Agile methodologies, used by organisations around the world, bring significant improvements to customer satisfaction, reduce time to market, and change the way teams work. As a result of this, the requirement for two main certifications, Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM), have expanded among people willing to work in Agile surroundings. Scrum Alliance offers these career-related credentials to augment the skill set of both novice and veteran Agile practitioners.
However, when you’re considering CSPO or CSM certification, you need to know the differences between the two certifications. The CSM certification is appropriate for Scrum masters to have in order to implement the servant leader style and get things done right. Whereas, the CSPO certification is appropriate for Product Owners as it teaches them how to manage product backlogs.
Understanding the CSM Certification
CSM certification is an important credential that can be used exceptionally by people who want to enter Scrum and improve Agile teams. The main team members in the Scrum model are Scrum Masters, who are well acquainted with the Scrum model.
They are in charge of running meetings, supporting Scrum team members, and helping with implementation. Among the responsibilities and duties of a Scrum Master are the following:
- Organizing scrum activities such as daily scrum meetings, retrospective meetings, reviews, and sprint planning
- Removing any impediments in real-time
- Helping the teams stay focused by blocking external distractions
- Helping team members understand the definition & benefits of Agile
A Certified Scrum Master will also get an opportunity to work as a Program Manager, Scrum Master, or Agile Coach. Certified Scrum Masters benefit from higher wages than their non-certified peers, especially in organizations that are highly reliant on Agile or willing to adopt Agile.
Definition of CSPO Certification
Choosing the career path of a Certified Scrum Product Owner is the best option for those who want to be a Product Owner or work as a part of the Scrum team. The day-to-day tasks of a Product Owner include things such as explaining the product, managing product backlogs, tracking product progress, and verifying product delivery to meet customer needs. A product owner carries out some of the following tasks:
- Managing the product backlog to ensure it’s aligned with the organization’s vision
- Creating, prioritising, and refining product backlogs
- Prioritising work items and features that deliver high value to the business and customers
- Ensuring the stakeholders’ expectations are competing with the team to succeed on the project
Product Managers, Business Analysts, and Product Owners are the main audience for the course.
Employment Prospects: CSM vs. CSPO
As per Scrum Alliance, CSM and CSPO are the two major qualifications for those practitioners who want to get noticed in the Agile field. However, the CSM certification is intended for Scrum Masters, while the CSPO certification helps aspiring Product Owners. So, the choice of these two certifications should stem from issues such as the individual’s personal interest, skills, certification procedures, salary expectations, and so forth.
Issuing Organisation
The CSM certificate is provided by Scrum Alliance. Similarly, the CSPO certification is also provided by the Scrum Alliance.
Skills
The CSM course helps learners to brush up on their communication skills, critical thinking skills, and decision-making abilities, which improves their chances of getting hired. On the flip side, Product Owners can be the only ones who usually acquire the mandatory skills such as decision-making, as well as, negotiation, teamwork, and communication through the CSPO course.
Important tasks
One of the primary tasks of a Scrum Master is to conduct daily Scrum, Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, and other regular Scrum meetings as well. In contrast, the Product Owner should aim to develop a product that can deliver the maximum value. He/she should be able to understand the stakeholders’ requirements. The Product Owner is the key person to be the owner and maintain the Product Backlog, and they ensure it is the Product Backlog that is well maintained.
Validity & Renewal
The certification comes with a validity of 24 months/2 years. For the certification renewal process, a sum of $100 needs to be deposited. Also, the candidate has to earn up to 20 SEUs to renew the certification. In the same sense, the CSPO certificate renewal is done by providing a renewal fee of $100 for the license and earning 20 SEUs.
Attendees of the Training
The training is suitable for Project Managers, Software Developers, QA Analyst, and everyone willing to understand the Scrum framework. Contrariwise, the CSPO certification goes for Product Owners, Project Managers, Program Managers, Scrum Masters, Business Analyst, and many more.
Objectives of the Course
It imparts a sound knowledge of a Scrum Master’s tasks within the Agile team, along with a deeper understanding of the Scrum framework. Whereas, CSPO focuses on the product-based aspect of an organisation. The candidates can understand product vision and help it align with stakeholder and customer requirements.
Examination
It’s important to clear the CSM exam. The CSM examination comprises 50 MCQs. You are expected to achieve at least 74% in the examination to pass. Whereas, the CSPO training doesn’t have any exams.
Certification Process
First off, to become a certified professional you need to take a two-day training from a Certified Scrum Trainer who, at the same time, guarantees that you will achieve the best results provided you pass the CSM test. Conversely, you must participate in the Agile CSPO training for at least 16 hours. It is also important to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the Agile Manifesto, Scrum guide, product vision, and product backlog management, to obtain the CSPO certification.
Prerequisites
Both the CSM and CSPO training are free from prerequisites. However, candidates having a sound knowledge of Scrum and Agile principles will benefit from the training.
Conclusion
Obtaining a CSM or CSPO certification will make your resume stand out. However, it is essential to detail your interests and professional objectives. If you want to be a product owner who is responsible for creating roadmaps, product design, and prioritization, then CSPO certification is the best choice for you. The CSM certification, however, is more suitable for those who can ensure that team members complete the Agile principles every time they act.