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Definition of Done (DoD) in Simple English: PMP and Agile
A shared checklist every item must pass before anyone can call it finished.
In simple words
The Definition of Done is the team's shared checklist for 'finished': tested, reviewed, documented. If it's not all done, it's not done, and it doesn't count.
What the PMP exam wants
The Definition of Done (DoD) is the team's agreement on what “finished” means, for example: built, reviewed by another person, tested, documented, approved. Every item must pass the whole checklist.
Without it, one person's “done” means “coded” and another's means “tested and delivered”; hidden unfinished work surfaces later as surprises. An item that doesn't meet the DoD at the end of the sprint is not counted in velocity and returns to the backlog. Its neighbour is the Definition of Ready, the entry checklist before work starts.
Real example
For a robot programming item, Done means: tested in simulation, tested on the real cell, program backed up, comments added, HMI screens updated, change logged. A path program that runs but has no backup and no comments is not done.
The common trap
DoD vs acceptance criteria: DoD applies to all items; acceptance criteria are story-specific. An item must meet both. DoD vs DoR: exit vs entry. No “almost done.”
Remember: “Done means DONE-done.” Same checklist for every item. Acceptance criteria are the extra rules for one story.
🗝 Words to notice in the question
“coded but not tested” → not done
Try 2 practice questions
Choose an answer, or open “Show the answer.”
Question 1 At the end of the sprint, a story has been coded but not tested. The Definition of Done requires testing. What happens?
Show the answer
Answer: C. No partial credit. Not meeting the DoD = not done.
Question 2 What is the difference between the Definition of Done and acceptance criteria?
Show the answer
Answer: B. DoD = team-wide checklist. Acceptance criteria = story-specific conditions.
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