SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) Certification with FAQ and Tips
The SAFe Scrum Master certification has become one of the most sought-after credentials for Agile professionals looking to advance their careers in scaled Agile environments. The SAFe Scrum Master (recently renamed to “Scrum Master/Team Coach” in SAFe 6) serves as a servant-leader for Agile teams within the Scaled Agile Framework. Unlike a traditional Scrum Master, whose responsibilities are primarily focused at the team level, a SAFe Scrum Master operates within a broader enterprise context, facilitating the use of various Agile practices and frameworks while ensuring teams adhere to SAFe principles and practices.
The role extends beyond facilitating standard Scrum events to include supporting Program Increment (PI) planning, cross-team coordination, and ensuring alignment across all levels of the enterprise. This expanded scope makes the SAFe Scrum Master a crucial player in ensuring the successful implementation of Agile at scale.
Key Responsibilities of a SAFe Scrum Master
Facilitating team events including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives.
Supporting Program Increment (PI) planning and execution.
Coaching Agile teams in SAFe practices and principles.
Resolving impediments that might block team progress.
Helping teams inspect and adapt their processes.
Collaborating with stakeholders to improve iteration processes.
Fostering continuous improvement at all levels.
SAFe Scrum Master Certification Process
Attend the Two-Day Leading SAFe with SAFe Scrum Master Course: This is a mandatory requirement. The course provides the foundational knowledge needed for the exam.
Access the SAFe Community Platform: After completing the course, you’ll receive access to the platform, where you’ll find study materials and the exam.
Take the Online Exam: The exam is a web-based, closed-book, multiple-choice test.
Pass the Exam: Achieve the required passing score to earn your certification.
Exam Details
Detail
Information
Exam Name
SAFe® 6 Scrum Master Exam
Format
Multiple choice, multiple select
Delivery
Web-based (browser), timed
Duration
90 minutes
Number of Questions
45 questions
Passing Score
73% (33 out of 45 correct)
Language
English
Exam Fee
First attempt included in course fee; retakes $50 per attempt
Retake Policy
First retake after 10 days, subsequent retakes after 30 days
Key learning objectives:
The SSM program consists of six lessons spanning approximately 16 hours of instruction. Key learning objectives include:
Optimizing Flow: Understanding Agile Release Team (ART) structure, operations, ceremonies, and planning processes.
Facilitating Team Events: Learning to serve as an effective Scrum Master and team coach, contributing to team success within the SAFe environment.
Optimizing Delivery: Understanding how to deliver and enhance customer value through continuous improvement.
Tracking Performance: Improving cross-functional collaboration, planning, forecasting, delivery, and measurement.
The Six Core Lessons of the SSM Program
Introducing Scrum in SAFe: This foundational lesson covers basic Agile development concepts, the Agile Manifesto and principles, and early value delivery. It introduces Scrum fundamentals, explains basic terms and approaches, and maps Scrum terms to SAFe Scrum terms. The lesson also provides an overview of the Agile Release Train (ART) and explains how Agile teams integrate within a SAFe context.
Characterizing the Role of the Scrum Master: This lesson explores the Scrum Master/Team Coach role as a servant leader who enables value delivery by developing people and teams. It details the responsibilities and characteristics of an effective SAFe Scrum Master/Team Coach and teaches participants how to build high-performing teams, facilitate team events, and use powerful questions to coach Agile teams.
Experiencing Program Increment Planning: The third lesson focuses on the importance of PI Planning in SAFe, explaining how Agile teams regularly plan their goals for upcoming Program Increments. It highlights the Scrum Master’s critical role in facilitating PI Planning meetings and breakout sessions and collaborating with other Scrum Masters and Release Train Engineers.
Facilitating Iteration Execution: This lesson covers the Scrum Master’s role in guiding teams through effective iteration execution, including planning, daily stand-ups, and reviews. It teaches participants how to help teams meet deadlines using SAFe Scrum and SAFe Kanban methods, and facilitates team synchronization.
Finishing the Program Increment: The fifth lesson addresses how to successfully complete a Program Increment, including final reviews, retrospectives, and planning for the next PI. This lesson helps Scrum Masters understand how to support effective Program Increment execution and drive continuous improvement across iterations.
Coaching the Agile Team: The final lesson focuses on developing coaching skills to help Agile teams deliver maximum business results. It explores techniques for conflict resolution, team development, and fostering self-organization. This lesson prepares Scrum Masters to build high-performing teams that drive relentless improvement in an organization.
Tips to Pass the SAFe Scrum Master Exam
Understand the SAFe Framework thoroughly: Focus on the principles, core values (alignment, built-in quality, transparency, and program execution), and the Lean-Agile mindset.
Review the exam guide meticulously: The official exam guide highlights specific domains and their relative weight percentages, helping you prioritize your study efforts.
Master the role of a Scrum Master in SAFe: Understand how this role differs from traditional Scrum Master responsibilities and how it fits within the broader SAFe context.
Practice with sample questions: Familiarize yourself with the question format and time yourself to ensure you can complete the exam within the allotted time.
Focus on key SAFe components: Pay special attention to:
The three pillars of Scrum: Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation
SAFe principles and how they differ from traditional Scrum
Various meetings in SAFe (PI Planning, Inspect and Adapt, Iteration Review)
Frequently Asked Questions – SAFe Scrum Master
What prerequisites are required for the SSM certification?
There are no formal prerequisites to take the SSM course or exam. However, having experience with Scrum and basic knowledge of Agile principles is highly beneficial6.
What’s the difference between a traditional Scrum Master and a SAFe Scrum Master?
While both share similar foundational skills, the SAFe Scrum Master operates within the context of a complex organization, helping to facilitate teams on an Agile Release Train (ART). The role includes responsibilities beyond the team level, focusing on cross-team coordination and enterprise alignment.
How much does the certification cost?
The first exam attempt is included in the course registration fee if taken within 30 days of course completion. Each retake or attempt past the 30-day window costs $50.
What topics are covered in the SAFe Scrum Master certification course?
The curriculum typically includes:
Introducing Scrum in SAFe: Basic Agile concepts, Scrum fundamentals, and the Agile team in a SAFe enterprise
Characterizing the Role of the Scrum Master: The Scrum Master as a servant leader, building high-performing teams
Experiencing PI Planning: The importance of PI Planning, facilitating planning meetings
Facilitating Iteration Execution: Supporting teams in delivering value.
What skills will I develop through this certification?
The certification helps develop practical skills including:
Coaching and leadership
Change management
Lean-Agile management
Conflict resolution
Facilitation techniques
Team performance enhancement
Understanding customer needs
How difficult is the SSM exam?
The difficulty level ranges from intermediate to difficult. The questions focus on testing your knowledge of the SAFe framework and Scrum Master roles. With proper preparation after completing the training course, most candidates find it manageable.
What are the key topics covered in the exam?
The exam covers topics such as:
SAFe principles and values.
The Scrum Master role in a SAFe enterprise.
Facilitating team events and PI Planning.
Applying Scrum and Kanban in SAFe.
Supporting the ART and continuous improvement.
Iteration execution.
Building high-performing teams.
Conclusion
The SSM certification represents an important step for Agile practitioners looking to expand their skills and effectiveness in scaled environments. With the right preparation and understanding of what makes the SAFe Scrum Master role unique, you can successfully earn this valuable credential and contribute significantly to your organization’s Agile transformation journey.