CSM Vs. CSPO® Certification

The Agile methodology has become one of the most used methodologies in many sectors, such as software, government, education, etc. Agile has become popular due to the benefits it offers to the users and primarily due to the quick delivery time and customer interaction while developing the product. The Scrum framework is one of the most widely used frameworks as it is simple to implement in the organizations and gives the desired outcomes of the required products. The Scrum framework involves a Scrum Development Team, a Scrum master, and a Product Owner. All of these members have a crucial role in developing any product and the project's success. Scrum involves delivering updates to a product in the form of Sprints such that the quality of the product is enhanced and quicker deliveries of the updates occur. Scrum framework proves to be the most used framework among the Agile industries as it offers solutions to many problems that were faced by traditional software methods. Hence, as many companies have shifted towards implementing the Agile methodology to create their products, Scrum’s job opportunities have increased exponentially.

Who is a Scrum Master?

A ScrumMaster is a professional acting as a servant leader and coordinates between the Scrum Development Team and the Product Owner. They are responsible for solving any impediments that the Scrum Team faces such that the team can deliver the products on time. The ScrumMaster is also responsible for organizing Scrum ceremonies and ensuring the agenda for the organized ceremonies are fulfilled. The Scrum Master ensures that the team completes all the assigned work. They have a key role to play when a company has to implement the Scrum framework in their industry. The ScrumMaster gives knowledge about the Scrum values and principles and ensures that all the Scrum team members adhere to the Scrum principles while developing the product. A Certified ScrumMaster certification (CSM) is an excellent course for individuals who want to start their journey as ScrumMaster in any organization and boost their career opportunities.

Who is a Product Owner?

A product owner is a professional who sets the vision of the product customized by the client. A product owner’s responsibility is to understand the customer’s requirements and forming the product backlog for the developing product. The Product Owner’s job involves communicating between the Scrum team, customers, and stakeholders. They ensure that the Scrum team understands the requirements the developers have to design. Product Owners also participate in Scrum events such as Sprint Planning, Sprint Review meeting, and Sprint Retrospective. They give a detailed opinion about the product that the developing team is working on. The characteristics that make a great Product Owner is knowing about current market trends and designing products that would give a higher return on investment and maximize the company's business value. More importantly, the Product Owner’s primary role is to ensure the customer is satisfied with the product. Any inputs or changes by the customer are addressed to the Scrum Development Team.

Both jobs in the Scrum framework have a high demand in the market and offer a high salary package to professionals who are certified in their respective field. If you are an individual who is interested in the Scrum framework but confused about which job to pursue further, read on to find out the differences between the CSM and CSPO i.e., Certified ScrumMaster and Certified Scrum Product Owner and know which certification would be more suited according to your interests and skill set.

Difference Between CSM vs CSPO® Certification

Here is a detailed comparison between the Certified ScrumMaster and Certified Scrum Product Owner certifications:

Why take the CSM certification?

The Certified ScrumMaster certification is a course for individuals who want to gain a deeper knowledge of Scrum values and principles. Scrum has proved to be an excellent environment for employees to gain higher productivity. Working in a Scrum environment allows the professional to grow as an individual and progress in their career. The CSM course allows candidates to become the Scrum development team’s voice and gain a high reputation in their organization. Individuals skilled in problem-solving, managing and organizing people, and motivating them during any impediments faced are excellent professionals who can become successful ScrumMaster. The CSM course offers all the necessary and practical Scrum skills that a professional needs to know to become a great ScrumMaster. 

The CSM course is the first step in becoming a successful ScrumMaster in the industry. If you are good at managing people and getting work done, the ScrumMaster role is an excellent opportunity to grow professionally. Also, as organizations start to implement the Scrum framework, the ScrumMaster plays an important role in building it. The CSM course gives individuals a holistic approach to the Scrum framework and trains them to become certified ScrumMasters.

The top reasons for taking the CSM course are:

According to Payscale, the average salary of a Certified ScrumMaster is more than $90k, which is excellent pay compared to other IT professionals. The CSM course allows individuals to enhance their salary by giving them the credentials of a Certified ScrumMaster.

Candidates with CSM certification are more likely to be noticed by recruiters during job placements or job hunting.

Individuals with CSM courses have many job opportunities, as many companies look for Certified ScrumMasters to implement the Scrum Framework.

The CSM course offers skills and knowledge that are advantageous for the individual's career growth.

Job opportunities in top reputed companies that offer a good salary and incentives.

How to get the CSM Certification?

Here are the steps to follow to get the CSM certification:

Step 1: Register for the CSM certification course with a REP of Scrum Alliance.

Step 2: Attend the 2-day Certified ScrumMaster training by the Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs)

Step 3: Scrum Alliance will email to create login credentials after successful course completion.

Step 4: Create your credentials from the link received by the Scrum Alliance.

Step 5: Take the 60 minutes exam, which consists of 50 MCQs, by logging in through the credentials..

Step 6: Pass the exam with a minimum of 74% (37 of 50 MCQs should be correct).

Step 7: Once you clear the test, you must accept the license agreement.

Step 8: After you accept it, you will have CSM designation and a two-year Scrum Alliance membership.

Step 9: You have to renew the certification once every two years.

Why take up the CSPO® Certification?

The CSPO® Certification is for individuals who want to understand the market size of the products. The CSPO® Certification teaches candidates about creating a vision for the product and understanding customer requirements. Individuals taking up the course get detailed knowledge about the on-time releases, high-value releases, and maximizing the return on investment. The role of the Product Owner is crucial for any high-functioning Scrum team. The CSPO course trains individuals about the skills that are essential to becoming a great Product Owner and becoming a reputed and recognized member of the organization. The CSPO is a globally recognized certification that allows candidates to connect with other Product Owners worldwide. Product Owner jobs are steeply rising as companies implementing the Scrum framework increase daily. Most companies look for a Certified Scrum Product Owner for their Scrum team to deliver maximum business value and gain higher ROI. 

The top reasons for taking a CSPO® Certification are:

Increased salary package for individuals with CSPO® Certification. According to PayScale, the average salary of a Certified Scrum Product Owner is around $100k annually.

Wide scope of knowledge in the field of Agile practices.

Enhanced chances of getting selected in top reputed companies.

Actively engaging in networking with Agile practitioners around the globe to enhance Agile and Scrum knowledge.

How to get the CSPO® Certification?

Certification Process

Step 1: Signing up with a Registered education provider of Scrum Alliance.

Step 2: Understand basic Scrum concepts and terminology from the Scrum Guide and Agile Manifesto to prepare for the training.

Step 3: Attend the 2-day CSPO course instructed by Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs)

Step 4: After course completion, the CST will update your details to the Scrum Alliance website.

Step 5: Scrum Alliance will send an email to log in to your Scrum Alliance account.

Step 6: Log in through this link, reset your login credentials, and accept your license.

Step 7: Download your CSPO® Certification by accepting a license.

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Conclusion

The CSM and CSPO® Certifications are reputed certifications in the Scrum community, and the professionals with these credentials are highly reputed individuals in their organizations. A candidate should select CSM or CSPO based on their interests, current roles, and area in which they want to specialize in. ScrumMaster is a good choice for you if you are good at managing people and have effective communication and problem-solving skills. However, if you also like to understand the business side of the products and know more about the market releases about a specific product, the Product Owner’s job becomes an apt choice. The candidates get the appropriate training required for the job by attending the respective courses, and being certified in either of the courses would be an excellent step towards growth in their career.