Created: 24 November 2021

Last Updated: 28 July 2023

What Does It Mean to Be SAFe Certified? SAFe Certification

Lean-Agile enterprises want to know that their potential hires are trained and able to do work. A SAFe certified candidate has credibility. Here are the details

Keyword(s): safe certified, safe certification, safe agile certification

In a global market, every edge counts when you’re trying to accelerate time-to-market and enhance customer experiences. Many companies have turned to agile frameworks to help them improve their development speed and quality.

This means learning how to work in an agile environment can improve your career prospects, both in terms of salary and job opportunities. Becoming SAFe certified shows your commitment to the framework and that you can handle a role in an agile environment.

But what does it mean to be SAFe certified? How do you get it, what’s involved, and how do you benefit? Let’s take a look at this globally recognized designation and what it can mean for your career.

What Is SAFe?

SAFe is an acronym for Scaled Agile Framework, which is certified by Scaled Agile, Inc. It’s the leading framework in use today with more than a third (1) of companies around the world deploying it in some fashion.

The SAFe method integrates lean and agile principles within a structure of workflow patterns for companies to follow. The goal is to make it easy for companies to scale agile across their organization to meet project and strategic goals. While it started in the software development world, you’ll find the concept applied in many different departments these days at enterprise and government agency alike.

Companies turn to SAFe because it provides a well-documented and proven framework for running projects. The structure provides a people-centric view focused on delivering quality products and a clear structure for roles and events.

What Is SAFe Certification?

SAFe’s professional certification is a means of assessing the skills, knowledge, and mindset of those who work in agile environments. Certified professionals have shown their ability to support company initiatives and transformations in a lean and agile enterprise.

To get certified, you have to pass a special test to show you understand the SAFe principles as they relate to your role. These certifications can build on each other as they come in three levels:

• Foundational
• Intermediate
• Advanced

There are specific courses you are required to take before you can sit for the exam, most of which are now available online. These include SAFe for Architects, Advanced Scrum master, and project management. For most exams, you also have to have work experience in specific areas before you can sit for the test.

The focus of the exams is on showing you have the skills and knowledge to perform the job. Beyond the course, you’re encouraged to read recommended books and tap into videos and other resources to study.

The certification process works as follows:

• Attend the course required for the exam
• Study with the materials provided
• Take the practice test
• Take the exam
• Join the SAFe community

Who Gets SAFe Certified

If you’re already working in the SCRUM and agile world, you have likely considered SAFe certification as a means of moving up the career ladder. With more than 1,000,000 (2) people trained in SAFe, it’s a stable career path to take.

Because there are so many different types of certification, a wide range of people who work in different roles might go for certification. Which you choose will depend on the job you do, will do, or want to be doing after you get certified.

For many roles, certification can make the difference in whether you get the job or not. It gives employers a sense of security to know the person they hire has proven their ability to do the job.

If you are or want to be a SCRUM master, there are two different certifications depending on your current level of experience. For product owners, there is a specific certification just for you.

For members of a development team, the practitioner certification guides you to understand your role within a large-scale agile environment.

SAFe even has certifications targeted to those at the manager, director, or executive level. These courses and certificates are designed to help people in those roles understand the framework from a management perspective so they can manage the company’s agile strategy.

Benefits of Certification

Because most people getting certified are trying to advance their careers, SAFe is a popular choice of certification as it is globally recognized. The name SAFe gives you immediate credibility as most employers recognize the value of the SAFe certification process.

Certification almost guarantees you will be able to get a higher salary package no matter where you work. In fact, you might find your work prospects grow as you will be in higher demand and have access to the SAFe community to network. Any job that requires certification will now be open to you, and you’ll be able to add a digital badge to your resume to show your achievement.

Begin Your SAFe Study Today

If you’re interested in becoming SAFe certified and advancing your career, you have a lot of options with different types of certifications and training courses. Your choice should be dictated by the career path you plan to take and where you have weaknesses to shore up or knowledge gaps to overcome.

Today, it’s easier than ever to get the SAFe coursework out of the way as we have started to offer most of our coursework online. Contact us to talk to our team about which certification is right for you and which course you need to complete to sit for the exam.

External resources:
1. State of Agile https://stateofagile.com/#ufh-i-615706098-14th-annual-state-of-agile-report/7027494
2. SCALED AGILE, INC https://scaledagileframework.com/about/

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Advised Skills Research Team - Blog Author 
The Advised Skills Research Team is a professional group dedicated to investigating and publishing information on the latest trends in technology and training.
This team delves into emerging advancements to provide valuable insights, empowering individuals and organizations to stay ahead.
Their work significantly contributes to the ever-evolving landscape of technological education and workforce development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)

1. What exactly is SAFe?
SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) is a technique for scaling agile processes in large businesses. It provides a structure for aligning teams, organising activities, and facilitating the delivery of customer value through iterative development.

2. What are SAFe's fundamental values?
Four essential values comprise SAFe: alignment, built-in quality, transparency, and programme execution. These ideals create a shared understanding of how teams should interact to achieve success and how work should be approached.

3. What are the essential SAFe components?
Agile teams, Agile Release Trains (ARTs), Program Increment (PI) Planning, Solution and System Demo, and Inspect and Adapt events are critical components of SAFe. Together, these components constitute an integrated approach to agile development.

4. What are the advantages of SAFe implementation?
Implementing SAFe can bring a variety of benefits to organisations, including enhanced team communication and alignment, higher productivity and quality, enhanced work visibility, and the capacity to deliver customer value more quickly.

5. How can organisations begin implementing SAFe?
Organizations can get started with SAFe by familiarising themselves with the methodology and its core components. They can then evaluate their present procedures and discover improvement opportunities. SAFe training and coaching can also facilitate the adoption of the concept by teams and organisations.