The Definition of Done (DoD) in Agile Scrum project management is a key concept that defines a clear, shared set of criteria that an increment (or deliverable) must meet to be considered “done.” This definition is agreed upon upfront by the Scrum Team—particularly the developers—in collaboration with the Product Owner and is validated by the entire team.

What is the Definition of Done (DoD) in Scrum?

The DoD serves as a single point of reference that ensures all deliverables produced during a Sprint meet a consistent level of quality. Common criteria in a DoD may include:

• Reviewed and tested code

• Updated documentation

• Successful completion of automated tests

• Integration into the production environment

• Validation by the Product Owner

It is important to note that the DoD is different from User Story acceptance criteria, which may be specific to individual features. The DoD is global and applies to everything the Scrum Team delivers.

Why the Definition of Done is Fundamental in Scrum?

• Alignment on Quality: The entire team shares the same understanding of what “done” means, reducing misunderstandings and inconsistencies in deliverables.

• Reliability of Increments: Any increment meeting the DoD is potentially shippable to production, enabling continuous delivery of value.

• Effective Inspection and Adaptation: During Sprint Reviews or Daily Scrums, the team can use a clear DoD to evaluate actual progress.

• Continuous Improvement: The DoD can evolve as the team matures, incorporating additional requirements for security, performance, or regulatory compliance over time.

Importance of DoD for the Daily Scrum:

During the Daily Scrum, the team inspects progress toward the Sprint Goal. The DoD helps distinguish clearly what is “truly done” from what is still in progress. This makes Daily Scrums more fact-based, actionable, and effective in managing priorities and resolving blockers.

Why the Definition of Done is Essential for Agile and Scrum Certifications?

In certifications such as PSM® (Professional Scrum Master), PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner), or PMP®, understanding the DoD is often tested. It is a fundamental pillar of Scrum’s empirical approach. Candidates must know the difference between “Done,” “Not Done,” “Work in Progress,” and “Ready” to answer exam questions correctly. The DoD is also closely tied to Scrum principles of transparency, inspection, and adaptation.

The Definition of Done (DoD) is far more than a technical checklist; it is a foundational element of the Agile Scrum culture. It promotes transparency, quality, stakeholder trust, and regular value delivery. Mastering the DoD is essential for conducting effective Daily Scrums, managing Scrum projects efficiently, and achieving professional Agile and Scrum certifications.

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What does "Definition of Done" (DoD) ensure in Agile projects?
a) That the team has completed tasks only partially
b) That work meets agreed quality criteria and is ready for delivery
c) That documentation is optional
d) That testing can be skipped
Correct answer b): DoD ensures that work items are fully completed according to quality standards, including testing, documentation, and acceptance criteria, preventing incomplete or low-quality deliverables.

Who is responsible for creating the Definition of Done?
a) Project Manager
b) Product Owner alone
c) Agile Team collaboratively
d) Stakeholders only
Correct answer c): The Agile Team collaboratively defines DoD to ensure shared understanding of completion criteria, promoting consistency and quality across all work items.

What is the relationship between DoD and Product Backlog Items (PBIs)?
a) DoD applies only to the Sprint goal
b) DoD defines when PBIs are considered complete
c) PBIs can be delivered regardless of DoD
d) DoD is optional for PBIs
Correct answer b): DoD sets clear criteria that each PBI must meet before it can be marked as complete, ensuring deliverable quality and readiness for release.

How does the Definition of Done affect software testing?
a) Testing can be skipped if coding is finished
b) Only unit testing is required
c) Testing must be completed according to DoD criteria before completion
d) Testing is done after release
Correct answer c): DoD ensures that all required testing, including unit, integration, and acceptance tests, is completed before a feature is considered done.

When should the Definition of Done be updated?
a) Never, it is fixed at project start
b) Only at the end of the project
c) Continuously, as the team learns and improves
d) Only when management requests it
Correct answer c): DoD evolves with team experience, process improvements, and project changes to maintain relevance and ensure high-quality deliverables.

Which of the following is NOT typically included in a Definition of Done?
a) Code reviewed and tested
b) Documentation updated
c) Stakeholder approval
d) Marketing budget approval
Correct answer d): DoD focuses on deliverable quality and completion criteria; unrelated items like marketing budgets are outside its scope.

How does DoD relate to the Definition of Ready (DoR)?
a) DoD defines work readiness, DoR defines completion
b) DoR defines work readiness, DoD defines completion
c) DoR and DoD are identical
d) DoR is only for management reporting
Correct answer b): DoR ensures backlog items are prepared for development, while DoD ensures completed items meet agreed quality criteria.

What is a benefit of having a clear Definition of Done?
a) Reduces transparency
b) Increases the risk of incomplete work
c) Ensures shared understanding and quality consistency
d) Allows skipping testing
Correct answer c): Clear DoD provides transparency, ensures consistent quality, reduces rework, and aligns the team on when work is truly complete.

In Scrum, when is the Definition of Done applied?
a) At the start of the project only
b) During each Sprint for all completed items
c) Only during the final release
d) Only for high-priority features
Correct answer b): DoD is applied during every Sprint to verify that completed backlog items meet quality and acceptance criteria before being considered done.

Which statement best describes a shared Definition of Done across multiple teams?
a) Each team can have completely different DoDs
b) Shared DoD ensures consistent quality across teams working on the same product
c) It is unnecessary for product consistency
d) Teams should only follow individual preferences
Correct answer b): A shared DoD aligns multiple teams on quality standards, ensuring uniformity and reducing integration issues for the overall product.