Scrum Artifacts
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Why this chapter matters for the PSM I exam
Three artifacts, three commitments. The 2020 Scrum Guide formalized the commitments: Product Goal for the Product Backlog, Sprint Goal for the Sprint Backlog, and Definition of Done for the Increment. Each commitment is what makes its artifact transparent.
The Scrum Guide text
Scrum’s artifacts represent work or value. They are designed to maximize transparency of key information. Thus, everyone inspecting them has the same basis for adaptation.
Each artifact contains a commitment to ensure it provides information that enhances transparency and focus against which progress can be measured:
- For the Product Backlog it is the Product Goal.
- For the Sprint Backlog it is the Sprint Goal.
- For the Increment it is the Definition of Done.
These commitments exist to reinforce empiricism and the Scrum values for the Scrum Team and their stakeholders.
Source: 2020 Scrum Guide by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, © CC BY-SA 4.0. License.
Key points to remember
- Three artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment.
- Three commitments: Product Goal, Sprint Goal, Definition of Done.
- Commitments give artifacts transparency and focus.
- Without commitments, artifacts cannot be inspected meaningfully.
Common exam trap
Match each artifact to its commitment. PB → Product Goal. SB → Sprint Goal. Increment → Definition of Done. This is one of the most testable triplets on the PSM I.
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Author: Maurice Heinze (PSM I, certified by Scrum.org). Last updated: 2026-05-04. Scrum Guide content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.