Scrum Master vs Product Owner Certification
Compare Scrum Master (PSM/CSM) and Product Owner (PSPO/CSPO) certifications. Process vs product - which agile role?
Professional Scrum Master (PSM I)
Scrum.org
Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I)
Scrum.org
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) | Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Scrum.org | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty Level | Foundational | Foundational |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $200 USD | $200 USD |
| Exam Format | 80 questions | 80 questions |
| Prerequisites | None | None |
| Validity Period | Does not expire | Does not expire |
| Ideal For | Scrum Masters, agile coaches | Product owners, product managers |
| Salary Range | $95,000 - $140,000 | $110,000 - $160,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) Focus Areas
- Scrum Framework
- Scrum Master Role
- Events
- Artifacts
- Values
Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I) Focus Areas
- Product Backlog
- Value Maximization
- Stakeholder Management
- Vision
Our Recommendation
Scrum Master focuses on process/team; Product Owner on product/business value.
Choose Professional Scrum Master (PSM I)
Choose Scrum Master if you enjoy coaching teams and facilitating processes.
Choose Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I)
Choose Product Owner if you want to define products and maximize value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) or Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I)?
Scrum Master focuses on process/team; Product Owner on product/business value.
What are the salary differences between Professional Scrum Master (PSM I)?
Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) typically offers salaries around $95,000 - $140,000, while Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO I) offers $110,000 - $160,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose Scrum Master if you enjoy coaching teams and facilitating processes. Choose Product Owner if you want to define products and maximize value.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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