PMI-ACP and SAFe are two of the most popular agile certifications. So how do you decide between them? I have over 15 years of experience in software development and management, and I’ve personally witnessed the value of both of these certifications.
So let’s pit these two heavyweights against each other and determine which one is best for you.
PMI-ACP vs SAFe: Overview and Key Differences
PMI-ACP and SAFe are two of the most common frameworks in the project management and agile world. PMI-ACP stands for Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner. It’s a certification focused on the individual agile practitioner. I’ve personally found PMI- ACP to be very helpful for practitioners who want to show they understand how to apply agile techniques to projects.
SAFe, on the other hand, is the Scaled Agile Framework. It’s a framework designed for helping larger organizations implement agile across the enterprise. In my experience working with larger companies, SAFe is a more structured framework for scaling agile beyond just a team.
The main differences between PMI-ACP and SAFe are the scale and use case. PMI-ACPs are individuals and you can apply it to any project or team. SAFe is specifically designed for large-scale implementations across an entire company.
The other key difference is the target audience. PMI-ACPs are project managers, team leads, and individual contributors looking to up skill in agile. SAFe is better suited for executives, managers, and leaders tasked with scaling agile across the enterprise.
The other difference is the certification levels. PMI-ACP has a single certification. SAFe has multiple certifications for different roles in an organization.
Certification Requirements and Exam Details
To earn the PMI-ACP certification, you must meet specific prerequisites. These are:
- 2,000 hours of general project experience in the last 5 years
- 1,500 hours working on agile project teams or using agile methodologies
- 21 contact hours of training in agile practices
The PMI-ACP exam is a 120-question multiple choice exam, and you have 3 hours to complete it.
SAFe provides various certifications, including:
- SAFe Agilist (SA)
- SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
- SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)
- SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)
The Leading SAFe certification (SA) is the most common certification people pursue within SAFe. You can earn this certification by attending a two-day course and passing a 90-minute exam with 45 multiple choice questions.
In terms of certification difficulty, in my experience, the PMI-ACP certification is a bit more difficult. This is because the PMI-ACP certification covers a broader set of agile methodologies and requires a deeper understanding of each. The SAFe certification is still very challenging and provides significant value, though.
Cost and Time Investment
The PMI-ACP exam costs $495 for non-PMI members and $435 for PMI members. Course costs vary, though most charge between $1,500 and $2,000. It takes most people 2-3 months to prepare for the exam through self-study or training.
For SAFe, expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 for the Leading SAFe course, which also includes the exam fee. It’s a faster certification process as you can complete the course and exam in just 2-3 days.
Renewal requirements are different. The PMI-ACP requires you to earn 30 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. The renewal fee is $60 for PMI members and $150 for non-members.
SAFe certifications are only valid for one year. To renew, you’ll need to pay an annual renewal fee of $100 and complete a brief online course.
Industry Recognition and Demand
PMI-ACP is widely accepted across industries. I’ve personally observed it specifically valued in the IT, healthcare, and finance industries. Its universal industry acceptance is a key advantage as an increasing number of professionals work across industries or consider jobs abroad.
SAFe has gained momentum specifically among Fortune 100 companies. Industries such as automotive, financial services, and government organizations have widely adopted SAFe. Given its momentum in the largest companies, SAFe is a useful certification if you currently work in a large company or aspire to eventually work in one.
After analyzing job postings, I’ve noticed both certifications are increasingly in demand. Typically, PMI-ACP is more in demand for individual contributor roles while SAFe is often required for management jobs in a larger organization.
Demand by location is mixed. For example, in tech meccas like Silicon Valley, you’ll likely see more demand for SAFe as most of the larger tech companies use it. On the other hand, PMI-ACP seems to have more equal demand across locations.
Career Opportunities and Salary Potential
PMI-ACP certification can qualify you for jobs such as:
- Agile Project Manager
- Scrum Master
- Agile Coach
- Product Owner
The average salary that PMI-ACP certified individuals earn is $90,000–$130,000 per year, according to my research and experience in the industry.
SAFe certification can qualify you for jobs like:
- SAFe Program Consultant
- Release Train Engineer
- Enterprise Agile Coach
- Agile Transformation Lead
Salary ranges are usually higher for SAFe certified individuals, ranging from $110,000–$160,000 annually.
In terms of career growth opportunities, both certifications offer great options. PMI-ACP is a solid foundation to grow into various agile roles at any organization. SAFe will position you for executive roles at large enterprises driving organizational agility.
Pros and Cons of PMI-ACP Certification
PMI-ACP benefits:
- Broader selection of agile methodologies
- Global recognition as a certification
- Applicable to any industry and any type of project
- Shows individual agility expertise
PMI-ACP drawbacks:
- Preparation requires a lot of time.
- Exam is more challenging than some agile certifications.
- Less applicable to those working in very large enterprises that are specifically scaling agility.
Pros and Cons of SAFe Certification
SAFe certification benefits:
- High relevance to large enterprise settings
- Structured framework for scaling agile
- Fast certification
- High demand in Fortune 100
- SAFe certification cons:
Limited relevance to small companies
Framework is overly complicated for many people
- Annual renewal
- Critics say it encourages “cargo cult” agile
Choosing Between PMI-ACP and SAFe
When choosing between PMI-ACP and SAFe, consider your career aspirations, current job, and experience level. Also consider the size and industry of your organization.
PMI-ACP is probably a better fit if you work in smaller organizations or if your primary goal is to improve your individual agile skills across different methodologies.
SAFe is likely a better fit if you work in a larger enterprise scaling agile practices or if you have ambitions to leadership positions in organizational agile transformations.
Your decision should map to your career goals and the needs of your current or future work environment. Both certifications provide excellent information, and earning either will significantly improve your job prospects in the agile industry. Agile project management skills are increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced business environment, regardless of which certification you choose.
To Conclude
The PMI-ACP and SAFe are two certifications designed for agile professionals. PMI-ACP is more focused on individual practices, while SAFe is designed for large scale implementation. Selecting the right one depends on your career goals, role today, and company size. Evaluate the certification requirements, cost, and industry demand. Both certifications can certainly help you advance your career, so ensure the certification you choose aligns with your specific situation and goals.
