Certified Scrum Master Practice Test

Must items in the Product Backlog be user stories?

1. Yes, always

2. No

3. Only for software development projects

4. Only if agreed upon by all team members

The correct answer is: No

The correct understanding here is that items in the Product Backlog do not necessarily have to be user stories. The Product Backlog is a comprehensive list that can include various types of items needed for the product development, such as features, bug fixes, technical work, or even research tasks. While user stories are a popular format because they focus on user needs and often improve communication regarding requirements, they are not the only format that can be used. Different teams may opt for different ways to express backlog items based on their workflow, project type, or preferences. For example, in projects where technical tasks or system upgrades are significant, items might be explicitly defined as tasks instead of user stories. This flexibility allows teams to customize the Product Backlog to best fit the needs of their project and stakeholders, ensuring that all work necessary towards a successful product is captured appropriately. As a result, it’s not correct to assert that all items must be user stories, as the Product Backlog is intended to adapt to what is most useful for the team and the product development process.