CSPO vs ICP-APO: Which Certification is Right for You?

As someone who has walked several Agile certification journeys, I can say that 'Should I go for a CSPO or an ICP-APO certification?' is a recurring question. It is a very valid query to make. As more companies around the world move towards Agile, having product owner certifications has become a significant differentiator in one's career leading to greater responsibilities, opportunities, and pay.

This guide will provide you with everything necessary for making an informed decision regarding CSPO and ICP-APO, guiding you along the path of achieving your desired career goals. We will look into the differences along with the similarities, and analyze, which scenarios call for which certificate.

Before getting into the specifics, here's what I want you to preview in this extensive comparison:

• The fundamental differences between the CSPO and ICP-APO certifications.
• Time and financial commitments.
• Value of each certification as per industry standards in terms of positional seniority.
• Potential impact on earnings of holding each credential.
• Applicable positions and primary industries relevant to these certifications.
• How to decide for yourself considering your professional aspirations.
• Tailored techniques for effective adoption of either of the two approaches.

Whether you're at the beginning of your Agile journey or seeking to enhance your skills, this guide aims to empower you to easily differentiate between CSPO and ICP-APO.

Prior to exploring these certifications in detail, let us analyze them simultaneously.

The information here might have already started to indicate which direction you wish to take for certification or perhaps even both. Let us discuss the specific details of each certification to build that understanding.

The Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) credential, first offered in 2006, is still one of the most respected certifications in the world of Scrum. As a CSPO holder, I can share how deeply it has affected my approach towards product development.

CSPO Certification Process and Requirements

Like many other certifications, getting your CSPO is a heavily engaging process:

• Book a Scrum Alliance CSPO course with a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST)
• Attend the 2-day (16 hours) live virtual or in-person training session
• Actively participate in all exercises and discussions
• No assessment is required after the course, and certification is granted upon completion

Certification is often perceived as having a traditional exam, especially for first-timers. Instead, the focus is on experiential learning, which includes simulations, case studies, and hands-on activities with seasoned trainers. This means getting your certification is straightforward; you just have to do the work to receive it.
 

Unlike CSPO, the ICP-APO takes a more holistic approach to product ownership. Pursuing this certification after my CSPO gave me contrasting perspectives and applications that I found valuable.

International Consortium for Agile (ICAgile) as an Organization

ICAgile as an organization focuses on agility as a mindset and not on a framework or specific methodology. Founded in 2010, their competencies are informed by practices and not the other way around, which gives more freedom in applying learning across different organizational settings.
 

When we look at differences between CSPO and ICP-APO from the perspective of Agile professionals, there are additional considerations that are more prominent than the comparison chart.

Scope of Framework Specificity and Application

The primary and most critical difference between the two certifications is based on the approach towards Agile frameworks:

• CSPO tracks are an implementation of the Scrum framework and principles and practices put forth in the Scrum Guide are followed. This gives learners shallow but dense, deep knowledge for working within Scrum teams.

• ICP-APO gives incomplete frameworks so that the learners can be taught employing principles and practices helpful across different Agile methodologies including Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, and even hybrids of these approaches.

This distinction matters significantly depending on your organizational context. In my experience working with different organizations, I find that teams bound to Scrum find more use in the depth offered by the CSPO, while those with agile or changing organizational methodologies seem to prefer the breadth offered by ICP-APO.

Learning Approach and Teaching Methodology

A difference of equal importance involves the philosophy of education:

• CSPO training adheres to a more rigid structure defined by the Scrum Guide, with personal anecdotes and additional exercises from the trainers. The instruction tends to be more rote, with scrums principles dictating what is correct or incorrect.

• ICP-APO training relies on a broader conceptual framework anchored on adaptability to different contexts and is more nuanced in application. Concepts have more latitude to be applied in a situation-specific manner.

In my CSPO training, we practiced identified Scrum events and artifacts within given frameworks. My ICP-APO training encouraged critically evaluating organizational contexts when determining practices to implement, which was a refreshing change.

Community and Certification Maintenance

The difference regarding long-term commitment is striking:

• CSPO has a renewal every 2 years with the requirement of 20 Scrum Education Units (SEUs), which facilitates learning and participation in the community.

• ICP-APO has no formal renewal needs and is accredited for life, although they appreciate constant learning for certification holders.

The requirement set by the Scrum Alliance meant that I actively participated in their community and engaged with their content well beyond my initial certification. This has advantages (maintaining relevant skills) and drawbacks (time and financial investment).

Industry Perception and Employer Preferences

In reflecting on the CSPO vs ICP-APO preference from the industry, I have observed some trends:

In my experience, CSPO is more frequently mentioned and associated with job postings, particularly in regard to Software Development Companies and Corporations with Scrum systems in place.

I have observed that ICP-APO is gaining recognition in companies that utilize Agile in multiple facets, or those organizations that are undergoing digital transformation well beyond software development.

As an agile recruiter, Sarah Johnson states that "It is true that more job descriptions have CSPO, but there is also greater demand for deeper ICP-APO skills, particularly for strategic leadership roles that integrate work across several teams."
 

In analyzing the impact on career advancement and salaries in relation to the CSPO vs ICP-APO certifications, it is clear that both may positively impact your career, although in varying degrees and manners.

Job Roles and Opportunities

The CSPO vs ICP-APO job roles appear to cater to different organizational requirements:

CSPO Certification Typically Leads To:

• Scrum Product Owner
• Agile Product Manager (within Scrum-aligned organizations)
• Client Liaison in Scrum environments
• Product Backlog Specialist
• Product Owner Team Lead

ICP-APO Certification Frequently Results In:

• Agile Product Manager (in multi-framework settings)
• Enterprise Product Owner
• Product Owner Coach
• Digital Transformation Product Specialist
• Cross-functional Product Leader

In my experience, most people with the CSPO certification have more opportunities available to them with traditional software development companies as compared to the ICP-APO certificated professionals who tend to find an advantage in agile transformations or creative environments.

Salary Impact Comparison

From competitive remuneration studies and based on my assessment of numerous professionals over the years, this is how these certifications impact salaries the most:

While these numbers will always change depending on the industry, geographical area, and company size, there is a trend where it seems clear that CSPO holders may receive marginally better starting pay. Conversely, those with an ICP-APO appear to spend less on pay during their career, particularly in enterprise environments.

Geographic and Industry Variation

The amount of value placed on certifications CSPO and ICP-APO differ by region and industry:

Geographic Trends:

• North America: Both certifications are equally appreciated and CSPO slightly more recognized.
• European Union: Northern regions CSPO dominates while central and southern regions have taken a liking to ICP-APO.
• Asia Pacific: Growth of ICP-APO certification is higher in Australia and Singapore but overall CSPO is still more recognized.

Industry Trends:

• Software Development: Strong preference for CSPO.
• Financial Services: Increasingly values both equally.
• Healthcare: Shift towards appreciation for ICP-APO's flexible model.
• Creative Industries: Leaning more towards ICP-APO.
• Government: Historically CSPO, shifting towards ICP-APO.
   

In my opinion, selecting either ICP-APO or CSPO certification requires deep personal reflection. From what I have seen while helping professionals make this decision, I have created a guide to assist you with self-evaluation to identify which certification is better for you.

Factors to Make a Decision On

Reflect on the following primary issues:

• Which single framework does your organization primarily follow?

1. A standalone and strict application of Scrum framework → It is easier to understand why CSPO qualifies.
2. Multiple frameworks or a hybrid approach → ICP-APO is more flexible.

• What is your career trajectory?

1. If one organization or one industry dominates → Either certification works, depending on what the industry prefers.
2. Consulting or shifting between different industries → More likely to benefit from ICP-APO due to the breadth.

• How do you prefer to learn?

1. Looking for a more hands-on approach and established practices → CSPO works better with its more structured approach.
2. Like to work with frameworks and concepts that can be adopted across different contexts → ICP-APO.

• What is your preferred application timeline?

1. Applying knowledge requires immediate use in the Scrum context → Choose CSPO.
2. Long-term goals are to build product leadership capabilities → Choose ICP-APO.

• What is your budget in terms of time and money?

1. Renewal investment lowers cost → Choose CSPO.
2. No ongoing investment renewals → ICP-APO but at a higher cost to start.

Can you complete a quick self-assessment?

This will help in deciding which certification matches your needs. For every "yes" you should give yourself one point in the category.

CSPO Might Be Better If:

• A strict Scrum is followed within the organization.
• Development team revolving around specific works is in place.
• A need to shift to backlog prioritization and management is evident.
• The organization is a subscriber under Scrum Alliance.
• You are aiming for the higher level CSP-PO certification
• You appreciate clearly defined, step-by-step procedures

ICP-APO Might Be Better If:

• Your organization employs several Agile methodologies
• You operate across different functions or departments
• You require more flexibility than offered by Scrum concerning product strategies
• You appreciate certifications that don't require periodic renewals to maintain
• You would like to explore the ICAgile certification progression path
• You value principles rather than rules and defined practices
   

Regardless of the certification chosen, proper preparations will ensure optimal value. The following are my recommended strategies based on experience that will maximize your value on either certification path.

CSPO Certification Preparation

Before Training:

• Go through the Scrum Guide (It has 14 pages)
• Get acquainted with concepts of the product backlog.
• Brush up on the basic techniques of writing user stories.
• Participate in community forums as a member of the Scrum Alliance.

During Training:

• Attend all the sessions and enjoy the exercises thoroughly.
• Address the work-related problems specific to your case.
• Network with your classmates and with the trainer.
• Make conservative notes on what to do from the pointers you have seen.

After Certification:

• You must use three new techniques in a month, thirty days after certification.
• Become a member of a new local Scrum user group.
• Start working on your SEUs collected for renewal through webinars and other events.
• Start thinking about a learning circle with other CSPOs.

ICP-APO Certification Preparation

Before Training Classes:

• Look into other Agile frameworks and also consider not just Scrum.
• Read up about the lean principles of product development.
• Familiarize yourself with basic concepts of the product stream.
• Look over your organization's equipment for current products.

During Training:

• Strive to render concepts into practices that relate to your work.
• Write down plan modification documents for your organization.
• Meet with classmates from different sectors.
• Find out certain aids that can apply everywhere in your organization.

After the Certification is done:

• Use two new methods for products adjustment tests.
• Design your own personal map demonstrating steps to further enhance.
• Consider which specific ICAgile certifications would best fit your career and why.
• Become a member of communities focused on product management that are not in the Agile domain.
   

I would like to reiterate one last time while concluding this in-depth discussion: there is no single, CSPO or ICP-APO, better option or certification the way it is often presented.

The optimal alternative relies on your career path as well as your immediate context, your organizational culture and environment.

Your educational certification should be guided by the following key points:

• Select CSPO if: Your professional engagement is primarily in Scrum environments, where immediate action is required within that framework, and you appreciate the community around the Scrum Alliance.

• Select ICP-APO if: You operate on multiple Agile approaches and appreciate strategies reliant on both general and specific frameworks, as well as those that do not expire for life.

• Consider both if: You are aspiring for senior managerial positions that require nuanced knowledge of Scrum and Agile frameworks.

Do not forget that, irrespective of the choice made, certification should be viewed as a starting point not a terminal objective.

It's either one that sets out the choices towards a learning journey based on practice, collaborative knowledge sharing, education, and community interaction.

I trust that this guide has aided in deepening the understanding around CSPO and ICP-APO distinctions. As someone who has traversed both paths, I can confidently claim that both certifications when applied earnestly can greatly enhance a professionals' impact on products, as well as unlock several career pathways.

Have you completed either of the two certifications? Share your experiences with me in the comments; I'm eager to learn!