Backlog Item
An individual piece of work listed in the backlog, such as a feature, user story, or task.
Key Points
- Represents a single deliverable or change that provides value and can be prioritized and estimated.
- Should be clear, testable, and small enough to finish within a sprint; often includes acceptance criteria.
- Ordered by the product owner and refined by the team to clarify scope and split when too large.
- Tracked with size (e.g., story points or time) and marked Done when it meets the Definition of Done.
Example
The team adds a backlog item: "Reset password via email." Acceptance criteria include: link expires in 15 minutes, works for registered emails only, and logs an audit event. The product owner orders it high priority, the team estimates it at 5 story points, and it is completed in the next sprint.
PMP Example Question
Which statement best describes a backlog item in an agile project?
- A fixed-scope requirement approved at project initiation.
- A single piece of work in the product backlog, such as a feature or task, that can be prioritized and delivered.
- The complete list of features planned for the next release.
- A calendar-based activity on the project schedule.
Correct Answer: B — Backlog item
Explanation: A backlog item is an individual, deliverable work unit in the product backlog that can be ordered, estimated, and completed to add value.
