Certified ScrumMaster

Certified
ScrumMaster

vs.
Certified Scrum Product Owner

Certified Scrum
Product Owner

CSM / CSPO Comparison

If you’re trying to decide between being a Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO) , this article can help. While both certifications are valuable for working on a Scrum team, they do cater to different skill sets. It’s important to note, that depending on your career goals, it may not be an either or decision—many of our attendees decide to take both qualifications. But what is the right decision for you?

Certified ScrumMaster Who Should Take a CSM?

This class is ideal for individuals who want to focus on team facilitation, implementing agile principles, and helping the Scrum process run smoothly. It’s designed for people who want to support Scrum teams by removing impediments and fostering collaboration.

Common career goals of professionals who have taken a CSM course include wanting to:

  • Start or improve as a Scrum Master - this course provides the foundational training needed to fulfill the Scrum Master role.
  • Become an agile coach or leader - CSMs are influential in supporting agile teams.
  • Support a transition to agile - The CSM course is a perfect introduction for those moving from traditional, waterfall projects to the Scrum framework.
  • Champion an agile transformation across departments - Our CSM attendees are often driven by an ambition to affect change beyond the team, and being confident about the Scrum framework can help this.

Certified Scrum Product Owner Who Should Take a CSPO?

This is ideal for individuals responsible for, or interested in defining the product vision, prioritizing work, and ensuring value delivery to stakeholders. This course focuses on bridging the gap between the development team and stakeholders, and managing and prioritizing the product backlog.

Common career goals of professionals who have taken a CSPO course include wanting to:

  • Start, or improve as a product owner - The CSPO certification provides the skills you need to fulfill the role of a product owner.
  • Work between business and technical teams - This course teaches you how to collaborate with stakeholders and developers to deliver business value
  • Move into wider product management - CSPOs may want to advance their career by working on multiple projects or teams.
CSM plus CSPO

Should You Consider a CSM and CSPO?

Many of our attendees decide to take both certifications as part of their professional development, for many reasons, including:

Broader Knowledge

Each certification covers different aspects of Scrum. The CSM focuses on the Scrum framework, roles, and responsibilities, while the CSPO dives into product ownership, backlog management, and stakeholder engagement. Having both provides a comprehensive understanding of Scrum from multiple perspectives.

Career Flexibility

Holding both certifications can make you more versatile in the job market. You can fit into either a Scrum Master or Product Owner role, increasing your employability and career options.

Enhanced collaboration

Understanding both roles can improve collaboration between Scrum Masters and Product Owners. It helps in anticipating the needs and challenges of the other role, leading to more effective teamwork.

Advanced skills

Both certifications can serve as a foundation for advanced certifications like the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) and Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO), which can further distinguish you in the marketplace.

Credibility

Earning certificates of completion and certifications from credible organizations shows a commitment to learning and professional development, which can be a significant advantage in job applications.

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Course Content

Progress circles (ie. ) represent coverage depth


CSM Icon Certified
ScrumMaster

CSPO Icon Certified Scrum
Product Owner

Course Structure

Whether you take a CSM or CSPO, we’ve scrutinized the agenda and timing to make sure you stay engaged and energized.

The structure of each two-day course is delivered in the same format to optimize learning and discussion time which includes:

  • Presentations
  • Practical Exercises
  • Debrief sessions

You’ll get short, to the point teaching presentations followed by breakout exercises to practice what you’ve learned. During these breakout sessions the instructor and assistants will drop in to monitor your progress and provide support. After each exercise, there is a debrief discussion so you can understand how an exercise went and ask questions. There are also specific Q&A sessions throughout the course for any other related questions you may have.

As you work through the two-day syllabus you’ll also notice that many exercises build on each other so that you’re layering your skills and knowledge as you go.

Both courses include:

  • Expert-led instruction from the best Certified Scrum Trainers
  • Exclusive access to Team Home Software - This specially designed collaboration platform brings each exercise to life with its own interactive workspace.
  • 2 x 8 hour sessions (including breaks and lunch)
  • Training recording provided
  • 12 months follow-on support in the Agile Mentors Community
Mike Cohn

Course Creator: Mike Cohn

Mike Cohn’s history with the CSM and CSPO course is unique. He co-taught the first Certified ScrumMaster course in 2003, and taught the first Certified Scrum Product Owner in 2006, developing the program for the Scrum Alliance.

He is also author of best-selling agile books: Succeeding with Agile, User Stories Applied, and Agile Estimating and Planning, which have sold more than 215,600 copies.

“I’ve worked as a lead developer, as the VP of software development, and even as CTO. I understand the challenges of development teams, and management and want to help both sides succeed with agile.”

This experience, coupled with more than two decades of training agile teams to go from good to great, means both courses are built on extensive knowledge and practical application. Both courses are designed to give you action items you can use as soon as you finish the course.

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