint.” Sprints are fixed-length containers for all the work, including Sprint Planning, the Daily Scrums, the Sprint Review and the Sprint Retrospective. Preparation for the next Sprint is done through Product Backlog refinement, which is an ongoing activity during the current Sprint. Testing belongs to the Definition of Done, so it finishes before the Sprint ends. A gap between Sprints would hide undone work and break the steady rhythm that makes Scrum predictable.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. A timeboxed break of up to a week between Sprints. Scrum defines no such break. The only timeboxes are the Sprint and the events within it.
C. Time for the Developers to finish testing. Testing is part of meeting the Definition of Done within the Sprint. Needing extra time means the work was not Done.
D. Time to determine and document requirements. Refinement happens continuously during the Sprint, so items are ready when Sprint Planning starts.
E. All of the above, depending on the situation. Since none of the gaps are allowed, this option fails too.
Exam Tip
Any option that adds time “between” Sprints is wrong. Scrum has no gaps, no hardening periods and no planning phases outside a Sprint.
Key Takeaways
- Sprints run back to back.
- Refinement prepares future Sprints during the current one.
- Testing is done within the Sprint that produced the work.
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More PSPO I exam questions
- True or False: To get started in terms of what to build, Scrum requires no more than a Product Owner with enough ideas for a first Sprint, Developers to implement those ideas, and a Scrum Master to help guide the process.” (PSPO I)
- True or False: A Product Owner is essentially the same thing as a traditional Project Manager.
- The Developers ask their Product Owner to re-order the Product Backlog. The team is waiting for an external supplier to deliver a component. Without that component there will not be enough work in the next Sprint to occupy the full team. As the Scrum Master, what advice would you give the Product Owner?” (PSPO I)
- Which are appropriate topics for discussion in a Sprint Retrospective?” (PSPO I)
- A Product Backlog is:” (PSPO I)