Why I recommend the Professional Scrum Product Owner Level 2 (PSPO II) – also for Scrum Masters
The Professional Scrum Product Owner Level 2 (PSPO II) certification turned out to be much more than another credential to add to my resume—it’s a powerful tool for deepening your understanding of value creation in product management. While it’s designed for Product Owners, I believe it holds significant value for Scrum Masters as well.
Here’s why:
1. Focus on Measuring the Right Things
One of the key takeaways from the PSPO II exam is the emphasis on measuring what truly matters—metrics that are directly linked to value creation. The exam draws heavily from the Evidence-Based Management (EBM) Guide, a framework that encourages data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
2. Knowledge Beyond the Scrum Framework
The PSPO II exam doesn’t just test your knowledge of the Scrum framework; it is about broader product management concepts, like crafting a compelling product vision, and understanding how product strategy aligns with business strategy.
How to Prepare for the PSPO II Exam
Preparing for the PSPO II exam requires more than just a surface-level understanding of Scrum. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready:
1. Read the Scrum Guide. Then read it again.
Start by thoroughly reading the 2020 version of the Scrum Guide. Even if you’re familiar with it, revisiting the material is crucial. The exam covers not just the Product Owner role, but the entire Scrum framework, so you need a comprehensive understanding.
2. Study the Evidence-Based Management (EBM) Guide.
Next, download and read the EBM Guide available on Scrum.org. This guide is essential for understanding the different value areas and the metrics associated with them.
3. Follow the Product Owner Learning Path
Scrum.org offers a detailed learning path for advanced Product Owners, which includes the areas Managing Product with Agility and Evolving the Agile Organization. Go through everything linked on each of the pages—read articles, watch videos, and make notes on areas where your knowledge might be lacking.
4. Practice with Mock Exams
Finally, and most importantly, invest in a set of practice exams. I used a series of six practice tests from Udemy, which were incredibly helpful. These tests included questions that were very similar to those on the actual exam, although not identical. After each test, review the questions you missed or were unsure about. Make notes, study the related materials, and keep practicing until you can consistently score close to 100%.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to not only pass the PSPO II exam but to truly understand and apply the principles of value-driven product management in your work.
Good luck! 🍀
