The SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) certification is a prestigious credential for experienced Scrum Masters aiming to operate at scale using the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Whether you’re transitioning from a traditional Scrum environment or looking to enhance your leadership in a SAFe enterprise, this comprehensive 2025 guide is designed to help you succeed in passing the SASM certification on your first attempt.
What is the SASM Certification?
The SAFe Advanced Scrum Master 5.1 certification is intended for Scrum Masters who already understand the basics of Agile and Scrum and want to elevate their expertise in managing Agile teams across programs, departments, and enterprises. The training helps Scrum Masters:
- Facilitate Agile team performance and program execution
- Build communities of practice
- Apply scalable DevOps and engineering practices
- Implement Lean, Kanban, and SAFe principles
Upon certification, you’ll be recognized as a SAFe® 5 Advanced Scrum Master, making you a key player in driving Agile Release Trains (ARTs), improving program delivery, and removing organizational roadblocks.
Why Should You Earn a SASM Certification?
The SASM certification opens new doors in Agile leadership, especially for professionals looking to operate at enterprise scale. Benefits include:
- Enhanced career opportunities in Agile organizations
- Deeper knowledge of SAFe, DevOps, Lean, and Kanban
- Tools to improve team facilitation and value flow
- Greater confidence in leading cross-team collaborations
Career Advantages:
- Better salary prospects
- Preferred candidate status for enterprise-level Agile roles
- Eligibility for roles like Release Train Engineer, Program Manager, or Agile Coach
SASM Certification Exam Cost
The SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) certification exam is included in the cost of the training course provided by Scaled Agile, Inc. or its authorized partners. Here’s a breakdown:
- Course Fee (includes exam): $995 – $1,295 (varies by provider & region)
- First exam attempt: Free, included with course fee (must be taken within 30 days of course completion)
- Retake Fee: $50 per attempt
- Exam Attempts Allowed: 4 total
- Exam Format: Web-based, closed book, timed
💡 Note: Prices may vary slightly depending on the training provider and currency.
SASM Exam Overview
Exam Format:
- Type: Web-based, closed-book
- Questions: 45 multiple-choice and multiple-response
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
- Passing Score: 73% (33 out of 45 questions)
Before the exam, candidates must attend a SAFe Advanced Scrum Master course provided by an authorized training partner. Access to the SAFe Community Platform is granted only after completing the training.
Exam Content Breakdown
The exam covers a broad spectrum of topics, aligned with the SAFe framework and Scrum principles:
1. Business Agility (13%)
- Core competencies for agility in the digital age
- Role of SAFe as a business agility operating system
2. Applying SAFe Principles (15%)
- Economic thinking, systems thinking
- Decentralized decision-making
- Learning cycles, cadence, and synchronization
3. Agile and Scrum Anti-Patterns (13%)
- Common pitfalls in roles, stories, and task management
- Recognizing context-specific issues
4. Program Execution (15%)
- Agile Release Train (ART) setup
- PI Planning and execution
- Value stream delivery
5. Using Kanban and XP (13%)
- Visualizing work
- WIP limits and flow efficiency
- Engineering practices for quality
6. High-Performing Teams (17%)
- Team collaboration and trust
- Continuous improvement backlog
- Cross-team communication
7. Improving Program Performance (12%)
- Inspect and Adapt workshop
- Root cause analysis
Preparation Strategy to Pass the SASM Exam
1. Understand the SAFe Big Picture
Start with an in-depth study of the SAFe Big Picture. Learn to identify key components such as Agile Release Trains, PI Planning, DevOps practices, and value stream mapping.
2. Enroll in a Certified SASM Training Program
Choose an authorized provider like Scaled Agile Inc., or your company’s preferred partner. The training will include live sessions, case studies, practice tests, and digital materials.
3. Study Key SAFe Principles
Focus on the following:
- Taking an economic view
- Applying systems thinking
- Decentralizing decision-making
- Building incrementally with fast feedback
- Optimizing flow and reducing batch size
4. Practice with Mock Exams
Take multiple practice tests. Focus on areas where you score low. Tools like SASM practice exams, Scrum.org mock tests, and exam dumps can help you become familiar with the question format.
5. Target Your Weak Areas
Use your mock test results to identify weak topics. For example, if you struggle with “Kanban board optimization,” spend time studying workflows, WIP limits, and metrics like lead time and cycle time.
6. Create Mind Maps and Flashcards
Use visualization tools like:
- Concept maps for SAFe layers (Portfolio, Large Solution, Program, and Team)
- Flashcards for Scrum events and SAFe roles
7. Engage Creatively with Content
Explain SAFe principles to a peer, or run a fake Agile project using the concepts. This active engagement boosts memory and comprehension.
Common Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Understanding what not to do is just as critical as mastering best practices. These common anti-patterns appear in the exam:
- Product Owner acts as a Project Manager
- Scrum Master assigns work
- Overcommitment during sprint planning
- Not using IP iteration for planning and improvement
Be ready to identify these during scenario-based questions.
Tips for Exam Day Success
1. Use the Elimination Technique
Quickly eliminate obviously incorrect answers. Focus on comparing the remaining two choices.
2. Maintain Calm and Confidence
Most mistakes come from second-guessing or panicking. If you’re well-prepared, trust your instincts.
3. Simulate the Real Exam Environment
Recreate test conditions while taking mocks:
- Set a timer for 90 minutes
- Avoid interruptions
- Use the same device and environment you’ll use during the actual test
4. Technical Prep
Ensure stable internet, silence, and enough battery power. Have a backup device ready just in case.
Post-Certification Benefits and Next Steps
Once certified, you gain access to exclusive SAFe content, forums, job boards, and continuous learning options like:
- SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE)
- SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)
- SAFe DevOps
You’ll also be better positioned to:
- Mentor junior Scrum Masters
- Lead ART-level initiatives
- Drive Agile transformation at scale
Additional Resources
To maximize your preparation, use these tools:
- SAFe Community Platform: Official study guides, glossary, and templates
- YouTube Channels: Explainers from SAFe consultants
- Books: “SAFe Distilled,” “Essential SAFe,” and “Scrum Mastery”
- Tools: Miro (for team boards), Jira (for workflow), and Trello (for personal planning)
SSM vs SASM: Key Differences Between SAFe Scrum Master and Advanced Scrum Master Certifications
The SAFe® Scrum Master (SSM) and SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM) certifications serve different purposes in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) journey:
| Feature | SSM (SAFe® Scrum Master) | SASM (SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master) |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry-level | Advanced |
| Target Audience | New or aspiring Scrum Masters | Experienced Scrum Masters |
| Focus | Fundamentals of Scrum and SAFe | Scaling Agile, anti-patterns, flow, leadership |
| Prerequisites | Basic Agile knowledge | SSM certification or equivalent experience |
| Training Content | Roles and responsibilities, PI Planning, Scrum in SAFe | Lean, Kanban, DevOps, cross-team collaboration, problem-solving |
| Role Alignment | Team-level facilitation | Program-level facilitation and coaching |
| Exam Difficulty | Beginner to Intermediate | Intermediate to Advanced |
In Summary:
- SSM is ideal if you are starting your journey in SAFe or Agile facilitation.
- SASM is for those ready to take their skills further, lead across teams, and enhance program-level effectiveness.
Choosing between SSM and SASM depends on your experience level and career goals within Agile and SAFe environments.
Final Words of Encouragement
The SASM exam is not easy, but it’s certainly achievable with focused study and hands-on understanding of SAFe principles. Use every opportunity to practice what you learn—run a simulation, mentor a team, or review existing ART processes. And remember: understanding the “why” behind every SAFe practice will help you answer scenario-based questions with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re looking to solidify your current role or aiming to transition into enterprise-level Agile leadership, the SASM certification is your gateway to influence, credibility, and innovation.
Ready to Get Started?
Explore our curated SASM training resources, mock exams, and personalized coaching options only at ScrumDumps.com. Don’t just pass—lead with SAFe.
FAQs
SASM (SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master) certification is an advanced-level credential offered by Scaled Agile, Inc. It is designed for experienced Scrum Masters who want to deepen their knowledge of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®). The certification focuses on facilitation, cross-team coordination, leadership coaching, Agile/SAFe anti-patterns, and advanced program-level execution using Lean, Kanban, and DevOps principles.
The full form of SASM is SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master. This certification recognizes your ability to lead Agile teams effectively within a SAFe environment and demonstrates your knowledge of scaling Agile practices across the enterprise.
Yes, SASM is considered more challenging than SSM (SAFe® Scrum Master) because it dives deeper into advanced concepts such as Agile program execution, team dynamics across Agile Release Trains (ARTs), and organizational change leadership. It assumes prior experience as a Scrum Master or an SSM certification.
Who should take the SASM certification?
> The SASM certification is ideal for:
> Experienced Scrum Masters
> Team Leads and Agile Coaches
> SAFe Program Consultants (SPCs)
> Project Managers working in scaled Agile environments
It’s best suited for professionals aiming to advance from team-level facilitation to multi-team coordination and leadership roles in SAFe enterprises.