Definition of Done
The Definition of Done (DoD) is a critical concept in Agile methodologies that establishes a shared understanding among the team regarding what it means for a product increment or user story to be considered complete. It is a concise list of criteria that must be met before an item is marked as done, ensuring that deliverables meet a consistent quality standard and are ready for releaseCreating a DoD involves collaboration among the team members, including Business Analysts, developers, testers, and the Product Owner. Business Analysts contribute by incorporating business and stakeholder requirements into the DoD, ensuring that all functional and non-functional requirements are met. The DoD may include criteria such as code being peer-reviewed, functionality being tested and accepted, documentation being updated, and compliance with regulatory standardsThe DoD serves multiple purposes. It enhances transparency by providing clear criteria for completion, reduces misunderstandings, and helps in tracking progress accurately. It also promotes quality by preventing incomplete or sub-standard work from being considered done. For the team, it acts as a checklist that ensures all necessary activities have been completed before moving onRegularly reviewing and updating the DoD is important as the project evolves. It should adapt to changes in technology, team capabilities, and stakeholder expectations. By adhering to a well-defined DoD, teams can deliver consistent, high-quality increments that provide real value to users and stakeholders, and Business Analysts can ensure that the business objectives are being met effectively.
Definition of Done: A Comprehensive Guide for PBA Certification
What is the Definition of Done?
The Definition of Done (DoD) is a clear, shared understanding among team members that defines when a work item is considered complete. It serves as a formal checklist of requirements that must be fulfilled before a product increment can be declared finished.
Why the Definition of Done is Important
The Definition of Done is crucial because it:
• Ensures quality by establishing clear completion criteria
• Reduces rework by creating a shared understanding of completeness
• Improves transparency for stakeholders about what to expect
• Helps prevent scope creep by setting boundaries
• Aligns team members on expectations
• Forms a contract between the development team and product owner
How the Definition of Done Works
A typical Definition of Done includes:
1. Technical requirements: Code written, documented, peer-reviewed, and committed
2. Quality assurance: Unit tests passed, integration tests passed, no regressions
3. Documentation: User documentation updated, technical documentation complete
4. Business validation: Acceptance criteria met, stakeholder review completed
5. Non-functional requirements: Performance standards met, security compliance verified
The DoD is applied to each work item or user story, and only when all criteria are satisfied can the item be considered 'Done.'
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Definition of Done
• Differentiate between DoD and Acceptance Criteria: DoD applies to all work items, while acceptance criteria are specific to individual stories
• Understand the role of the business analyst: As a BA, you help create and refine the DoD based on business needs and compliance requirements
• Know who owns the DoD: The entire team creates and adheres to the DoD, but the Product Owner must approve it
• Recognize its evolving nature: The DoD should evolve as the team matures and project needs change
• Connect DoD to value delivery: Exam questions often test if you understand how DoD relates to delivering business value
• Apply to real scenarios: Be prepared to apply DoD concepts to specific project situations in scenario-based questions
• Identify DoD violations: Practice spotting when items are incorrectly marked as done
When faced with exam questions, focus on how the Definition of Done promotes transparency, quality, and shared understanding in agile projects. Remember that a good DoD is specific, measurable, and agreed upon by the entire team.
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