Professional Scrum Master I (Scrum.org) and SAFe Agilist (Leading SAFe) (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.
| PSM IProfessional Scrum Master I | SAFe AgilistSAFe Agilist (Leading SAFe) | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundation | Intermediate |
| Exam length | 1h 0m | 1h 30m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~80 | ~45 |
| Pass mark | 85% | 80% |
| In a sentence | Prove you truly understand the Scrum Guide. | Lead a Lean-Agile transformation with SAFe 6.0. |
| Free practice | 298 sample questions | 105 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official Scrum.org and Scaled Agile site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with Scrum.org 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.
| PSM Ifacts as of August 2026 | SAFe Agilistfacts as of September 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam attempt: $200 (verify on scrum.org) Course requirement: None — self-study allowed Renewal: None — valid for life |
2-day Leading SAFe course (usual route): includes first two exam attempts within 60 days Proctored exam without the course: $495 - two attempts in 60 days (verified 18 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 20–40 hours for practitioners (the 85% pass mark punishes casual prep) | the 16-hour course plus commonly reported 5–10 hours of review and the included practice test |
| Renewal | None — PSM I is valid for life, with no renewal fees or continuing-education requirements | Annual renewal via SAFe Foundational Studio membership ($195/year + tax) plus 12 CEUs a year; a completed course grants a year of Framework access from its completion date (verified 18 Sep 2026) |
| Entry requirement | No prerequisites — anyone can buy an attempt and take it online, anytime. | No training course required (Scaled Agile's certification page states this explicitly) — the official 2-day Leading SAFe course is the usual route, but a proctored exam can be purchased on its own. |
| Body of knowledge | the Scrum Guide (2020) | the SAFe 6.0 framework |
| Full fact pages | PSM I cost · format · eligibility | SAFe Agilist cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
Original, expert-reviewed questions with an explanation for every option. No dumps, no ads.
PSM I (Professional Scrum Master I) is a Scrum.org foundation credential, while SAFe Agilist (SAFe Agilist (Leading SAFe)) 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 PSM I exam runs about 1h 0m with ~80 questions; the SAFe Agilist exam runs about 1h 30m with ~45 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
Yes. A free account gets 6 sample questions in study mode for each of PSM I and SAFe Agilist, with an explanation for every option, plus a 10-question diagnostic for each. No credit card required.
Try PSM I or SAFe Agilist practice in study mode, with full explanations and sources. No card required.
Start free →