Both come from Scaled Agile — but they target different roles and career stages. Here's how SAFe Agilist (Leading SAFe) and SAFe Scrum Master compare, and how to choose.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| SAFe AgilistSAFe Agilist (Leading SAFe) | SAFe SSMSAFe Scrum Master | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Exam length | 1h 30m | 1h 30m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~45 | ~45 |
| Pass mark | 80% | 73% |
| In a sentence | Lead a Lean-Agile transformation with SAFe 6.0. | Scrum Master inside the Agile Release Train. |
| Free practice | 105 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 Scaled Agile site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with Scaled Agile.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| SAFe Agilistfacts as of September 2026 | SAFe SSMfacts as of September 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 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) |
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 | the 16-hour course plus commonly reported 5–10 hours of review and the included practice test | the 16-hour course plus commonly reported 5–10 hours of self-study |
| Renewal | 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) | Annual renewal via SAFe Foundational Studio membership ($195/year + tax) plus 12 CEUs a year — no re-exam (verified 18 Sep 2026) |
| Entry requirement | 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. | 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 SAFe 6.0 framework | the SAFe 6.0 framework |
| Full fact pages | SAFe Agilist 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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Both come from Scaled Agile. SAFe Agilist (SAFe Agilist (Leading SAFe)) is a Intermediate credential, while SAFe SSM (SAFe Scrum Master) is a Intermediate credential. They differ mainly in target role, exam length and depth.
The SAFe Agilist exam runs about 1h 30m with ~45 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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