What is SAFe Certification? Key Details & Benefits Explained

Introduction:

If you're in the software development or project management sphere, you must have come across the acronym 'SAFe' at least once. I remember the first time I came across it was during my stint with this giant enterprise that was grappling with trying to align a number of agile teams—and someone had recommended a SAFe as a possible answer. I was quite skeptical in the beginning (one more framework to learn?), but after seeing it in action, I became a believer.

In this all-encompassing guide, I will ensure that you are equipped with all the necessary knowledge pertaining to SAFe certification. Ranging from grasping the fundamentals of what SAFe is to analyzing the distinct pathways of certification, the advantages, and the actual steps needed to achieve certification. This article will provide you with insights, whether you are an individual attempting to further your career or a company contemplating the adoption of SAFe.

While there are multiple certifications available, my goal right now is to provide a deep understanding of what SAFe is. The Scaled Agile Framework or SAFe is a combination of methodology and workflow patterns that aims to assist companies in adopting lean and agile practices. Unlike Scrum and other frameworks that concentrate on team-level agility, SAFe has provisions for ensemble-level, multi-team, program level, and enterprise-level agility.

SAFe was created in 2011 by Dean Leffingwell and his team at Scaled Agile, Inc., which has gone through a number of versions since then. Current version while deals with many new changing business worlds to practitioner needs is the feedback-based SAFe 6.0.

SAFe's core is composed of three basic foundational bodies of knowledge:

• Agile Software Development: that encompasses Scrum, Kanban, and XP practices.
• Lean Product Development: focusing on flow, value stream mapping, and reduction of waste.
• Systems Thinking: which is looking at the entire system when changes are made.

What differentiates SAFe from other agile frameworks is its breadth. It describes an entire system a business can operate on fully, which ranges from execution at the team level to portfolio strategy and organizational governance. All of these are described in an illustrative framework called the "Big Picture", which shows how all the components interact at various levels in the organization.

These foundations should be understood prior to attempting any SAFe certification, as they underpin all of the practices and principles you will be exposed to.

One factor that bewildered me for a while concerning SAFe was that there are so many, sometimes too numerous, certifications. It's not one certification called "SAFe certification". Instead, there is an entire ecosystem of role based certifications tailored to different levels in the organization.

This is a summary of the most sought-after SAFe certifications:

Attendance of a training session and passing a relevant exam is mandatory for obtaining any SAFe certification. Additionally, the certification must be renewed annually, which can be accomplished by accruing a certain number of continuing education credits and paying a fee.

Such a method for attaining certification makes certain that practitioners have up-to-date knowledge of the current trends and practices associated with the framework, which is essential given the pace of change in approach to Agile frameworks.
 

The purpose of this section is to focus on various popular options under the SAFe certification umbrella so that you can assess which ones are suitable for you.

Leading SAFe (SAFe Agilist – SA)

For most individuals, this is the foundational step towards SAFe certification. The Leading SAFe course captures all facets of the Framework and caters to everyone who wishes to comprehend the workings of SAFe. Upon completion of this certification, you will be capable of:

• Spearheading a Lean-Agile makeover.
• Executing SAFe within your business.
• Creating agile teams and programs.
• Managing sizable value streams.

I often recommend starting with the SA certification because you'll appreciate the overview first before delving into a specific role.

SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)

If you already have some knowledge of Scrum or have been taught it and wish to put it into practice in the context of SAFe, then SSM is the certification for you. This course centers on:

• Running and facilitating team events in the context of SAFe
• Supporting program level work
• Resolving roadblocks
• Mentoring agile teams

One of my colleagues came from a traditional Scrum Master position into a SAFe organization, and the SSM certification really helped him make sense of the changes and new responsibilities he faced.

SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)

In the context of SAFe organizations, both a Product Owner and a Product Manager have significant responsibilities. This certification will enable you to:

• Build business value during Program Increments
• Participate in PI Planning Meetings
• Maintain effective backlogs
• Interact with other POs/PMs throughout the organization.

SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE)

This role is sometimes referred to as the "Scrum Master of All Scrum Masters", as the RTE manages the execution and processes at the program level. This more advanced certification enables you to:

• Conduct Program level events such as PI Planning
• Mentor executives, teams, and Scrum Masters
• Manage the program value chain
• Resolve advanced program level issues.

SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)

This is the most comprehensive and distinguished SAFe certification. It is aimed at internal consultants and other change agents who will spearhead SAFe transformations. As an SPC, you are eligible to:

• Teach and certify other people on SAFe frameworks (SA, SSM, POPM)
• Guided transformation of the entire enterprise
• Apply SAFe in multiple value streams
• Mentor business leaders and teams.

I have witnessed the incredible transformation SPCs bring to organizations. They play a dual role of coach and trainer, enabling organizations to develop internal skills and sustainability.
 

Is getting SAFe certified as valuable as it sounds? From my conversations with different professionals and from my own learnings, for a lot of people, especially those already in, or trying to get into enterprise business, the answer is yes.

Personal Benefits

For individuals, getting their SAFe certification can bring about considerable change:

• Career Opportunities: As many professionals have noted, there is a growing number of job vacancies requiring some form of SAFe certification, particularly within large organizations.
• Income Level: Recent reports suggest that having a SAFe certification comes with earning a 15-25% more than non-certified professionals.
• Increased learning opportunities: The training helps cover topics related to scaling agile that otherwise, a lot of professionals might not get during their job.
• Connecting with the professional community: Being part of the SAFe community can bridge gaps between you and other professionals with similar goals.

"Professionally, SAFe has completely transformed my career and life. In the space of six months after passing my SAFe certification exam, I was tapped to lead an agile transformation at a Fortune 500 company with a 30% salary increase." — Sarah K., SAFe Program Consultant

Corporate Advantages

The advantages of having a SAFe certification goes beyond the individual level and looks into optimizing efficiency at the corporate level.

• Shared focus: When a number of team members are certified, it helps provide group cohesion and clear understanding of core agile concepts.
• Improved delivery forecast: There is evidence showing that teams that have undergone SAFe training tend to have less delivery slippage.
• Innovative and collaborative culture: The agility that comes through SAFe results in increased collaboration and innovation, which enhances overall company performance.
• Improved business-IT alignment: With SAFe, its focus on business value assists in unifying the technical and business realms.
• Faster time to market: Organizations report a 20-50% increase in market speed after adopting the SAFe framework.
• Improved quality: Built-in quality practices reduce the number of defects and rework necessary.

After covering the SAFe certification details, let us help you consider whether it is the right choice for you. Check the box next to "yes" if any of the following questions apply:

• Do you work in, or hope to work in, a big company (over 500 employees)?
• Is your applying or already using organization adopting or planning to implement SAFe?
• Are you or are you planning to take up an agile coaching, product management, or leadership role?
• Do you want to know how to scale agile beyond team-level functions?
• Are you interested in transformation at the level of the whole organization?
• Have you practiced team-level agile already?

If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, SAFe certification might be beneficial for you.

Based on your role, here are the suggestions:

• Developers and Team Members: SAFe for Teams (SP) or SAFe DevOps (SDP).
• Scrum Masters: Progression from SSM to SASM seems logical.
• Product Owners: You are catered for with the POPM certification.
• Architects: SAFe for Architects (ARCH) covers technical architecture within SAFe.
• Managers and Directors: SAFe (SA) is what you need for an overarching view.
• Executives: Check out SAFe for Leaders (SL) or Leading SAFe (SA).
• Consultants and Coaches: SPC certification will have the greatest impact from a consulting perspective.

As noted in previous sections, bear in mind that the best certification for you will depend on your particular context, objectives, and organizational requirements.
 

Having one of these certifications can open up a plethora of new career opportunities. The SAFe-certified personnel is very sought after and the trend is predicted to continue growing in areas such as:

• Finance
• Health
• Government
• Telecoms
• Insurance
• Retail

Following is a list of positions that either ask for or expect the candidate to have an SAFe certification as part of the pre-requisites based on their relevance to the industry:

• Agile Coach
• Release Train Engineer
• Program Manager
• Transformation Lead
• DevOps Engineer
• Product Owner/Manager
• Enterprise Architect
• Portfolio Manager

Industry wage differences should be taken into consideration; however, it is true that these professionals are generally compensated in excess to their non-certified counterparts. Some examples include:

• Certified SAFe Agilists (SA) already begin earning 10 to 15% more than their non-certified counterparts
• Train Release Engineers (RTE) earn 20-30 percent more than traditional program managers
• SAFe Program Consultants (SPC) are known to earn over $150,000 in the US market

"For the past two years, SAFe certification has become mandatory for all positions at our company's technology department. The reasoning behind this is that we need to structure positions around such candidates who know how to function in such scaled agile environments." – Fortune 100 company CTO

As for most professionals hoping to climb higher in their career, the ideal route would be:

1. Start with an individual level certification (SSM or POPM)
2. Move on to program level certifications (SASM, RTE)
3. Then, portfolio level (SPPM)
4. Culminate with the SPC certification

This sequential approach enables you to continuously advance your skills and apply your knowledge at each level.
 

If you wish to implement SAFe in your organization after certification, here is a tried and tested roadmap:

1. Train Executives and Leaders First

Guarantee support by enrolling executives and senior leaders in Leading SAFe. This ensures they are onboard and aligned.

2. Identify Value Streams

Map value streams to gauge work and its pace from conception to monetization.

3. Create an Implementation Plan

• Commence with one Agile Release Train (ART)
• Select a value stream that carries significant visibility yet controllable risk.
• Define success metrics before initiation.

4. Build Your SAFe Team

Train individuals for crucial functions:

• Release Train Engineers
• Scrum Masters
• Product Owners
• System Architects

5. Launch Your First ART

Conduct proper PI Planning for the inaugural Program Increment using your first ART.

6. Inspect and Adapt

Conduct Inspect and Adapt workshops to identify improvement opportunities post each PI.

7. Broaden Scope Throughout the Organization

Only after proving success with your initial ART should further expansion to other value streams be attempted.
 

Having a SAFe certification is a valuable asset professionally and to an organization trying to understand the complexities attached to scaling agile practices. As covered in this entire guide, the value is more than just another line for people's CVs, rather having the expertise, professional growth, and the spirit of change backed by knowledge people look forward to.

When thinking of how to get the SAFe certification, do consider the fact that this framework aims to solve difficult problems in tough situations. If your career, or the field you aim for, operates in such circumstances, this investment on certification will have good returns.

For all the fresh learners, I suggest you approach your learning with an open mind and consider what you want to know and what you want to achieve first. Design your certification path based on that.

As a first-time learner or someone looking to build on existing knowledge, I hope this SAFe certification guide is impactful for your learning journey. The path to achieving proficiency in agility may be difficult, however, knowledge and certification will undoubtedly aid you in successfully navigating through it.