SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) Certification

Scrum Masters play a key role in any Scrum team. It is not different in a SAFe enterprise either. SAFe Scrum Masters are vital components that drive the Agile adoption and SAFe implementation throughout the enterprise. Scrum is the most commonly used Agile framework and SAFe is the most popularly used Scaling framework for Scrum. 

Top Job Profiles and Salaries with SAFe Scrum Master Certification

• Projected growth in Scrum Master role over the next decade: 23% 

• Estimated number of new jobs created: ~ 123K annually 

• Number of Certified SAFe professionals: 1.4 Million 

The Path to Success as a SAFe Scrum Master 

The SAFe Scrum Master is a vital role in any SAFe enterprise. Getting an SSM certificate will help you make your way into a Scrum enterprise. 70% of the Fortune 100 Companies use SAFe. There are over 1.4 million SAFe certified professionals with an increasing demand for more. SAFe is the most widely used scaling framework for Scrum. 

The SAFe Scrum Masters play a critical role in SAFe implementation as they drive the mentoring and coaching of Agile teams across the organization. Doing this correctly will ensure the benefits of SAFe are translated into better outcomes at an enterprise level. SAFe Scrum Masters can excel in various roles within an organization. 

Agile Roles that Benefit from SSM Certification  

Scrum Masters are professionals who handle varied responsibilities in a team. In the context of a SAFe enterprise, the SAFe Scrum Master has added responsibilities in terms of coaching and mentoring Agile teams. This rigorous training at different levels is what sets SAFe apart as the most preferred Scaling framework for Scrum. The skills professionals acquire as SAFe Scrum Masters can be applied in many job roles. Some of the most appropriate roles are as follows. 

1) Scrum Master 

A Scrum Master is the most suitable role for a professional with an SSM certification. Apart from acquiring all the skills a Scrum Master needs, an SSM will also know how to coach and mentor teams and understand using Scrum across teams. SSM also involves using Scrum along with Lean-Agile. 

An SSM certification will boost your career growth as a Scrum Master. The average annual salary of a Scrum master ranges between $98K to $121K as per Salary.com. The salary range can vary based on a range of factors like industry, experience, organization, responsibilities etc.  

2) Agile Coach 

An Agile coach is an expert at Agile and understands how to help people understand and implement Agile in their daily work life. They will understand how to synchronize different teams for PI planning. SSM certifications are focused on helping professionals coach and mentor individuals and teams to scale Scrum. SSMs are also trained to build organizational agility. 

With the SSM certification you can be a lot more effective as an Agile coach. The newly acquired skills will help you excel in your role and add more dimensions to it. An Agile coach typically earns an average annual salary that ranges between $89K and $132K.  

3) Product Owner 

A Product Owner is a role that is distinct from the role of a Scrum Master. However, these are related roles, and these professionals work closely with each other. Product Owners will benefit a great deal from an SSM certification. Armed with an SSM certification, a product owner will find it easier to collaborate with the Scrum master. The skills acquired as an SSM will help Product Owners in every aspect of Scrum and let them get a more holistic view. 

An SSM certification makes a Product Owner use a more robust set of skills to leverage Scrum that benefits the entire enterprise. A product owner gets an average annual salary that varies between $97K and $141K depending on factors like the organization, location, nature of the project, industry etc.  

4) Agile Project Manager 

An Agile Project Manager is responsible for managing projects in line with Agile principles using Agile frameworks like Scrum. With an SSM certification their ability to manage larger and complex projects will also improve as they improve their skills of collaboration, problem solving and improve their understanding of implementing Scrum and Agile.  

With an SSM certification you can transform the way you do your job in line with the SAFe framework. An Agile Project Manager gets an average annual salary that varies between $103K and $130K depending on a wide range of factors like the organization, location, nature of the project, industry etc. 

Benefits of SSM Certification 

 Getting an SSM Certification will benefit you in any organization that practices Scrum or Agile. It will help you even more if you are in an organization that practices SAFe or is trying to implement SAFe.  The following are some of the more obvious benefits that you will receive because of the SSM training and certification: 

1) Globally Recognized Credential 

Scaled Agile, Inc (SAI) is the accreditation body that awards SAFe certifications to professionals around the world after they have demonstrated the ability to understand and implement SAFe in a particular role. These certifications including SSM are valid across the globe and in high demand as well.  

2) Increased Employability 

With an SSM certification a professional will increase their chance of employment and is better suited for job roles in leading companies across the world. With 70% of the Fortune 100 Companies using SAFe according to Scaled Agile, the SSM certification is a great advantage to have in the job market. 

3) Higher Earning Potential 

Certified SSMs consistently earn more than their non-certified peers. In organizations practicing SAFe getting certified is more or less mandatory especially if it is a role as critical as that of a Scrum Master.  The Scrum Master coaches the team apart from driving the practice of Scrum in the enterprise.

4) Professional Credibility 

An SSM certification is a stamp of approval regarding your capability and knowledge in applying Scrum in a SAFe enterprise. SSMs are key in scaling the Scrum adoption and are at the forefront of a SAFe transformation.   

5) Best Practices 

SSM certification training covers a lot of important topics that come into play during a SAFe transformation. Experienced trainers will guide learners in the dos and don'ts in adopting Agile, Scrum, and SAFe. The learners will also get trained in the best practices that need to be followed during SAFe implementation to ensure everything works smoothly. 

6) Skill Development 

SSM training works on developing key skills that will be needed in running a successful SAFe transformation and in building a SAFe enterprise that will thrive on the principles encapsulated in the SAFe framework. The Scrum Master needs a varied set of skills to play the role effectively. 

7) Continuous Learning 

Getting the SSM certification will make the learner an integral part of any SAFe enterprise. The role includes training and coaching as one of its key responsibilities. Coaching also encourages learning as the SSM has to stay updated about all the developments happening with the SAFe framework and the industry trends in which they operate.  

8) Higher Certifications 

Getting the SSM certification will be a start in the Scrum Master journey in a SAFe enterprise. Professionals with an SSM certification can pursue higher certifications like SASM, RTE, SPC etc., based on their interest and career goals. 

Ready to become a driving force in Agile transformation? Elevate your career and make a lasting impact – enroll in our SAFe Scrum Master certification course today and join the ranks of in-demand Agile professionals!