Definition of Done

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The Definition of Done (DoD) is a critical concept in Scrum. It's a shared understanding of what it means for a task to be complete and ensures transparency and quality in the delivered product increment. The team agrees on the DoD and each item in the Sprint Backlog must meet this definition before it's considered 'done'. The DoD usually includes criteria like code is designed, built, tested, reviewed, and integrated, and documentation is updated.

Guide: Definition of Done in Scrum Meetings

The Definition of Done (DoD) is a critical aspect of Agile and Scrum methodology.

What it is: The Definition of Done is a shared understanding within the Scrum Team about what it means for work to be complete. This includes both the quality of the work and its functionality.

Why it's important: Having a clear Definition of Done helps ensure that everyone on the team is working towards the same goal, that tasks are fully finished, and that the product increment is potentially releasable. It helps prevent scope creep, incomplete work, and misunderstandings about expectations.

How it works: During Scrum Meetings, the team agrees on and commits to a Definition of Done for each user story. This could include things like writing code, conducting tests, getting approvals, and fixing bugs. As work on the story is finished, each aspect of the DoD needs to be checked off.

Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Definition of Done:
• Understand the purpose: Knowing why DoD is used will help you answer questions on its practical applications.
• Know how to apply it: Be familiar with how a DoD would be created and used within a Scrum team.
• Remember it's team-defined: The details will differ from team to team, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
• Keep it measurable: Every item in a DoD should be something that can be objectively determined as done or not done.
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CSM - Definition of Done Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Definition of Done

Question 1

A developer is unsure whether a particular task has met the Definition of Done. What should be done in this case?

Correct Answer: Consult with the team to determine if the task meets the defined criteria.

The correct answer encourages collaboration within the team. By consulting with the team, the developer can ensure the task meets the shared understanding of the Definition of Done.

Question 2

Your team consistently executes all sprint's user stories, but regularly compromises on non-functional requirements embedded in the Definition of Done. What should be the Scrum Master's course of action?

Correct Answer: Review the Definition of Done with the team to understand why non-functional requirements are not being met and create a plan for improvement.

As a Scrum Master, the primary course of action when a team consistently fails to meet the Definition of Done, particularly in terms of non-functional requirements, is to actively engage the team in a discussion or review process to identify the root causes and work together on solutions. This ensures that improvements are made while maintaining the integrity of the scrum process. The other options, while possibly helpful in certain contexts, either do not address the underlying issues directly, might bypass the scrum process, or could shift focus away from delivering valuable increments each sprint.

Question 3

During a Sprint, the Scrum Team realizes that an item in the Definition of Done cannot be met due to a sudden technical constraint. What should the Scrum Master suggest?

Correct Answer: Advise to bring the challenge up for discussion with the Scrum Team to explore viable solutions or adjustments to the Definition of Done.

The correct approach in Scrum involves addressing impediments and challenges through team collaboration and discussion. Pausing the Sprint is not a recommended action for addressing a single item in the Definition of Done. Consulting with external experts does not leverage the collective wisdom and self-management of the Scrum Team. While documenting the issue is valuable, proceeding without addressing the challenge does not fulfill the commitment to maintaining the Definition of Done.

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Business Scrum MeetingDaily Scrum MeetingDevelopers AccountabilityProduct Backlog Refinement MeetingProduct Backlog Refinement SessionProduct Owner RoleRelease Planning MeetingScrum ArtifactsScrum Master RoleScrum of Scrums MeetingSprint Planning MeetingSprint Retrospective MeetingSprint Review MeetingSprint Zero Meeting
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