Guaranteed to Run!
The Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO) was the world's first agile certification for product development and is still the most popular. The Grow-Lean CSPO covers Product Owner behaviors, actions, and activities through the lens of the Scrum Framework in the era of AI, focusing on maximizing value instead of delivering to plan.
This session is hands-on: no slides, no fluff, no videos, no filler. You learn by exercise and deep discussion, led by a trainer with 25 years of agile product development experience who actively uses agentic AI and agile for product development.
If you want to expedite your journey toward evidence-based, AI enabled, product development, where data, not emotion, drives decisions, take the Grow-Lean CSPO.
This class is being delivered in a Grow-Lean / Xebia Academy partnership. Xebia Academy policies for registration, pricing, and cancellation apply.
Arlen was amazing, he took the time and effort to answer every question that I asked and others asked. I would definitely sign up for a course with him again.
Arlen was AWESOME in the CAL E & O course. I took away tons of stuff to try out with my organization. I will be back! I'll also send some colleges your way.
It was a great class and Arlen was an excellent instructor. He adapted and adjusted the focus of the course as we went to make sure that everyone in the class got the most they could out of it.
David Bulkin and Arlen (Grow-Lean) are great instructors! I've already taken part on three certifications provided by them, and am every time grateful that I took the time to do it. They have a lot of experience and thrive on teaching us how to use Scrum on an real-life Agile Environment! Would recommend to anyone!
Arlen is a wonderful instructor and comes prepared to coach up and down. He brings a wide variety of domain knowledge, practical shared experience, and remains open to ideas from students. A class is only as good as the instructor leading it. Thank you!
The entire course was well structured and started with asking attendees what they wanted from the course. Arlen made sure to check in multiple to make sure we were covering the topics we asked for from the beginning. I found the exercises to be very well thought out and beneficial to applying the techniques and topics reviewed.
Arlene was very much experienced and knowledgeable instructor who answered all our questions. Provided us opportunities to work on product. All the different breakout sessions helped us a lot.
This was an excellent class. There are several educational options out there, and I am glad I chose this one because Arlen's real-life experience and skill in designing this course made it valuable and fun. It was two days, and Arlen made it so relevant and interesting, I would be happy to spend many more days learning from him! Thank you!
Arlen is knowledgeable and clearly explained all the concepts
Great course. Interactive and very interesting. Arlen Bankston was a great instructor.
ARLEN IS A GREAT INSTRUCTOR! Scrum is about people > process, and Arlen made everyone feel like they were a part of the training! GREAT TRAINER!
Great course! The content was very relevant and the way it was presented made it immediately applicable. The collaborative nature of the course also enabled for more meaningful delivery of the concepts AND different perspectives on how to apply it. Arlen is great and I would definitely attend another session led by him in the future. Thanks!
Arlen is a skilled facilitator and brings a wealth of experience to the table. This enriches the experience significantly.
Great training with lots of additional, personalized material. Arlen was terrific.
Arlen was excellent and brought some excitement to the course. Perfect blend of practical exercises, class discussion and instructor lead information.
One of the better Agile courses I have taken. The content was very well presented, interesting, and useful. The format was engaging and interactive, and it moved at a smart pace (I didn't doze off once). The instructor (Arlen) clearly put a lot of effort into preparing the course material/resources. I would definitely recommend.
One reason I selected this course is it was completed without one PowerPoint slide. The instructor, Arlen Bankston, would facilitate the lesson and move the participants into break outs using a Mural board. It was beneficial to be hands on and partnering with others while learning.
Arlen was well organized and the class ran smoothly. I enjoyed that he not only knew the material but also the history behind it. The exercises were great.
The instructor did a great job of engaging everybody in the class and explained things well. The interaction with the class were great. I was concerned that an online class might not deliver the same benefits and I’m glad that was not the case. I would definitely take this class again. Highly recommend to anybody looking for a CSPO.
We had Dave as the instructor for the Product Owner course and his facilitation was wonderful. Super engaging and complete with current relevant experience. A good mix of lectures and and classwork kept me engaged throughout the course and his willingness to answer questions ( I ask a lot of questions) was so appreciated
Highly interactive two day course focusing on many of the pillars of the Product Owner role. Many of the skills being shared were not only communicated, but more importantly, demonstrated during the course. Would highly recommend for POs just getting started and in their first years within the role to hear other perspectives. Many of the exercises are usable tools for day to day work within the role, thank you!
Working Grow-Lean was a very professional company to work with. Their materials were informative and all of their correspondence was thorough and helped with learning the material.
The practice sessions, lecture material all very informative and very detailed. It would be good idea to provide how to's on MIRO software, but not critical. Whole class was very well instructed
Grow-lean mentors are very welcoming and always check on their students to make sure they are receiving they knowledge being transferred. I will definitely recommend it who ever try to enroll with Grow-lean
Had an informative and engaging time over these last two days learning all things Scrum! Grow-Lean definitely prepared me and I feel confident proceeding both into this exam as well as into my career! Any and all should come and take this course!
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.
Get the best discounts specific to your situation
At Grow-Lean, we understand that job loss and financial hardships can be overwhelming. Many of our customers and community members have shared their challenges, and we want to help.
For a limited time, we are providing even deeper discounts, making it easier for you to continue learning and advance your career. This program applies courses taking place between now and 15 March 2026 and includes early bird (automatically applied), alumni, groups (3+ at one or many events), hardship, out of pocket, student, teacher and military. Apply for a discount on the session date you are interested in.
Use your mouse wheel, or finger to choose a discount, then click on it.
Choose an Experienced Trainer
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.
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.
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 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)
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.
Facing a hardship?
We’re offering extra support.
When we lift each other up, we all rise to new heights
We have heard from many students about their challenges with job loss and the fear of it.
We have expanded our discounts from now through March 15, 2026, to help you keep moving forward.
Deep discounts are available for:
- Students, Vets, Active Military
- Groups and Not-Profit-Organizations
- Individuals facing financial hardship
Browse our upcoming sessions, pick a session, and select the “Discounts” link to apply.
Let’s navigate this journey together.
Exclusive Bonus - One on One Coaching
60-minute coaching session with an agile expert
To ensure transformative value beyond certification, your trainer 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.
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.
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 Arlen Bankston
Arlen Bankston has been a pioneer in agile methodologies since the late 1990s and was among the first Certified Scrum Trainers. As a co-creator of the first CSPO course for the Scrum Alliance, he delivers a dynamic, engaging, and visually compelling training experience.
Practical Theory
Oscillate between theory and application to illustrate the gap between what is possible versus what is most often done.
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!