Answering: “True or False: A high-performance Scrum Team ensures that each Increment is complete by running a Release Sprint”

False. A high-performing Scrum Team makes each Increment complete within the Sprint that creates it. A Release Sprint is a sign that work was not really Done.

Exam Question

True or False: A high-performance Scrum Team ensures that each Increment is complete by running a Release Sprint.

• A. True
• B. False

Correct Answer

B. False

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide states “Work cannot be considered part of an Increment unless it meets the Definition of Done.” Every Sprint should produce at least one usable Increment that meets that standard. A Release Sprint, sometimes called a hardening or stabilization Sprint, exists to finish testing, integration or deployment that should already be part of Done. Using one means earlier Increments were not usable and transparency was poor, since stakeholders saw work as finished when it was not. High-performing teams expand their Definition of Done and automate what they can, so there is nothing left to harden at the end.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. True This treats undone work as normal. In Scrum, every Increment must already meet the Definition of Done, so there is nothing for a Release Sprint to complete.

Exam Tip

Any special-purpose Sprint, such as Release, Hardening or Integration, signals undone work. On Scrum.org exams the answer that relies on one is wrong.

Key Takeaways

• Every Increment must meet the Definition of Done in its own Sprint.
• Release or hardening Sprints hide undone work.
• Mature teams grow their Definition of Done instead of adding phases.