Certified Scrum Product Owner Logo

Certified Scrum Product Owner

The Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO) was the world's first agile cert for product development. The Grow-Lean CSPO covers Product Owner (PO) behaviors, actions, and activities through the lens of the Scrum Framework. If you want to expedite your journey towards evidence-based product development, where data, not emotion, drives decisions, take a CSPO session. Our session is 100% hands-on, with zero slides, and it is an actual product development course, as compared to the requirements workshop offered by others.

Student Testimonials

Vetted reviews from class attendees

4.89 - 206 reviews
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Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Testimonials

A unique CSPO course taught by a highly engaging agile product management expert.

Key Details

100% Live and Engaging

Live workshop with no slides and no PowerPoint. Improve your product development via exercises and scenarios, going from high level concept down to build ready details.

28 Exercises for Deep Learning

Exercises drive the session so you learn concepts in an engaging manner. Exercises are done in small breakout rooms and then the entire class reviews to ensure practical learning.

Go Beyond the Scrum Guide

If you want a Certified ScrumMaster packaged as a CSPO you have many options. If you want a deep course on actual agile product development, choose the Grow-Lean CSPO.

This is a hands-on, practice-driven experience where you actively apply powerful tools like the Positioning Statement, Lean Canvas, Story Mapping, and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD / GWT). Gain the confidence to choose and use the right tools in the right context.

No Myths, Fluff, Filler, Videos, or Slides

Our session has 28 exercises and deep discussion leaving no time for fluff, fillers, videos and other non-value added content.

We avoid oversimplified answers, myths if you like. For example...

  • No, you don't have to write all the stories.
  • No, you don't act as a courier between business and the developers.
  • No, you don't have to run every refinement session.

Session Schedule

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
 8
Mon Sep
thru
 11
Thu Sep
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (EDT)
4.00 hours each day
Four days

Live Online / Virtual

David Bulkin

Scrum Alliance: CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL 1 | SAFe: SPC | PMI: PMI-ACP

★★★★★ Testimonials

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
 6
Mon Oct
thru
 9
Thu Oct
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (EDT)
4.00 hours each day
Four days

Live Online / Virtual

David Bulkin

Scrum Alliance: CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL 1 | SAFe: SPC | PMI: PMI-ACP

★★★★★ Testimonials

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
 13
Mon Oct
thru
 14
Tue Oct
10:30 AM - 6:30 PM (EDT)
8.00 hours each day
Two days

Live Online / Virtual

David Bulkin

Scrum Alliance: CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL 1 | SAFe: SPC | PMI: PMI-ACP

★★★★★ Testimonials

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
 6
Thu Nov
thru
 7
Fri Nov
10:30 AM - 6:30 PM (EDT)
8.00 hours each day
Two days

Live Online / Virtual

David Bulkin

Scrum Alliance: CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL 1 | SAFe: SPC | PMI: PMI-ACP

★★★★★ Testimonials

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
 17
Wed Dec
thru
 18
Thu Dec
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EDT)
8.00 hours each day
Two days

Live Online / Virtual

David Bulkin

Scrum Alliance: CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL 1 | SAFe: SPC | PMI: PMI-ACP

★★★★★ Testimonials

Want to bring a training to your team or organization?
Contact us to discuss options for private workshops.

Training Discounts

A variety of discounts to fit your situation.

Request your discount on the session (a class on date/time with a trainer) you want. If more than one discount applies explain in your comments.

You can pay in installments by choosing Splitit at checkout.

For Grow-Lean Alumni, log in or use your account email when registering, and receive an automatic discount. If you also qualify for another discount, request it, and, if your email matches, we know you are an alumni.

If you have a Visa or Mastercard credit card you can pay in monthly installments. There are no fees or interest if you pay on time! Your available credit must be enough to cover the full cost and there is a hold on your credit card for the amount that you have not paid.

For example, if your final fee is $999 and you choose three installments:

  • You would pay $333 today and have a $666 hold placed on your credit card.
  • The following month your credit card would be charged another $333 and the hold would be reduced to $333.
  • Your final payment would be $333.

If you are not familiar with the term "hold" this is similar to what hotels do when you check in, to cover extra expenses you may incur including the mini bar.

The benefit to you is that you do not pay any interest or fees if all payments are on time.

Find Session

Find the session you want on the class list, then click "Discounts" link. Early-bird discounts do not need to be requested.

Choose Discounts

You will be on the discounts tab for the class.

Select Discount

Choose the appropriate discount then click the link for it. Not all discounts are available for all sessions.

Enter & Submit

Provide the requested information then click "Submit".

Early Bird
Early Bird

Combines With: Everything

Able to register in advance?

The Early Bird discount is available on many of classes.

There is no need to request it. Simply register while it is available.

If you receive another discount it will combine with the Early Bird.

Out of Pocket
Out of Pocket

Combines With: Alumni, Early Bird

Paying yourself and won't be reimbursed?

The Out of Pocket is for you if you won't be reimbursed. If you are unemployed, a military veteran, or a student request the appropriate discount.

Choose a specific session (class on a date with a trainer), click on Discounts, and complete the request form. If you are not sure of the date, choose a session and explain in the comments.

Group & Private
Group & Private

Combines With: Early Bird

Bringing friends or colleagues to one or more sessions or want a private session?

The Group and Private Discounts are for sending three or more attendees to one or more events or for private events (i.e. just for your team).

To request, choose a session (class on a date with a trainer) you are interested in, click the Discount Link, and when filling out the form describe your situation.

Our Training Team will reach out to you.

Alumni
Alumni

Combines With: Early Bird, Hardship, Out of Pocket, Student, Veteran

Get 5% off for each public session, over $225, you took with us, up to 20%.

The Alumni Discount provides you discounted rates to future Grow-Lean training.

For each Grow-Lean session* you take with us, at a rate of $225 or above, you accumulate another 5% off of a future training, up to 20% off*.

* We have a small number of partner events where the alumni discount does not apply.

Hardship
Hardship

Combines With: Early Bird, Alumni

Suffering an economic hardship and able to provide an unemployment notice or separation agreement?

The Hardship Discount is for you if you are suffering an economic hardship and are able to provide an unemployment notice or separation agreement and are not being reimbursed.

Choose a specific session (class on a date with a trainer), click on Discounts, and complete the request form. If you are not sure of the date, choose a session and explain in the comments.

Student & Educator
Student & Educator

Combines With: Early Bird

Are you a full-time student or educator, with a .edu email address?

The Student Discount is for you if you are a full-time student or educator with a .edu email address.

Choose a specific session (class on a date with a trainer), click on Discounts, and complete the request form. If you are not sure of the date, choose a session and explain in the comments.

When completing the request tell us your major and expected graduation date or explain what you teach and where.

Military & Veteran
Military & Veteran

Combines With: Early Bird

Are you active duty military or a veteran?

The Military / Veteran Discount is applicable if you are active duty, reserve, or retired from the military.

Choose a specific session (class on a date with a trainer), click on Discounts, and complete the request form. If you are not sure of the date, choose a session and explain in the comments.

When completing the request tell us if you will be reimbursed or not.

Have a Visa or Mastercard Credit Card?
Pay in installments by choosing Splitit at checkout.
You pay zero interest!

Choose an Experienced Trainer


David Bulkin

Scrum Alliance: CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL 1 | SAFe: SPC | PMI: PMI-ACP

David Bulkin is the Managing Director and Head of Training Services at Grow-Lean. He has 40 years of product development experience and stays current by continuing to engage in product development. In 2001, his eBanking Team at JP Morgan Chase implemented Agile practices under the guidance of Kent Beck, the father of Extreme Programming (XP). David left the bank to help grow the Agile community.

David supports teams and individuals in their Agile journeys as a mentor and coach. Unlike most trainers and coaches, he remains actively involved in product development, taking on roles such as designer, coder, tester, Product Owner, and Scrum Master. His hands-on experience and high-energy level ensure that you get practical and applicable insights in a fun, lively environment.

David's extensive background spans various industries, including manufacturing, marketing, sales, finance, and more. David started developing in 1984 when he built a package to simulate Major League Baseball games and run a fantasy league. After that, he worked on various development projects for the US DoD. In the early 1990s, he built an Internet startup that delivered some of the first profitable sites on the web. In the late 1990s, he joined JP Morgan Chase, where, in 2001, he led eBanking development using agile methods.

He was an independent reviewer of the original PMI-ACP body of knowledge and contributed to the Certified Scrum Master Exam questions. His thought leadership in 2009 on progressive elaboration for Agile requirements influenced what is now known as refinement, which was incorporated into Scrum in 2011.

David has trained over 20,000 students and influenced thousands more through public speaking and coaching. He delivers various training courses, including CSM, A-CSM, CSPO, and A-CSPO, and has trained over 10,000 students with the Scrum Alliance. His sessions are practical, energetic and fun, and based on his experiences in big and small organizations, David customizes the training for your needs so you get a practical perspective that can significantly boost your career.

Arlen Bankston

CST | CSP-SM | CSP-PO | CAL | A-CSM | CSM | A-CSPO | CSPO | LSS MB | SAFe SPC5

Arlen Bankston, a pioneering figure in the agile movement, was one of the first to integrate lean systems thinking and user experience practices with agile software development methodologies. His innovative approach has left a lasting impact on the field.

Currently, Arlen is a sought-after coach and trainer, specializing in advanced courses such as the Advanced CSPO, Certified Scrum Professional PO, Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster, Certified Agile Leadership Essentials and Team, as well as custom sessions including the Grow-Lean Remote and Hybrid Work. His expertise extends beyond the realm of software, exploring Lean, Six Sigma, BPM and other process management and systems thinking approaches to provide organizations with a comprehensive perspective.

Arlen's journey in the agile world began with his early involvement in the Scrum Alliance (member number 41) and as one of the first Certified Scrum Trainers . He further expanded his knowledge by becoming a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt during his six-year tenure leading a Lean-Agile practice. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the consultancy LitheSpeed, which he successfully led for fifteen years before joining Grow-Lean.

Known for his thought leadership and dynamic, entertaining, and practical training style, Arlen has trained and mentored thousands of ScrumMasters, Product Owners, team members and executives. He designed the Agile Leadership Academy to address the leadership and structural challenges that many successful companies still face.

Arlen's client list spans across every industry and includes notable names such as RBC, Monster, Marriott, NBC Universal, CNBC, NGA, Capital One, T. Rowe Price, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the Armed Forces Benefits Association. His book “HR and the Agile Organization” provides valuable insights on how human resources departments can adapt to support organizations striving for adaptability while enhancing employee engagement and retention.

Go beyond basic and learn new mental models and approaches.

Upgrade & Expand Your PO Toolbox

The Product Owner role is critical. Unfortunately, there is widespread misinformation about the role, as many trainers and coaches lack substantial, real-world product development experience. Using the toolbox as a metaphor, this often leads to the misapplication of approaches, like using a hammer to put in a screw.

Our classes are facilitated by actual product development experts with decades of experience. Going back to the tool metaphor, perhaps you should learn to use an electric screwdriver, not a hammer, if you want to put screws in more quickly.

As this applies to being a PO, using "As a, I want to, So that" for all backlog items is the same as using a hammer to put in a screw. Take the CSPO with us and you'll be equipped with the mental models needed to use the right tool in the right context to maximize the quality of your outcomes while growing your career.

Grow Your System Based On Evidence

Learn approaches to become effective in the application of evidence based methods...

  • Novice: generate requirements by yourself based on your understanding.
  • Practicing: elicit and gather requirements from managers and experts.
  • Competent: elicit and gather requirements from a wide variety stakeholders.
  • Effective: Lead your team and stakeholders through learning loops, where you collaboratively discover what to build based on evidence from actual usage of your product with input from many stakeholders.
Determine Why, What, When, Done

Learn how you delegate the "How" and collaboratively define...

  • Why: clarify the vision and measurable goals.
  • What: collaboratively and iteratively define the functionality.
  • When: prioritize on value, including for the business, for users, and to grow learning).
  • Done: determine when stories, features and releases are complete.
Create Feedback Cycles

Create short cycles where items most likely to increase company ROI, add value for the customer, and maximize learning are built and rapidly and released. This....

  • Generate data which is interpreted by the PO.
  • Generate learning from the data.
  • Adjust plans based on learnings.
  • Maximize value by continuing to inspect and adapt.

Earning Your Certification

The Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Certified Scrum Product Owner Logo

At present there is no examination required to achieve the Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Certification. Taking the session earns your CSPO if you participate in at least 14 hours of class time.

Grow-Lean covers the certification fees and you receive two years of Scrum Alliance Membership.

The certification will help differentiate you , but more importantly the learning will allow you to interview with more confidence and apply core product development techniques in the work place.

The CSPO also allows you to pursue the Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO) and Certified Scrum Professional Product Owner (CSP-PO) certification, to complete the Path to CSP. Grow-Lean offers both of these sessions so you can take advantage of your alumni discount.

Benefit from Experience and Interaction

Competitors often mimic our course descriptions, but they can't copy David's experience. Benefit from a trainer who delivers a real-world, deep, hands-on, workshop.

"Choosing a provider can be challenging, especially as competitors often mimic our site content. What other trainers can't match is my 40 years of product development experience, 25 years of experience in agile, and two decades of teaching.

I also maintain a light class load allowing me to stay actively involved in product development where I build product. Staying current allow me to be authentic covering applied theory / real-world application.

I personally guarantee that the class will be small, tailored to your specific needs, genuine, and highly interactive."

David A. Bulkin

Choose Experience
Product development experience
Arlen: 35
David: 40
Other Trainer: ?
Years of agile experience
Arlen: 26
David: 25
Other Trainer: ?
Continues to do agile product development
Arlen: Yes!
David: Yes!
Other Trainer: ?
Choose Interaction
Energy level of trainer
High
Other Trainer: ?
Workshop exercises
30 plus
Other Trainer: ?
Class size
Intentionally Small
Other Trainer: ?
Avoid Fluff and Filler
Videos in the workshop
None
Other Trainer: ?
Slides in the workshop
None
Other Trainer: ?
Filler and fluff material
None
Other Trainer: ?

Get Everything You Need

Become a CSPO with no additional fees or hidden costs.

Live On-Line Training
Fully live and interactive. Many other classes use canned videos. You can use YouTube for that!
Certification Fees
All fees to get you certified are covered. There are no additional or surprise charges.
Two Year Scrum Alliance Membership
You receive a two-year membership with the Scrum Alliance which gives you access to member-only content and discounted access to Scrum Gathering events.
Alumni Discount
Take one training of $225 or more and get 5% off, two get 10% off, three get 15%, all the way up to 25% off.
16 PMI PDUs
Get 16 Project Management Institute (PMI) Professional Development Units (PDUs) to help meet your PMI continuing education requirements.

Job Prospects for Product Owners

The high end, white collar, job market is volatile, but Product Owner / Product Manager positions will continue to be highly compensated.

While AI is transforming many high-level white-collar professions, the role of product management remains crucial. Generative AI excels at enhancing and iterating on existing ideas, but AI lacks the ability to originate novel concepts or define strategic direction. This makes individuals who can envision the future, set a clear course, and guide teams toward that vision more valuable than ever .

Companies with Top Product Owner Salaries

Product Owner Title Variations

Countries with Top Product Owner Salaries

Frequently Asked Questions About Product Owner Positions and Salaries

Will Product Owners be replaced by AI?
Typically what we refer to as AI is a specific type of AI known as generative AI. This type of AI excels at building upon the ideas provided, connecting those ideas to a vast pool of existing content. However, current AI systems don't typically make strategic decisions—such as which products to develop, in what order to launch them, or how to define and reach a target market as the AI is looking at what has been done in the past. This means the AI will provide you strategies that have worked in the past, not necessarily strategies that will work in the future.

AI is a powerful force multiplier for skilled Product Owners, not a replacement of them. So, yes, there will be jobs for effective Product Owner in the foreseeable future.
How are job prospects now with the uncertainly in the economy?
At the time of this writing, many large organizations are reducing headcount. Fortunately, individuals with strong product development skills continue to find exciting roles, often at growing small and mid-size companies. Taking this session should position help propel your career forward if you are wiling to continue to do hard work outside of the classroom.
What is the difference between Product Owner and Product Manager and how does that impact salary?
Terminology varies widely. In some organizations, a Product Manager may be more senior than a Product Owner and thus earn more. In other organizations, especially those who have adopted agile, there may only be a Product Owner. To complicate matters even more, the terms are Product Manager and Product Owner are often synonyms, meaning different words, same thing.

Glad we could clear that up : )
Will taking the class get me a job as a Product Owner?
Taking this class will not guarantee you a position, but it will increase the probability of getting an interview.

Our sessions provide you both a conceptual understanding as well as practical take-aways as our trainers have deep experience in the field. The probability of receiving a job offer depends on your background and willingness to continue to work hard outside of the class room.
These salaries seem high, are they achievable for me?
The sample salaries across companies were obtained from Indeed.com on 29-May-2022. Many Product Owners work in Information Technology (IT) and IT jobs are generally well compensated. Realistically you should not expect to start at the high end of the range unless you have deep, salient experience and knowledge.

Top Benefits Afforded to Product Owners

  • 401(k) with match
  • AD&D insurance
  • Adoption assistance
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • On-site gym
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
  • Work from home
PO Benefits and High Compensation Companies from https://www.indeed.com/career/product-owner/salaries?from=top_sb#common-benefits
Grow-Lean Uplift Your Future program banner
UpLift Your Future Program
Facing hardship?
We’re offering extra support.

When we lift each other up, we all rise to new heights

Job loss, the fear of it, and financial hardships can be overwhelming. We have heard from many of our community members about the challenges they are facing, and we want to help.

Through August 31, 2025, we are offering deeper discounts for those facing hardship, students, veterans, and groups. This is your chance to keep moving forward without letting finances hold you back.

Browse our upcoming sessions, pick one that fits your schedule, and select the “Discounts” link to apply.

Let’s navigate this journey together.

Elevate your impact
Exclusive Bonus - One on One Coaching

60 minutes with agile expert David Bulkin

To ensure transformative value beyond certification, David Bulkin is offering an exclusive bonus a complimentary 60 minute, one-on-one coaching session to the first 10 registrants of each session.

This will help you translate your newly acquired knowledge into actionable strategies for your team, your organization and yourself.

Secure your spot now and seize this unique opportunity to work directly with an industry expert.

100% Live Online Training
No Outside Work Required

Get Certified by taking the class

Earn your certification in a 100% live, online class, with no additional / outside work required. We do ask that you read the Scrum Guide which is at most 30 minutes of time.

The class has 28 exercises followed by discussion and reflection about real-world opportunities and challenges.

Avoid offline study and low interaction training by signing up today.

Benefit from a Free Retake
Love it or Learn Again
for Free Guarantee™

Ensure Your Quality

Want more value from the session we will work with you to make it happen with options including a free retake and/or one-on-one support.

Get the best quality training from a provider you can trust.

Who Should Attend

The CSPO is often the launching point on an agile product development journey

Types of People that Often Attend...

Product development activities span the value stream , from product ideation to post implementation and the CSPO is an entry level session. As such a wide variety of roles often take Product Owner training.

If you want to improve your product outcomes this session can be appropriate for you.

Typical Roles that Attend...
  • Product Managers
  • Product Owners
  • Quality Assurance / Testers
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Systems Analysts
  • Scrum Masters
  • Software Developers
  • Tech Leads
  • TPM's
  • Project Managers
  • PMO Staff

Will I Benefit from this Training?

You have other options and not everyone will benefit.

Appropriate use of agile requires a mindset and approach which may be different from what you are used to. Read the points below to see if the session is right for you.

Our course is designed for those on a continuous learning journey in the field of Product and Systems Management. Securing a position, and executing with excellence, requires effort beyond the classroom. Our course provides a solid foundation from which to grow, not a final destination . If you are willing to work hard outside the classroom, our session is a fit.

Agility is about adapting to the context, and the context often changes, thus requiring the approach to change as well. If you thrive in environments where flexibility and critical thinking are valued over following rigid, detailed instructions, our session will be a good fit for you.

The principles of agile are universal, yet their application can vary across different industries. This session is ideal for those who can embrace nuance and apply agile thinking patterns to their unique situations .

We believe in fostering a learning environment where constructive feedback is a cornerstone. Our trainers are committed to guiding you to learn and grow. This requires that you be open to accepting feedback which may not match your current mental models.

In Summary

If you are the type of person who is always learning, applies critical thinking, works effectively with ambiguous information, will consider nuance, and questions your own mental models, our session will likely be of benefit to you . If not, you may want to consider a different certification or training provider.

Why?

Taught by Industry Experts

Our CSPO is delivered by Arlen Bankston and David Bulkin. Arlen has 25 years of agile product development experience and co-created the first CSPO course for the Scrum Alliance. David, with 40 years in product development and 24 years in agile methodologies, and he continues to work actively as a PO.

Together, they offer a lively, engaging, and visually rich training experience, ensuring no fluff or filler.

Practical - No Fluff or Filler

With decades of agile product development experience Arlen and David know theory and practice. They both deliver a session that is practical and grounded in real-life experiences, with no fluff or filler.

Blended Training Experience

Experience a blend of exercises, real-world case studies, custom-built tools, engaging games, and more. No bland slideware at all. No listenting to a trainer talk for 15 minutes.

Leave Ready

Leave ready to help your organization through pragmatic tips and stories from the instructor’s decades of consulting experience, as well as learning from often equally experienced fellow students.

Free Retake

Take again for free (within 120 days).

Real-Life / No Fake Stuff

We avoid fake approaches like using the "As a, I want to, So that" template for all items in your backlog and instead use studies and many real examples of agile product development.

Unique

Custom created training material and approach with the most interactive, visually appealing, interactive boards, in the industry.

Supported

Top notch support seven days a week.

100% Live

No videos! Don't pay to watch YouTube!

No Hidden Cost

No surprise fees when you register or certify (be careful of your training provider).

Small Class Size

We maintain a small class size to ensure focus on you. Beware of the 50 person class!

Certified Scrum Product Owner Journey

Steps to Improve Your Career with a Certified Scrum Product Owner Certification

  1. Choose a trainer has actual deep experience as a PO. Arlen and David both have significant experience in product development.
  2. Register for the session with a reputable company; choose Grow-Lean.
  3. Use our pre-reads and practice quizzes to prepare.
  4. Attend a lively, Powerpoint free, hands on session.
  5. Login from the link sent in the email.
  6. Accept your license with Scrum Alliance.
  7. Experience career growth.

Pre-Class Reading and Videos

Maximize your learning with preparation

Pre-reading for the your Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Product Owner training.
If you have time prior to the session, you can prepare by reviewing the free reading material and videos.
  • Start with a short read, the Agile Manifesto and the principles behind it.
  • Read the Scrum Guide. It is 13 light pages.
  • Have some more time, watch the videos on Scrum.
  • Even more time, check the Certified Scrum Product Owner specific material.

Practice Quizzes

There is no certification exam, but these quizzes help reinforce what you learn

There is no exam for your certification, but you can still get significant benefit from our practice quizzes as they help ensure you know the basics so your classroom experience can focus on the big picture.

  • The practice quizzes are active learning that increases retention.
  • They apply what cognitive science calls retrieval practice.
  • Retrieval practice makes learning challenging which helps you remember the material.

If you have time prior to the session use them as a refresher. Or perhaps, during the session you notice some weak spots and review the quizzes post class to fill in the knowledge gaps.

Contact Us