Answering: “True or False: The Product Owner must write all of the Product Backlog items (eg users stories, requirements, etc) on the Product Backlog before handing them over to the Scrum Team.”

False. The Product Owner does not have to write every Product Backlog item, and work is never handed over to the Scrum Team. The Product Owner can delegate this work while staying accountable.

Exam Question

True or False: The Product Owner must write all of the Product Backlog items (e.g., user stories, requirements, etc.) on the Product Backlog before handing them over to the Scrum Team.

• A. True
• B. False

Correct Answer

B. False

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide lists “creating and clearly communicating Product Backlog items” as a Product Owner accountability, then adds: “The Product Owner may do the above work or may delegate the responsibility to others. Regardless, the Product Owner remains accountable.” Developers and stakeholders often help write and refine items. The idea of handing items over also clashes with Scrum, because the Product Owner is part of the Scrum Team and collaborates on the work rather than passing it across a boundary.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. True This makes the Product Owner a sole author and suggests a hand-off. Others can write items, and the Product Owner works with the team throughout.

Exam Tip

Statements with “must” plus “all” about one role doing a task are usually false. Check whether the Scrum Guide allows delegation, as it does here.

Key Takeaways

• Anyone can help write Product Backlog items.
• The Product Owner stays accountable even when delegating.
• There is no hand-off between Product Owner and Scrum Team.