SAFe® Courses

SAFe® certifications explained

Scaled Agile offers courses and certifications that equip the SAFe participants and professionals in every SAFe role and through every stage of their learning journey.

We make it simple to get started: Attend a course. Learn, study, and practise. Then get SAFe Certified.

Leading SAFe®

Certified SAFe® Agilist

For leaders of a Lean-Agile change initiative to develop a Lean-Agile Mindset, and apply the principles and practices of the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®). Learn how to lead enterprise transformation that accelerates the flow of value and delivers measurable business outcomes at scale.

SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager

Certified SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager

For Product Management professionals to apply Lean-Agile values and principles and economic prioritisation, and develop skills in writing epics, Capabilities, Features, and user stories within the context of SAFe.

SAFe PO/PMs enable product development flow, drive ART execution, and operate in the enterprise to drive the continuous delivery of value.

SAFe® Scrum Master

Certified SAFe® Scrum Master

For Scrum Masters learning about their role in a SAFe enterprise context. Learn to facilitate Team and ART Level events for successful agile execution, explore Scrum in the context of the entire enterprise, and become a servant leader and coach. SAFe Scrum Masters help Agile Teams to deliver the maximum business value that is achievable through SAFe.

Lean Portfolio Management

Certified SAFe® Lean Portfolio Manager

This is a two-day interactive course that includes an additional one-day Getting Started with LPM workshop. In this course, attendees gain the practical tools and techniques necessary to implement the Lean Portfolio Management functions of Strategy and Investment Funding, Agile Portfolio Operations, and Lean Governance.

SAFe® for Teams

Certified SAFe® Practitioner

For Lean-Agile team members to gain experience as an Agile Team member in a SAFe Agile Release Train (ART). Break down features, write user stories, improve team and train processes, and plan and execute Iterations.

SAFe® Release Train Engineer

Certified SAFe® Release Train Engineer

For SAFe Release Train Engineers (RTEs) to enhance their knowledge and skills as a servant leader and coach, effectively plan and execute a PI Planning event, foster relentless improvement in their enterprise, and continue their learning journey.

SAFe RTEs can facilitate and enable end-to-end value delivery through ARTs and large solutions in an enterprise SAFe environment.

SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master

Certified SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master

For SAFe® Scrum Masters or equivalent responsible for program execution. Learn scalable engineering, DevOps practices, and facilitate cross-team interactions in support of program execution and relentless improvement in an enterprise environment. SAFe® Advanced Scrum Masters develop a systems view of the Scrum Master role in an enterprise with a focus on integrated practices for facilitating teams in larger Agile applications.

SAFe® DevOps

Certified SAFe® DevOps Practitioner

The two-day, interactive SAFe® DevOps course helps people across technical, non-technical, and leadership roles work together to optimise their value stream from end to end. Attendees will learn what DevOps is, why it is important to every role, and design a continuous delivery pipeline that is tailored to their business.

SAFe® for Architects

Certified SAFe® Architect

The SAFe® for Architects course prepares Architects to engage across the organisation as effective leaders and change agents. During this three-day course, attendees explore the roles, responsibilities, and mindset of Agile Architects, learn how to align architecture with business value and drive continuous flow to large systems-of-systems while supporting SAFe ART execution.

Agile Product Management

Certified SAFe® Agile Product Manager

Define a vision, strategy, and roadmap to tap into new markets. Get fast feedback and deliver exceptional products and solutions that delight while aligning with your organisation’s strategy, portfolio, evolving architecture, and solution intent.

Why choose QA for SAFe® training?

Looking to implement SAFe® in your organisation? We are a SAFe Gold Partner and facilitate the adoption of SAFe for clients looking to achieve business agility at scale. Read more below or get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements

What do clients get from our partnership?

  • We offer training programs that lead to certifications or accreditations. These credentials can validate the skills and expertise of individuals within the client's organisation, adding value to their professional development.
  • As a training provider we offer flexibility in our delivery methods. This flexibility enables clients to choose the most suitable format for their employees.
  • Learners benefit from training programs delivered by industry experts and experienced trainers. QA trainers bring real-world knowledge and practical insights to the learning experience.
  • A partnership with QA can support a culture of relentless improvement and growth mindset within the client's organisation. This is crucial for staying current with industry trends and evolving technologies.

What do we offer?

  • As a SAFe Gold Partner, QA facilitates transformative journeys for clients seeking to achieve business agility at scale.
  • We have a proven track record of working with clients through the SAFe implementation roadmap.
  • We have collaborated with clients as they are undertaking discovery and assisted in sculpting their tailored SAFe implementation strategy.
  • Subsequently, we have delivered accredited training courses to elevate all team members on the ART and to align stakeholders toward shared objectives.
  • Beyond training, our commitment extends to ongoing support, and we have guided clients to evolve into self-sustaining SAFe partners.
  • Embracing this holistic approach, we help empower organisations to adopt and internalize SAFe practices, fostering lasting business agility.

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SAFe® FAQs

What is SAFe?

SAFe, or the Scaled Agile Framework, is a set of organisation and workflow patterns intended to guide enterprises in scaling lean and agile practices. It was developed by Scaled Agile, Inc. and is designed to provide a flexible, comprehensive, and adaptable model for product development, particularly in large organisations with multiple teams.

SAFe combines principles from agile software development, lean product development, and system thinking. It focuses on aligning strategy and execution, fostering collaboration across all levels of an organisation, and delivering value to customers in the shortest sustainable lead time. The framework is structured in several levels - Team, Program, Large Solution, and Portfolio - each addressing different aspects of the organisation's workflow and strategy.

SAFe is not just limited to software development; it can be applied to various types of product development and organisational contexts. Its modular approach allows organisations to adopt parts of the framework that are relevant to their needs and scale up as necessary. SAFe emphasises continuous improvement, leadership competency, and promotes a culture of innovation and agility across the enterprise.

Do I need to take an exam to become SAFe certified?

Yes, your first exam attempt is included as part of the course registration fee if the exam is taken within 30 days of course completion.

What are the benefits of SAFe for businesses?

The adoption of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) can bring several significant benefits to businesses, especially large organizations with complex structures and multiple teams. These benefits include:

 

1. Improved Alignment and Coordination: SAFe helps align the strategy and execution across various levels of an organization. This is particularly crucial in large enterprises where teams and departments can often work in silos. By fostering better alignment, businesses can ensure that all efforts are directed towards common organizational goals.

2. Increased Productivity and Quality: SAFe's emphasis on lean-agile principles aids in streamlining processes, reducing waste, and improving workflow efficiency. This leads to an increase in productivity and a higher quality of deliverables. Regular iteration and feedback loops also ensure continuous improvement in products and processes.

3. Faster Time-to-Market: By optimizing workflows and improving coordination among teams, SAFe can significantly reduce the time it takes to bring products to market. This faster delivery cycle is vital in industries where market demands, and technological advancements are rapidly evolving.

4. Enhanced Flexibility and Responsiveness: SAFe's agile principles enable businesses to respond more quickly and effectively to changing market conditions, customer needs, and emerging technologies. This agility is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.

5. Better Risk Management: The framework's iterative approach allows for early detection and resolution of issues, reducing the potential risks associated with product development.

6. Increased Employee Engagement and Morale: SAFe's collaborative and transparent approach can lead to higher employee engagement. Teams have clear visibility of their contributions towards organizational goals, fostering a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

7. Scalability of Agile Practices: SAFe provides a structured approach to scaling agile practices across large teams and complex projects, something that traditional agile methodologies may not directly address.

8. Cost Efficiency: By reducing redundancies, streamlining processes, and improving resource utilization, SAFe can lead to significant cost savings for organizations over time.

9. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: The focus on delivering value and incorporating customer feedback into every stage of development helps in creating products that better meet customer needs and expectations.

Adopting SAFe can enable businesses, particularly larger enterprises, to effectively scale agile practices, improve alignment and productivity, reduce time-to-market, and respond more swiftly to market changes and customer needs, all while managing risks and enhancing overall employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

How does SAFe differ from other Agile methodologies?

SAFe, or the Scaled Agile Framework, differs from other agile methodologies mainly in its scope and focus on scaling agile practices for large organizations. Here's a comparison with some common agile frameworks and methods to highlight the differences:

Scrum:

Scrum focuses on small teams and is ideally suited for product development where requirements are rapidly changing. It's a framework primarily used by individual teams to manage their work.

SAFe, on the other hand, is designed for enterprise-scale organizations. It extends agile principles beyond single teams, coordinating multiple agile teams within larger strategic themes and aligning them with company goals.

Kanban:

Kanban is a visual workflow management method that emphasises continuous delivery without overburdening the development team. It's flexible and helps teams manage their work in a visual manner but does not prescribe specific roles or ceremonies.

SAFe incorporates Kanban as part of its framework but in a scaled context, aligning multiple teams and workflows and incorporating a broader organizational strategy.

Extreme Programming (XP):

XP focuses on software development, emphasizing technical practices and continuous customer feedback. It's ideal for small to medium-sized teams.

SAFe takes elements from XP (like continuous integration and test-driven development) but applies them in a larger, organizational context, integrating these practices into a comprehensive framework for multiple teams and stakeholders.

Lean Software Development:

Lean principles focus on optimizing efficiency, eliminating waste, and delivering value to the customer. While Lean principles influence many agile methodologies, Lean itself is more a set of principles than a rigid framework.

SAFe incorporates Lean thinking into its structure, focusing on delivering customer value efficiently, but it provides a more structured approach for applying these principles at scale.

In summary, the main difference between SAFe and other agile methodologies is its focus on scaling agile practices for large organizations with multiple teams. It incorporates elements from various agile practices (like Scrum, Kanban, XP, and Lean) and provides a structured approach to aligning these practices with enterprise-level strategies and goals.

Who benefits from becoming SAFe certified?

Business agility relies on people with the expertise to lead successful transformations.

Nearly three-quarters of executives say that “the ability of their people to adapt, reskill, and assume new roles” is their top priority for navigating the future.

SAFe training and professional SAFe certifications can help up-level your skills, empower teams, and bring agility to the day-to-day work of teams.

Why become SAFe certified?

Becoming SAFe certified shows commitment. As a recognised qualification it can give you immediate credibility.

With the increasing popularity of the Scaled Agile Framework and its adoption across various organisations, there’s a growing need for people who can understand this framework and lead transformation.

Our certifications can help individuals thrive as key players within a SAFe organisation and advance in their career in practising, consulting or training others in the framework.