An item that does not meet the Definition of Done goes back to the Product Backlog for the Product Owner to decide on, and it is not included in the Increment. It cannot be released or counted as partly done.
Exam Question
At the end of a Sprint, a Product Backlog item worked on during the Sprint does not meet the Definition of Done. What two things should happen with the undone Product Backlog item?
(choose the best two answers)
A. Put it on the Product Backlog for the Product Owner to decide what to do with it.
B. If the stakeholders agree, the Product Owner can accept it and release it to the users.
C. Do not include the item in the Increment this Sprint.
D. Review the item, add the done part of the estimate to the velocity and create a Story for the remaining work.
Correct Answer
A and C.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide is direct: “If a Product Backlog item does not meet the Definition of Done, it cannot be released or even presented at the Sprint Review. Instead, it returns to the Product Backlog for future consideration.” Back on the Product Backlog, the Product Owner orders it like any other item. It may be picked up next Sprint or dropped if priorities have changed. Keeping it out of the Increment protects transparency, because the Increment then shows only work that is truly done.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B. Release it if stakeholders agree and the Product Owner accepts it. Undone work cannot be released. Stakeholder approval does not override the Definition of Done.
D. Count the done part toward velocity and create a story for the rest. Partial credit hides the real state of work. An item is either done or not, and velocity is not part of the Scrum Guide.
Exam Tip
Undone items have a fixed path in the Scrum Guide: back to the Product Backlog, never into the Increment, and never released.
Key Takeaways
- Undone items return to the Product Backlog.
- Only work meeting the Definition of Done is part of the Increment.
- There is no partial credit for unfinished items.
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More PSM I exam questions
- Why would you expect a Product Owner to care that the Scrum Team adheres to its Definition of Done?” (PSM I)
- Why does the Product Owner want the Developers to adhere to its Definition of Done?” (PSM I)
- When is a Product Backlog item considered complete?” (PSM I)
- The Definition of Done serves which three purposes?” (PSM I)
- A Developers select a set of Product Backlog items for a Sprint Backlog with the intent to get the selected items done by the end of the Sprint. Which three phrases best describe the purpose of a Definition of Done?