Only enough of the Sprint Backlog has to be defined for the Developers to forecast what they can do in the Sprint. The rest of the plan emerges as they learn during the Sprint.
Exam Question
How much of the Sprint Backlog must be defined during the Sprint Planning event?
(choose the best answer)
A. Enough so the Developers can create their forecast of what they can do.
B. Just enough tasks for the Scrum Master to be confident in the Developers’ understanding of the Sprint.
C. Just enough to understand design and architectural implications.
D. The entire Sprint Backlog must be identified and estimated by the end of the Sprint Planning.
Correct Answer
A. Enough so the Developers can create their forecast of what they can do.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide says Sprint Planning results in a Sprint Backlog made of the Sprint Goal, the selected Product Backlog items and a plan for delivering them. It also notes that “the Sprint Backlog is a plan by and for the Developers” and that it is updated throughout the Sprint as more is learned. Planning every task in detail at the start would waste effort, because complex work keeps changing. The Developers often break the first few days of work into small units of one day or less and leave later work coarser. What matters is that they can confidently forecast the work and commit to the Sprint Goal.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B. Enough tasks for the Scrum Master to feel confident. The Sprint Backlog belongs to the Developers. Its level of detail is not set by the Scrum Master’s comfort.
C. Just enough to understand design and architecture. Design matters, but the guide for detail is the forecast, not a specific architectural understanding.
D. The entire Sprint Backlog identified and estimated by the end of Sprint Planning. This is upfront planning. The Sprint Backlog is expected to emerge and change during the Sprint.
Exam Tip
Watch for words like “entire” or “all” in planning questions. Scrum plans just enough to start and lets detail emerge.
Key Takeaways
- The Sprint Backlog only needs enough detail to forecast.
- The plan emerges and changes during the Sprint.
- The Developers decide how detailed their plan is.
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More PSPO I exam questions
- The 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?
- 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?” (PSPO I)
- What is the purpose of a Sprint Review?” (PSPO I)
- Which of the following are true about the Product Owner?” (PSPO I)
- Which approach is best for Scrum Teams in order to produce valuable Increments?” (PSPO I)