The Sprint Goal is created during Sprint Planning by the whole Scrum Team. It is not set before planning, not optional, and not written at random points in the Sprint.
Exam Question
When should a Sprint Goal be created?
(choose the best answer)
A. During Sprint Planning.
B. It should have been created in the previous Sprint during Product Backlog refinement.
C. A Sprint Goal is not mandatory in Scrum.
D. At any time during the Sprint.
E. It must be established before Sprint Planning in order to begin planning.
Correct Answer
A. During Sprint Planning.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The first topic of Sprint Planning is why the Sprint is valuable. The Scrum Guide says the Product Owner proposes how the product could increase its value and utility, and “The whole Scrum Team then collaborates to define a Sprint Goal that communicates why the Sprint is valuable to stakeholders.” The Guide adds that “The Sprint Goal must be finalized prior to the end of Sprint Planning.” The Product Owner may arrive with an idea or proposed objective, and refinement in the previous Sprint helps prepare. The goal itself is created and agreed on in this event.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B. In the previous Sprint during refinement. Refinement prepares Product Backlog items. The Sprint Goal is created by the Scrum Team at Sprint Planning.
C. A Sprint Goal is not mandatory. Every Sprint has a Sprint Goal. It is the commitment for the Sprint Backlog.
D. At any time during the Sprint. The Sprint Goal must be finalized before Sprint Planning ends, so it can guide the whole Sprint.
E. Before Sprint Planning. The Product Owner may bring a proposal, but the Sprint Goal is defined collaboratively in Sprint Planning.
Exam Tip
Remember the distinction between a Product Owner’s proposal and the Sprint Goal. The proposal may come earlier; the goal is defined and finalized in Sprint Planning.
Key Takeaways
- The Scrum Team creates the Sprint Goal in Sprint Planning.
- It must be finalized before planning ends.
- Every Sprint has a Sprint Goal.
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