Complete guide

Becoming a Product Owner: the PSPO I certification guide

The Product Owner role, what Scrum.org's PSPO I validates, how the exam works, how much it costs and how to prepare in French-speaking West Africa.

The Product Owner role

The Product Owner is accountable for a product's value. They decide what to build and in what order, managing the Product Backlog: the ordered list of everything that could improve the product. They connect stakeholders, users and the development team.

This is not merely writing specifications: the Product Owner constantly balances value, cost and risk. A good Product Owner can say no, prioritise under constraints, and maximise the return on each increment delivered.

What is the PSPO I certification?

PSPO I (Professional Scrum Product Owner I) is Scrum.org's certification attesting mastery of the Product Owner role in Scrum, as defined in the Scrum Guide. It is known for its rigour: it assesses genuine understanding of product value management, not recitation.

Like other Scrum.org certifications, PSPO I has no eligibility requirement: it is open to all.

Who is the PSPO I for?

The PSPO I is for anyone who owns, or will own, a product's value.

  • Current or future Product Owners
  • Product Managers and product leads
  • Project managers moving into product
  • Team members and stakeholders who want a shared product language

The PSPO I exam

The PSPO I exam has 80 questions in 60 minutes, with an 85% passing score. It is taken entirely online, whenever you want, with no test centre to attend. Questions are mostly in English.

Once earned, the PSPO I certification is for life: no renewal, no annual fee.

How much does the PSPO I cost?

The cost splits in two: the preparation training and the exam fee paid to Scrum.org. At Atypix, the training price depends on the country of enrolment:

SenegalF CFA 725,750
BeninF CFA 580,600

Price of the training and support. The examination fee paid to PMI is invoiced separately.

How to prepare, and why with Atypix

Atypix is a Professional Scrum Trainer (PST) accredited by Scrum.org: training is delivered by a Scrum.org-authorised trainer with official material. It is bilingual French / English, in person in Dakar and Cotonou or remotely. As the exam is online, no travel is needed to sit it.

  • Professional Scrum Trainer accredited by Scrum.org
  • Bilingual French / English training, in person in Dakar and Cotonou or remotely
  • 100% online exam, no travel required
  • Lifetime certification

Upcoming sessions

See the course and enrol

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to take the PSPO I?
No. The PSPO I is open to all, with no eligibility requirement. However, the exam demands a solid understanding of the Scrum Guide and value management: preparation is strongly recommended.
Is the PSPO I taken online?
Yes, entirely. The exam is online, whenever you want, with no test centre to attend.
What is the difference between PSPO I and PSM I?
PSPO I certifies the Product Owner role (value and product backlog management). PSM I certifies the Scrum Master role (facilitation, Scrum framework). Both rest on the same Scrum Guide but target different roles; many professionals take both.
Do I need to renew the PSPO I?
No. Once earned, it is for life: no renewal, no annual fee.
Is the PSPO I internationally recognised?
Yes. It is an international Scrum.org certification, recognised by employers worldwide, including in Senegal, Benin and across French-speaking Africa.

Official source and up-to-date requirements: Scrum.org, PSPO I certification

Ready to become a Product Owner?

Our advisors help you choose the next PSPO I preparation session, in Dakar, Cotonou or remotely.