Answering: “When is the Sprint Backlog created?” (PSPO I)

The Sprint Backlog is created during Sprint Planning. Items may be refined earlier, but the Sprint Backlog itself only exists once the Scrum Team plans the Sprint.

Exam Question

When is the Sprint Backlog created?
(choose the best answer)
A. Prior to Sprint Planning.
B. During the Sprint Retrospective.
C. During refinement.
D. During Sprint Planning.

Correct Answer

D. During Sprint Planning.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says that “the Sprint Goal, the Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint, plus the plan for delivering them are together referred to as the Sprint Backlog.” All three are produced at Sprint Planning: the team agrees why the Sprint is valuable, the Developers select items, and they plan how to deliver them. The Sprint Backlog then keeps evolving through the Sprint as the Developers learn more. Refinement earlier helps by making items ready for selection, but it creates no Sprint Backlog. The Retrospective looks at how the team works, not at the next Sprint’s work selection.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Prior to Sprint Planning. Nothing is selected for a Sprint before Sprint Planning. Creating a plan earlier skips the team’s collaboration.

B. During the Sprint Retrospective. The Retrospective focuses on improving quality and effectiveness. It is not where work for the next Sprint is chosen.

C. During refinement. Refinement prepares Product Backlog items. It does not select them or produce a plan for a Sprint.

Exam Tip

Tie each artifact to the event where it starts. Sprint Backlog equals Sprint Planning, and the Increment emerges during the Sprint.

Key Takeaways

• Sprint Planning creates the Sprint Backlog.
• The Sprint Backlog has a why, a what and a how.
• Refinement prepares items but does not plan the Sprint.