CSPO vs PSPO Certification: What to Choose in 2024?

Product management is a challenging task that requires lots of precision. So, to ensure efficiency and optimum use of resources, you should hire skilled and experienced product owners. That is why every product owner plans to complete a certification course that trains them in efficient product management. These certifications also prove their worth and assure employers they are the best people to hire.

The two most popular certification options in the product management domain are CSPO and PSPO. CSPO certification specifies that you have got training from a professional scrum  professional. However, PSPO certification focuses on elaborating the functions of a product owner. In this article, I will discuss every detail about CSPO vs PSPO to help you decide which one would be the best for you. 

CSPO and PSPO are two of the premier and globally accepted certifications that help validate the holder’s expertise and skills as a product owner in the Scrum framework. Both relate to product ownership which in turn requires business acumen and competency in product vision and roadmap aspects. While both certifications focus on enhancing the capabilities of product owners, it is essential to understand the PSPO and CSPO difference.

Let’s have a look at the differences between CSPO vs PSPO.

CSPO vs PSPO Certification: Comparison Table

Parameters	CSPO	PSPO
Focus Area	The focus is on understanding the scrum model better.	The focus is on knowing the overall roles of product owners.
Accredited By	The accreditation of CSPO is by Scrum Alliance.	The accreditation of PSPO is by Scrum.org
Certification Cost	The certification cost of CSPO is 500 USD.	The certification cost of PSPO is 200 USD.
Process of Certification	You must complete 14 to 16 hours of CST training (Certified Scrum Trainer).	You must register and take the exam to get certified.
Qualifying Score	There is no exam for CSPO	You need 85% marks in the exam to qualify.
Renewal Terms	After every two years, you require 20 scrum educational units and 100 USD to renew your certification.	PSPO doesn’t expire. So you don’t need any renewal.
Levels	A-CSPO	PSPO I,II,III
Prerequisites	No prerequisites	No prerequisites
When will you receive the certification?	After completing the CSPO certification training (14-16 hours)	After clearing the PSPO exam
Time limit	No exam	60
Number of Questions	No exam	80
Format	No exam	MCQs, Multiple answers, and True and False
Membership	2-year Scrum Alliance membership	Scrum.org membership which has lifetime validity
Password Expiry Date	Depends on the online workflow by Certified Scrum Trainer	No expiration date for passwords

What is CSPO certification (Certified Scrum Product Owner)?

As defined by the Scrum Alliance, a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is someone who has been taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer about the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that will enable them to fulfill the role of Scrum Product Owner.

The expertise of product owner is centered around the following:

• It’s about the product
• It’s about understanding product benefits
• It’s about customer experience
• It’s about design thinking
• It’s about collaboration

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What is PSPO Certification (Professional Scrum Product Owner)?

PSPO stands for Professional Scrum Product Owner, a course and certification offered by Scrum.org. The Scrum.org mission is “To Improve the profession of Software Development”.

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Difference Between CSPO and PSPO [A Detailed Comparison]

The table above gives you a brief difference between CSPO and PSPO. For a thorough understanding, let us discuss the terms in detail. 

1. CSPO vs PSPO Scrum Certification: Focus Area

The focus area of any certification decides who can enroll on it and what advantages it can offer in your professional career. The accreditation bodies finalize these focus areas, and it is significant to know this to decide which will be best for you. 

CSPO focuses on understanding the overall scrum model. It trains the candidates in scrum methodologies and specifies that the training has happened under a qualified expert. 

PSPO focuses on knowing every function of a product owner. The candidates learn how to efficiently fulfil all the responsibilities of a product owner and turn a project or a particular sprint into a success. 

2. CSPO vs PSPO: Accreditation 

Always ask about the accreditation body that provides or recognizes a particular certification. The accreditation body should have global recognition to enjoy all the perks of CSPO or PSPO.

CSPO gets the accreditation of Scrum Alliance. It is one of the trusted and renowned Agile certification bodies, which have been operational since the 2000s. Scrum Alliance is a non-profit organization that gives away thousands of certifications every year.

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PSPO gets the accreditation from Scrum.org. Though it is not as old as Scrum Alliance, it holds an excellent market reputation. They have approximately 400 trainers and more than 100 training partners around the globe.

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3. PSPO vs CSPO Certification: Certification Cost

Cost is a significant parameter when discussing the difference between PSPO and CSPO. 

CSPO will cost you $500. However, it is significant to note that this value can vary depending on the price you pay for your training. Moreover, this certification is only valid for two years. You would have to pay the renewal fee of $100 to earn the certificate again.

PSPO certification costs $200 for the online application. However, if you want to attend the training also, the total cost will rise upto $500. The highlight is that this certification stays valid for a lifetime, making it a one-time investment.

4. CSPO and PSPO: Process of Certification

For CSPO, there are no prerequisites. You do not require any fundamental certification or a specific educational background. However, you would have to attend mandatory 2-day training before getting certified. There is no exam involved in it. 

On the other hand, there are no prerequisites for PSPO, and you do not require any prior training. However, you must register for an exam. Visit the website, pay for your exam, and register for exam. Once you qualify for the exam, the certification is awarded. 

5. CSPO vs PSPO: Qualifying Score

As there is no exam for CSPO, there are no qualifying marks. Complete the training and earn the certification to your name.

For PSPO, you register for an exam and should get 85% marks to qualify the certification. Only when you get 85% score, you clear the PSPO exam and become a PSPO-certified professional. 

6. CSPO vs PSPO: Renewal Terms

CSPO is only valid for two years, and to continue enjoying its perks, you would have to renew the certificate. For this, you require 20 Scrum Education units and pay the renewal fee of $100. Just fill out the renewal form, and you have the certification for another two years.

PSPO is for the lifetime. So, once you qualify for the exam and get certified, you have it for a lifetime. You wouldn’t have to renew it ever.

7. CSPO vs PSPO: Complexity Level 

• CSPO is an easy to earn certification as you do not have to sit for any exam. You only must complete the training and become a CSPO-certified professional. 
• PSPO is at the intermediate level in terms of complexity. There is an exam to qualify and specific marks that you should get to become a PSPO-certified professional. So, you would have to prepare well, and the difficulty level is higher than other certifications. 

8. CSPO vs PSPO: Password Expiration Date

• PSPO: When you purchase a password, it is set up in the Scrum.org system and emailed to you within one business day. All Students completing a PSPO course are emailed a password upon completion of the course (typically within 3-5 business days). No expiration date for passwords.
• CSPO: Depends on the online workflow set up by the Certified Scrum Trainer.

9. CSPO vs PSPO: Membership

• PSPO: Membership of Scrum.org and the membership do not expire
• CSPO: 2-Year Membership with Scrum Alliance. You are eligible to join local user groups and social networks, enjoy discounts on global events, search for careers on our online job board, and more.

10. CSPO and PSPO: Other benefits

• PSPO: Once you get certified, your name will be listed on Scrum.org.
• CSPO: Once you receive the credential, your name is listed on the Scrum Alliance portal.

How are They Similar? 

We have discussed CSPO vs PSPO certification in detail, but there are a few aspects in which these two certifications are similar.

• CSPO and PSPO are for product owners who want to do better and add value to their projects. 
• These certifications give hands-on knowledge of the scrum methodologies and train individuals in efficient product management. 
• Candidates earning any of these certifications get a boost in their professional careers and grab handsome salary packages. 

Despite the focus of these certifications, the primary aim is similar. It helps the professionals in the product management industry add value to their projects.

CSPO or PSPO: Which One Should You Choose in 2024?

Both the certifications offer a career boost, an excellent salary and more, but what would you pick? PSPO or CSPO? Well, multiple factors considered together can help you identify which certification would be apt for you. Some of these factors include your interest in the domain and your final goals. Which is better, CSPO or PSPO? 

Do your research to understand the focus, significance and contribution to the professional journey of CSPO or PSPO. Based on this information, decide which one complies with your vision and can offer the professional career you have desired. If you are a beginner, you can start with CSPO and keep PSPO as your long-term goal. This step-by-step approach is the right approach that every product owner can follow for exceptional growth.

Delve into the most popular Agile Category Courses

CSM Certification	CSPO Certification	Leading SAFe Certification
PSM Certification	SAFe Scrum Master Certification	SAFe SPC Certification
SAFe RTE Certification	SAFe POPM Certification	ICP-ACC Certification

Conclusion 

Certifications are like a golden ticket to boost your career. I've seen how professionals in every field use them to learn the skills they need and climb the career ladder. Without certifications, it's tough to catch the eye of employers. Trust me, you might lag. So, the trick is to find the right certification between PSPO vs CSPO - that fits your goals. Pick one from a well-known provider to get that global recognition and set yourself up for an awesome career. I've learned that having the right certification makes a real difference, helping me move forward and get noticed in my professional journey.