Agile Tester Extension
Backlog Refinement – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
The activity in which the product owner and the development team review items on the product backlog to ensure the backlog contains the appropriate items, that they are prioritized and that the items at the top of the backlog are ready for delivery.
In simple words
A regular meeting to break down, estimate and prioritize upcoming backlog items.
Exam tip
Also called backlog grooming; typically 10% of sprint capacity.
Related terms
- Product BacklogThe prioritized, evolving list of everything the product might ever need — owned by the Product Owner.
- Planning PokerA game where everyone flips an estimate card at the same time to avoid anchoring.
- Definition of ReadyAn Agile team’s shared checklist for ‘this story is clear enough to work on’.
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