Answering: “What activities would a Product Owner typically undertake in the phase between the end of the current Sprint and the start of the next Sprint?” (PSM I)

There is no phase between Sprints for the Product Owner to fill. The next Sprint starts immediately after the current one ends.

Exam Question

What activities would a Product Owner typically undertake in the phase between the end of the current Sprint and the start of the next Sprint? (choose the best answer)

• A. Refine the Product Backlog.
• B. Update the project plan with stakeholders.
• C. There are no such activities. The next Sprint starts immediately after the current Sprint.
• D. Work with the Quality Assurance departments on the Increment of the current Sprint.

Correct Answer

C. There are no such activities. The next Sprint starts immediately after the current Sprint.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says “A new Sprint starts immediately after the conclusion of the previous Sprint.” There is no gap, so there is no time between Sprints for anyone to do anything. Activities like Product Backlog refinement and talking with stakeholders happen during Sprints, as ongoing work. The Sprint is a container for all the work needed to reach the Product Goal, including the Product Owner’s work. A question that implies a gap between Sprints is testing whether you know that Sprints run back to back.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Refine the Product Backlog. Refinement is a real activity, but it happens during the Sprint, not in a gap between Sprints.

B. Update the project plan with stakeholders. The Product Backlog serves as the plan, and it is updated during Sprints. There is no separate phase for this.

D. Work with QA on the Increment of the current Sprint. Quality work is part of reaching the Definition of Done inside the Sprint. A separate QA phase means the Increment was not Done.

Exam Tip

Read the question stem carefully. If it assumes time “between Sprints”, the premise is false, and the answer that rejects the premise is correct.

Key Takeaways

• Sprints run back to back with no gap.
• All work, including refinement, happens within Sprints.
• Questions with a false premise often have a “no such thing” answer.