The scaled agile framework is chosen by more than 200,000 organizations across the world. With the need for SAFe in the organization, the demand for SAFe-certified professionals continues to rise. The certification boosts one’s professional credibility in the job market, validating credentials and expertise in the field. Understanding the ways to become a SAFe-certified professional is essential for planning your career advancement through certification programs.
What is SAFe?
Understanding the concepts of SAFe before you frame your career goals around it is vital. The companies using the scaled agile framework use specific patterns of workflows according to lean agile principles. SAFe experts play a crucial role in scaling agile into organizations. The scaled agile way derives a successful way to run the project. Everything in the SAFe environment has a clear structure for the roles and responsibilities of project/product managers and team members in developing customer-centric products with uncompromised quality. Earning certification through Leading SAFe training could be your first step in the SAFe journey, and it has a long way to go in building your career.
List of SAFe certifications
There are many SAFe certifications that are useful for different levels of job profiles. After you choose the certification, the certified trainer will teach you both practical and technical knowledge about SAFe, enriching your knowledge and skills about the framework.
SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
The SAFe scrum master certification is designed for scrum masters, enabling them to train the team to deliver value at scale. The course program enforces the skills needed to be an effective scrum master by coaching the team’s work using scrum best practices.
SAFe Agilist (SA)
SAFe agilist certification is for people who want to develop a lean-agile mindset and learn the SAFe implementation at the enterprise level. The SAFe Agilist certification is the right choice for the people involved in handling complex projects and leading SAFe transformations.
SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)
The SAFe POPM certification is specially designed for product owners or product managers. The certification educates you about the specific roles of product owner or manager, giving you a deeper understanding of the scrum and SAFe framework.
SAFe DevOps Practitioner (SDP)
The SAFe DevOps course can be taken by the professional technical and nontechnical team of product development who want to optimize value streams end-to-end and learn more about managing remote teams in distributed environments.
SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC)
SAFe practice consultant certification is for technical experts who want to learn about the SAFe framework. The skills earned through certification help the professionals improve the software development process.
Benefits of SAFe Certification
SAFe certifications differ in the course syllabus for various certification programs. The professionals who have earned SAFe certification will see high demand for their job profile with skills earned through a certification program. Their continuous commitment to ongoing learning will aid your professional development and help you achieve your career goals at the earliest. SAFe courses like Implementing SAFe Training will provide you with a structured way of learning scaled agile frameworks and validating knowledge and skills to earn a managerial position in the SAFe environment. However, make sure you pick the right course program as per the learning objectives of your current job role in the SAFe environment.
How do I become a Certified SAFe Professional?
Know more about SAFe
When exploring your career in SAFe, you need to learn more about the scaled agile framework by enrolling in any of the certifications stated above as per your current job titles and career goals. The SAFe courses give you the skills and expertise needed to scale agile practices across the organization. You should review the requirements and skills learned through the certification program to pick the right option.
Enroll in the Certification Program
Many SAFe certification programs are offered for 2-3 days, and the training institutes offer the certification programs both online and offline. You can choose the mode of the training program as per your learning convenience. Check the syllabus of the SAFe certification program to make sure it is inclusive of both practical and interactive sessions irrespective of the training mode. The hands-on experience you gain through the certification program will boost your career to new heights. Before you choose the training program, make sure it is aiding your learning objectives.
Attend the Exam
Every SAFe certification course you choose to attend is bound to attend the exam to earn the certification course. Once you understand that you have filled your knowledge gaps by attending the course, you have to take the exam to earn the certification that validates your skills and expertise in the field. Any training provider you choose to complete the SAFe certification should offer exam support through study material. Also, check for mock tests to help you identify your understanding of the framework before you take the test to earn the certification. The exam typically comprises questions about SAFe principles, agile practices, lean mindsets, and role-specific practices. The exams are conducted virtually and typically constitute multiple-choice questions where you need to gain a certain percentage to earn the certification.
Earn SAFe Certification
Once you pass the exam, you will earn the certification from Scaled Agile Inc., which holds a validity of a year. Any SAFe certification is subject to renewal each year, for which you need to fulfill certain continuing education requirements. You can renew the certification through the SAFe community platform. Be an active member of the professional community and stay updated with the latest happenings and trends in the SAFe framework by attending further training if needed.
Conclusion
Becoming a certified SAFe professional is a structured process. You need to gain a better understanding of the need for you to attend the SAFe certification along with the prerequisites to enroll in each SAFe certification program. Each SAFe certification, irrespective of its level, needs the individual to pass the exam to earn the certification. Make sure you gain a good understanding of the SAFe concepts in the course to ensure you pass the exam and earn the certification to improve your career prospects in companies adopting the SAFe framework.
