CAPM Agile Frameworks and Methodologies Practice Question
An agile team using Scrum has a Definition of Done that requires automated regression tests to pass. A developer argues that a small bug fix should be released without running the full suite because the change is trivial. What is the most appropriate response?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that a low-risk change justifies skipping the Definition of Done, when the standard applies to all increments regardless of size.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Release the fix only after the automated regression tests pass, because the Definition of Done applies to every increment.
A Definition of Done is a team-owned quality commitment that applies to every increment, and its value comes from being applied consistently. Treating a small fix as an exception creates a slippery slope where the standard slowly erodes. If the team wants faster feedback for small changes, the right path is to improve the test suite or revise the Definition of Done deliberately, not to bypass it ad hoc.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Allow the release if the developer documents in the Sprint Review that the regression suite was skipped for this item.
Why it's wrong here
Documenting a deviation does not make the increment conform to the Definition of Done; it simply records that the team shipped work that was not done. Transparency is valuable, but it does not substitute for meeting the agreed standard. This approach also sets a precedent where any developer can bypass quality gates by noting an exception, which weakens the entire Definition of Done over time.
- ✗
Ask the Product Owner to decide whether the regression suite can be skipped for this particular bug fix.
Why it's wrong here
The Definition of Done is owned by the Scrum Team as a whole and is not a product decision the Product Owner can waive per item. Delegating the call to the Product Owner confuses product value with technical quality standards. It also puts the Product Owner in the position of overriding the team's own agreement, which damages team ownership and consistency.
- ✗
Release the fix and run the regression suite after deployment to confirm no issues were introduced.
Why it's wrong here
Running tests after deployment means defects could already be affecting users, and remediation after the fact is far costlier than prevention. It also inverts the purpose of the Definition of Done, which exists to ensure the increment is releasable before it is released. This practice converts a quality gate into a post-mortem, which is not what the team agreed to.
- ✓
Release the fix only after the automated regression tests pass, because the Definition of Done applies to every increment.
Why this is correct
The Definition of Done is a shared quality standard that applies to all increments, regardless of perceived size or risk. Skipping tests for a 'trivial' fix erodes the standard and creates precedent that undermines transparency. Because the team agreed that passing regression tests is part of done, releasing without them would produce work that is not actually done, which corrupts inspection at the Sprint Review.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.