Answering: “When multiple Scrum Teams are working on a single product, what best describes the Definition of Done?”

When several Scrum Teams work on one product, they must mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done. Separate definitions, later reconciliation or a definition set by Scrum Masters do not produce one integrated Increment.

Exam Question

When multiple Scrum Teams are working on a single product, what best describes the Definition of Done?
(choose the best answer)
A. Each Scrum Team uses its own, but must make their definition clear to all other Teams so the differences are known.
B. Each Scrum Team defines and uses its own. The differences are discussed and reconciled during a hardening Sprint.
C. The Scrum Masters from each Scrum Team define a common Definition of Done.
D. When multiple Scrum Teams are working together on a product, they must mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done.

Correct Answer

D. When multiple Scrum Teams are working together on a product, they must mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide states: “If there are multiple Scrum Teams working together on a product, they must mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done.” All teams contribute to one Increment, and it can only be releasable if every part meets the same standard. Teams can add stricter criteria of their own, but they cannot go below the shared definition. Defining it together gives every team ownership and a shared understanding of what done means for the product.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Each team uses its own and shares it with the others. Making differences visible does not fix them. The combined Increment would have inconsistent quality.

B. Each team uses its own and reconciles differences in a hardening Sprint. Hardening Sprints mean earlier work was not done. Scrum has no such Sprint.

C. The Scrum Masters define a common Definition of Done. The Scrum Teams define it together. The Scrum Masters may facilitate, but they do not own it.

Exam Tip

For multi-team questions about done, the answer almost always uses the Scrum Guide phrase “mutually define and comply with the same Definition of Done.”

Key Takeaways

• Teams on one product share one Definition of Done.
• They define it together and all comply with it.
• Hardening Sprints are a sign that work was not really done.