Professionals can become certified as a Scrum Master or a Scrum Product Owner. Simpliaxis, in collaboration with Scrum Alliance, offers both courses. However, since CSM covers the fundamentals of the Scrum methodology, many people prefer it.
While CSM focuses on facilitating Scrum practices and guiding teams, the CSPO is more product-focused, teaching how to manage the product backlog, prioritize features, and align with the product vision.
Around 20%-30% of Scrum Masters later pursue the CSPO, as it adds valuable insights into product management. Both are complementary certifications where CSM emphasizes team dynamics, and CSPO focuses on product strategy.
Presently, many organizations are implementing Agile methodologies. Among the several Agile frameworks available, Scrum is one of the most used. The three members that constitute the Scrum team, namely the Software Developer, the Scrum Master, and the Product Owner, all have important functions to act on. Therefore, demand for both CSPO and CSM has also been raised over the past few years.
Exploring CSM and CSPO
By emphasizing the leadership and facilitation components of Scrum, the CSM certification aids the Scrum team in adhering to the Scrum process and operating efficiently.
Professionals who wish to oversee the product development process and guarantee that the finished product satisfies customer demands and company objectives are the target audience for the Certified Scrum Product Owner, or CSPO, certification.
Both are well regarded in Scrum and Agile communities, which may help you progress your career in Agile methodologies.
Difference between CSM and CSPO
The difference between CSM & CSPO are:
| Characteristics | CSM | CSPO |
| Certification | Scrum Alliance Certified. | Scrum Alliance Certified. |
| Objective | CSM offers fundamental knowledge about Scrum principles and framework in a Scrum Master environment and Agile. | CSPO offers insights into the industry side of the organization aligning customer needs with that of the stakeholder and having a vision of the product. |
| Job Responsibility | Responsible for the proper conduct of activities such as Daily Scrum, Sprint Planning, Sprint Retrospective, and Sprint Review.To estimate iterations, study evidence to forecast deliverables.Helps to plan and estimate with practicality and creativity to go into software development.Facilitate dynamic Scrum processes.Track and monitor impediments.Collaborate with developer and PO. | Focus on achieving maximized value products.Working based on stakeholder requirements.Handling all developer’s queries.Responsible for product backlog maintenance.Interact and inform the developers of the priorities. |
| Target audience | Scrum MasterBusiness AnalystsScrum Team MembersSoftware EngineersProject ManagersProduct ManagersTestersAspiring CSM Career individual | Scrum Team MembersProject ManagersProduct OwnersAnyone Interested in AgileDevelopersSoftware DevelopersArchitects-Software DevelopmentManagers-Software DevelopmentTeam LeadsSoftware Testers |
| Prerequisite | There is no prerequisite for attending the course. Having some Scrum and Agile principle knowledge is advisable. | Basic Agile and Scrum knowledge. |
| Traits | Excellent analytical skills, communication skills, and decision-making skills. Should listen to the team’s suggestions, good leader, and be approachable. | Must excel as a leader and visionary. Should have the best domain skills, decision-making, communication skills, a good collaborator, and a negotiator. |
| Certification | Attend a 2-day in-person course from a Certified Scrum Master Trainer. Take the exam. Accept the CSM License Agreement on getting a passing mark. | Attend 2-day in-person training from a Certified Scrum Product Owner trainer. Understand the Agile Manifesto, Scrum Guide, and CSPO learning objectives. Accept the CSPO License Agreement. |
| Validity of Certification | CSM certification is valid for 2 years. For renewal, you need 20 SEUs and pay a $100 fee. | Should renew the certification once in two years. Must earn 20 SEUs and pay a $100 fee. |
| Exam Format | Attempt 60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. | No exams are yet to obtain the CSPO certification. |
| Passing score | 74% or 37 out of 50 correct answers. | Not applicable |
| Re-attempts | 2 free attempts, every additional attempt costs $25. | Not applicable |
| Demand for certified professionals | CSM is in great demand all over the world. | CSPO is usually sought after by corporations and MNCs |
| Salary | The salary of a Certified Scrum Master is around $91,352 per annum. | The average salary is about $104,524 annually. |
Conclusion
Choosing CSPO or CSM entirely depends on your role in the current organization and your professional goals. One should have clarity of both the roles and courses and then choose accordingly as per your pre-defined career roadmap.
CSM is usually chosen first to understand Scrum frameworks and Agile basics. Then CSPO is chosen or not to get complete learning about the Scrum framework, its role, and other elements. Both certifications add value.
Agile methodology plays a crucial role in Software Development because of which Certified Scrum Master and Certified Scrum Product Owner are in huge demand.
