Which certification to do first – CSM or CSPO?
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
Characteristics | CSM | CSPO |
| Certification | Awarded by Scrum Alliance | Awarded by the Scrum Alliance. |
| The objective of the course | CSM offers fundamental knowledge about Scrum Framework in an Agile environment, and Scrum Master | CSPO offers insight into the 'business side of the enterprise with a vision of the product, aligning customer needs with that of the other Stakeholders. |
| Job responsibilities |
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| Target Audience | Anyone interested to know more about Scrum working can do the course. Software Developers, Project Managers, QA Analysts, Business professionals, and others outside the IT teams/organizations. | Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Product Managers, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Program Managers, CXOs, and others outside the IT teams/organizations. |
| Prerequisite | There is no prerequisite for attending the CSM course. Though having some knowledge of Scrum and Agile principles is advisable. | Basic knowledge of Scrum and Agile. |
| Traits to play the role | Excellent communication skills, analytical skills, and critical decision-making skills. Should be a good leader, listening to the team, and approachable. | Needs to excel as a visionary and a leader. Also have superior communication skills, domain skills, decision-making skills, a good collaborator, and a negotiator. |
| Certification methodology | Attend a 2-day in-person course from a Certified Scrum Trainer. Take the exam. Accept CSM License Agreement on getting a passing score. | Attend a 2-day in-person training from a Certified Scrum Trainer. Understand the Scrum Guide, Agile Manifesto, and CSPO Learning Objectives. Accept the CSPO License Agreement. |
| Validity of certification | CSM certification has a validity of 2 years. To renew, you need 20 SEUs and pay a fee of $100. | Need to renew the certification once every two years. by earning 20 SEUs and paying $100 renewal fees. |
| Exam format | Appear for 50 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes. | There is no exam to get the CSPO certification as of now. |
| Passing score | 74% or 37 out of 60 correct | Not applicable |
| Re-attempt chances if one fails | 2 free attempts, every additional attempt costs a fee of $25. | Not applicable |
| Demand for certified professionals & average salary | CSM is in great demand all over the world. The average salary in the US of certified Scrum Masters approximately is about $91,352 annually. | CSPO is also sought after by corporates and multinational companies. The Average annual salary increments to about $104,524 annually. |
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:
- https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/csm-or-cspo-which-certification-is-right-for-you
- https://medium.com/@graspskillspvtltd/csm-vs-cspo-which-is-better-227b14786aa7
