As Agile Methodology is adopted in several industries, there will be many discussions among companies about which framework to implement and which will give them the best results as expected. Organizations that have just adopted Agile Methodology go for the Scrum framework as it is lightweight and easy to understand. However, multinational companies that handle complex projects and have numerous people working for a particular product development use the Scaled Agile Framework as it can be used for a huge team in a large organization. A person who wants to advance their career and pursue an Agile course may get confused about whether they have to go for the Certified Scrum Master or the SAFe Scrum Master. The individual first has to understand what roles and responsibilities they have to fulfill by being a Scrum Master and later decide the framework that they want to work in. This article highlights the differences between the Certified Scrum Master Certification (CSM) and the SAFe Scrum Master Certification (SSM).

Certified Scrum Master Certification (CSM)

The CSM certification is one of the most well-known certifications in the Scrum Framework as several recruiters of renowned organizations widely recognize it. The course involves the participants attending a 2-day Scrum Master training course, which a Certified Scrum Trainer instructs. The candidate will learn about all the foundational knowledge in Scrum; the Scrum values and principles, the Scrum meetings, Scrum artifacts, and the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum Master. After learning about the basics of Scrum, the individual has to give an exam that consists of multiple-choice questions that are not difficult. The Certified Scrum Master workshops are a great way to learn about the world of Scrum as they allow the candidate to look at Scrum as an important flavor of Agile. 

Certification and Details of Exam

The candidate does not need any prior experience as a Scrum Master or any specific qualification. Any professional who is interested in the Scrum framework can attend the CSM certification. The candidate may have to know about the basics of software projects so that they can understand the concepts taught in the training. Look for education providers that include study materials and coaches who can help you understand the concepts. You have 2 attempts to clear the test; if you are not able to clear in 2 attempts, you have to pay USD 25 to re-appear for the test for the third time. If you fail the third time, you have to attend the training program and start from the beginning. 

The exam consists of 50 MCQs, and it takes 60 minutes to complete. It is easier because most of the questions are basic and were taught during the training. The candidate must score at least 37 out of 60 to clear the exam. 

Renewal of Certification

After the candidate clears the exam, the certificate and a 2-year membership in Scrum Alliance are mailed to the individual. The certification's validity can be extended for another 2 years by paying USD 100 on the Scrum Alliance website using the login credentials given during the CSM examination. 

How does one get the CSM certification?

After enrolling in the CSM certification through a registered education provider (REP) who is accredited to Scrum Alliance, the candidate has to attend a 16-hour workshop (2 days) which a CST takes. Generally, the institute provides study materials and practical examples of implementing the Scrum framework. The trainer explains Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospectives, Burndown charts, Planning Poker, etc. so that the candidate gets an idea about how Scrum works. At the end of the training, the individual should take a test and clear it so that they get certified. The institute gives a gap of 90 days after the training to take up the test, which could be used as a period to study the concepts taught. 

SAFe Scrum Master Certification

Scaled Agile Framework is a framework that is implemented by organizations that are looking to increase their Agile enterprise to a higher level. SAFe can be used to replace any Agile framework so that the business can grow and get results in a short period. The SAFe Scrum Master certification (SSM) is a course for individuals who have experience in working with the Scrum framework and want to know how they could fit in the Scaled Agile framework. Existing Scrum Masters can also take up this certification and gain more knowledge about the SAFe environment. The SSM certification provides practical and applicable management skills and leadership qualities to individuals so that they can qualify as knowledgeable Scrum Masters. 

Certification and Exam details

The candidate applying to the SSM course should have experience working in a Lean-Agile environment. The candidate has to attend the SSM workshop, where they will learn about various concepts used in SAFe. Attending the training becomes a requirement for the candidate to write the SSM exam. The exam would be in the form of multiple-choice questions; it is web-based and closed book. Outside assistance is not allowed and the individual gets 90 minutes to complete the exam. There are 45 questions total, and the candidate needs to score at least 33 out of 45 (73%) to pass the exam. The first attempt at the exam is free as the exam fee is included in the course fee. However, each re-attempt would cost $50, also, the individual has a window period of 30 days to take up the exam after the completion of the course. The second attempt for the exam could be taken immediately after the first, but the third retake could be taken after a 10-day wait, and the fourth retake after a 30-day wait. 

The professional taking up the exam should refer to various study materials provided by the institution during the training. Reading through the study guide is also a great idea as it includes a detailed reading list. The candidate should take up practice tests so that they can understand the concepts that they have to work on. Also, they have to look through the sample questions as it gives them an idea about what kind of questions they could expect during the exam. After passing the exam, the candidate gets a digital badge and a Certified SAFe Scrum Master certification. They also get a one-year membership to the SAFe community and access to meetup groups to help them network with other certified SAFe professionals. 

How Does One Get the SSM Certification?

To obtain the SAFe Scrum Master certification, typically, individuals go through SSM Certification training provided by certified SAFe training providers, such as Simpliaxis, an accredited Scaled Agile Gold Training partner. The candidate has to attend the 16-hour Training. This Training covers key concepts, practices, and principles of the SAFe framework, focusing on Scrum Master responsibilities within the context of SAFe. After completing the Training, candidates must pass an exam to demonstrate their understanding of SAFe Scrum Master roles and responsibilities. Upon passing the exam, participants receive their SAFe Scrum Master certification, validating their expertise in facilitating Agile teams and enabling organizational agility within a SAFe framework.

Difference Between SAFe Scrum Master Vs CSM

Which One to Choose: SAFe Scrum Master(SSM) vs Certified Scrum Master (CSM)?

Certified Scrum Master and SAFe Scrum Master are both professional courses that help in the individual's career growth. If you are a professional who is new to using Scrum and want to know more about Scrum, then the CSM course is the best choice. The CSM gives an idea about the fundamentals of Scrum and its Scrum principles such that the individual knows the roles and responsibilities of the Scrum Master. However, if you are a professional who has experience working in a Scrum environment and wants to progress your career in a larger organization that uses Scaled Agile Framework, then the SAFe Scrum Master course is a better option. Many professionals who may not have done the CSM course but have experience in working in a Scrum environment can also apply for the SAFe Scrum Master course. Also, the course you want to choose also depends on which company or department they wish to pursue your career in. Ask your superior about which position is open and whether an SSM or CSM certificate would add more value to that designation. 

Conclusion

The CSM and the SSM courses are promising courses that would increase the career prospects of the candidates. The CSM course is one of the most popular and long-standing courses in the world of Scrum. The SSM course gained more awareness as many companies started using SAFe for project development and management. The bottom line is that candidates who want to work in the SAFe environment to understand more about it and make a career in it should opt for the SSM course. Also, this candidate should have experience working in a smaller Scrum team as a Scrum Master. Professionals who are relatively new to the idea of Scrum and want to start their career as a Scrum Master should opt for the CSM course and understand the basics behind the Agile and Scrum principles.SimpliAxis offers both SAFe Scrum Master training and Certified Scrum Master courses to equip professionals with the necessary skills for success in Agile environments