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Scrum Org Professional Scrum Product Owner I Quick Facts
The Professional Scrum Product Owner I certification empowers you to master value-driven product management within the Scrum framework. This overview gives you a clear path to understand how the assessment works and what competencies it measures, helping you prepare with confidence and clarity.
How does the PSPO I certification strengthen your ability to lead products with agility?
The Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I) certification from Scrum.org validates a solid understanding of the Scrum framework, product ownership, and agile value delivery principles. It highlights your ability to maximize product value, manage backlogs strategically, and align product goals with business outcomes using empiricism and evidence-based decision-making. Suitable for aspiring or practicing Product Owners, Product Managers, and entrepreneurs, this certification demonstrates readiness to guide teams, stakeholders, and organizations toward high-impact delivery in complex adaptive environments.
Who Should Pursue the Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I) Certification?
The Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I) certification is perfect for anyone who wants to excel in value-driven product management using the Scrum framework. It’s ideal for those passionate about maximizing product value, connecting business goals to real-world outcomes, and leading agile teams with confidence.
This certification suits:
- Current or aspiring Product Owners
- Product Managers looking to adopt an agile mindset
- Business Analysts, Project Managers, or Scrum Masters seeking to broaden their understanding of product ownership
- Leaders or stakeholders involved in product strategy and delivery
Whether you’re starting your agile journey or aiming to validate your experience, PSPO I showcases your ability to enable value creation using Scrum principles.
What Type of Career Opportunities Open Up with PSPO I?
Holding the PSPO I certification demonstrates that you understand how to deliver value while guiding teams and organizations toward better outcomes. This credential can help you qualify for roles such as:
- Product Owner
- Agile Product Manager
- Scrum Master (with additional Scrum expertise)
- Business Analyst (Agile)
- Product Strategy Consultant
- Project or Program Manager managing agile initiatives
Organizations around the world consider PSPO I as a mark of true mastery over agile product thinking and empirical decision-making.
What is Covered on the PSPO I Exam?
The PSPO I exam focuses on applying Scrum principles to real-world product ownership situations. You’ll demonstrate your understanding of how to use Scrum to drive value, guide teams, and support organizational goals. The exam covers three main competency domains:
- Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework
- Developing People and Teams
- Managing Products with Agility
Each domain includes scenario-based questions to assess your practical understanding, not just theoretical knowledge.
How Many Questions Are on the PSPO I Certification Exam?
The PSPO I certification exam consists of 80 questions. These questions are designed to assess both your knowledge of the Scrum framework and your practical understanding of how a Product Owner delivers value through empiricism and collaboration.
The question types include:
- Multiple choice
- Multiple answer
- True or False
You’ll need to read carefully and choose the best options that align with the principles described in the Scrum Guide.
How Long Do You Have to Complete the PSPO I Exam?
The total exam duration is 60 minutes. You can take the exam online from anywhere in the world, giving you complete flexibility to choose the time and place that works best.
Efficient time management is key—most experienced Scrum practitioners find that 60 minutes is sufficient if they’re comfortable with the Scrum Guide and Product Owner responsibilities.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the PSPO I Exam?
To earn your certification, you must achieve a passing score of 85%. This means correctly answering at least 68 out of 80 questions.
The exam rewards deep understanding over memorization. Focus on the values of transparency, inspection, and adaptation, as well as practical applications of Product Owner decision-making.
How Much Does the PSPO I Certification Cost?
The exam cost is $200 USD per attempt. Your payment includes one password for a single exam attempt, which does not expire until used.
For those who attend an official Scrum.org Professional Scrum Product Owner course, one free attempt at the PSPO I is included in the training fee. This makes training an excellent investment for candidates looking for guided preparation and free assessment access.
What Languages is the PSPO I Exam Available In?
The PSPO I assessment is available in:
- English
- Simplified Chinese (简体中文) through the official Scrum.org.cn platform
In addition, candidates often use the Google Translate Chrome Plugin for assistance in their native language following Scrum.org’s official guidelines.
What Kind of Questions Appear on the PSPO I Exam?
Every question on the PSPO I exam is scenario-based and closely aligned with current Scrum practices. The types of questions include:
- Conceptual understanding of Scrum values, events, and artifacts
- Practical product scenarios testing stakeholder collaboration, backlog management, and prioritization
- True/False statements that assess nuanced understanding of Scrum roles and accountability
You won’t find trick questions—everything stems directly from the Scrum Guide and Professional Scrum Competencies.
Are There Any Prerequisites for the PSPO I Certification?
There are no formal prerequisites for taking the PSPO I exam. However, Scrum.org highly recommends that candidates:
- Thoroughly read and understand The Scrum Guide
- Review materials from the Professional Scrum Competencies
- Gain practical experience working in or alongside Scrum Teams
Attending the official Professional Scrum Product Owner course is optional but highly beneficial.
How Long Does the Certification Remain Valid?
Your Professional Scrum Product Owner I certification is valid for life. There are no renewal fees, mandatory recertification exams, or expiration periods.
Once you pass, your credential is yours forever, showcasing your proven knowledge of Scrum Product Ownership.
How Difficult Is the Scrum.org PSPO I Exam?
The PSPO I exam is designed to evaluate critical thinking rather than memorization. Candidates who understand the Scrum framework deeply and can apply its principles in real-world scenarios typically perform very well.
Dedicated study using the Scrum Guide, coupled with experience or hands-on practice with agile teams, is the best formula for success.
What Study Materials and Resources Are Best for PSPO I?
Scrum.org provides many official and free materials to help you succeed, including:
- The Scrum Guide – foundational resource for all Scrum practitioners
- Scrum Open and Product Owner Open practice assessments
- Professional Scrum Competencies learning series
To strengthen exam readiness, practice with carefully crafted Professional Scrum Product Owner I practice exams that mirror the real exam environment and reinforce your knowledge of Scrum principles and Product Owner responsibilities.
How Should I Prepare for the PSPO I Assessment?
A structured preparation plan helps you achieve success:
- Master the Scrum Guide – Understand every term and responsibility
- Use Scrum Open Assessments to gauge your progress
- Engage in real Scrum practice within a project or simulation
- Explore Professional Scrum Competencies that map to exam domains
- Review the Product Owner Open Assessment until consistently scoring 100%
Consistent study combined with hands-on familiarity with Scrum ensures lasting success.
Can You Take the Exam Without Attending a Training Class?
Yes! Attendance in a class is not required. You can purchase and take the PSPO I exam independently.
That said, Scrum.org’s Professional Scrum Product Owner course offers practical and interactive training that teaches product-focused agility and includes a free exam attempt, making it an excellent choice for structured learners.
What Does the PSPO I Exam Teach You About Product Ownership?
Earning PSPO I certification helps you:
- Understand how the Product Owner bridges business strategy and product execution
- Apply empirical decision-making and deliver measurable value
- Lead teams and organizations toward data-informed, outcome-based results
These skills make Product Owners effective leaders in agile organizations that value adaptability and customer success.
What Practice Assessments Are Available?
The following practice assessments from Scrum.org are invaluable for preparation:
- Scrum Open Assessment – for understanding the Scrum framework fundamentals
- Product Owner Open Assessment – focused on product management concepts
These are freely available and mimic real exam conditions to help you identify knowledge gaps.
What Are the Key Domains Tested on the PSPO I Exam?
Each domain validates an essential area of Product Ownership proficiency:
- Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework
- Developing People and Teams
- Managing Products with Agility
Each section emphasizes the Product Owner’s accountability for maximizing product value, supporting team effectiveness, and managing stakeholders strategically.
How Does PSPO I Compare to Other Product Owner Certifications?
Unlike some certifications that are attendance-based, Scrum.org certifications require demonstration of true knowledge through passing the assessment. This ensures that earning PSPO I represents proven capability and understanding.
Scrum.org credentials are globally recognized and valued for their credibility and depth.
Is the Professional Scrum Product Owner I Certification Offered Online?
Yes! The entire PSPO I certification process is 100% online, from purchasing to completing the exam. You can take the assessment from anywhere, at any time—just a stable internet connection is required.
This online accessibility allows professionals around the globe to earn their certification conveniently.
What Are the Next Steps After Earning Your PSPO I?
Once you’ve earned PSPO I, you can continue your agile journey with advanced Scrum.org certifications:
- Professional Scrum Product Owner II (PSPO II) – deepen advanced product management skills
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) – expand facilitation and coaching expertise
- Scaled Professional Scrum (SPS) – learn to apply Scrum effectively at scale
These advanced paths help demonstrate agile leadership across team and organizational levels.
Where Can I Register for the Official Exam?
When you’re ready, you can register through the official Scrum.org Professional Scrum Product Owner I certification page.
You’ll find all the details about the exam, purchase links, and recommended study resources curated by Scrum.org.
The Scrum.org Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I) certification is a remarkable step forward for anyone passionate about value-driven product leadership. By mastering empiricism, collaboration, and agile thinking, you’ll become a catalyst for innovation and continuous improvement in your organization. With preparation and persistence, you’ll soon join a global community of certified Product Owners driving meaningful impact in the world of Scrum.
