Certified Scrum Product Owner

Starting Your Journey to Product Excellence

Certified Scrum Product Owner Logo

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.


David Bulkin has 40 years of product development experience and has been an agilist for over two decades, starting with eBanking at JP Morgan Chase in 2001. His high-energy, exercise-based workshops have helped almost 20,000 students advance their careers.

David continues to do agile product development as part of a team, filling various roles at different times, including PO. As a result, his training is reality-based, powerful and practical.

David applies a no-fluff, no-filler approach to his workshops, meaning you won't watch videos or listen to him speak for 15 minutes at a time. Instead, you participate in approximately 30 exercises and many deep discussions so that you can practice and understand the techniques covered.

This session will empower you with ideas on how to grow collaboration and learning to help your team discover what to create to drive positive outcomes for your users and your organization.

Student Testimonials

Vetted reviews from class attendees

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Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Testimonials

Key Details

A unique CSPO course taught by a highly engaging agile product management expert with a workshop built by Arlen Bankston and David Bulkin, who combined, have just short of 50 years of agile product development experience.

Live and Interactive

Participate in an in-depth, hands-on, 100% 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.

Along the way learn about the Story Mapping, Story Writing, Shift Left Testing, and other conceptual tools that all Product Owners should know.

Scrum from a PO Perspective

There are many Product Owner sessions that are delivered by trainers who have either never done, or have not recently been involved in, agile product development. So, 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 Grow-Lean.

We cover Scrum, but from the perspective of a PO, and we go well beyond the Scrum guide to help you apply techniques fit for your context.

Hands on and Deep

In this session you learn by doing. We will spend a considerable amount of time creating a Positioning Statement, Lean Canvas, Story Map, and Stories, for a realistic scenario.

We will also do exercises like the one shown where learn via a small case study.

As a result, you leave ready to apply what you have learned.

No Myths, Fluff, Filler, Videos, or Slides

Our session has over 30 exercises and deep discussion leaving no time for fluff, fillers, videos and other non-value added content.

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

  • No, you don't have to write all the stories.
  • No, you don't act as a courier between business and the developers.
  • Etc.
  • Session Schedule

    Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

    Two 8.00-hour sessions - Live Online
    Trainer: David Bulkin

    Mon
    25
    Nov
    Tue
    26
    Nov
    USD 695
    9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (EDT)
    USD 645
    Live Online / Virtual
    valid till 19 Oct
    David Bulkin
    $54 a month
    9:30 AM (EDT)
    5:30 PM (EDT)
    USD 695 USD 645
    valid till 19 Oct
    Three 5.25-hour sessions - Live Online
    Trainer: David Bulkin

    Mon
    9
    Dec
    Wed
    11
    Dec
    USD 795
    11:30 AM - 4:45 PM (EDT)
    USD 645
    Live Online / Virtual
    valid till 26 Oct
    David Bulkin
    $54 a month
    11:30 AM (EDT)
    4:45 PM (EDT)
    USD 795 USD 645
    valid till 26 Oct
    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 up to 12 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 up to 12 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 $1,000 and you chose 10 installments:

    • You would pay $100 today and have a $900 hold placed on your credit card.
    • The following month your credit card would be charged another $100 and the hold would be reduced to $800.
    • Each month you pay $100 and each month the hold is reduced by $100.

    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 $495, 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 $495 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 up to 12 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 a managing director and head of training services at Grow-Lean. He assists teams as a coach / mentor; delivers training, and builds product. He has trained 20,000 students, and impacted thousands via public speaking and coaching. Unlike many trainer/coaches, he continues to build systems.

    David delivers training, including the CSM, A-CSM, CSPO and A-CSPO courses; and has trained over 20,000 students with over 10,000 being with the Scrum Alliance.

    David mentors and coaches teams and individuals.

    He does all of this while actively building software, filling various roles at different times, including designing, coding, testing, PO and Scrum Master (think about that, someone who does what they teach).

    David's commitment to helping others and his continued work as a team member positions him to deliver a practical perspective that will help you boost your career.

    David's thought leadership in 2009 on progressive elaboration for agile requirements influenced what is now known as refinement (entering Scrum in 2011). David has successfully applied agile to manufacturing, marketing, sales, finance, and other areas outside of IT. He was an independent reviewer of the original PMI-ACP body of knowledge that fed the creation of the PMI-ACP Exam and has worked on the exam questions for the Certified Scrum Master Exam. David’s broad background ensures you are getting up-to-date ideas to apply.

    David is an industry veteran with 40 years of product development experience. In 2001, David's eBanking Team at JP Morgan Chase implemented agile with Kent Beck, the Father of Extreme Programming (XP), and perhaps also Agile, was the team coach. In addition to eBanking, David was also responsible for Online Account Opening, Insurance and Retirement Services.

    David's deep experience, his high energy level, and his continued hands-on work helps David stay practical and level-headed . He can understand your needs so you benefit from his experience.

    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.

    Upgrade and Expand Your Agile Toolbox

    Go beyond basic and learn new mental models and approaches.

    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 Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) classes are facilitated by actual product development experts with decades of real 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.

    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
    Years of product development experience
    David: 40
    Other Trainer: ?
    Years of agile experience
    David: 24
    Other Trainer: ?
    Continues to do agile product development
    David: Yes!
    Other Trainer: ?
    Choose Interaction
    Energy level of trainer
    David: High
    Other Trainer: ?
    Workshop exercises
    David: 30 plus
    Other Trainer: ?
    Class size
    David: Intentionally Small
    Other Trainer: ?
    Avoid Fluff and Filler
    Videos in the workshop
    David: None
    Other Trainer: ?
    Slides in the workshop
    David: None
    Other Trainer: ?
    Filler and fluff material in the workshop
    David: None
    Other Trainer: ?

    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.

    What You Get

    Everything you need to become a CSPO with no 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 $495 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 job market is volatile now, but in the long termProduct Owner / Product Manager jobs will continue to grow, and the salaries for them will likely be generous

    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

    How are job prospects now with the uncertainly in the economy?
    At the time of this writing in June of 2024, many organizations—especially those that grew rapidly over the last few years—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 you well and 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

    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 this Training Benefit You?

    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.

    If You are a Continual Learner

    Our Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) course is designed for those who are ready to embark on a continuous learning journey in the field of Product and Systems Management. Securing a high-paying position in product development requires dedication and effort beyond the classroom. Our course provides a solid foundation from which to grow, not a final destination so you need continued hard work outside the classroom.

    If You Think Critically

    Agility is about adapting to the context, and the context often changed, 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.

    If You Embrace Nuance

    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 to their unique situations .

    If You Appreciate Constructive Feedback

    We believe in fostering a learning environment where constructive feedback is a cornerstone. Our trainers are committed to guiding you towards the correct answers, helping you 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, and you are willing to apply critical thinking, work through ambiguity, look at nuance, and question your own mental models, our CSM 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 Theory with 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 exam, but the quizzes reinforce learnings

    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.

    Immersive Classroom Experience

    A mix of technologies and interactive approaches

    For both virtual an in person events, we keep the training interactive.

    • Virtual: We use Zoom as the core virtual technology and we use Mural as virtual space where we run exercises, and play educational games, resulting in an interactive session.
    • In Person: We use a number of exercise in person events. We also use additional technologies such as Mural, Miro or Google Docs as a virtual white board to keep the session interactive.

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