Scrum offers a framework that helps in attaining project objectives in an organized manner. Scrum masters have become an essential component of a project as they help design a framework for the firm. Many people who’ve developed an interest in scrum may want to understand the difference between SSM and SASM. To help you understand the two more deeply, please keep reading.

Points of differentiation between SSM and SASM

1. What are SSM and SASM?

SAFe® Scrum Master (SSM) introduces a learner to the ideas of the Scaled Agile Framework. The program helps a learner to plan and deploy Program Increment. The training educates you on the main constituents of Agile at Scale development, execution of iteration planning, and how to create agile solid teams. 

SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) prepares existing Scrum Masters to assume leadership responsibilities in facilitating an Agile team and project. The training equips the learner with knowledge and skills that support program execution and continuous enhancement. SASM builds on the Scrum framework with an introduction to scalable engineering and DevOps principles.

Let’s move back a little to understand the meaning of the certification. Certification is all about trust and proficiency. Before proceeding, it is imperative to get a valid reason for the certification to attain appropriate options. 

2. Role Responsibility 

The SAFe Scrum Master concentrates on of the basics of team-level Scrum. The course also explores the scrum role within the enterprise context. Contrastingly, SAFe Advanced Scrum Master prepares learners for the leadership roles in creating an agile project team. The training also prepares masters to ensure enterprise success in a SAFe environment.

3. Exam structure 

  • SSM Certification: An SSM certification is meant for you if you are new to the Scrum Master role and are ready to learn and understand the role of Scrum Master, the responsibilities and duties of the Scrum Master. After studying the course for the allotted time, you will receive an exam with 45 objective questions, out of which you are required to answer 33 of them correctly before you can be certified as an SSM.
  • SASM Certification: In contrast, the SASM certification is for you if you studied the SSM and now want to become a master in this role. For this reason, an SSM certification is one of the basic requirements for the SAFe Advanced Scrum Master – SASM.  For the SASM certification, you will receive 60 objective questions, 15 questions more than the SSM certification assessment. You are also required to answer at least 42 questions correctly, a higher number than you are required to do in the SSM Certification Course.

4. Differences in the cost of certification for SSM and SASM

While these certifications are essential, it is prudent to note that the price at which they come may seem dear to some people but quite affordable to others. However, the bottom line is that while you prepare to take any one of these courses, you will need to prepare your finances to cover the cost as well.

The charges of certification for the two courses are varied and could indicate the difference in the advance in the levels of learning for the SSM and SASM courses. Let’s take a look at what it costs to take each of these courses.

A SAFe Scrum Master course will cost you $20999 – 23999 to complete the course and take the examination. You will need to pass the exam to receive certification.

On the other hand, a SAFe Advanced Scrum Master, which, as the name suggests, is a more advanced level than the SAFe Scrum Master, will cost you considerably more. To take the course and sit the exam, you will need to pay a whopping $24999 – 27999, a $4000 difference in the ceiling payments of both certifications.

5. Target Audience

  1. SSM

An SSM certification requires people new to the Scrum Master role to learn and understand the role more. These will be people who have either done some previous courses like Scrum Master or people in specific leadership positions.

SAFe Scrum Master is a two-day course that explains the use of scrum in SAFe enterprise to help you plan efficiently. The training is about SAFe architecture and its fundamental concepts, which will help you explore options for instilling technical agility in your teams.

This course is relevant to Project Managers, CEOS, systems or solutions Architects, Agile coaches and change consultants, Scrum Masters, Release engineers, business analysts, and Team Leaders. All these individuals can all take a SAFe Scrum Master course at any point in their careers.

  1. SASM

SASM as an advanced aspect of the SSM course requiring you to have taken an SSM, CSM, or PSM course. SASM builds on the previous certification Courses to cover cross-team interactions in support of program executions of skills, planning, and agile coordinating.

It builds on your knowledge and ability to respond to industry trends, adaptability, and the instilling of agility in their teams so that they can do it more effortlessly and at a higher level of understanding.

Parting shot

Notably, the cost of taking these courses is dear. It is also worth noting that these courses have immense value as most companies are now looking for individuals qualified in SSM and SASM, among other Scrum courses, to take leadership roles in their project management positions. So, you cannot underestimate their value.

Of consequence additionally, is the choice of your exam provider. Choosing the right course will not suffice unless you can select an exam provider who will give you the suitable materials necessary for your task. Since there is no one universal provider of these exams, choose one registered as an Exam Provider – (Registered Exam Provider) to give you training and consequent experience.