Is CSPO Worth It? Complete Guide to Its Value and Career Benefits

The widespread adoption of the Scrum framework has lead to an increased demand for Product Owners. The Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certification offered by Scrum Alliance has become a coveted one. Companies hiring for Product Owners to work in the Scrum framework have begun filtering for those who have earned the certification. 

Among the various Agile certifications available today, there is a common question being asked. Is CSPO worth it? While there is no clear answer, it depends on where you are in your professional career and the industry you work in. One can’t deny that the CSPO certification does validate ones product ownership skills in the Scrum framework. 

In this guide, we will look at the CSPO certification, its benefits, comparison with other certifications and value. 

What is the CSPO Certification? 

The CSPO certification is offered by Scrum Alliance. This globally recognized credential focuses on how the Product Owner role works within Scrum. 

These are the key responsibilities of a Product Owner: 

• Define the product vision 
• Backlog prioritization 
• Ensuring the Scrum team delivers maximum value in an efficient manner 

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification emphasizes facilitation and coaching skills. On the other hand, the CSPO focuses on bridging customer needs and business strategy. 

The major focus lies in the following skills: 

• Managing and prioritizing product backlogs 
• Effective stakeholder collaboration 
• Refining user stories and defining the acceptance criteria 
• ROI maximization through value-driven development 

The certification requires you to attend a 2-day training workshop done by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). There is no examination required to get the certificate. This makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced professionals. 

Participants earn the CSPO credential on completing the training. This is valid for two years. 

CSPO is considered as one of the most accessible entry points into Agile product management. It serves as the starting point for advanced credentials like the A-CSPO and CSP-PO. 

Is the CSPO Certification Worth It? 

There are various factors to be considered before answering the CSPO is worth it. Let us try looking at each of the different factors. 

1. Career Advancement 
   CSPO can act as a key differentiator for those aiming for the Product Owner or Product Manager roles. Employers prefer hiring those with the certification. It validates your skills as someone who is aligned with global Agile standards. 
2. Industry Recognition 
   CSPO is one of the most recognized product owner certifications globally. Since it is granted by Scrum Alliance, it certifies your deep understanding of the Scrum framework. It signals that you understand it from a practical value-driven standpoint rather than mere facilitation. 
3. Skill Development 
   Professionals can develop key skills required for product ownership with this certification. These skills can easily be implemented in real-world situations. 
4. Impact on Salary 
   According to global salary standards, those with the CSPO certification earn 10-20% higher on average versus uncertified peers. In markets like the US, average salaries for CSPO-certified professionals exceed $110,000 annually. 
5. Accessibility 
   Since CSPO doesn’t need an exam, it is approachable for beginners also. The workshop is done in an interactive manner for participants to gain practical application skills and not just theoretical knowledge. 
6. Limitations 
   On the other hand since there is no examination for the CSPO certification, it can lead to preconceptions that is less rigorous. The steep cost ($500 - $1000 globally; ₹35,000 - ₹60,000 in India) becomes a barrier for early-career professionals. 

The CSPO certification is an extremely valuable certification for those entering or progressing product roles in the Agile ecosystem. It is globally recognized and improves your skills, while paving the path for your career. On the other hand, for professionals in senior roles, it is better seen as a stepping stone for advanced certifications like the A-CSPO and CSP-PO. 

Is the CSPO Certification Worth it in India? 

There has been a massive rise in Agile adoption across India. IT services, product companies, and even startups are joining the Agile bandwagon. Organizations such as Infosys, Wipro, TCS, and global MNCs having offices in India have CSPO as a desired prerequisite. 

It is extremely valuable to have a CSPO certification for aspiring product owners. The cost for certification in India ranges between ₹25,000 and ₹40,000. Despite the hefty cost, there is a definite ROI. 

Product owners with a CSPO certification earn between 10 – 25 lakh rupees annually. This is a significant increase when compared to what non-certified peers earn. The CSPO credential is a worthwhile investment in the Indian job market. 

Benefits of the CSPO Certification 

The CSPO certification offers both tangible and intangible career benefits. Let us look at the key benefits attained on earning the certification. 

1. Global Recognition 

The CSPO certification is issued by Scrum Alliance. It is one of the most respected Agile bodies across the globe. This makes the certification recognized globally. Employers acknowledge your competence in product ownership with the certification. 

2. Improved Employability 

Organizations consider candidates with the CSPO certification during hiring. The certificate demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and commitment to learning. 

3. Salary Growth 

Surveys have indicated that CSPO-certified professionals earn 10 – 20% more than non-certified peers. This becomes a substantial difference in annual compensation, especially in markets like the US and India. 

4. Enhanced Skills 

The CSPO training helps professionals to build a lot of essential skills needed for product owners. Some of them include backlog management, stakeholder collaboration, and value prioritization. These skills are crucial to success in Agile teams. 

5. Networking Opportunities 

CSPO-certified professionals have access to the Scrum Alliance community. This allows you to connect with global practitioners, trainers, and Agile leaders. This can lead to chances for networking as well as continuous learning. 

6. Career Flexibility 

CSPO-certified professionals can find job options across different industries. Product owners are required in all industries. This offers professionals a chance to pivot into different domains without losing on career progression. 

Pros and Cons of the CSPO Certification 

While discussing is the CSPO worth it, one should also consider the other side of the CSPO certification. Let us look at a comprehensive pros and cons list of the certification. 

Pros	Cons
Globally recognized credential, respected across industries	Expensive compared to other entry-level certifications
No exam requirement makes it beginner-friendly	Renewal fee every two years (~$100) adds a recurring cost
Builds practical Product Owner skills through interactive training	Some employers perceive minimal rigor as there is no exam
Acts as a gateway to advanced certifications like A-CSPO and CSP-PO	Offers limited differentiation for highly experienced professionals
Strong community support through Scrum Alliance membership	Training costs vary significantly, which may be prohibitive for some

 The CSPO can act as a crucial differentiator while applying for new jobs, but learners should weigh the financial investment before making a decision. 

CSPO vs Other Certifications 

Comparing the CSPO certification with other Agile and product owner certifications can be helpful to making your decision. Here is a comparison of CSPO vs various certifications: 

• CSM (Certified ScrumMaster by Scrum Alliance): Focuses on the Scrum Master role, which is primarily about facilitation, and coaching. CSPO, in contrast, emphasizes backlog management and product value. 
• PSM (Professional Scrum Master by Scrum.org): This certification is similar to CSM but more exam-driven and rigorous. Suitable for those who want an exam-based validation of Scrum Mastery. 
• PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner by Scrum.org): Offered by Scrum.org, this is a direct comparison with the CSPO. This certification requires you to pass an exam, perceived to be more rigorous. 
• Leading SAFe (LS by Scaled Agile, Inc): Focuses on scaling Agile across enterprises. While it is broader in scope than CSPO, it is not specific to a single role. 
• SAFe POPM (Product Owner/Product Manager by Scaled Agile, Inc): This product owner/manager certification is tailored for organizations following SAFe. This is ideal for professionals currently working or aspiring to work in a Scaled Agile context. 
• SAFe LPM (Lean Portfolio Management by Scaled Agile, Inc): Higher-level certification for leaders managing strategy and investment funding across portfolios. This is much more advanced and a senior level certification in comparison to CSPO. 

Key Distinctions of each certification: 

• CSPO is excellent for those seeking to start or strengthen a Product Owner career path in Scrum environments. 
• PSPO is suited for those who want a more rigorous path and are confident in self-study. 
• SAFe certifications (POPM, LPM, LS) are more relevant for professionals working in large-scale enterprises. 
• CSM/PSM are valuable if your focus is on facilitation and team leadership rather than product vision. 

Ultimately, CSPO serves as the best entry-level certification for aspiring Product Owners, while SAFe and advanced options by Scrum Alliance and Scrum.org are better for professionals aiming for enterprise or senior-level positions. 

How to Maintain your CSPO Certification? 

The CSPO credential from Scrum Alliance must be renewed every two years. To renew the certification, you need to do the following: 

1. Earn Scrum Education Units (SEUs) through ongoing learning. This can be done through live courses, webinars, conferences, community events, mentoring, reading, or volunteering, 
2. Pay the renewal fee (commonly $100 for CSPO). 

Scrum Alliance typically expects around 20 SEUs for foundational certifications over the two-year cycle. 

Planning to earn 5 SEUs every 6 months is a good way to approach your renewal process. This reduces the burden on attending events at the end of your two-year period. Scrum Alliance expects you to invest your time for continual learning. 

Final Thoughts 

For professionals considering the CSPO certification, they need to start by looking at where they are in their career and what they want to do next. The CSPO is a great entry point for anyone looking to become a product owner, especially in the Scrum framework. 

While there are multiple benefits of the CSPO, you should consider the cost of the certification along with the recurring renewal fees every two years. The worth of the CSPO depends on all these factors.