Answering: “When is a Product Backlog item considered complete?” (PSPO I)

A Product Backlog item is complete when it meets the Definition of Done. Passing acceptance criteria or reaching the end of the Sprint is not enough on its own.

Exam Question

When is a Product Backlog item considered complete?
(choose the best answer)
A. At the end of the Sprint.
B. When the item passes all acceptance criteria.
C. When the item meets the Definition of Done.
D. When the item has gained product sponsor approval.

Correct Answer

C. When the item meets the Definition of Done.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide states “The moment a Product Backlog item meets the Definition of Done, an Increment is born.” It also says that work cannot be considered part of an Increment unless it meets the Definition of Done. Acceptance criteria, if a team uses them, describe what a specific item should do. The Definition of Done describes the quality standard that applies to every item, such as testing, integration and security checks. An item can satisfy its own acceptance criteria and still fail that broader standard, so the Definition of Done is the deciding test.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. At the end of the Sprint. Time passing does not make work Done. Items can be completed during the Sprint or not at all.

B. When it passes all acceptance criteria. Acceptance criteria are item-specific and optional. They do not replace the shared quality standard of the Definition of Done.

D. When a product sponsor approves it. Scrum has no sponsor sign-off step. The Definition of Done is the objective test of completion.

Exam Tip

If a question asks when work is complete or Done, the answer is the Definition of Done. Approvals and acceptance criteria are common distractors.

Key Takeaways

• Done means meeting the Definition of Done.
• An Increment is born the moment an item is Done.
• Acceptance criteria complement, but do not replace, the Definition of Done.