SASM Certification Benefits

Agility is the key to success in today's business landscape. Companies always try to find ways to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions. This guide will take you through the details of the SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master certification. We will also examine its definition, significance, certification process, and career benefits.

What is SASM Certification? 

The SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master certification course prepares Scrum Masters for their leadership role. It helps them work with Agile teams efficiently. They can also gain other prominent skills to implement the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) within an organization. 

The course helps enhance the entire Scrum paradigm. It covers topics like scalable engineering and DevOps practices. The same course also supports interactions with stakeholders in enterprise contexts. The SASM certification is best for applying Kanban and eXtreme programming in high-performance teams. You can also become an expert in addressing Agile and Scrum anti-patterns. 

The SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) Certification is a credential of the Professional Scrum Master’s ability to perform different roles and responsibilities. That is what teaches them to lead Agile teams successfully. Certified Scrum Master professionals always deliver enhanced productivity and efficiency that help drive profitable business.

Benefits of SASM Certification

You already know that SASM (SAFe Advanced Scrum Master) certification offers several benefits for aspiring professionals. Let us look at these advantages in detail:

1. In-depth knowledge of Agile Methodologies

You can get the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of different Agile methodologies. This knowledge empowers all professionals to implement Agile principles. These principles fit within their organizations in no time to encourage a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

2. High Market Demand

Organizations seek certified Agile professionals in the competitive job market. The SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master certification can increase the earning potential to new learners and Scrum Masters. Employers value professionals who help with such Agile transformations and improve project outcomes.

3. Career Opportunities

You get several career opportunities with the SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master certification course. You can also explore other roles, such as  Release Train Engineer, Agile Coach, or Lean-Agile leader. It helps you take up leadership roles across various industries. IT, finance, and healthcare sectors often provide such career opportunities.

4. Leadership Opportunities

The SASM certification equips you with the skills to lead high-performing Agile teams. You'll learn to facilitate effective ceremonies, resolve impediments, and continuously inspire teams to improve their processes.

5. Stronger Relationships

Successful Agile transformations require proper and professional stakeholder engagement. SAFe® Advanced and experienced Scrum Masters learn to build relationships with stakeholders. It ensures their needs are met and aligns everyone towards common goals.

6. High-Quality Products

Quality is essential in professional Agile development. You can gain valuable insights into maintaining and improving product quality across organizations. It helps deliver value to customers with each iteration.

7. Efficient Product Development

Speed to market is always considered a competitive advantage. SAFe® Advanced Scrum Masters know how to optimize product development processes. They also know how to reduce time-to-market and meet customer demands instantly.

8. Enhanced Agility

Organizational agility is crucial in the business landscape that keeps on changing constantly. SAFe Advanced Scrum Masters are expert professionals who help organizations adapt to such market changes and other evolving customer needs.

9. Global Recognition

SASM is one of the most globally recognized certifications. It shows your commitment as a professional in terms of Agile excellence. Valuable asset across many organizations.

10. Job Fulfillment

Personal growth and job satisfaction are always interconnected to each other. You will experience the fulfillment of empowering teams as a SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master. It helps drive innovation and deliver value to all customers.

Skills Required to Become SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM)

The determination of whether the role of a Scrum Master should be part-time or full-time is contingent upon various factors. 

The most common ones are the team size and other commitments. However, convincing stakeholders that each Agile team benefits from a full-time Scrum Master may pose challenges at the enterprise level. 

Certain activities can enhance Agile performance across diverse industries. So, the fundamental skills required to become an SASM include:

Managing Team Dynamics: The ability to handle various team levels, disruptions, and conflicts efficiently.

Pattern Recognition: The skill to identify patterns that may hinder team strengths and effectiveness.

Kanban Applications: Staying informed about new applications for Kanban that can contribute to Agile methodologies.

Enhancing Value Transfer: Striving to improve the transfer of value within Agile processes.

Innovative Engineering Practices: Identifying and promoting innovative and promising engineering techniques.

Effective Coaching Techniques: Continuously refining coaching techniques for more impactful and meaningful interactions.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrating adept problem-solving skills across different levels of complexity.

Guidance for Business Optimization: Leading businesses towards their optimal potential through informed guidance.

SASM Exam Details:

Here are the exam details:

Exam Name: SAFe® 5 Advanced Scrum Master Exam

Costs: The certification cost is included in the course tuition. It provides candidates with a comprehensive pricing structure.

Recertification Requirements: Candidates are required to pay a $195 annual renewal fee to maintain their Certified SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master status

Format: Multiple choice (one answer) or multiple select (2-3 answers)

Delivery: Web-based (single-browser) and closed book 

Access: Candidates can access the exam within the SAFe Community Platform after completing the SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master course

Duration: Candidates have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the exam

Number of Questions: 60

Passing Score: SASM 5 = 44 out of 60 (73%)

Language: English

Cost: The first exam attempt is included in the course registration fee if taken within 30 days of course completion. Subsequent retake attempts cost $50 each.

Retake Policy:

• The second attempt on the SASM exam (first retake) can be taken immediately after the first attempt.
• The third attempt requires a 10-day wait.
• The fourth attempt mandates a 30-day waiting period.

Why Do You Need a SASM Certification to Benefit Your Career?

The SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) certification is essential for your career because it provides a deep understanding of Agile methodologies. It also enhances market demand and opens diverse career opportunities. The 2-day certification course from Simpliaxis equips you with leadership skills that enhance organizational success. Its global recognition and focus on personal fulfillment make SASM a valuable asset. It helps you drive innovation and deliver customer value. It makes the SASM certification indispensable for career growth.

Conclusion

The SASM certification can be considered a badge of excellence in the Agile workforce. It signifies your commitment to different Agile principles as a professional. The accreditation also positions you as a leader in driving several Agile transformations across organizations. So, pursue the certification if you are an aspiring Scrum Master, and elevate your career.

The SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master certification is nothing less than a transformative journey. It opens doors to your extensive career growth, leadership opportunities, and skill development. Take advantage of the chance to become a certified Agile professional in your organization. Start your certification journey with Simpliaxis today!

FAQs

1. How much time does it take to complete the SASM certification?

It usually takes two comprehensive training days to complete the SASM certification. A SAFe programming consultant conducts this particular training course who is already well-versed in Scrum or Agile frameworks.

2. Is the SAFe Scrum Master certification worth it?

An SAFe Scrum Master certification teaches you the basics of Scrum. It also makes you ready to handle Scrum Teams on different organizational levels. However, if you have an experience of more than 5 years in Scrum and know about the framework, the SAFe certification is the best you can do before enhancing your career further.

3. What is the validity of the SAFe certification?

The SASM certification is valid only for one year. It means you will have to renew the same certificate every year otherwise. You cannot continue to practice or function as a professional SAFe Advanced Scrum Master if you do not renew the certificate. 

4. How many attempts are allowed in SAFe certification?

You are allowed four attempts in the SAFe certification. There is no extension of chances beyond the same. 

5. What is the purpose of SASM certification?

The purpose of SASM certification is to equip individuals with advanced knowledge and skills in the SAFe framework. It specifically focuses on the Scrum Master role. This certification further aims to enhance a professional’s ability to facilitate Agile teams and drive organizational change within the business. 

6. Is the SAFe Advanced Scrum Master certification worth it?

SASM certification can be valuable for those seeking leadership roles in Agile environments. This is because it signifies expertise in implementing Agile methodologies at scale. The certification also provides a deeper understanding of Scrum principles and equips professionals to solve complex challenges in larger Agile transformations.

7. What is the average salary of a SASM certification professional?

The average salary of a SASM certification professional is based on different factors. The most common ones include experience, location, and industry. A certified SAFe Advanced Scrum Master can always earn a competitive salary. This tends to be higher than that of individuals with basic Scrum Master certifications. You can visit Simpliaxis to know more about the salaries of these professionals in detail.