The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) has become one of the most popular frameworks for implementing Agile practices. Most of the organizations are adopting SAFe Framework to improve efficiency, collaboration, and delivery. Significantly becoming a certified SAFe professional can enhance your career aspects and can improve organizational growth.
Steps to become a SAFe Certified professional
1. Understand the SAFe and its Benefits
Before going into the certification process, be familiar with the SAFe principles, practices, and benefits. SAFe framework helps organizations scale Agile practices across teams, portfolios, and departments. The SAFe Certified professionals are equipped with transformations and are high in demand in the industries like IT, healthcare, finance.
2. Identify the Right SAFe Certification for Your Career Goals
SAFe Frameworks offers different certifications based on the roles and responsibilities. Here are some of the quite popular certifications of SAFe Frameworks:
SAFe Agilist (SA): SAFe Agilist Certification is a foundational certification of SAFe Framework. To earn this certification one needs to complete Leading SAFe Training.
SAFe Scrum Master (SSM): This certification is ideal for scrum masters, focusing on the team level implementation of SAFe framework.
SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM): This certification is designed for Product owners/Product managers managing backlogs and delivering values.
SAFe Lean Portfolio Management (LPM): This certification is mainly focused on aligning strategies with execution across portfolios.
SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM): This certification is designed for experienced scrum masters, who are ready to enhance their skills in the SAFe framework.
Choosing the right certification that matches your role and career development needs is important.
3. Meet the Prerequisites
To enroll with SAFe Certification, there are no prerequisites. But it is beneficial if you have following:
- Basic understanding of Agile methodologies and practices.
- Having experience in the Agile organisation.
- Knowledge of lean thinking.
Some certifications like SAFe Agilist certification, should have a 5+ years of professional experience
4. Enroll in a SAFe Training Course
To Get the SAFe Certification, one must attend the training like SAFe POPM Training, SASM Training, or others which is given by the SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC). These training sessions are typically of 2 or 4 days.
Key benefits of the SAFe courses Training
- Understand about the SAFe principles and practices.
- Gain hands-on experience in real life case studies.
- Interact with trainers for a better understanding of the key topics.
5. Study for the Certification Exam
After completion of the training, you will be getting access to the SAFe community which includes study guides, practises tests, and any additional resources if required. Here are some of the tips to study for the exam:
Review course material: Go through the notes from the training sessions.
Utilize SAFe resources: Study the official guides of the SAFe principles and practices for the better understanding.
Take practice exams: By taking practice exams you will be familiar with the exam format and question types.
6. Pass the Exam
The SAFe certification exams are web based exams and have multiple-choice questions. To achieve the certification you should pass the exam (typical score of passing the exam is 70-80%) depending on the certification.
7. Earn and Maintain Your Certification
Once you pass the exam, you will become a certified SAFe professional. These certified professionals have the following:
- A digital badge to showcase the achievement
- Access to SAFe community platform for one year.
- Opportunities to network with other SAFe certified professionals.
To maintain this certification, you will need to renew it every year by paying the fee.
Conclusion
Becoming a certified SAFe professional is a productive experience that positions you as a leader in the agile organization. By following the above steps, you will be equipped with advanced career aspects and contribute to the organization’s success. Enroll today and join the fast growing SAFe community.