Introduction: 

Irrespective of your current role, you can choose to become a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO). Both the certifications are awarded by the Scrum Alliance and the usual trend reported is that people start with the CSM course first as it is more about Scrum basics. Some people attend both the courses -between 20% and 30% of people with a certification in Scrum Master go on to do the CSPO, which is a Product Owner focused course with additional insights in the domain. Let us understand more about CSM or CSPO in detail.

Today more and more business enterprises are embracing Agile Methodologies. Scrum is one of the most popular Agile frameworks. In the Scrum Team, three entities play a crucial role - the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and the Software Developer. Thus, there has been a spiraling growth in demand for both the CSM and the CSPO in the last few years. 

Understanding the CSM and CSPO

CSM is a basic course that teaches the fundamental aspects of the Scrum Framework and Agile Manifesto with a focus on the principles and practices of Scrum; and deep dive of the Scrum Master. The CSM becomes the champion of Scrum knowledge in the enterprise and works with current and future Scrum Teams.

CSPO is a course where the person understands the essence of maximizing product value by being responsible for the Product Backlog and representing the customer's needs and that of the Stakeholders too. The person needs to have basic Scrum knowledge and work in a very focused role as the PO.

Which certification to do first CSM or CSPO?

Difference between CSM and CSPO

Next Steps After Achieving Your CSM or CSPO Certification

Once you achieve your Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification, it’s essential to make the most of it. Here are a few ways to continue your journey:

• Update Your Professional Profiles: Add your certification and digital badges to your resume and LinkedIn. This showcases your new skills to employers and colleagues
• Engage with the Agile Community: Stay active by joining online forums, attending webinars, and participating in user groups. Scrum Alliance offers an excellent membership platform to help you connect with like-minded professionals
• Apply Scrum in Your Daily Work: Whether working in an organization that already uses Scrum or not, apply the framework to enhance your effectiveness. If Scrum isn’t in place, advocate for its adoption to improve processes
• Expand Your Agile Knowledge: Don't stop at just one certification. Consider gaining additional certifications, such as the CSPO alongside the CSM to broaden your skill set.
• Stay Up-to-Date with Scrum Practices: As the Agile landscape evolves, refresh your knowledge regularly. Keep a copy of the Scrum Guide handy and revisit it to reinforce the core concepts
• Pursue Further Certifications: After gaining experience, consider advancing to Certified Scrum Professional (CSP). The CSP demonstrates more profound knowledge and real-world Scrum application.
• Enhance Your Career Potential: Scrum certifications can boost knowledge and career prospects. Explore various certification tracks to align with your professional goals.

By continuing your agile education and applying what you’ve learned, you set yourself on a path of continuous improvement and growth within the Scrum framework.

Enroll In The Professional CSM or CSPO Training Program From PremierAgile!

PremierAgile offers comprehensive Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification training programs. These courses equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in agile environments.
The CSM training focuses on empowering individuals to facilitate agile processes effectively. Participants develop key communication, leadership, and conflict resolution competencies, enabling them to guide teams toward self-sufficiency and high performance. This hands-on, two-day workshop includes role plays, case studies, and simulations to ensure practical understanding.
For those aiming to specialize in product management, the CSPO certification delves into the responsibilities of a Product Owner. The program emphasizes defining product goals, managing lifecycles, and understanding customer needs to maximize product value. Conducted by experienced Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainers, this interactive workshop prepares participants to lead product development initiatives effectively.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to go in for CSM or CSPO depends largely on your present role in the organization as well as your professional goals. It is important to have clarity regarding both the roles and courses and then choose accordingly as per your pre-defined career roadmap.

Usually, CSM is chosen first to understand Agile basics and Scrum framework. Then CSPO is done or even viceversa to get a holistic learning about Scrum frameworks, its roles and other elements. Both certifications add a lot of value. 

It is important to note here that each role and course has its own set of benefits. Agile Methodology plays a key role in the Software Development gamut because of which both Certified Scrum Masters and Certified Scrum Product Owners are in great demand, globally.

References:

1. https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/csm-or-cspo-which-certification-is-right-for-you
2. https://medium.com/@graspskillspvtltd/csm-vs-cspo-which-is-better-227b14786aa7