If you’re a Product Owner looking to advance your career and demonstrate your expertise in Agile product management, taking the Professional Scrum Product Owner II (PSPO II) certification exam is a great way to do it. The PSPO II exam is the second level in the Professional Scrum Product Owner certification program offered by Scrum.org, and passing it demonstrates that you have a deep understanding of product ownership, stakeholder management, and delivering value to customers.
But passing the PSPO II exam is no easy feat. It requires a thorough understanding of Scrum principles and practices, as well as a deep knowledge of the product owner role and how to apply it in real-world scenarios. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to pass the PSPO II exam, covering everything from exam format and content to study tips and resources.
Table of Contents
Understanding the PSPO II Exam
Before diving into study strategies, it’s important to understand the format and content of the PSPO II exam. Here are some key things to know:
Exam Format
The PSPO II exam is an online, proctored exam that consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You have 60 minutes to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 85% of the questions correctly to pass.
Exam Content
The PSPO II exam tests your knowledge and understanding of the following topics:
- The Product Owner role and responsibilities
- Product vision and strategy
- Agile product management principles and practices
- Stakeholder management and communication
- Product backlog management
- Release planning and forecasting
- Lean product development and continuous improvement
- Scaling product ownership in large organizations
Study Tips and Strategies
Now that you know what to expect on the exam, let’s dive into some study tips and strategies to help you prepare and pass.
1. Understand the Scrum Framework
The PSPO II exam is based on the Scrum framework, so it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of its principles and practices. Review the Scrum Guide thoroughly and make sure you can explain each element of the framework in detail.
2. Know the Product Owner Role Inside and Out
The PSPO II exam tests your knowledge of the Product Owner role and responsibilities, so make sure you have a clear understanding of what the role entails. Review the key skills and competencies required of a successful Product Owner, and make sure you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
3. Practice Applying Agile Product Management Principles
The PSPO II exam tests your ability to apply Agile product management principles and practices in real-world situations. Take some time to practice creating and managing a product backlog, communicating with stakeholders, and conducting sprint reviews and retrospectives.
4. Take Practice Exams
Practice exams are a great way to gauge your knowledge and identify areas where you need to improve. Scrum.org offers a variety of practice exams for the PSPO II certification, as well as other Scrum certifications. In addition to these resources, you may also consider taking the Exam Prep for PSPO II. This course includes a set of realistic, up-to-date practice exams that simulate the actual PSPO II exam experience. The course also provides detailed explanations and feedback on challenging questions to help you identify areas where you need to improve.
5. Join a Study Group
Joining a study group can help you stay motivated and accountable while studying for the PSPO II exam. Look for local Agile meetups or online communities where you can connect with other Product Owners and share study tips and resources.
Resources for PSPO II Exam Preparation
In addition to the study tips and strategies outlined above, there are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the PSPO II exam. Here are some of the best:
Scrum.org
Scrum.org is the official certification body for the PSPO II exam, and they offer a wide range of resources for exam preparation. In addition to practice exams, they offer online courses, webinars, and a community forum where you can connect with other professional Product Owners.
Scrum.org also provides a comprehensive learning path for PSPO II exam preparation. The learning path includes a variety of resources, including reading materials, videos, and quizzes to help you reinforce your knowledge and understanding of the exam content.
Books and Reading Materials
There are many books and reading materials available that cover the topics tested in the PSPO II exam. Some recommended titles include “The Professional Product Owner: Leveraging Scrum as a Competitive Advantage” by Don McGreal and Ralph Jocham, “Agile Product Management with Scrum: Creating Products that Customers Love” by Roman Pichler, and “Scrum Mastery: From Good to Great Servant-Leadership” by Geoff Watts.
Training Courses and Workshops
Training courses and workshops can be a great way to gain hands-on experience with Agile product management principles and practices. Many training providers offer PSPO II preparation courses, both online and in-person. Look for courses that offer interactive exercises and real-world examples to help you apply what you’ve learned.
Coaching and Mentoring
Working with an experienced Agile coach or mentor can provide valuable guidance and support as you prepare for the PSPO II exam. A coach or mentor can help you identify areas where you need to improve and provide personalized feedback and advice.
Conclusion
Passing the PSPO II exam is a significant achievement for any Product Owner looking to demonstrate their expertise in Agile product management. By understanding the exam format and content, as well as implementing effective study strategies and utilizing available resources, you can increase your chances of success on the exam. Remember to stay motivated, practice regularly, and seek help when needed, and you’ll be well on your way to earning your PSPO II certification.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Those who hold the (Professional Scrum Product Owner II) PSPO II certification have proven their knowledge and ability to apply the Product Owner role in complex real-world situations. The PSPO II assessment evaluates your ability to create a product vision, manage product backlog, and optimize value delivery. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you have 120 minutes to complete it. The passing score for the PSPO II assessment is 85%.
Official PSPO II™ exam details:
- Passing score: 85%
- Time limit: 60 minutes
- Number of Questions: 40
- Format: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer and True/False
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Language: English only
- Fee: $250 USD per attempt
- Carefully read and understand the Scrum Guide.
- Read the PSPO II subject areas and how it can be applied to the Scrum framework.
- Read the article Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework to understand framework application.
- Read the article Managing Products with Agility with a focus on how it applies to Scrum without compromising the fundamentals.
- Repeat the Product Owner Open, Agile Measurement Open, and Scrum Open.
- Take ScrumPrep’s Exam Prep for Professional Product Owner (PSPO II™) practices questions and simulation exam until you consistently score 90-100%.
The time it takes to prepare for the exam depends on your previous experience with Scrum and your learning style. On average, it takes 1-2 months of preparing for the exam, however, it can be taken in less time depending on how much you’ve already mastered.
The exam is updated periodically (sometimes monthly) to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest practices. Be sure to check for updates and changes to the resources and exam content before taking the exam.
The PSPO I and PSPO II exams are both certification exams related to Product Owners in Scrum. However, they differ in their level of difficulty and focus. The PSPO I exam evaluates a fundamental understanding of product ownership, including product vision, stakeholder management, and product backlog management. The PSPO II exam is more advanced and evaluates the ability to apply product ownership principles and skills in given complex product development scenarios.
Yes, you can take the exam multiple times if you don’t pass on the first attempt. However, you need to pay for each attempt.
Passing the PSPO II assessment demonstrates your advanced knowledge of Product Ownership and your ability to effectively maximize the flow of value in complex situations.
Benefits of passing the PSPO II assessment include demonstrating expertise in Product Ownership and the ability to coach and mentor others, which can lead to career advancement opportunities and a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, passing the PSPO II assessment can increase your earning potential and provide a foundation for further Scrum certifications, such as the PSPO III or the Professional Scrum Trainer (PST).
There is no prerequisite to taking the PSPO II Certification assessment. You can take the PSPO II assessment if you feel you already possess a high understanding of evolving agile organizations, in-depth experience, and managing product with agility to solve advanced, complex problems in the real world.
The certification does not expire, and there is no need for renewal. However, staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and skills are crucial for maintaining your professional edge.
