PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI) and SAFe Release Train Engineer (Scaled Agile) cover different bodies of knowledge. Here's how they compare side by side — and how to pick the one that fits your role.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| PMI-ACP®PMI Agile Certified Practitioner | SAFe RTESAFe Release Train Engineer | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Professional | Advanced |
| Exam length | 3h 0m | 2h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~120 | ~60 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 78% |
| In a sentence | Agile across frameworks — Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP. | Chief Scrum Master of the Agile Release Train. |
| Free practice | 150 sample questions | 109 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official PMI and Scaled Agile site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with PMI or Scaled Agile.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| PMI-ACP®facts as of August 2026 | SAFe RTEfacts as of September 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee — PMI member: ~$435 (verify on pmi.org) Exam fee — non-member: ~$495 (verify on pmi.org) Retake: ~$335 member / ~$395 non-member Required training: 21 contact hours (agile) Renewal (every 3 yrs): 30 PDUs under the CCR program |
RTE course (required, advanced level): includes ONE exam attempt within 60 days Retake — unproctored: $50 (0/10/30-day waits) Retake — proctored: $450 study guide / $495 retake FAQ Renewal (annual): SAFe Advanced Studio membership $295/yr + tax, 24 CEUs - also covers foundational certifications (verified 18 Sep 2026) |
| Study time | commonly reported 80–120 hours plus the mandatory 21 contact hours of training | commonly reported 20–30 hours (course plus self-study), heavily dependent on real ART experience |
| Renewal | 30 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program | Annual renewal via SAFe Advanced Studio membership ($295/year + tax) plus 24 CEUs a year — no re-exam required (verified 18 Sep 2026) |
| Entry requirement | Secondary diploma (or global equivalent) + 21 contact hours of agile training, | Completion of the 3-day SAFe Release Train Engineer course (first attempt within 60 days of the course). |
| Body of knowledge | the official PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline | the SAFe 6.0 framework |
| Full fact pages | PMI-ACP® cost · format · eligibility | SAFe RTE cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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PMI-ACP® (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner) is a PMI professional credential, while SAFe RTE (SAFe Release Train Engineer) comes from Scaled Agile (advanced). They cover different bodies of knowledge, so the choice depends on the role you're aiming for rather than difficulty alone.
The PMI-ACP® exam runs about 3h 0m with ~120 questions; the SAFe RTE exam runs about 2h 0m with ~60 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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