Becoming SAFe certified is a structured process designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to scale Agile practices across the enterprise. The certification path is straightforward but involves several key steps to ensure you’re fully prepared to lead Agile transformations in your organization. Let’s break down the process into five easy-to-follow stages:

Step 1: Choose the Right Certification

Before you begin the process, it’s crucial to select the SAFe certification that best matches your role, career goals, and current expertise. With the launch of SAFe 6.0, there are a variety of certifications to choose from, each designed for different professionals—whether you’re a Scrum Master, Product Owner, Release Train Engineer, or even an executive responsible for scaling Agile practices across your organization.

For example:

• • If you’re new to SAFe and want a foundational understanding, Leading SAFe® is a great starting point.
• • If you’re a Scrum Master, the SAFe® Scrum Master (SSM) certification might be the best fit.
• • For those focused on managing large portfolios, the Lean Portfolio Management (LPM) certification could align with your career path.

The key is to assess your role, responsibilities, and aspirations before settling on a certification. If you’re unsure, my SAFe workshops can help guide you through the decision-making process.

Step 2: Attend a Certified SAFe Course

Once you’ve chosen the right certification, the next step is to attend an official SAFe course. These courses are essential as they provide in-depth training on the SAFe framework, ensuring you not only understand the theory but also how to apply it in a real-world context. Each course is led by a certified SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and includes hands-on activities, case studies, and group discussions.

Depending on your certification, the duration of the course may vary:

• • Leading SAFe® 6.0 (SAFe Agilist): Typically a 2-day course.
• • SAFe Scrum Master (SSM): Also a 2-day course.
• • SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE): More in-depth, often running for 3-4 days.

During the course, you’ll cover essential topics like Lean-Agile leadership, Agile Release Trains (ARTs), portfolio management, and DevOps practices, depending on your certification. These sessions will help you build confidence in applying SAFe principles and equip you to implement them successfully within your organization.

Step 3: Prepare for the Exam

After completing the training, you’ll receive access to the exam portal where you can take the certification exam. But before diving into the test, it’s important to prepare thoroughly. The exam tests not just theoretical knowledge, but also your ability to apply SAFe principles in practical situations.

Here are some key preparation tips:

• • Review the Course Materials: Your course materials will be your best resource for exam preparation. Go over the slides, case studies, and any notes you’ve taken during the course.
• • Access SAFe Community Platform: Upon completion of the course, you’ll gain access to the SAFe community platform, where you can find additional study materials, sample questions, and insights from other learners.
• • Take Practice Exams: Many certified SAFe courses offer practice exams or mock tests. These help you get a feel for the format and type of questions you’ll face on the actual test.
• • Study Guides: Use the official SAFe study guides and any supplementary reading materials provided during your course. Pay close attention to key areas like Lean-Agile principles, the roles and responsibilities of different SAFe certifications, and value stream mapping.

Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam

The SAFe certification exam is administered online through the Scaled Agile website. The exam format may differ depending on the certification you pursue, but most follow a multiple-choice format.

Here are some general exam details for popular certifications:

• • Exam Duration: Most SAFe exams have a time limit of 90 minutes (1.5 hours).
• • Number of Questions: The exam typically consists of 45-60 questions, depending on the certification.
• • Passing Score: The passing score also varies but generally ranges from 70% to 75%.

The exams are open-book, meaning you can refer to your course materials and notes, but keep in mind that time is limited. To succeed, it’s essential that you have a solid grasp of the core concepts and don’t rely too much on looking up information during the test.

Step 5: Get Certified and Advance Your Career

After successfully passing the exam, congratulations—you’re officially SAFe certified! Once you receive your certification, you’ll be listed in the SAFe community directory, where employers can verify your credentials. Additionally, you’ll gain access to the growing SAFe community, which offers opportunities to network with other Agile professionals, share insights, and continue your education in SAFe.

Your certification will remain valid for one year, and you can maintain it by earning continuing education credits (PDUs) or renewing it with Scaled Agile. Staying current with your SAFe certification ensures that you remain at the forefront of Agile transformations as the framework evolves.

Why Register for a Workshop with Me?

As a SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), I take an evidence-based, first-principles approach to teaching the SAFe framework. In my workshops, you won’t just learn how to pass an exam—you’ll learn how to apply these principles effectively in real-world situations. Whether you’re new to SAFe or advancing to a higher certification, I encourage healthy skepticism and will guide you in questioning and understanding the why behind each SAFe practice.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your Agile journey, consider joining one of my upcoming workshops. Together, we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared to pass your certification and thrive in leading Agile transformations within your organization.