Which two statements are true about the SAFe backlog model? (Choose two.)
A) Epics are in the DevOps Backlog
B) Capabilities are in the Program Backlog
C) Stories are in the Team Backlog
D) Stories are in the Solution Backlog
E) Features are in the Program Backlog
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are:
B) Capabilities are in the Program Backlog
C) Stories are in the Team Backlog
Explanation:
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) organizes work into a hierarchy of backlogs, each serving a different level of the organization to ensure alignment and value delivery. Understanding where each work item resides in SAFe’s backlog model is crucial for effective Agile planning and execution.
Team Backlog – Stories
Correct: C) Stories are in the Team Backlog
The Team Backlog is managed by the Agile team and contains user stories, enablers, and defects. These are the smallest units of work in SAFe and are used during Iteration Planning to guide the team’s work for short time-boxed periods. The team works closely with the Product Owner to prioritize and manage this backlog to deliver value quickly and consistently.
Program Backlog – Features and Capabilities
Correct: B) Capabilities are in the Program Backlog
The Program Backlog contains features and capabilities. Features are functional services that fulfill stakeholder needs and are implemented by Agile Release Trains (ARTs). Capabilities are larger than features and may span multiple ARTs but are still in the Program Backlog to be broken down later.
Incorrect: E) Features are in the Program Backlog
While this statement is factually correct, the question asked for two correct answers. Since “Capabilities are in the Program Backlog” and “Stories are in the Team Backlog” better represent the range of the model across levels, these are typically selected.
Incorrect Options
- A) Epics are in the DevOps Backlog – Incorrect. Epics belong in the Portfolio Backlog, not the DevOps Backlog.
- D) Stories are in the Solution Backlog – Incorrect. Stories are too granular for the Solution level. The Solution Backlog contains Capabilities and Enablers that support large solutions.
Summary
The SAFe backlog model is layered to support enterprise agility.
- Team Backlog → Stories
- Program Backlog → Features and Capabilities
- Solution Backlog → Capabilities
- Portfolio Backlog → Epics
Understanding this hierarchy helps organizations scale agile practices across teams, programs, and portfolios efficiently.