Cracking the Scrum Code: PSM vs. PSPO Explained

Efficient project management is the backbone of organizational success, ensuring timely delivery and precise meetings of user needs. To achieve this, companies increasingly turn to Scrum Masters, responsible for implementing Scrum and guiding teams towards successful project outcomes.

In today's fiercely competitive market, adapting to ever-changing requirements while meeting deadlines poses a significant challenge. As a result, companies seek highly qualified professionals in Scrum development and implementation, often preferring those with relevant certifications like PSM or PSPO. While both programs are popular among professionals, the choice between them depends on specific requirements and career goals. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the comparison of PSM vs. PSPO based on various parameters, helping you make an informed decision to excel in your career journey.

PSM vs PSPO [Head-to-Head Comparison]

PSM and PSPO are two certification programs in Scrum Project Management. Before we start discussing the parameters to compare PSPO vs PSM, let us give you a brief introduction of what these certifications are all about. 

PSM stands for Professional Scrum Master. PSM certification is provided by Scrum.org for Scrum Masters who want to learn the advanced level of project management. It is opted by the professionals who want to train people in Scrum management and develop an agile mindset in their students. 

PSPO stands for Professional Scrum Product Owner. PSPO certification is also Scrum.org certification to train professionals to bring efficiency to the software development process. It has multiple exercises and discussions in a 2-day course, at the end of which the professional is ready to handle any project of any level of complexity. 

Though it looks like these both are certification courses with the same purpose, the PSPO vs PSM certification comparison in the table below can give you a better picture of the differences.

Parameters	PSM	PSPO
Inclusions	This certification course includes fundamental agile and Scrum principles. It also includes advanced techniques for efficient Scrum management.	This certification course includes elaborate demonstrations of business values, like KPIs. It also includes techniques to enhance business value.
Focus	The primary focus of this certification program is to teach how to apply Scrum principles efficiently in a project.	The primary focus of this certification program is on teaching how to make the most of the Scrum products.
Exam Fee	The fee per attempt for the PSM certification is $150. For the other two levels, the fee is $250 and $500.	The fee per attempt for the PSPO certification is $200. For the other two level, the fee is $250 and $500.
Complexity	As there are plenty of Scrum tools and techniques to learn, this certification is certainly a complex course.	PSPO is tougher and a level above PSM in complexity. Unless you practice religiously, you won’t be able to crack it.
Difficulty Level	You can crack the exam if you take formal training from a renowned course provider.	It is a tough nut to crack and it might take multiple attempts to qualify it.
Training Requirement	It is not a pre-requisite that a professional taking the PSM exam should take the training before the attempt.	The two-day training program is mandatory before attempting the PSPO exam.
Suitable For	PSM is for Scrum masters who wish to implement the Scrum methodologies with utmost efficiency.	PSPO is suitable for those who wish to become trainers for those who take the Scrum master certification courses.

Difference Between PSM and PSPO

The table gives a brief difference between PSM and PSPO. It is significant to note here that this is a fundamental idea only. Both these certifications have different levels, and for a deeper insight, you may even have to study the comparison between PSM I vs PSPO I certification programs in detail. 

Choosing a certification can be daunting, especially for a working professional. You are already short of time, and a wrong decision would pull you away from achieving your business goals. Thus, it is essential to get a deeper insight into PSM vs PSPO, so that you make a wise choice and inch closer to achieving your professional goals. 

1. PSM vs PSPO: Course Inclusions

No matter which course provider you join, the inclusions or the syllabus of the certification course remains the same. In the case of PSM, the subject areas that you would cover are:

• The Scrum Framework
• Scrum Theory and Principles
• Scrum at Large 
• Cross-functional, Self-organizing terms
• Coaching and Facilitation 

The course provider will cover different topics under these subject areas. On the other hand, the knowledgeHut PSPO certification includes subject areas relevant to product ownership. Some of the subjects that it covers are:

• Product Build Up
• Values of Agile Development
• Responsibilities of Product Owner
• Measuring Business Value
• Total Ownership Cost
• Forecasting Scrum Capability

It is just a preview of the plethora of topics covered under this certification program. It basically trains the individual to make the most of the Scrum products. 

2. PSM vs PSPO: Focus/ Aim

The primary aim of PSM is to consolidate a strong Scrum foundation. It covers all the Scrum fundamentals, agile principles, and their efficient implementation. Not only beginners but even those who have been implementing Scrum for years can learn something new from this certification program. 

On the other hand, the aim of PSPO certification is to provide access to exclusive Scrum resources. Any professional taking up this certification would learn to stay up to date with the latest trends in Scrum and use them to ensure business success. Moreover, as only professionals take up these certifications, it can also be considered an opportunity to network. 

3. PSM vs PSPO: Exam Fee 

Professional Scrum Master offers three types of certifications, and the exam fee for each one of them is different. The foundation course, PSM-I is for $150 every time you take an exam. However, the intermediate level exam is $250, and the advanced level is $500. The table below shows the price for the PSM exam. 

Here is the cost structure for all three of these PSM levels.

Category	PSM I	PSM II	PSM III
Exam Fee	$150	$250	$500
Exam Retake Fee	$150	$250	$500
Certification Validity	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime

Similar to PSM, the Professional Scrum Product Owner certification gets further divided into types. The fundamental course is $200. When you level up, the exam fee for the intermediate certification course will be $250. Furthermore, for the PSPO III or advanced level certification, the exam fee is $500. The exam fee remains the same even if you re-take the exam. 

4. PSM vs PSPO: Complexity 

The syllabus and the exam format for PSM are complex, it requires time and effort to prepare for this exam. You may be able to sail through the fundamental level without any formal training, but as you level up, you require professional trainers to guide your path. 

PSPO is complex, and you cannot think of clearing any of its levels without a formal teacher-led training program. The subjects it covers are not something you can learn at home all by yourself. So, when you talk about complexity, this renowned product owner certification by Scrum.org is definitely the most complex. 

5. PSM vs PSPO: Difficulty Level  

PSM and PSPO are amongst the most difficult exams in the Scrum domain. The coursework and the subjects covered under these certifications are challenging. However, the daunting exam pattern and the strict qualifying criteria make things harder for the candidates! You need to answer 80 questions in one hour, and at the end, you clear the exam if you get at least 85% marks. Most working professionals make multiple attempts before they actually become PSM or PSPO certified. 

However, if you still must compare the two based on the difficulty level, PSPO is a notch higher than PSM. 

6. PSM vs PSPO: Training Requirement

For PSM I, you may be able to clear the exam without formal training. However, it is recommended to take formal training from a proficient expert to avoid the time, effort and money that goes into re-attempts. However, there is no way you can clear the intermediate and advanced levels without training.

For PSPO, a teacher-led formal training program from a renowned course provider is mandatory! It will put you in a routine, and you will be able to get hold of the subjects. If you choose the best training program, it ensures that it won’t take multiple attempts before you become PSPO certified.

7. PSM vs PSPO: Suitable For

PSM is suitable for any professional who works as a Scrum Master or plans to pursue a career in this domain. Most of the time, the professionals working in this domain take the PSM certification to get efficient at their work and explore excellent opportunities at work. It can help you find a job with a higher salary package and a secure future.

PSPO is suitable for Scrum Masters, without a doubt. Additionally, people who wish to work as trainers for the Scrum Master Professionals can also opt for this certification program. 

How are PSM and PSPO Similar?

The most fundamental similarity between PSM and PSPO is that they are both provided by Scrum.org. Furthermore, they train professionals in skills related to Scrum master job roles. Some of the other benefits are:

• It is a multiple-choice exam with 80 questions, which the person has to answer in an hour. 
• To clear any of these certification exams, the candidate must get at least 85% of the marks. 
• Both aim at developing and encouraging the agile mindset amongst Scrum masters. 

These are the fundamental similarities between the PSPO and PSM certifications. Knowing all these details, you can conveniently figure out which one you would want to enroll in to achieve your expected professional success. 

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What Should You Choose Between PSM and PSPO?

Every Scrum master certification is significant in assuring the professional growth of the individuals working in this domain. So, if you ask PSM vs PSPO which is better? It is challenging to answer this. Both these certifications have their own share of benefits, and depending on your professional goals, you can choose one! PSM is good if you only want to excel in your current domain. However, if you wish to work as a Scrum master trainer, you can opt for PSPO certification. 

So, it is wise to decide which certification you should complete first. The right way is to plan your journey strategically to enjoy a secure and monetarily fruitful career. Experts always suggest taking PSM first. It is a little less complex and is one of the most opted-for certifications in the field. Once you become PSM certified, you can always go for PSPO and its other types.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is fair to say that PSM and PSPO certifications are highly valuable for anyone in software development or project management. Both train professionals in Scrum development and implementation. However, while comparing PSPO vs. PSM certification, you would find differences that would help you decide which certification would be appropriate for your professional career. So, it is advisable that you dig deeper and check every little detail thoroughly before enrolling in a certification program and enjoy a fruitful professional journey.