PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI) and SAFe Scrum Master (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 SSMSAFe Scrum Master | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Professional | Intermediate |
| Exam length | 3h 0m | 1h 30m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~120 | ~45 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 73% |
| In a sentence | Agile across frameworks — Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP. | Scrum Master inside 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 SSMfacts 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 |
2-day SSM course (optional since Sep 2026): includes first two exam attempts within 60 days Exam-only proctored route: $495 + tax, two attempts within 60 days (checked 24 Sep 2026) Retake — unproctored: $50 (0/10/30-day waits) Retake — proctored: $450 study guide / $495 retake FAQ Renewal (annual): SAFe Foundational Studio membership $195/yr + tax, 12 CEUs (verified 18 Sep 2026) |
| Study time | commonly reported 80–120 hours plus the mandatory 21 contact hours of training | the 16-hour course plus commonly reported 5–10 hours of self-study |
| Renewal | 30 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program | Annual renewal via SAFe Foundational Studio membership ($195/year + tax) plus 12 CEUs a year — no re-exam (verified 18 Sep 2026) |
| Entry requirement | Secondary diploma (or global equivalent) + 21 contact hours of agile training, | Course route: the official 2-day SAFe Scrum Master course (taught by an authorized SPC), which includes the first two attempts. |
| Body of knowledge | the official PMI-ACP Examination Content Outline | the SAFe 6.0 framework |
| Full fact pages | PMI-ACP® cost · format · eligibility | SAFe SSM 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 SSM (SAFe Scrum Master) comes from Scaled Agile (intermediate). 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 SSM exam runs about 1h 30m with ~45 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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