The Sprint Retrospective is the most appropriate time to change the Definition of Done. That is the event where the Scrum Team inspects how it works, including its quality standards.
Exam Question
When is it most appropriate for a Scrum Team to change the Definition of Done? (choose the best answer)
- A. During the Sprint Retrospective.
- B. During Sprint Planning.
- C. During Product Backlog refinement.
- D. Prior to starting a new project.
Correct Answer
A. During the Sprint Retrospective.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide says that in the Sprint Retrospective, “The Scrum Team inspects how the last Sprint went with regards to individuals, interactions, processes, tools, and their Definition of Done.” The Definition of Done is named explicitly, so this is where the team looks at whether its quality bar is right and raises it as it matures. Changing it at the Retrospective also means the new standard applies cleanly from the start of the next Sprint. Changing it during Sprint Planning or refinement would mix quality decisions into work selection and could change the rules for work already forecast.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B. During Sprint Planning. Sprint Planning is for selecting work and crafting the Sprint Goal. The Definition of Done should already be settled when the team plans.
C. During Product Backlog refinement. Refinement is about breaking down and clarifying items. It is not the place to inspect the team’s quality standards.
D. Prior to starting a new project. Scrum works in Sprints, not projects, and the Definition of Done should evolve continuously. Waiting for a new project would freeze it.
Exam Tip
When a question asks when the team should change how it works, think Sprint Retrospective. The Definition of Done is part of how the team works.
Key Takeaways
- The Definition of Done is inspected at the Sprint Retrospective.
- Teams often strengthen the Definition of Done as they mature.
- A new Definition of Done should apply from the next Sprint.
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More PSM I exam questions
- True or False: At least one high priority process improvement identified during the previous Retrospective, is included in the Sprint Backlog.
- During the Sprint Retrospective a Scrum Team has identified several high priority process improvements. Which of the following statements is most accurate?” (PSM I)
- Who has the final say on the order of the Product Backlog?
- The items at the top of the Product Backlog should be analyzed, estimated, and ordered adequately to begin a Sprint. This is referred to as an actionable, or “Ready”, Product Backlog. At the start of the Sprint Planning, select the best description of the Product Backlog items that the Product Owner wants to have done.
- True or False: The Product Owner should have the entire Product Backlog documented in detail before the first Sprint can start?” (PSM I)