Answering: “How much work is required of the Developers to complete a Product Backlog item selected during the Sprint Planning?” (PSD)

The Developers do as much work as the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done requires. There is no fixed split across analysis, design and testing, and unfinished work does not roll over as partly done.

Exam Question

How much work is required of the Developers to complete a Product Backlog item selected during the Sprint Planning?
(choose the best answer)
A. A proportional amount of time on analysis, design, development, and testing.
B. As much as is required to meet the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done.
C. All development work and at least some testing.
D. As much as they can fit into the Sprint, with remaining work deferred to the next Sprint.

Correct Answer

B. As much as is required to meet the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says “work cannot be considered part of an Increment unless it meets the Definition of Done.” So the amount of work for any item is whatever it takes to reach that standard, no more and no less. For some items that means a lot of testing; for others, more design or integration. Fixed percentages per activity would ignore the actual needs of the item. The Definition of Done is the single bar that defines when an item is finished.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. A proportional amount of time on analysis, design, development and testing. Scrum does not split work into fixed phases or proportions. Each item needs what its Definition of Done demands.

C. All development work and at least some testing. “Some testing” may fall short of the Definition of Done. Done means fully meeting it.

D. As much as fits in the Sprint, with the rest deferred. Partly finished items are not done. They return to the Product Backlog rather than rolling forward as partial work.

Exam Tip

When asked how much work an item needs, the answer is tied to the Definition of Done, not to time spent or a phase breakdown.

Key Takeaways

• Each item needs whatever its Definition of Done requires.
• Scrum does not divide work into fixed phases.
• Partial work is not part of the Increment.