In project management, especially within Agile and Scrum methodologies, the Definition of Ready (DoR) is a set of clear, shared criteria that determines whether a backlog item (User Story, Epic, or task) is sufficiently prepared to be included in a sprint.

In other words, the DoR acts as a readiness contract between the product team, the Product Owner, and the development team. Before work begins, each backlog item must meet specific conditions such as proper understanding, estimation, resolved dependencies, and clearly defined acceptance criteria.

Why is the DoR Essential?

A poorly prepared backlog is one of the most common causes of failure or delay in Agile projects. The Definition of Ready helps teams to:

• Improve deliverable quality: Each backlog item is detailed enough to avoid ambiguity and rework.

• Accelerate delivery: Fewer blockers and revisions during sprints increase efficiency.

• Strengthen collaboration: All stakeholders share the same understanding of priorities.

• Reduce risks: Dependencies and constraints are anticipated and addressed in advance.

Example Criteria for a Definition of Ready:

While the DoR can vary across teams and organizations, it usually includes elements such as:

• The User Story is written, clear, and understandable.

• Acceptance criteria are defined, testable, and measurable.

• External dependencies are identified and resolved.

• The size of the task is estimated (e.g., in story points).

• The business impact or value is clarified.

By meeting these conditions, backlog items become reliable inputs for sprint planning and execution.

The DoR and Project Management Certifications

The Definition of Ready is not only a practical tool—it also plays a role in several internationally recognized project management certifications:

• PSM (Professional Scrum Master) and PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner): A solid understanding of the DoR is essential for managing a backlog effectively and for exam success.

• PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner): The PMI framework incorporates the DoR as a key mechanism for ensuring preparation and iteration success.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): While grounded in the PMBOK®, these exams now integrate Agile concepts, including the Definition of Ready.

Mastering the DoR is therefore an advantage not only for passing certification exams but also for applying Agile best practices effectively within organizations.

Best Practices for Implementing a DoR

To make the Definition of Ready truly effective, Agile teams should:

• Co-create the DoR with the entire team to ensure alignment and ownership.

• Keep it lean by limiting the checklist to essential criteria, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

• Review and refine it regularly as the project evolves and as the team matures.

• Make it visible in Agile tools, on team boards, or in physical/digital workspaces to ensure shared accountability.

The Definition of Ready (DoR) is much more than a checklist—it is an Agile governance tool that ensures every User Story, Epic, or task is truly prepared before development begins. For professionals pursuing certifications such as PMP®, CAPM®, PMI-ACP®, PSM, or PSPO, understanding the DoR is essential.

By adopting a clear, shared, and evolving Definition of Ready, teams increase their chances of certification success and ensure their Agile projects deliver value efficiently and effectively.

Frequent PMP® & CAPM® exam questions :

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What does the Definition of Ready (DoR) represent in Agile?
a) A checklist ensuring backlog items are actionable
b) A list of finished deliverables
c) A sprint retrospective outcome
d) A release plan document
Correct answer a): DoR ensures backlog items meet agreed criteria so the development team can confidently start working on them.

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring items meet the Definition of Ready?
a) Scrum Master
b) Development Team
c) Product Owner
d) Project Sponsor
Correct answer c): The Product Owner ensures backlog items are clear, refined, and prioritized to meet DoR before sprint planning.

Why is the Definition of Ready important in Agile projects?
a) It guarantees all risks are eliminated
b) It prevents incomplete or unclear work entering a sprint
c) It ensures all stakeholders agree on project goals
d) It replaces the sprint backlog
Correct answer b): DoR avoids wasted effort by ensuring only well-prepared items are included in the sprint backlog.

Which of the following is typically part of a DoR checklist?
a) User story is testable
b) Sprint goal is achieved
c) Product increment is delivered
d) Project charter is approved
Correct answer a): A common DoR item is that a user story must be testable, ensuring quality and clarity for development.

At what Agile ceremony is the Definition of Ready most relevant?
a) Sprint Retrospective
b) Sprint Review
c) Sprint Planning
d) Daily Stand-up
Correct answer c): During Sprint Planning, DoR ensures backlog items are ready for the development team to commit to.

What is the relationship between DoR and team velocity?
a) DoR decreases velocity
b) DoR increases predictability of velocity
c) DoR has no impact on velocity
d) DoR replaces velocity as a measure
Correct answer b): DoR improves predictability by ensuring items are well-defined, allowing more accurate sprint commitments.

Which Agile artifact benefits most directly from the Definition of Ready?
a) Product Backlog
b) Increment
c) Burndown Chart
d) Definition of Done
Correct answer a): The Product Backlog benefits from DoR since it ensures backlog items are clear and properly refined before selection.

How does DoR differ from Definition of Done (DoD)?
a) DoR ensures work can start, DoD ensures work is complete
b) DoR tracks velocity, DoD tracks risks
c) DoR is mandatory, DoD is optional
d) DoR applies to projects, DoD applies to programs
Correct answer a): DoR sets criteria before development begins; DoD sets criteria for when work is finished.

When should the Definition of Ready be reviewed or updated?
a) Only at project initiation
b) At every sprint retrospective
c) Once per release
d) Never, it is fixed
Correct answer b): DoR is reviewed during retrospectives to adapt criteria based on team learning and project needs.

What happens if backlog items do not meet the Definition of Ready?
a) They are redefined or refined before inclusion in a sprint
b) They are automatically added to the sprint backlog
c) They are escalated to management
d) They are permanently removed from the backlog
Correct answer a): Items not meeting DoR are refined further to ensure clarity and readiness before entering a sprint.