Differences Between CSM & SAFe Agilist

The Certified ScrumMaster and the SAFe Agilist certification are two of the most in-demand Agile courses in the software development field. From trained professionals to beginners who wish to work in an Agile environment, go in for these courses to excel in their area of work.

Scrum Alliance’s CSM has been the go-to certification since 2007. In the last few years, the Scaled Agile Framework has gained ground because of its effectiveness. 

Both certifications are valued and well-recognized because of the success that Agile and Scrum enterprises have experienced over a period. In this blog today, we present the differences between a Certified ScrumMaster vs. SAFe Agilist. We will also explore the details of getting certified as a CSM and SAFe Agilist and how your current role and eligibility play an important role in choosing either of the certifications.

What is a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)?

A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional certification offered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting Agile and Scrum practices. The CSM certification is designed to validate an individual's understanding of Scrum principles, roles, events, and artifacts, as well as their ability to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

What is SAFe Agilist?

SAFe Agilist refers to a professional who has earned the SAFe Agilist certification, which is offered by Scaled Agile, Inc. SAFe stands for Scaled Agile Framework, and a SAFe Agilist is someone who has demonstrated their proficiency in implementing and leading Agile practices at the enterprise level using the SAFe framework.

The SAFe Agilist certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for leading Agile transformation initiatives within large organizations. These professionals typically include executives, managers, Agile coaches, and other leaders who are involved in scaling Agile practices beyond individual teams to entire enterprises.

CSM vs SAFe Agilist

Understanding the key differences between SAFe Agilist and CSM from the table below:

Now that the main differences between SAFe Agilist and the Certified Scrum Master Certifications are clear, let us get into the details of the process for obtaining both certificates. 

A. Getting CSM Certification

There are multiple steps involved in getting the CSM certification.

• First, you need to enroll for a 2-day workshop with a Scrum Alliance licensed institute for the CSM course.
• Attend the course.
• Create your login details with Scrum Alliance
• Schedule the test and appear for it on the scheduled date.
• You need to score a minimum of 74% to get the certificate.
• On getting the passing score, you will be sent the license agreement.
• You need to accept it post which Scrum Alliance will email the Certificate and the two-year membership.
• The membership needs to be renewed every two years.

B. Process to get SAFe Certification

• The process involves similar steps as CSM.
• First, enroll for the SAFe Agilist course from a Scaled Agile Inc. registered institute.
• Undergo the 2-day mandatory course 
• After the completion of the course, Scaled Agile Inc. will send the details of the examination directly to the candidate.
• Schedule the exam which consists of 45 MCQ questions to be completed in 90 minutes.
• You need to get a passing score of 77% or 35 correct out of 45 to be eligible for the certification.
• Once you have passed the examination, Scaled Agile Inc. will send you the certification and disclose it.
• You will also get your membership for the SAFe Community Platform for a year. 
• The renewal is required after every one year. 

Should I do CSM or SAFe Agilist?

As is quite clear from the comparison above that there are different cost implications, earning potential, eligibility criteria, and learning potential in SAFe Agilist vs. CSM. Here are the tips for choosing the right certification:

a. Which agile process is the Enterprise using? 

This is the first question that needs to be answered. If you are on a Scrum team, go for CSM; if your enterprise is using SAFe, go in for SAFe Agilist.

b. Are you a beginner or experienced in Scrum?

If you are just starting, it is good to go ahead with CSM. This is because CSM is a basic level certificate and is easier. While SAFe Agile is for experienced people who are working on agile projects as the level is difficult – the course eligibility mentions that the person should have at least five or more years of experience in software development, project management, product testing, and have knowledge of Agile and Scrum.

c. Which career goal are you setting out to fulfill?

If you wish to work in an agile team and currently working as a project manager, take the CSM certification. However, if you are looking at working in an enterprise-level agile environment, and wish to work in the implementation of a Scaled Agile Framework, you should choose to become a SAFe Agilist. 

d. If budget is a constraint.

Comparing the cost of Certified ScrumMaster vs. SAFE Agilist, it is evident that the CSM fees are considerably lower than those of SAFe Agilist. Accordingly, you can choose if the budget is an issue. However, this should be the last consideration when choosing between both certificates.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and SAFe Agilist certifications are both highly sought-after in the Agile landscape, offering distinct paths for professionals at various stages of their careers. As you navigate your certification journey, remember that Simpliaxis provides comprehensive training for both Certified Scrum Master (CSM)® Certification Training. With CSM, you'll delve into the fundamentals of Scrum, while SAFe Agilist equips you to thrive in complex, enterprise-level Agile environments. Consider your experience level, career goals, and organizational context when choosing between these certifications. Whether you opt for CSM or SAFe Agilist, Simpliaxis ensures you're well-prepared to excel in your Agile.