CSPO Certification in 2026: Cost, Requirements & Value
Oct 27, 2026
By Stephen Adindu, PSPO, CSM, Lead Coach at The Career Accelerators. Last updated October 2026.
The CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner) is Scrum Alliance's entry-level certification for Product Owners. You earn it by completing a 16-hour live course with a Scrum Alliance-certified instructor. There is no exam. The course fee covers the certification and a two-year Scrum Alliance membership. After that, you renew every two years for US$100 plus 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs).
This guide covers what the CSPO is, how to earn it, what it costs, how it compares with Scrum.org's PSPO I, and whether it is worth it for your career.
Key takeaways
|
What is the CSPO certification?
The CSPO shows that you understand the Product Owner role in Scrum. A Product Owner owns the product backlog, decides what the team builds next, and works with stakeholders to make sure each sprint delivers value. The course covers Scrum Alliance's CSPO learning objectives as well as its Scrum Foundations objectives, so you also learn how the whole Scrum team works.
It is a good fit if you are:
- a business analyst who works closely with Scrum teams and wants to move toward a product role;
- a project manager moving into Agile delivery;
- a product manager who wants a recognised Scrum credential;
- anyone who represents customers or the business to a Scrum team.
How do you get CSPO certified?
The path has five steps, and only the first two are needed to get certified.
| 1. Pick a course Choose a CSPO course listed by Scrum Alliance, live online or in person. |
| 2. Attend all 16 hours Take part fully. No test is required. |
| 3. Get certified Scrum Alliance sets up your account. Download your certificate and use your 2-year membership. |
| 4. Earn 20 SEUs Through training, webinars, events and reading over two years. |
| 5. Renew or level up Pay US$100 to renew, or earn the A-CSPO, which renews your CSPO automatically. |
Scrum Alliance lists no prerequisites for the CSPO. You do not need prior Product Owner experience, though basic familiarity with Scrum will help you get more from the course.
How much does the CSPO cost in 2026?
There is no separate exam fee. What you pay breaks down like this:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CSPO course | Set by each trainer | Includes the certification and a 2-year Scrum Alliance membership. At TCA: C$499 one-time, or two payments of C$275. |
| Exam | None | Scrum Alliance has no test requirement for the CSPO. |
| Renewal (every 2 years) | US$100 | Plus 20 SEUs earned during the two years. |
| Upgrade path | Varies | A-CSPO, then CSP-PO. Earning a higher certification renews your CSPO. |
Prices for the TCA course are as listed on our CSPO certification course page at the time of writing.
CSPO vs PSPO I: which should you choose?
The other well-known Product Owner credential is Scrum.org's Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I). The main difference is how you earn it: a course for the CSPO, an exam for the PSPO I.
| CSPO | PSPO I | |
|---|---|---|
| Awarded by | Scrum Alliance | Scrum.org |
| How you earn it | Complete a 16-hour live course | Pass an online assessment (a course is recommended, not required) |
| Exam | None | 80 questions, 60 minutes, 85% to pass |
| Cost | Course fee (varies by trainer) | US$200 per attempt |
| Renewal | Every 2 years: US$100 and 20 SEUs | None. It is a lifetime certification. |
| Best for | People who learn best with a trainer, practice and peers | Confident self-studiers who want an exam-backed credential |
Neither is "better" in general. Look at the job postings in your target market: if they name one, go for that one. If you are new to Product Ownership, the CSPO's live course gives you guided practice that self-study can't.
Is the CSPO worth it?
For most people moving into Agile product work, yes. It is a quick route to a recognised Product Owner credential: two days, no exam, and a clear path to more advanced certifications. It also gives you the language and habits of a Product Owner that interviewers listen for.
Be realistic about what it doesn't do. A two-day course won't replace experience. Employers hiring Product Owners want to see that you have managed a backlog and worked with stakeholders on a real product. Pair the certificate with hands-on project work, so you can describe real decisions in interviews.
CSPO or CSM first?
The CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) is about the Scrum Master role: facilitating Scrum events, coaching the team and removing blockers. The CSPO is about the product: the backlog, priorities and value. Pick the one that matches the role you want next. If your background is analysis, requirements or product, start with the CSPO. If you enjoy facilitation and coaching, start with the CSM.
How we run the CSPO course at TCA
Our CSPO course runs live and online over two days (16 hours), led by Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainers. It is built around hands-on exercises and case studies, with live Q&A throughout. Your fee includes the certification, the two-year Scrum Alliance membership, a student guide and access to the TCA community.
CSPO certification FAQs
Is there an exam for the CSPO?
No. Scrum Alliance says there is currently no test requirement to earn the CSPO. You are certified when you complete the 16-hour course.
How long does the CSPO certification last?
Two years. To renew, you pay US$100 and log 20 Scrum Education Units earned during that period.
Do I need experience to take the CSPO?
No. Scrum Alliance lists no prerequisites.
Can I take the CSPO online?
Yes. Courses run live online or in person. Either way you attend the full 16 hours with a Scrum Alliance-certified instructor.
What comes after the CSPO?
The Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO), then the Certified Scrum Professional – Product Owner (CSP-PO). Earning a higher certification automatically renews your CSPO.
Ready to become a Certified Scrum Product Owner?
Join our next live CSPO certification course: two days with a Certified Scrum Trainer, certification and membership included. Want to see how it fits your career plan first? Book a free call with our team.
Related reading: how to become a Scrum Master in Canada, Scrum Master vs Project Manager, and our Agile Scrum Master program.
Sources
- Scrum Alliance: Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), for the course, renewal and next certifications
- Scrum Alliance Support: How to earn the CSPO, for the 16 hours, no test and the 2-year membership
- Scrum Alliance Support: Cost to renew a certification, for US$100 and 20 SEUs every 2 years
- Scrum.org: PSPO I certification, for the fee, questions, time limit, pass mark and lifetime validity
