New work or further breakdown of work goes into the Sprint Backlog as soon as possible after the Developers identify it. They do not wait for the Daily Scrum, the Product Owner or the Scrum Master.
Exam Question
During a Sprint, when is new work or further decomposition of work added to the Sprint Backlog?
(choose the best answer)
- A. When the Product Owner identifies new work.
- B. When the Scrum Master has time to enter it.
- C. During the Daily Scrum after the Developers approve it.
- D. As soon as possible after it is identified.
Correct Answer
D. As soon as possible after it is identified.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide describes the Sprint Backlog as “a highly visible, real-time picture of the work that the Developers plan to accomplish during the Sprint” and says it “is updated throughout the Sprint as more is learned.” A real-time picture is only useful if it is current. When the Developers discover new tasks or split existing ones, adding them straight away keeps progress transparent for everyone. The Developers own the Sprint Backlog, so no approval step is needed.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. When the Product Owner identifies new work. The Sprint Backlog belongs to the Developers. The Product Owner’s new ideas go to the Product Backlog.
B. When the Scrum Master has time to enter it. The Scrum Master is not the keeper of the Sprint Backlog, and waiting reduces transparency.
C. At the Daily Scrum after the Developers approve it. There is no approval gate. Waiting a day for the next Daily Scrum makes the Sprint Backlog out of date.
Exam Tip
The Sprint Backlog is real-time. Options that make it wait for an event, a role or an approval are wrong.
Key Takeaways
- The Sprint Backlog is updated in real time.
- The Developers add new work without waiting for approval.
- A current Sprint Backlog keeps progress transparent.
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More PSM I exam questions
- The Developers should not be interrupted during the Sprint. The Sprint Goal should remain intact. These are conditions that foster creativity, quality and productivity. Based on this, which of the following is FALSE?
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- Which statement best describes the Sprint Backlog as the output of the Sprint Planning?” (PSM I)
- True or False: It is mandatory that the product increment be released to production at the end of each Sprint.
- For the purpose of transparency, when does Scrum say a valuable and useful Increment must be available?