Introduction:
Scrum is fast becoming an accepted framework in Agile Methodology and practice in Agile ecosystems. In such a scenario, the demand for a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner is ever increasing. In the Scrum enterprise, three distinct roles have the most vital part to play- the Scrum Team, Product Owner, and the Scrum Master.
What is CSM?
A certified Scrum Master or CSM is the Scrum Master certification awarded by Scrum Alliance. A Scrum Master acts as a servant leader in an Agile enterprise spearheading Scrum practices throughout the organization. The CSM is responsible for the holistic application of the Scrum approach in the team, and the enterprise. The CSM certification is a professional certification in which every aspect of the Scrum Framework is covered. A certified Scrum Master is responsible for the performance of the team and works with the Product Owner for optimized value-driven outputs. Besides addressing internal and external distractions, the Scrum Master, at the enterprise-level leads the change management process in the enterprise.
What is CSPO?
The Certified Scrum Product Owner is a certification awarded by Scrum Alliance, a non-profit membership organization. A Certified Product Owner has a much-focused role of working ensuring optimized value from the Product Backlog that meets customer needs with perfection. In a Scrum enterprise, this is a product-oriented role, while that of a Scrum Master’s is a Scrum-oriented role. A CSPO envisions the product and accordingly manages the Product Backlog so that the ‘business angle’ of the development process is meaningfully addressed.
Having understood the basic meaning of what CSM and CSPO stand for, let us now look at the difference between the CSM vs. CSPO certifications.
Certified Scrum Master vs. Certified Scrum Product Owner
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CSM vs. CSPO – which certification is right for me?
- A) CSM
- Who is eligible?
Project and Product Managers, Portfolio Managers, Agile coach, present Scrum Masters, Scrum team members, Business Analysts, Testers, and anyone interested to learn Scrum Framework and its practices.
- Benefits of CSM
A certification is a credential to showcase to the Agile enterprise. Helps establish your credibility as a Scrum leader and servant. To pursue a career in Scrum, CSM is the ideal first step. CSMs can continue learning and enhance knowledge. They also receive updated resources and can take regular assessments.
- Process of getting certification
Candidates need to attend either a face-to-face training program from a Certified Scrum Trainer for 16 hours or attend 14 hours of live online training. Candidates can also attend 25 hours of individual mentoring face-to-face from a Certified Agile Coach. On completing the training, you have to appear for the CSM test. The 60-minute test is available in 13 different languages and is in the multiple-choice format, with 50 questions. On getting the pass marks- 37 questions right out of 60 – you get the certification.
B) CSPO
- Who is eligible?
CXO, CEOs, top management, Product Managers, Project Managers, Scrum Masters, and others interested in working as Product Owners.
- Benefits of CSPO
Get trained on delivering products incrementally and iteratively in the Scrum Framework. Also, get the understanding to handle Stakeholders and their expectations, learn to work collaboratively with the Development Team and Stakeholders while helping you establish your credentials as a trained CSPO within your enterprise and to teams.
- Process of getting certification
F2F training from a Certified Scrum Trainer for 16 hours or 14 hours of live online training or 25 hours of individual mentoring F2F from a CAC. On completion of the course, the candidate needs to accept the License Agreement. He also needs to complete his profile with Scrum Alliance. There is no test currently for the CSPO license.
Conclusion
To choose the right certification, you need to understand the profile of the role thoroughly. The responsibility associated with each role should be such that it matches your eligibility criteria, your experience, preference, and aspirations.
Useful Links:
Platform API Development Certification Course
, Certified Scrum Product Owner 3 Day Course, Platform API Development Certification, Scrum Master Learning Path, Who Can Do Scrum Master Certification, How To Measure Agile Success