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PMI-ACP vs. SAFe: Which Agile Certification Should You Pursue in 2025

Posted On January 28, 2025 - 12:57 PM

Agile methods are no longer only a fashion and are now a requirement for businesses that wish to remain ahead in today's highly competitive market centred around customers. As organisations continue to adopt Agile methods certifications like pmi-acp (Project Management Institute-Agile certified Practitioner) and safe agile certification (Scaled Agile Framework) have become benchmarks to validate the expertise of. How do you determine which one is best for you? This blog examines the distinctions between the benefits, merits, and significance of SAFe and PMI-ACP certifications in 2025, to assist you in making an informed decision.

Understanding PMI-ACP and SAFe Certifications

PMI-ACP: Agile Certified Practitioner

The PMI-ACP certification is provided by PMI. Project Management Institute (PMI) is widely considered to be an extensive credential for those who practice Agile. It covers a wide range of Agile frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP) and Test-Driven Design (TDD).

• The Key Point Expertise across multiple agile frameworks.

• Who is it for Project managers team leaders, project managers, and professionals who wish to show their knowledge regarding Agile techniques and principles across all industries?

• Exam Requirements :

• Second degree (high high school diploma, or equivalent).

• 21 hours of Agile-related training.

• A total of 12 months experience in the last five years.

• A total of 8 months of Agile project experience in the last three years.

• Exam Format: 120 multiple-choice questions over 3 hours.

SAFe: Scaled Agile Framework Certification

SAFe certifications are focused specifically on the scaling of Agile principles to larger companies and are provided by Scaled Agile, Inc. The most well-known safe agile certification is SAFe Agilist (SA). In contrast to PMI-ACP SAFe is a specialist in implementing Agile on an enterprise scale which allows organizations to coordinate teams and portfolios, programs, and other elements efficiently.

• Main Focus The idea of scaling agile across departments, teams and even entire companies.

• Who is it for Professionals who are involved in massive-scale Agile transformations, such as Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches Portfolio Managers, Scrum Masters and executives?

• Exam Requirements :

• Successful completion of a SAFe course.

• Experience with Agile principles.

• Exam Format: 45 multiple-choice questions over 90 minutes.

Key Differences Between PMI-ACP and SAFe

Benefits of Each Certification

Benefits of PMI-ACP

1. The Broad Knowledge Base pmi-acp includes a variety of Agile frameworks, which makes it a perfect choice for professionals looking to be flexible in their method of working.

2. World Recognition PMI certifications are recognized internationally increasing your credibility in all sectors.

3. Career advancement It demonstrates a deep understanding of Agile practices which makes you a top candidate for Agile jobs.

Benefits of SAFe

1. Enterprise-level impact SAFe enables you with the ability to oversee large-scale Agile transformations and align strategies with the execution.

2. The demand for HTML0 in large Companies as more organizations adopt SAFe, the certified are highly sought-after for leadership positions.

3. Team alignment offers methods and tools to help synchronize multiple teams working on difficult projects.

Choosing the Right Certification for 2025

The choice between PMI-ACP or SAFe will depend on your goals for your career, the business, and the organizational context. Let's take a look:

Choose PMI-ACP If:

1. You need to be flexible and work in different sectors.

2. Your company uses a variety of Agile structures, but not only Scrum or SAFe.

3. You're seeking roles such as Scrum Manager or Agile Project Manager and Product Owner.

4. You're interested in internationally recognized certifications that prove the breadth of your knowledge.

Choose SAFe If:

1. You are employed (or intend to work) within a large corporation which is going through an Agile transformation.

2. Your goal is to be a leader such as Release Train Engineer, Agile Coach and Portfolio Manager.

3. Your company is using or planning to implement the SAFe framework.

4. You're looking to be a specialist in coordinating multiple teams around corporate-level objectives.

Industry Trends and Job Market Relevance in 2025

PMI-ACP Job Market Insights

• The number of roles that require PMI ACP is growing across all industries, including finance, IT, healthcare manufacturing, and finance.

• The adoption of agile continues to increase for startups and smaller teams This makes PMI-ACP an excellent choice for flexibility.

SAFe Job Market Insights

• The need for safe agile certification professionals is growing, particularly for large corporations with complex organizational structures.

• SAFe certifications are more often mentioned in job ads for roles such as Agile Program Manager, Portfolio Manager as well as Agile Coach.

Certification Costs and Renewal Requirements

PMI-ACP:

• Exam Fee Cost: $45 for PMI members and $495 for non-members.

• Renewal Renew: Earn 30, PDUs in every three years.

SAFe:

• Training Fee: varies by the course the instructor (typically $600-$1,000).

• Exam Fee: In the cost of the course.

• Renewal: $100 annually renewal cost.

Conclusion: Which Certification Should You Pursue?

Both the PMI-ACP as well as safe agile certification offer distinct strengths and can be used to help you choose different career pathways.

• If you're looking to have flexibility and a comprehensive knowledge of Agile frameworks, PMI-ACP is the best choice.

• If you're in or seeking enterprise environments with large-scale Agile deployments SAFe offers the clear benefit of.

In 2025, as companies grow and evolve, both certifications will have the same value. The most important thing is to ensure that your choice is in line with your professional goals and the requirements of your field. By obtaining the appropriate certification you will be able to establish yourself as an expert in an Agile market and excel in a constantly changing market.

Check Out This Blog : Top Salesforce Certifications in 2025: A Complete Roadmap

FAQ

Q1. What is better, PMP or SAFe Agile?

Ans. The Leading SAFe certification is recommended for those with foundational Agile knowledge who want to understand how to apply Agile principles on a larger scale. PMP certification is ideal for professionals involved in project management across various industries.

Q2. Is PMI-ACP worth doing?

Ans. Pursuing a PMI-ACP certification is a significant leap towards futureproofing one's career in project management. It positions professionals not just for current job opportunities but prepares them to excel in future roles that demand agility, flexibility, and a deep understanding of complex project dynamics.

Q3. Is SAFe Agile in demand?

Ans. According to Gartner SAFe is the no. 1 most considered and adopted framework for scaling Agility. According to SAFe Careers Snapshop 2024 report, over 1.4 million people have received the SAFe training! Clearly, that number shows the increasing demand and popularity of the SAFe certifications.

Q4. Is it difficult to pass PMI ACP?

Ans. How Hard is the PMI-ACP Exam? The pmi-acp exam is not as difficult as the PMP exam, however, it does require a broad range of knowledge, a familiarity with the topics, and an ability to answer questions quickly.

Q5. Is it worth doing SAFe Agile certification?

Ans. Yes, regardless of the company's size ranging from small to large, or even start-ups, they could gain from SAFe certification. It offers frameworks for Agile, improving the alignment of teams, and delivering organisational value, all of which are critical for growth.