As a Product Owner, earning a recognized certification can enhance your skills and credibility. Here’s a concise comparison of the top Product Owner certifications to help you decide which suits your career goals.

1. Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I)

Issuer: Scrum.org
Focus: Deep understanding of Scrum framework, product vision, and value delivery.
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: ~$200
Pros: Globally recognized, no renewal required, strong emphasis on practical Scrum application.
Cons: Requires solid Scrum knowledge; no formal training mandated.

2. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Issuer: Scrum Alliance
Focus: Practical Product Owner responsibilities, stakeholder collaboration, and backlog management.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Cost: ~$995 (includes mandatory training)
Pros: Includes interactive training, widely respected, strong community support.
Cons: Requires renewal every two years; higher cost.

3. SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)

Issuer: Scaled Agile
Focus: Product ownership in large-scale Agile environments using SAFe framework.
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: ~$1,000 (includes training)
Pros: Ideal for enterprise settings, covers both PO and PM roles.
Cons: Niche focus on SAFe; less universal than Scrum certifications.

Why Choose PSPO I?

The PSPO I is a great starting point for aspiring Product Owners due to its balance of affordability, rigor, and global recognition. It tests your ability to apply Scrum principles effectively, making it a practical choice for real-world scenarios.

Take the Next Step: Try Our Free PSPO I Practice Test!

Ready to test your Scrum knowledge? Take our FREE PSPO I practice test to gauge your readiness and boost your confidence. It’s the perfect way to prepare for the real exam!

If you find value in this free test, continue your preparation with our premium practice set for only $5!