Choosing the correct Agile certification can be tricky, especially given the wide spectrum of options available on the market. Popular certifications include Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Scaled Scrum Master (SSM), and SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM). Each certification provides unique benefits and focuses on distinct parts of Agile techniques. Let's go deeper into each one to better understand their distinctions and help you pick which one is most suitable for you.
CERTIFICATION | CSM | PSM 1 | SSM | SASM | The AgileForum |
Full Name & Certification Organization | Certified Scrum Master by Scrum Alliance | Professional Scrum Master I by Scrum Org | SAFe® Scrum Master by Scaled Agile | SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master by Scaled Agile | TheAgileForum's Scrum Master Mentorship & Masterclass |
Description | Entry-level certification for Scrum Masters | More advanced certification for experienced Scrum Masters, but easily can be cleared after training by The Agile Forum | Focuses on Scrum in the context of SAFe® | Advanced certification for Scrum Masters in large, complex enterprises using SAFe® | Live, online mentorship program and masterclass for aspiring and new Scrum Masters |
Eligibility | Anyone can attend CSM class and get CSM certified after passing the exam | Anyone can give PSM 1 & get a certificate after passing the exam | Anyone can get this training and can get SAFe certified SM certificate after passing the exam, but recommended is that attendees should know about Agile/Scrum, kanban etc | SASM makes you ready for the next level of challenges in a big enterprise and being in a leadership position, recommended is that attendees should have good knowledge of Agile/Scrum, kanban, XP etc or have some other certification or training. | Anyone(even from Non-IT) or aspiring, new or advanced Scrum Masters can attend the 3+ weeks of Live AgileForum's Scrum Master Mentorship & Masterclass, which focuses on giving you the best up-to-date knowledge from very basic to very advanced concepts of Agile, Scrum, XP, kanban and complete project management on a real JIRA live project. |
Pre-requisites | None | Knowledge of Agile and Scrum | None | CSM or good knowledge of Agile/Scrum, Kanban, XP | None |
Training | 16 hours of training mandatory before taking the exam | Training OPTIONAL before taking the exam. Recommended to have TheAgileForum mentorship for 100% passing marks | 2 days of training | 2 days of training | 3 weeks of intensive, live, online training (1.5 hours every weekday) + Hands-on exercises + Study material + All recorded Videos |
Duration of exam | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 120 minutes | No exam, assessment through assignments, 100+ situational questions-Answers and participation |
Exam passing score | 74% | 85% | 73% | 73% | N/A |
Fee | $ 500- $ 1500 | $200 - Exam only fee | $495 | $495 | $499 - Full Hands training, live project, Interview guidance |
Level of Difficulty | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate | Difficult | Intensive but personalized, suitable for all experience levels, You grow as you learn during 2 months of full support |
Validity Period | 2 years | lifetime | 1 year | 1 year | Lifetime access to course materials and mentorship community |
Benefits | Base Level1/Entry-level certification for Scrum Masters, to get a basic understanding of Scrum | Base Level1/Entry-level certification for Scrum Masters, to get a good understanding of Scrum | Improved understanding of Scrum in the context of SAFe®, Understanding of how larger organisations work with multiple teams together to achieve business Agility. If Training is enrolled through TheAgileForum, we provide real-life SAFe implementation examples and Interview guidance. | All benefits of SSM + Advanced skills and knowledge for Scrum Masters in large enterprises. Practical concepts of how to handle dependencies among teams in the same of different train, PI planning input-output and event complete simulation included, Program Board, dependency board, safe principles, values, solution trade-offs, system thinking, WIP, value streams, formation of trains, anti-patterns, flow accelerators, train events, DEVOPS, Kanban, CFD, enhance quality, system demo and many more concepts included. If Training is enrolled through TheAgileForum, we provide real-life SAFe implementation examples and Interview guidance. Highly suggested training for growing as a next-level scrum master/Leader. | Practical hands-on experience, personalized coaching, career support, placement support, lifetime special Inner community access. Increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, deeper understanding of Scrum, XP, Kanban, Agile coaching, Agile project management, Risk management and all other 88 topics mentioned on TheAgileForum website syllabus. Highly suggested training for growing as a great scrum master/Leader or to land a scrum master job. |
Disadvantages | A basic level of Scrum knowledge, not be enough to play real-time roles | With a focus on Scrum theory, and scrum guide you can pass the exam | May not be relevant for organizations outside of SAFe® or cases where scaling is not required. | Requires experience and knowledge of Scrum and SAFe® | NONE, prepares you to clear any scrum master interview and helps you to land a job, thus giving you actual returns and real-time knowledge + plus extended on-job support |
What You Will Learn | Basics of Scrum framework, Scrum roles, events, artifacts, product backlog | Deeper understanding of Scrum, Scrum topics and facilitation skills | Scrum in the context of SAFe®, SAFe® principles and practices, Need for scaling, Business Agility, value streams, multiple configurations of SAFe, PI Planning and many other concepts | Advanced Scrum topics, leadership skills, scaling Scrum in large enterprises | Hands-on practice with real-world projects, coaching and feedback from experienced Scrum Masters, career guidance, access to a network of Scrum professionals |
Focus on Practicality | No | No | somewhat | yes | Heavy focus on practical skills and application, real-world live project work, live projects on each participant's laptop |
Recording of class | No | No | No | No | Yes, access to recordings of all live sessions and masterclasses |
Deciding on the Right Certification:
Your certification decision is ultimately determined by your professional ambitions, amount of expertise, and your organization's special demands. If you're new to Agile and Scrum, Recommended is to go through TheAgileForum's 3+ week Scrum master mentorship and Masterclass (https://www.theagileforum.com/courses/scrum-master-mentorship-masterclass) then you can guaranteed PASS PSM certification exam with 100% of marks, this can be an excellent way to start building a solid foundation in Scrum methods.
If you are currently familiar with Scrum, Agile , kanban, etc then you can go for  TheAgileForum's 3+ week Scrum master mentorship and Masterclass and thereafter enroll for SAFe Advanced Scrum master certification through TheAgileForum, this will enhance your further your knowledge to much higher level..
Also growing Scrum beyond individual teams, SASM certification is the most suitable selection.
Finally, each Agile certification provides distinct advantages and responds to various career pathways within the Agile arena. It is critical to thoroughly examine your objectives and select the certification that best matches your aims and professional development requirements. if you need any help please feel free to reach us on whatsapp support on +1 (332) 266-2360
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