Agile practices continue to evolve, and the release of SAFe® 6.0 has brought in a few subtle but important changes. One of the most discussed updates is the shift from “ScrumXP” to “SAFe Scrum.” While the core principles remain consistent with Agile values, SAFe has refined its approach to team practices, roles, and event guidelines.
Here, you’ll dive deeper into these updates, understand what has changed, and explore how they affect teams within an Agile Release Train (ART). You’ll also look at why proper Scrum training is essential for organizations and how institutes like HelloSM, one of the top training institutes for Scrum in India, can guide professionals in mastering these practices.
What is SAFe Scrum in SAFe® 6.0?
According to SAFe 6.0, “SAFe Scrum is an Agile method used by teams within an ART (Agile Release Train) to deliver customer value in a short time box.” SAFe Scrum teams rely on iterations, Kanban systems, and Scrum events to plan, execute, demonstrate, and improve their work. Previously, SAFe used the term “ScrumXP,” which combined Scrum and Extreme Programming (XP) practices like continuous integration, pair programming, and test-driven development. In the latest version, SAFe has simplified the terminology by moving away from “XP” and focusing on SAFe Scrum.
Key Differences Between ScrumXP and SAFe Scrum in SAFe® 6.0
Let’s look at the most notable changes and what they mean for Agile teams:
Removing “XP”
The term “XP” is no longer used. Instead, SAFe has absorbed XP practices into other areas of the framework. For example, pair programming or continuous integration isn’t abandoned, it’s simply embedded into broader Agile practices. This change mainly reduces confusion in terminology without significantly altering how teams actually work.
Team Size Recommendations
SAFe 6.0 now aligns with the Scrum Guide 2020. The recommended team size is “no more than 10 people.” Previously, SAFe 5.X recommended teams of 5 to 11 members. The update removes the lower limit of five, which implies teams could work effectively even with fewer than five members, depending on the context. This adds flexibility but should be applied with caution, smaller teams may face skill gaps.
Daily Stand-up is Not Strictly Daily
This is one of the most debated changes. The Daily Stand-up (or Daily Scrum) is no longer mandated to happen every single day. SAFe 6.0 describes it as happening “about daily.” This flexibility allows teams to adapt the frequency to their context. However, the risk is that teams may misuse this freedom and meet only once or twice a week, turning it into a status update meeting rather than a collaboration-driven discussion. Mature teams may manage with slightly less frequency, but beginners should still hold daily stand-ups to maintain focus and accountability.
Scrum Master Becomes “Scrum Master/Team Coach”
The Scrum Master role has been expanded in description to emphasize coaching. Instead of viewing the Scrum Master as a meeting facilitator or tool administrator, SAFe 6.0 defines them more as a Team Coach. This reinforces their responsibility to:
- Foster Agile principles.
- Remove impediments.
- Guide the team toward self-organization.
- Strengthen collaboration across teams.
This is a welcome clarification, as many organizations underutilize their Scrum Masters by restricting them to administrative tasks.
Timebox Clarifications
Some timeboxes for events (like Iteration Planning or Retrospectives) differ between SAFe and the Scrum Guide. These adjustments ensure that events scale smoothly when multiple teams operate within an Agile Release Train (ART). Should You Care About These Changes? The answer depends on where your organization is in its Agile journey: If you’re already practicing SAFe (5.X or earlier): These updates are mostly refinements. You don’t need to make drastic shifts, but understanding the new flexibility around daily meetings and team sizes will help
If you’re just starting with SAFe 6.0: It’s easier for new teams to adopt the updated terminology and practices directly, without unlearning old methods. If you’re scaling Agile across multiple teams: The clarified timeboxes and emphasis on coaching will help align large groups better.
Why Proper Training Matters?
While frameworks like SAFe provide structure, the real success lies in applying them correctly. Many organizations make the mistake of picking and choosing practices without understanding their purpose, which reduces agility and quality. This is where professional Scrum training becomes invaluable. Institutes like HelloSM, the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad, ensure that Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and team members deeply understand the framework. With expert guidance, organizations can:
- Avoid common pitfalls.
- Customize SAFe to their unique context.
- Accelerate Agile adoption.
If you are looking for the top training institute for Scrum in India, HelloSM is a trusted choice for both individuals and enterprises.
The transition from ScrumXP to SAFe Scrum in SAFe 6.0 is not a radical shift but a refinement. It simplifies terminology, aligns with the Scrum Guide, and emphasizes the coaching role of Scrum Masters. For organizations, the key takeaway is not to blindly follow every update but to understand how these practices impact team collaboration, product quality, and delivery speed. Engaging with the best Scrum training institute can help ensure that these updates strengthen not weaken your Agile journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SAFe Scrum?
SAFe Scrum is an Agile method within SAFe® 6.0 where teams deliver value through iterations, Kanban, and Scrum events while working in Agile Release Trains.
Why did SAFe remove the term “ScrumXP”?
XP practices like continuous integration and pair programming were integrated into other areas of the framework, making the terminology simpler.
What is the recommended team size in SAFe 6.0?
Teams should ideally have 10 or fewer members, aligning with the Scrum Guide 2020.
Do teams need to conduct Daily Stand-ups every day?
SAFe 6.0 describes them as “about daily,” giving teams flexibility. However, daily collaboration is still recommended, especially for new teams.
How has the Scrum Master role changed in SAFe 6.0?
The Scrum Master is now also referred to as a Team Coach, highlighting their responsibility to coach, mentor, and guide the team rather than just facilitate events.
Is SAFe Scrum different from traditional Scrum?
Yes, SAFe Scrum adapts Scrum practices to a larger enterprise context, with some differences in event timeboxes and scaling approaches.
Do existing teams need to change immediately to SAFe 6.0?
Not necessarily. If your teams are working effectively, you can gradually adopt the new practices.
Where can I get the best Scrum training in India?
You can join HelloSM, among the top training institutes for Scrum in India, for expert guidance and certification.