In PRINCE2 Agile, the Definition of Done (DoD) and Definition of Ready (DoR) are essential agile artifacts that support quality control and workflow clarity, aligning with PRINCE2's focus on quality criteria and management by exception.
The Definition of Done is a shared, agreed set of criteria th…In PRINCE2 Agile, the Definition of Done (DoD) and Definition of Ready (DoR) are essential agile artifacts that support quality control and workflow clarity, aligning with PRINCE2's focus on quality criteria and management by exception.
The Definition of Done is a shared, agreed set of criteria that a piece of work must satisfy before it can be considered complete. It establishes a consistent understanding across the team of what 'done' truly means, preventing ambiguity and reducing rework. In PRINCE2 Agile, the DoD often relates to the product's quality criteria captured in the Product Description. It may include conditions such as code being tested, documentation completed, acceptance criteria met, and standards adhered to. The DoD can apply at multiple levels: for individual work items, for a sprint or timebox, or for a release. This layered approach ensures that quality is embedded throughout delivery and supports the PRINCE2 principle of focusing on products.
The Definition of Ready is a set of criteria that a work item (such as a user story) must meet before it can be pulled into a sprint or timebox for development. It ensures that work is sufficiently understood, detailed, estimated, and free of blocking dependencies before the team commits to delivering it. A good DoR prevents wasted effort and mid-sprint disruption by confirming that requirements are clear, prioritised, and testable.
Together, the DoR and DoD act as quality gates at the beginning and end of the workflow. The DoR governs entry into a timebox, while the DoD governs exit. Both promote transparency, consistency, and collaboration between customer and supplier. Within PRINCE2 Agile, they complement formal PRINCE2 quality controls, helping teams balance flexibility with governance while ensuring that delivered products genuinely meet expectations and remain fit for purpose.
Definition of Done and Definition of Ready in PRINCE2 Agile
Introduction The Definition of Done (DoD) and Definition of Ready (DoR) are two of the most important agile artifacts you will encounter in the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation syllabus. They act as shared agreements within a team about the quality and completeness of work. Understanding both concepts, and the difference between them, is essential for passing exam questions and for applying agile practices effectively in real projects.
Why These Concepts Are Important In agile delivery, work moves quickly and iteratively. Without clear agreements about when work can start and when it is truly finished, teams risk delivering incomplete or poor-quality products. The DoD and DoR provide transparency, reduce misunderstandings, and support consistent quality. In PRINCE2 Agile terms, they help ensure that the quality criteria and tolerances defined for products are actually met, reinforcing the PRINCE2 principle of focusing on products and the quality theme.
What Is the Definition of Ready? The Definition of Ready is a checklist of criteria that a work item (typically a user story or requirement) must satisfy before the team commits to working on it in a sprint or timebox. It answers the question: Is this item ready to be worked on?
Typical DoR criteria include: - The requirement is clearly described and understood by the team. - Acceptance criteria are defined. - The item is small enough to be completed within a timebox. - Dependencies are identified and resolved. - The item has been estimated and prioritised.
What Is the Definition of Done? The Definition of Done is a checklist of criteria that a work item must meet before it can be considered complete. It answers the question: Is this item truly finished?
Typical DoD criteria include: - Code or product has been built and reviewed. - Testing has been completed and passed. - Documentation is updated. - Acceptance criteria are satisfied. - The product increment is potentially shippable.
How They Work Together Think of the DoR as the entry gate and the DoD as the exit gate for a piece of work. A story passes through the DoR before it enters a sprint, is worked on during the sprint, and then must satisfy the DoD before it is declared complete. Both are agreed by the whole team, are visible, and can evolve over time as the team matures.
It is important to distinguish the DoD (which applies broadly to any work item) from acceptance criteria (which are specific to an individual user story). A story is only truly done when it meets both its own acceptance criteria and the general Definition of Done.
How to Answer Exam Questions Exam questions typically test whether you can: identify the purpose of each artifact, distinguish between DoD and DoR, and recognise appropriate criteria for each. Read the scenario carefully to determine whether the question is about starting work (DoR) or finishing work (DoD).
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Definition of Done and Definition of Ready 1. Ready = before, Done = after. Remember DoR gates work entering a timebox and DoD confirms work is complete. 2. Watch keywords. Words like start, begin, or commit point to DoR. Words like complete, finished, or shippable point to DoD. 3. Both are team agreements. If an answer suggests they are imposed only by a manager, it is likely incorrect. 4. Do not confuse DoD with acceptance criteria. Acceptance criteria are story-specific; the DoD is a general standard applied to all items. 5. They support quality. Link them to the PRINCE2 quality theme and quality criteria when justifying answers. 6. They can evolve. A correct answer often acknowledges that these definitions are reviewed and refined over time. 7. Eliminate extremes. Answers implying either artifact is optional or unnecessary in agile are usually wrong.
Summary The Definition of Ready ensures work is well-prepared before it begins, while the Definition of Done ensures work is genuinely complete and meets quality standards. Mastering the distinction between these two artifacts, and their role in supporting quality and transparency, will help you confidently answer related PRINCE2 Agile Foundation exam questions.
