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Top 8 Agile Certifications and Their Costs You Must Know

By Pavan Vadapalli

Updated on Jun 24, 2025 | 16 min read | 6.79K+ views

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Did you know? In India, SAFe Agilist certification can boost earnings to ₹15,00,000–₹30,00,000 annually, depending on experience. Certified professionals report a 78% increase in demand for their skills, with an average salary boost of ₹9,00,000. This reflects the growing need for experts in Agile methodologies across various industries.

The SAFe® Agile certification is a globally recognized credential demonstrating your expertise in scaling agile practices across organizations. It enables professionals to lead agile transformations and drive efficiency at the enterprise level. With this certification, you'll be equipped to implement lean-agile principles that learn better collaboration and improve business outcomes.

In this blog, we’ll break down the agile certification, the various certification types, and the learning objectives they cover. You'll also learn about the renewal process and the key advantages of pursuing this certification for career growth and professional development in agile project management.

Accelerate your career with upGrad’s online management courses, including agile methodology tracks. Learn from the top 1% of global universities and industry experts. Gain essential leadership skills and earn a globally recognized credential, as graduates see an average 50% salary hike.

What is SAFe® Agile Certification?

The SAFe agilist certification is the Scaled Agile Framework certification. The scaled agile framework includes different organizational and workflow processes to help businesses scale their lean and agile practices. The certification program offered by SAFe offers professionals a valid and reliable method to analyze their knowledge, skills, and approaches. All certified SAFe professionals receive worldwide recognition because of their ability to help enterprises adopt lean-agile practices.

Want to elevate your career and lead agile transformations? These SAFe® Agile certification courses can help you build the skills and credentials to drive organizational success.

Now, to help you make an informed decision, it's important to understand the costs associated with the top SAFe Agile certifications. Here's a breakdown of the most in-demand certifications and their fees.

Top 8 in-demand SAFe Agile Certifications

Coverage of AWS, Microsoft Azure and GCP services

Certification8 Months

Job-Linked Program

Bootcamp36 Weeks

SAFe Agile certifications help you lead enterprise-scale agile transformations, improve team performance, and enhance your ability to deliver customer value faster. They’re essential for professionals aiming to step into high-impact roles like Release Train Engineer, Agile Coach, or Product Manager. 
Here are the top 6 SAFe certifications, who they’re best suited for, and the agile certification cost associated with each, so that you can make the smartest investment in your career.

Certification

Provider

Course Fee (Approx)

Leading SAFe® 6.0 Training (SAFe® Agilist Certification)

upGrad

₹35,400

ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC)

 

upGrad

₹21,999

CSM® Certification Training

upGrad

₹15,499

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM®) Certification Training

upGrad

₹29,999

Implementing SAFe® 6.0 with SPC Certification Training

upGrad

₹2,25,000

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® Certification

Project Management Institute (PMI)

₹30,189 

SAFe Agilist Certification Course

Scaled Agile, Inc.

₹45,000

Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM) Certification Training

PremierAgile

₹15,199

Let’s take a closer look at these top agile courses and explore the details, including what each program offers and how they can boost your career in agile development.

1. Leading SAFe® 6.0 Training (SAFe® Agilist Certification) - upGrad

Course Duration: 2 days (Live Instructor-led) 

This SAFe® Agilist Certification is designed to help professionals implement and scale Agile practices in large enterprises. It covers the key principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®), preparing you to drive business agility across organizations. You will learn how to lead transformation initiatives, improve team and technical agility, and manage value flow from strategy to delivery.

Key Highlights:

  • Learn Agile principles and how to implement them across teams
  • Develop leadership skills for SAFe® adoption and transformation
  • Prepare for the SAFe® Agilist exam with comprehensive training and exam fee included
  • Receive 16 SEUs (Scrum Education Units) and PDUs (Professional Development Units)
  • Access to SAFe® Studio for ongoing support and additional resources

Ideal For:

  • Working Professionals aiming to deepen their knowledge of SAFe® Agilist certification
  • Managers, team leads, and professionals looking to implement Agile methodologies at scale
  • Those seeking a leadership role in driving Agile transformations within their organization

2. ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC) – upGrad

Course Duration: 3 days (Live Instructor-led)
The ICP-ACC Certification is ideal for professionals aiming to grow into Agile Coaching roles and lead teams toward high performance. This course goes beyond frameworks, focusing on the mindset, skills, and tools needed to become a transformational Agile coach. Through real-world simulations and case studies, you'll learn how to support individuals, teams, and organizations through meaningful agile change.

Key Highlights:

  • Advance on the Agile Coaching Track with ICAgile-accredited courseware
  • Learn powerful coaching techniques for team growth and conflict resolution
  • Develop active listening, facilitation, and mentoring skills for real-world impact
  • Get access to the Agile Coach Toolkit straight from ICAgile
  • Earn 24 SEUs (Scrum Education Units) and 24 PDUs (Professional Development Units)
  • Includes interactive live sessions, simulations, and expert-led discussions

Ideal For:

  • Scrum Masters, Agile Practitioners, and Iteration Managers stepping into coaching roles
  • Professionals looking to transition from facilitation to professional agile coaching
  • Leaders aiming to foster high-performing agile teams and organizational agility

3. CSM® Certification Training – upGrad

Course Duration: 2 Days (Live Instructor-led)

This Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®) training is designed to grow your Scrum expertise through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. The course offers practical simulations, role-plays, and case studies to help you fully grasp Scrum roles, ceremonies, and responsibilities. 

Led by Certified Scrum Trainers (CSTs), it prepares you for the Scrum Alliance CSM® exam while equipping you with the confidence to implement Scrum in real-world team environments.

Key Highlights:

  • 16 hours of live, interactive training delivered by expert CSTs
  • Earn 16 SEUs (Scrum Education Units) and 16 PDUs (Professional Development Units)
  • Real-world simulations, role-plays, and games to reinforce Scrum principles
  • Complimentary Agile and Scrum e-learning content worth US$300
  • 4 full-length mock tests to prepare for the CSM® certification exam
  • Access to post-training resources and comprehensive exam support

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring Scrum Masters looking to get certified and job-ready
  • Agile professionals seeking formal training and hands-on Scrum practice
  • Project managers, developers, QA leads, and team members transitioning to Agile roles
  • Professionals aiming to enhance team collaboration and delivery using Scrum

4. Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM®) Certification Training – upGrad

Course Duration: Varies (Live, Interactive Sessions)

The A-CSM® Certification is tailored for experienced Scrum Masters looking to deepen their expertise and stand out as agile leaders. This advanced-level training builds on your foundational Scrum knowledge. It equips you with the tools to confidently lead Agile teams, scale Scrum across multiple teams, and master coaching and facilitation techniques for real-world impact.

You’ll engage in live, expert-led sessions designed to be highly practical and collaborative. These sessions will help you transition from a team-level Scrum Master to a strategic Agile practitioner within your organization.

Key Highlights:

  • Real-world, hands-on training led by certified Agile experts
  • Deepen your Scrum expertise with advanced coaching and facilitation skills
  • Learn how to scale Scrum and implement Agile across multiple teams
  • Live, interactive, and engaging learning format
  • Certification from Scrum Alliance, globally recognized
  • Access to downloadable resources and ongoing expert support
  • The certificate includes SEUs and PDUs for continued education

Ideal For:

  • Practicing Scrum Masters are ready to move into senior or strategic roles
  • Agile professionals seeking deeper coaching, mentoring, and leadership skills
  • Those aiming to lead multi-team Agile environments or coach at scale

Enrollment Stats:

  • 43,600+ Learners Enrolled
  • 450,000+ Professionals Trained
  • 250+ Monthly Workshops
  • 100+ Countries Served

5. Implementing SAFe® 6.0 with SPC Certification Training – upGrad

Course Duration: 4 days (Live Instructor-led)

This SPC (SAFe® Program Consultant) Certification course is designed for professionals who want to become change agents in enterprise-level agile transformations. It equips you with the skills to implement SAFe® across large organizations, coach Agile teams, and launch Agile Release Trains (ARTs) with confidence. As an SPC, you’ll be qualified to train others in SAFe® practices and lead lasting business agility transformations.

Key Highlights:

  • Learn how to lead enterprise-level SAFe® implementations
  • Master techniques to launch and support Agile Release Trains (ARTs)
  • Prepare for the SPC exam with complete training and exam fee included
  • Earn 32 PDUs and 32 SEUs upon course completion
  • Get a 1-year free membership to the SAFe® Community Platform
  • Engage with a global community of agile professionals and experts
  • Comprehensive exam support to help you clear the SPC exam on your first attempt

Ideal For:

  • Agile Coaches, Consultants, and Change Agents
  • Experienced Scrum Masters and Agile Program Managers
  • Professionals driving large-scale agile transformations
  • Those seeking to become certified SAFe® trainers or mentors

6. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® - Project Management Institute (PMI)

Course Duration: Self-paced, with 120 questions and a 180-minute exam

The PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification is a globally recognized credential that emphasizes the application of agile principles across multiple frameworks such as Scrum, Lean, and Kanban. It is designed for professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of agile practices and techniques. 

Key Highlights:

  • Covers agile practices across Scrum, Lean, Kanban, and other methodologies
  • Recognized by leading organizations worldwide, including in industries like finance, IT, and healthcare
  • Helps professionals lead agile transformations and improve project delivery
  • 24 months of agile experience required, along with 28 hours of training
  • PMI members receive exclusive discounts on exam prep and training
  • Access to comprehensive exam preparation tools like PMI® Study Hall and practice exams

Ideal For:

  • Project managers, product owners, and agile practitioners looking to solidify their expertise in agile methodologies
  • Professionals aiming for roles such as Agile Coach, Scrum Master, or Agile Project Manager
  • Those looking to enhance their resumes and stand out in a competitive job market with a globally recognized certification

7. SAFe Agilist Certification Course (Leading SAFe)- Scaled Agile, Inc.

Course Duration: 2 days of live training (16 hours)

The SAFe Agilist (Leading SAFe) course is designed for professionals seeking to lead Agile transformations in large enterprises. This comprehensive program focuses on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), equipping participants with the knowledge to implement SAFe effectively, enabling business agility at scale. 

Key Highlights:

  • Comprehensive Training: Covers team and technical agility, aligning organizations around common objectives, and running critical SAFe events such as PI Planning.
  • Customer-Centric Focus: Learn how to shift your organization to be more customer-centric through Agile practices.
  • Expert-Led Learning: Training is provided by experienced SAFe Practice Consultants (SPCs) with extensive real-world experience.
  • Certification Exam: Includes access to the SAFe Agilist exam, course workbook, and SAFe Studio for continued learning post-training.
  • Global Recognition: SAFe certifications are highly regarded by Fortune 500 companies and are essential for Agile transformation leaders.

Ideal For:

  • Executives, managers, and change agents who want to lead Agile initiatives and transformations at an enterprise level.
  • Program Managers, Scrum Masters, and Agile Coaches aiming to deepen their understanding of the SAFe framework and implement it in large organizations.
  • Professionals with prior Agile experience seeking to advance their careers with a globally recognized certification.

8. Certified Scrum Master (CSM) Training - PremierAgile

Course Duration: 2 days (Live Instructor-led)

The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) training by PremierAgile is designed to equip professionals with the essential skills to become effective Scrum Masters. This course covers the core principles and practices of Scrum, emphasizing team collaboration, Agile mindset, and how to implement Scrum ceremonies in real-world environments. 

Key Highlights:

  • Understand Scrum roles, ceremonies, and artifacts to effectively manage Scrum teams
  • Develop leadership skills for facilitating Scrum events and improving team collaboration
  • Gain 16 Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and 16 Professional Development Units (PDUs)
  • Access to Scrum Alliance resources for ongoing learning and career support
  • Includes CSM exam fee and membership with Scrum Alliance

Ideal For:

  • Working Professionals: Aspiring Scrum Masters who want to enhance their knowledge and gain Scrum certification
  • Project Managers & Team Leads: Professionals who wish to implement Scrum frameworks in their teams or organizations
  • Agile Enthusiasts: Individuals aiming to transition into Agile roles or lead Agile transformations

Also readWhat is Agile Scrum Methodology? A Complete Guide

Now that you’re familiar with the top SAFe Agile project management certifications, you may be wondering about the objectives of this certification.

Objectives for SAFe® Agilist Certification

When evaluating the scaled agile certification cost, it’s important to consider the practical value it delivers. This certification empowers professionals to lead agile transformations across large enterprises and align team execution with business strategy. You'll also learn to manage value streams effectively and apply a lean-agile mindset throughout the organization.

Here are the key learning objectives you’ll achieve through the SAFe® Agilist Certification:

  • Improving lean-agile leadership skills: The certification will help develop leadership qualities to promote a lean-agile mindset across the organization for better efficiency.
  • Allowing lean-agile transformation in an enterprise: A scaled agile certification will help you develop the skills for supporting organizational transformations. It will help uphold a culture of adaptability and agility. 
  • Empowering using a lean portfolio: The certification will offer a clear understanding of applying agile practices beyond IT delivery. You will learn how to manage and optimize the overall portfolio of an organization using lean principles. 
  • Coordinating the development of in-depth solutions: SAFe-certified professionals can promote collaboration and communication across projects. It helps in developing complex solutions with greater coordination and efficiency.

Ready to boost your product management skills? The Introduction to Product Management course covers key concepts like user personas, journey mapping, and interview prep in just 8 hours. Enroll now and earn a free, verifiable certificate to enhance your career!

Also readCSPO Certification Cost in 2025: Costs, ROI & Alternatives

Let's now turn our attention to the renewal process for the SAFe Agile certification, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest agile practices.

What is the Renewal Process for SAFe Agile Certification?

To keep your Scaled Agile certification up to date, you must earn the required PDUs or pay a renewal fee. For most certifications, 10 PDUs are required for renewal, and there’s a renewal fee as well. 

Follow these steps to complete the SAFe certification renewal process:

  • Log in to the SAFe Community Platform: First, visit the SAFe Community Platform and log in to your account using your credentials.
  • Find the Renewal Button: After logging in, locate the renew button next to your current certification and click on it to begin the renewal process.
  • Enter Payment Details: Once you click the renewal button, you’ll be directed to the payment page, where you’ll need to enter your payment information to proceed.
  • Complete the Transaction: Finish the transaction to extend your certification for another term, ensuring that you continue to stay agile in your professional journey.

Remember that you can renew your SAFe agile certification 90 days before the expiration date. The key reasons to renew your SAFe certification are as follows:

  • Show commitment to improvement: Renewing your certification demonstrates your dedication to staying updated with the SAFe framework and industry best practices.
  • Boost your job prospects: Employers favor candidates with up-to-date certifications, especially those skilled in agile practices, boosting your earning potential.
  • Stand out from non-certified professionals: An active SAFe certification sets you apart in the job market, making you more appealing to employers.
  • Access advanced certifications: Renewing your certification opens doors to advanced SAFe certifications, enhancing your skills and career growth.
  • Share valuable insights: Staying current with SAFe provides you with new strategies and knowledge to improve collaboration and performance in your workplace.

Advance your skills and career with the Post Graduate Certificate in Product Management from Duke CE. Work on real-world projects, gain practical experience in product development, and prepare for growth in product management roles!

Also read: 23+ Best Agile Project Management Tools for 2025: Features and Benefits

Now that you understand the renewal process for SAFe Agile certification, let’s explore the key advantages of obtaining the SAFe Agile certification.

Advantages of SAFe Agile Certification

Once you invest in the SAFe Agilist certification, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits, including better career opportunities and the ability to drive organizational change with agile practices:

Advantage

Description

Better Career Opportunities Obtaining a SAFe certification will enable you to pursue a wide range of career opportunities as demand for SAFe-certified professionals increases.
Global Recognition SAFe certification offers global recognition and visibility in the industry, enhancing your professional reputation and networking opportunities.
In-Depth Agile Knowledge Pursuing SAFe certifications provides in-depth knowledge on agile principles, practices, and frameworks, supporting lean-agile transformations.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development SAFe certification promotes continuous learning with access to updates, training, and resources to stay relevant in the evolving agile field.
The Ability to Facilitate Organizational Transformation SAFe-certified professionals can drive organizational transformations, align agile practices with business goals, and improve collaboration.
Standard Language and Practices SAFe certification establishes a standardized language and practices across teams, promoting better communication and coordination.
Enhanced Project Performance SAFe-certified professionals enhance project and team performance by implementing agile principles, optimizing processes, and improving customer satisfaction.

Having explored the advantages of SAFe Agile project management certification, let's now discuss how long it typically takes to earn these certifications and the time commitment involved.

How long do SAFe Agile Certifications take?

Before paying for your ACP exam fee, you must attend a comprehensive training course to ensure you have the necessary knowledge and skills. The course will cover the fundamentals of agile practices and prepare you for the exam.

  • Exam Duration: Once you sit for the exam, you'll be given 90 to 120 minutes to answer all the questions, depending on the certification.
  • Preparation: The preparation time varies depending on the individual, but most candidates spend between 2 to 4 weeks reviewing materials and practicing for the exam. Each SAFe Agile certification exam may have slight variations in time allocation and question formats. For example:
    • SAFe® Agilist (SA): 90 minutes, with 45 multiple-choice questions
    • SAFe® Practitioner (SP): 120 minutes, with 60 multiple-choice questions
    • SAFe® Program Consultant (SPC): 180 minutes, with 90 multiple-choice questions

It's essential to review the specific exam details for your certification track to ensure you're well-prepared for the exam format and time constraints. Make sure to check the exam guidelines for the exact time limit and other important instructions before scheduling your exam. 

Next up are the costs associated with the SAFe Agile certification exams.

How much do the SAFe Agile Certification Exams Cost?

SAFe® Agile certification costs vary by provider and level, but typically include exam fees, training, and renewal charges. For example, the PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) exam has an initial payment and a re-examination cost of ₹3,750 per attempt. Additionally, maintaining certification requires a renewal fee every few years, depending on the certifying body. When evaluating the agile course fees, it’s crucial to consider the price and the career-boosting value these certifications provide.

How worthy is the SAFe Agile Certification?

If you’re wondering whether the cost of SAFe® Agile or PMI-ACP is worth it, the answer depends on your career goals, but the returns are significant for those in Agile and project leadership roles. Here’s how the SAFe® certification translates into real-world impact:

1. Implementing Lightweight Frameworks in Dynamic Environments: SAFe® certification equips professionals to introduce and manage lightweight frameworks within large enterprises. For instance, in a fintech company undergoing digital transformation, a SAFe® Agilist can introduce a structure that allows faster release cycles without overwhelming teams, flexibly scaling processes up or down as needed.

2. Managing Large-Scale, Complex Projects Effectively: SAFe® training prepares you to lead projects that span multiple teams, departments, or even time zones. Think of a global e-commerce firm coordinating logistics, tech, and marketing across regions in a real-world scenario. A SAFe® professional ensures alignment and delivery at scale.

3. Seamless Multi-Team Coordination: Agile at scale requires strong team synchronization. SAFe® practices like PI Planning and Scrum of Scrums ensure everyone is moving toward the same goal. In enterprises like IBM or Infosys, SAFe® certified managers are often the glue that connects dozens of development teams working on a single product.

4. Faster, Smarter Decision-Making: With SAFe®, decision-making isn’t delayed by layers of hierarchy. Frameworks like decentralized decision-making empower teams to act quickly. For example, if a product feature needs to pivot due to market feedback, SAFe® professionals can adapt plans without halting progress.

5. Achieving Business Objectives with a Top-Down Approach: Unlike traditional agile methods that rely on bottom-up execution, SAFe® supports a top-down strategy where leadership sets clear objectives that cascade to delivery teams. This ensures everyone from development to QA to business units is aligned on the same outcomes. Companies like Cisco and Barclays use SAFe® to streamline value delivery.

Also Read: 24 Essential Quality Assurance Engineer Skills You Must Master in 2025!

Now that you know which SAFe Agile certifications are most in-demand and what each agile certification costs, let’s look at how upGrad can help you get certified and advance your career.

How does upGrad help you maximize your SAFe Agile certification?

The SAFe Agile certification cost is a worthwhile investment for professionals aiming to lead agile transformations and enhance their career prospects. With certifications ranging from ₹35,000 to ₹45,000, the value far exceeds the cost, given the recognition and increased demand in the industry. Before enrolling, compare training providers to ensure they are Scaled Agile-accredited and offer post-certification support or exam prep materials.

To help you succeed in this journey and ensure you’re fully prepared, upGrad offers expert-led training with real-world projects and career mentorship. 

For additional support, you can schedule a free career counseling session with upGrad’s experts or visit one of our offline centers for a personalized experience. Let’s turn your aspirations into achievements.

Unlock your potential with our free Software Development courses and start building essential skills for a successful tech career!

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Reference Links:
https://agilemania.com/safe-certification-benefits
https://www.simpliaxis.com/info/safe-agile-certification-renewal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I expect to pay for a reputable Agile certification in 2025?

2. Is it worth paying for an Agile certification when there’s so much free content online?

3. What exactly does the Agile certification renewal process look like, and why must I do it?

4. I’m just starting in project management, should I still invest in Agile certification?

5. How long does it realistically take to complete an Agile certification if I’m working full time?

6. Do employers value Agile certifications, or do they prefer hands-on experience?

7. Are Agile certification costs different for self-paced vs instructor-led training?

8. What kind of support do I get after I complete an Agile certification?

9. Can I pay for my Agile certification in installments or use financial aid?

10. What makes Agile certifications in 2025 different from previous years?

11. Do I have to pay the full fee again if I fail the Agile certification exam?

Pavan Vadapalli

900 articles published

Director of Engineering @ upGrad. Motivated to leverage technology to solve problems. Seasoned leader for startups and fast moving orgs. Working on solving problems of scale and long term technology s...

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