Choosing the right SAFe Training and Certification option can be a daunting task. The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) has grown increasingly in popularity over recent years, becoming an integral part of many organizations’ operating frameworks. It helps guide teams on how to deliver complex projects more efficiently and effectively than ever before. However, with multiple types of training and certifications available from different providers, all claiming to offer the best course for you, selecting one can seem like a Herculean effort.
To help make this decision easier, we’ve broken down the features that set each type of SAFe certification apart so you can decide which is best for you.
Updated October 2026: Scaled Agile has dropped version numbers from its course and certification names, so you now see names such as AI-Empowered SAFe Agilist (SA) from the Leading SAFe course. Exams now include AI topics, certifications renew every year, and the first exam attempt is included in AgileFever’s course fee if you take it within 30 days of finishing the course.
Different types of SAFE (Scaled Agile Framework) Agile certifications
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a framework developed to help organizations adopt an Agile approach at scale. It is most often used by large organizations that have multiple teams or departments working on different projects and require an overall system for successful collaboration.
SAFe offers several certifications to recognize individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to promote or lead successful agile transformations within their organization. The different types of SAFe Agile Certifications are designed to recognize individuals with an in-depth understanding of the entire SAFe methodology and its related components, roles, ceremonies, and artifacts.
Let’s have a look at the certifications.
SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC) Certification
This certification recognizes professionals who have an in-depth understanding of the entire SAFe methodology, including Lean-Agile principles, practices, values and competencies needed for Business Agility at Scale.
Obtaining a SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC) Certification offers many advantages for businesses and individual professionals. It provides an understanding of the Scaled Agile Framework, which allows organizations to effectively set up and manage safe program implementations at the enterprise level.
Individuals with this Certification gain credibility in their workplace and the opportunity for greater job growth within their organization. Those individuals can understand complex customer needs and provide added value throughout the entire program lifecycle.
SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE)
This certification recognizes professionals who can effectively plan and manage the flow of value delivery within an Agile Release Train.
The role of a Release Train Engineer (RTE) is critical in the field of IT, offering the opportunity to be a key player in product delivery. RTEs are responsible for the overall program execution of Agile Release Trains (ARTs), balancing the demands of stakeholders and managing interdependencies between teams.
Their leadership enables them to keep communication between parties and ensure that high-quality products are delivered on time. They must have strong problem-solving abilities, an excellent understanding of Agile methodology, and advanced technical skills. If you relish working in a fast-paced environment and possess these core competencies, consider pursuing a Release Train Engineer career.
SAFe® Scrum Master (SSM) Certification
This certification recognizes professionals who have a deep understanding of Agile principles, practices, and values and how to apply them in a team setting.
The SAFe® Scrum Master (SSM) certification is a highly regarded professional qualification within the agile industry. SSM-certified professionals are trained to perform the essential functions of a scrum master, such as facilitating communication between product owners and development teams, prompting identified needs, and helping to ensure product delivery times and goals are met.
Beyond the core skills, SSM-certified professionals will also be able to look at holistic solutions, understanding the capabilities needed in a larger enterprise environment and how they relate to each other. Relationship management is also an important skill emphasized during training, which ensures that all stakeholders learn and cooperate effectively. The SAFe® Scrum Master (SSM) certification is one of the best ways to ensure you have the necessary expertise in agile software management.
Leading SAFe® for Government Certification
The Leading SAFe for Government course is for leaders and practitioners who apply SAFe in government programs. The Leading SAFe for Government certification is issued by Scaled Agile after you pass the exam (45 questions, 90 minutes, 80% to pass).
This is the certification to choose if your agency or contractor runs programs under public-sector rules and you need to scale Agile within them.
Certified SAFe® DevOps Practitioner (SDP) Certification
SAFe DevOps Practitioner certification recognizes professionals who understand how to integrate development and operations to improve product delivery process efficiencies.
The Certified SAFe® DevOps Practitioner (SDP) Certification is an important asset for any aspiring IT professional. This certification recognizes individuals who demonstrate the ability to implement DevOps practices and apply Lean-Agile principles at scale. Those individuals with the SDP certificate are equipped with a strong knowledge base to provide expertise in advanced DevOps practices, continue to build upon their skillset, and remain competitive within today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape.
The certification benefits professionals by providing them with the tools necessary to increase organizational agility, performance, and business value while eliminating waste. Earning this certification provides essential assurance that stakeholders have the confidence they need in their teams to ensure successful projects.
SAFe® Architect (ARCH) Certification
The SAFe for Architects (ARCH) certification is for enterprise, solution and system architects who work in a SAFe environment. The course covers how architecture supports continuous flow of value, including the architectural runway, and prepares you for the certification exam.
At AgileFever the course runs for 3 days. Scaled Agile issues the certification once you pass the exam.
SAFe® Agile Software Engineer (ASE) Certification
This certification recognizes professionals who understand the principles of software engineering and the various techniques necessary to design mission-critical applications using Agile methods.
The SAFe Agile Software Engineer (ASE) certification is aimed at developers, testers and engineers on Agile teams. It covers built-in quality, test-driven development, continuous integration and the technical practices that let teams release small changes safely. The course runs for 3 days at AgileFever.
Scaled Agile issues the certificate after you pass the exam, and certifications renew every year with Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Certified SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) Certification
This certification recognizes professionals with an advanced understanding of Agile practices and principles, including Lean Thinking, Product Ownership, Lean User Stories and Backlog Refinement.
Earning the Certified SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) certification can be a rewarding experience with numerous benefits. It is reliable proof that one has acquired an advanced understanding of Scrum master roles and responsibilities and the ability to apply the framework effectively. Obtaining this certification involves intensive study and serious commitment, yet given its recognition, the effort is well worth it.
Being certified as an Advanced Scrum Master allows professionals to demonstrate their expertise in leading agile teams while leveraging effective implementations of SAFe processes. Enhanced credibility also goes hand in hand with this certification and offers outstanding value for anyone looking to excel in their career.
