CSM vs SAFe Agilist Certification
Compare Certified Scrum Master and SAFe Agilist certifications. Team vs enterprise agile.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Scrum Alliance
SAFe Agilist (SA)
Scaled Agile
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | SAFe Agilist (SA) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Scrum Alliance | Scaled Agile |
| Difficulty Level | Foundational | Intermediate |
| Exam Duration | 2-day training + exam | 2-day training + exam |
| Exam Cost | $1,000-$1,500 USD (with training) | $1,000-$1,500 USD (with training) |
| Exam Format | 50 questions | 45 questions |
| Prerequisites | None | 5+ years experience recommended |
| Validity Period | 2 years | 1 year |
| Ideal For | Team-level Scrum Masters | Leaders scaling agile in enterprises |
| Salary Range | $90,000 - $130,000 | $120,000 - $170,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Focus Areas
- Scrum Framework
- Scrum Master Role
- Team Facilitation
SAFe Agilist (SA) Focus Areas
- SAFe Framework
- Lean-Agile
- PI Planning
- Value Streams
Our Recommendation
CSM is for team-level Scrum; SAFe is for enterprise-scale agile transformation.
Choose Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Choose CSM for team-level Scrum Master roles.
Choose SAFe Agilist (SA)
Choose SAFe Agilist for enterprise agile leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or SAFe Agilist (SA)?
CSM is for team-level Scrum; SAFe is for enterprise-scale agile transformation.
What are the salary differences between Certified Scrum Master (CSM)?
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) typically offers salaries around $90,000 - $130,000, while SAFe Agilist (SA) offers $120,000 - $170,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose CSM for team-level Scrum Master roles. Choose SAFe Agilist for enterprise agile leadership.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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