Earning the SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) certification demonstrates your proficiency in facilitating Agile teams, enabling DevOps, and coaching continuous improvement in a Scaled Agile Framework. But to achieve certification, you must first pass the SAFe Scrum Master certification exam.

In this post, let’s delve into the exam format, question types, coverage areas, and preparation tips, so you know what to expect on test day.

SAFe Scrum Master Certification Exam Overview

The SSM certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You will have 90 minutes total to complete the exam.

It is conducted fully online, through the SAFe portal. This allows you to take it remotely from just about anywhere.

The exam uses fixed-form, single-select questions. Each question provides 4 answer options, and you must choose the one correct answer. There is no partial credit – you either select the right option or you don’t.

There are no essay questions or calculations. It simply tests your knowledge and judgment of Scrum Master concepts as applied in a SAFe environment.

Question Format

The 60 questions on the SSM exam span across four domains aligned to the major responsibilities of the Scrum Master role:

Scrum Master Core Competencies – Assessing 25-30% of questions on facilitation, coaching, team performance, etc.

Applying Scrum in SAFe – 25-30% of questions related to scaling Scrum across teams, implementing Scrum events, etc.

Supporting Program Execution – 20-25% of questions on PI planning, managing stakeholders, DevOps, etc.

Coaching Agile Teams – 15-20% of questions on building high performance, problem-solving, etc.

The questions are situational and scenario-based. You will be presented with a specific context and asked to choose the best possible response based on that scenario.

These test your ability to judge which action a Scrum Master should take given a real-world circumstance described.

Exam Content Areas

While the full SSM certification exam content outline is large, some major topics covered include:

– Facilitating all types of Scrum events at both team and program levels

– Coaching teams on effective product backlog management

– Building high-performing, self-organizing Agile teams

– Applying servant leadership principles as a Scrum Master

– Supporting PI planning, execution, and delivery of value

– Enabling engineering practices like continuous integration, DevOps, and test automation

– Promoting relentless improvement and lean thinking

– Scaling Scrum principles across Agile Release Trains and value streams

Throughout the exam, you can expect situations related to these core Scrum Master responsibilities within a SAFe implementation.

Preparing for the SAFe Scrum Master Certification Exam

To maximize your probability of passing the SAFe Scrum Master certification exam, make sure to:

– Review the detailed exam content outline and study accordingly. Understand the proportional question breakdown across domains.

– Attend a course with an authorized SAFe training provider. This gives you the foundational knowledge you need.

– Read the SAFe reference guides on Scrum, Agile teams, planning, advanced scaling, etc.

– Take practice tests to identify your weak areas, and review why you got questions wrong.

– Focus study on concepts you struggle to apply, not just familiar topics.

– Review key principles repeatedly until you can relate them to various scenarios.

– Avoid memorizing questions; focus on understanding the concepts.

Also Check: Benefits of SAFe Scrum Master

Final Words

Lastly, believe in yourself and your capabilities. Confidence is not just a byproduct of knowledge; it’s a catalyst that can enhance your performance on exam day.

Trust in the hours of preparation you have invested, the concepts you have internalized, and the practical wisdom you have acquired.

With this confidence, step into the exam room with a calm mind and a focused spirit.

Remember, you are not just taking a test; you are showcasing your expertise, your understanding, and your potential to be an exceptional SAFe Scrum Master.

Embrace the challenge, stay composed, and let your confidence guide you to success on test day. Good luck!

Also Check: SAFe Scrum Master certification cost