Understanding the Value of a Scrum Certified Product Owner Certification

A Scrum Certified Product Owner (CSPO) certification can provide numerous advantages, but it is crucial to understand when and how to leverage this certification effectively. Before you decide to pursue such a certification, it is essential to have a solid grasp of what it entails and when it can add the most value.

What Does a CSPO Certification Cover?

A typical 2-day online course offered by Scrum Inc. equips you with a wide range of skills that are essential for effective product management and development. This certification will:

Provide an understanding of product management and the development process in the Scrum framework.

Teach you how to estimate epics and product backlogs, which is a critical skill for assessing business value.

Inform you about the role of a Product Owner within the Scrum framework.

Educate you on prioritizing features, projects, and portfolios to generate real revenue from the product backlog.

However, it is important to recognize that a certification alone does not guarantee mastery or practical experience in these areas. It is a starting point that can provide a foundation, but true expertise comes from real-world application and experience.

Who Should Consider Pursuing a CSPO Certification?

The decision to pursue a CSPO certification should depend on your current situation and future goals in the field of product management. Here are some scenarios in which a certification might be valuable:

The Eager Future Product Owner

For individuals who aspire to become a product owner but lack the required experience, a 2-day online course can be a stepping stone. This course provides a basic understanding of the product owner role and the skills needed to succeed. However, it is important to remember that merely taking the course does not guarantee you a job as a product owner.

Consider the following scenario: You take the course, obtain the certification, and then apply for a product owner position. The hiring manager is looking for someone who can assess business value, prioritize features, and return real revenue. If your resume shows no relevant experience, you may not convince the hiring manager, regardless of your certification.

The Less Savvy Hiring Manager

There is a chance that you might be hired by someone who does not fully understand the importance of practical experience versus a certification. This could lead to a challenging situation where you are expected to perform duties that you have not yet mastered. However, it is essential to critically evaluate the long-term benefits of such a decision.

How to Leverage a CSPO Certification

To make the most out of a CSPO certification, consider applying the knowledge in your current role to gain practical experience. Here are some steps you can take:

Shaping Your Work and Environment

Take the skills and knowledge you learned in the course and apply them to your current role. Even if you are not yet a product owner, you can use the certification to reshape your work and environment. Over time, this can lead to increased experience and a stronger portfolio to showcase to potential employers.

Calculating the Investment

Reflect on whether the investment in the certification is worth it. Ask yourself:

Will the knowledge and skills I gain from the certification generate more value than the $2000 I am investing? If yes and you expect the value to be more than 3-5 years, should you take it?

Am I currently in a position where I can realistically apply these skills and gain experience?

How can I measure the return on investment (ROI) of the certification in terms of salary increase, new clients, or other opportunities?

If you can answer these questions affirmatively, the certification can be a valuable investment. However, if you cannot, it may be more cost-effective to explore alternative ways to gain the necessary experience and skills.

Conclusion

A Scrum Certified Product Owner certification can be a valuable tool for those seeking to improve their product management skills, but it is not a guarantee of success. It is crucial to evaluate the situation carefully and determine how you can best leverage the certification to enhance your career. Remember, the true value of a certification comes from practical application and the experience gained through real-world challenges.