Is there an exam for the CSPO? +
No. CSPO is earned by completing a course led by a Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer or Agile Coach, typically around 16 hours over two days or several shorter sessions. After the course you accept the license agreement and create your Scrum Alliance profile. There is no test to pass, which makes the trainer and course quality the most important choice.
How do I choose a CSPO course? +
Because there is no exam, the course is the whole learning experience. Look at the trainer's background, reviews, class size and whether the course includes hands-on exercises in backlog refinement, prioritization and stakeholder management. Choosing on price or date alone can leave you certified but not much better prepared for the role.
How much does the CSPO cost and how long is it valid? +
Course prices vary by trainer, country and format, and typically include the first two years of certification. After that, Scrum Alliance certifications renew every two years. Renewing CSPO requires 20 Scrum Education Units and a $100 renewal fee. Logging SEUs as you go avoids a scramble at the deadline.
Is CSPO respected by employers if there is no exam? +
CSPO is well known, but some recruiters weigh exam-free certifications less than assessed ones. What matters in interviews is showing you can do the job: examples of managing a backlog, prioritizing value, saying no to stakeholders and working with developers. Treat the certification as a starting point.
Should I take CSPO or PSPO I? +
CSPO requires a course and no exam. PSPO I from Scrum.org requires an assessment but no course, and it does not expire. If you want structured training and discussion with a trainer, CSPO fits. If you want an assessed credential and are comfortable self-studying, PSPO I fits. Some product owners hold both.
How should I prepare for a CSPO course? +
Read the Scrum Guide before class so you can focus on the product owner role instead of basic terms. Bring real questions from your work, such as how to prioritize competing requests or handle a stakeholder who goes around you. Afterward, practice applying what you learned to your own backlog.