Scrum is an Agile framework in which people and teams integrate how they work and optimize their specific requirements by adding the proper practices. In simpler terms, it is a method of getting things done in small segments, one at a time, while constantly experimenting and getting feedback on the work done and keep making improvements along the way. A Scrum Master is a person who coaches and guides the Scrum team to make sure that the team understands the Scrum framework and the principles, values, and practices enshrined in it. Scrum Master ensures that the Scrum framework is followed. Scrum guide describes the role of a Scrum Master as a Servant Leader. Though they are committed to Scrum principles and values, they are flexible enough to improve the team’s workflow.

A Scrum Product Owner is a member and a key stakeholder of the Scrum team who clarifies the product vision and goals. It is one of the most critical roles in the Scrum development process. In essence, a Product Owner gives life to a product. A Scrum Product Owner is usually a person from marketing or product management or can be the primary user of a system. A Product Owner will deeply understand the market and competition and responsible for developing and communicating the product goal to the team and other stakeholders. Subsequently, all work is derived and prioritized based on this product goal to deliver value to all stakeholders, both within and outside the organization. They must convey their product vision to the Developers so that it provides them with enough information and motivates them.

The key to maximizing the product’s value is the Product Owner, who gets it done through the Developer’s work. A Product Owner is responsible for developing and communicating the product goal, building and conveying the Product Backlog items and ordering them. The Product Owner also ensures that the backlog items are understood and visible. They may do this or delegate work to others in the Scrum team. Ultimately, they are accountable for completing this work and delivering value.

Having understood the Scrum Master and Scrum Product Owner roles, let us know what a Professional Scrum Master (PSM) and Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) is. Both PSM and PSPO are certifications offered by Scrum.org but unlike other certifications, training for these certifications is not mandatory. However, training is highly recommended to bring clarity and get a deep understanding of the role and responsibilities of these positions.

Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

Professional Scrum Master is a certification offered by Scrum.org. A Scrum Master should have a solid understanding of Scrum principles, values, and practices. The evaluation in the PSM certification confirms and certifies your understanding of these values, principles, and practices and your ways of responding to challenging situations.

The knowledge and understanding of Scrum you acquire as you demonstrate a PSM through your ability to apply it in actual situations. This certification is valued only if you can show your knowledge in practical situations. For getting the Professional Scrum Master certification, training is not mandatory. Still, it is highly recommended that you get clarity about the role and gain the required knowledge to fulfill it effectively and become a better Scrum Master.

The PSM training

The Professional Scrum Master course is designed to make you a master of the Scrum framework. This training provides you with an in-depth understanding of Professional Scrum and the responsibilities attached to it. It is a two-day course where you learn about Agile and Scrum principles so you know how to apply them in real-world situations. You gain mastery over the role of a Scrum Master as a servant leader. You learn planning for product delivery and understand the finer points of working with others. Scrum.org founder Ken Schwaber has created the PSM training.

Why PSM certification?

Today, a vast majority of organizations are using Agile development, and most of them use the Scrum framework. Most companies are choosing an agile methodology. It is becoming popular by the day as it helps them deliver the right products at the right time faster and more efficiently. This has resulted in high demand for Agile and Scrum professionals. So, if you want to take benefit of this high demand, which is constantly on the rise, getting a Professional Scrum Master certification will do a world of good to your career.

You can get your PSM certification in three easy steps. Complete the two-day PSM training, demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of Scrum principles, values, and practices by getting assessed through an exam conducted by Scrum.org, clear the exam, get your PSM certification and become a Professional Scrum Master.

Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO)

A Professional Scrum Product Owner has clearly understood and mastered the Scrum principles. Many things need to be clarified about a Product Owner’s role in an organization. It is about more than managing the Product Backlog and writing User Stories. A Product Owner is responsible for ensuring that the product is executed in line with the company’s business strategy so that the Scrum team creates products of the highest possible value. And to be effective and achieve this, a Product Owner ought to have a firm grasp of the factors that drive value. If you are working as a Product Owner or looking to take that role, you must deeply understand using Agile and Scrum to maximize value. So, to be a Professional Scrum Product Owner, you have got to be a master of Scrum and have a keen sense of applying Scrum and Agile in real-life situations to create products of maximum possible value.

The PSPO training

To get certified as a PSPO, you must undergo a two-day training before taking the PSPO assessment exam to get your certification. This training again has been designed by Scrum co-creator Ken Schwaber. This training will prepare you to take actual ownership of the product as a Product Owner. The course bridges the gap between the company’s business strategy and product execution. It will equip you with tools so you can maximize the product value. You will understand all the facets of managing products that will help you drive value from products. This will help you grow your skills as a Product Owner. In the PSPO training, you will be given a clear understanding of a Product Owner’s role and will be taught how to manage products with agility. You will learn how to develop and deliver products professionally. You will be able to understand metrics for monitoring the successful delivery of products. And more importantly, during your PSPO training, you will learn how to handle a Scrum project successfully.

Why PSPO certification?

In product development, the Product Owner is the most sought-after role today. The Professional Scrum Product Owner certification validates your knowledge and understanding of Scrum and your ability to use it in actual situations. Scrum.org offers the PSPO certification. As with PSM certification, you can also get the PSPO certification in three steps. Complete the two-day PSPO training, take the assessment exam, pass it and get your PSPO certification and you become a Professional Scrum Product Owner. You are now ready to go out and make your mark as a Product Owner in the real sense.

The PSM and PSPO certifications validate your commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and quality. They will help you move ahead in your career in Scrum. You will be able to motivate and inspire the Agile and Scrum teams and build transparent communication between team members and stakeholders. You will improve business value and help in getting a better ROI.

So, get your PSM or PSPO certification, whichever you choose, and demonstrate your competency as a skilled and knowledgeable Scrum professional. Get lucrative job opportunities in big companies and make a successful career.