Answering: “Scrum is based on empiricism. All Scrum artifacts must be transparent to ensure sufficient accuracy of inspection. Which two measures ensure that the Product Backlog is transparent?”

An ordered Product Backlog that every stakeholder can see is what makes it transparent. Labels, tools and short planning horizons do not make the backlog any easier to inspect.

Exam Question

Scrum is based on empiricism. All Scrum artifacts must be transparent to ensure sufficient accuracy of inspection. Which two measures ensure that the Product Backlog is transparent? (choose the best two answers)

• A. The Product Backlog is ordered.
• B. Each Product Backlog item has a MoSCoW priority.
• C. The Product Backlog is managed using a web-based tool.
• D. The Product Backlog is available to all stakeholders.
• E. The Product Backlog only has work for the next 2 Sprints.

Correct Answer

A and D.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Transparency means the people who inspect an artifact can see it and understand it. The Scrum Guide calls the Product Backlog “an emergent, ordered list of what is needed to improve the product.” Ordering shows everyone what the Scrum Team will work on next and why, which is the information stakeholders need to inspect it. Making it available to all stakeholders lets them actually do that inspection and give feedback. The Guide also makes the Product Owner accountable for ensuring the Product Backlog is transparent, visible and understood. A backlog that is hidden, or that is just a pile of unsorted items, cannot support good decisions.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

B. Each item has a MoSCoW priority. MoSCoW groups items into buckets, so many items share the same label. It does not create a single order, and Scrum does not require any prioritization scheme.

C. The backlog is managed in a web-based tool. A tool can help with access, but the tool itself makes nothing transparent. A wall of cards can be more transparent than a locked-down tool.

E. The backlog only holds work for the next 2 Sprints. Cutting the backlog short hides the longer view toward the Product Goal. Stakeholders lose the chance to inspect what comes later.

Exam Tip

For transparency questions, look for answers about visibility and shared understanding. Answers that name a specific tool or technique are rarely what Scrum requires.

Key Takeaways

• The Product Backlog is ordered, not merely prioritized into groups.
• Stakeholders need access to the backlog to inspect it.
• Tools support transparency but do not create it.