Answering: “As the Developers start work during the Sprint, they realize they have selected too much work to finish in the Sprint. What should they do?” (PSM I)

The Developers should talk to the Product Owner as soon as they realize it, and agree on which work to remove. They should not lower quality, hand off work to another team or wait for the Sprint Review.

Exam Question

As the Developers start work during the Sprint, they realize they have selected too much work to finish in the Sprint. What should they do? (choose the best answer)

• A. Reduce the Definition of Done and get all of the Product Backlog items done by the new definition.
• B. As soon as possible in the Sprint, work with the Product Owner to remove some work or Product Backlog items.
• C. Find another Scrum Team to give the excess work to.
• D. Inform the Product Owner at the Sprint Review, but prior to the demonstration.

Correct Answer

B. As soon as possible in the Sprint, work with the Product Owner to remove some work or Product Backlog items.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Sprint Backlog is a forecast, not a contract. The Scrum Guide says that during the Sprint “quality does not decrease” and “scope may be clarified and renegotiated with the Product Owner as more is learned.” Raising the issue early gives the Product Owner time to decide which items matter most for the Sprint Goal and to set stakeholder expectations. The Daily Scrum is a natural point for the Developers to notice the gap, but they do not have to wait for it.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Reduce the Definition of Done. Lowering the Definition of Done to fit more work in is exactly what the Scrum Guide forbids. It creates hidden technical debt.

C. Give the excess work to another Scrum Team. Each Scrum Team owns its Sprint Backlog. Pushing work onto another team disrupts their plan and hides the real problem.

D. Tell the Product Owner at the Sprint Review. Waiting until the end removes every chance to adapt during the Sprint and surprises the Product Owner.

Exam Tip

When something goes wrong mid-Sprint, the best answer is almost always to make it transparent right away to the person who can help decide, here the Product Owner.

Key Takeaways

• The Sprint Backlog is a forecast that can be renegotiated.
• Quality, and therefore the Definition of Done, never drops.
• Problems are raised as early as possible, not saved for an event.