Scaled Agile Framework is a core factor of institutional and project design for many big organizations today, and it is a great investment for the future of both the organization and the individual today. SAFe is certified by the widely recognized Scaled Agile Inc. institution which is also a very trusted and reliable source for certification and skill assessment in the job market. This certification is the foundation for smooth Lean-Agile transformation at the enterprise level with the help of professionals adept with practical skills and recognizable experience.

SAFe certification path is a stepping stone in Agile development as it trains you in theoretical concepts of Agile as well as real-time issues and risks that may arise in the project. The variety of courses offered by them for different job positions are proof of the scope of the field and the reach of this certification in the field. These job positions are the requirement of every big organization today as they constitute an effective organizational structure and healthy work culture, which is proven by research as well. As said by the CEO of Scaled Agile Inc. Chris James at Global SAFe Summit 2020, 93% of businesses who worked with a fully functioning Agile framework during the pandemic were more successful than the ones who didn’t.

The learning path to SAFe can be tricky, especially if you don’t have much previous experience, and that is why choosing the right certification for you is very important. Having a little knowledge in the field comes in very handy when you are making this choice, and that is why you should do a little bit of research before making a selection that can benefit you for a long time in your career.
 

Benefits of SAFe:
 

The Scaled Agile framework has been a successful model that has combined the best practices of Lean and Agile to create a system that is up to date with the needs of the market today. Lean-Agile transformation on different levels is made easy with SAFe and with improved communication and collaboration, the entire process is rapid and smoother.

One of the most important things hampering the productivity of enterprises today is their inability to adapt and become more fluid with the needs of the times. A strictly hierarchical structure has proven to deliver more inefficient results in the long run. SAFe, on the other hand, promotes a fluid and flexible work culture that improves the skills of the individual and the productivity of the organization.

With SAFe, the planning, inspection, implementation, execution, and delivery, all parts of working become much quicker and budget-friendly. Effective planning and execution is a big part of reducing financial strain and resource management, which leads the company to focus and enhance the quality of the product. The consistent pattern of testing and threat detection creates a system that is alert and competent at every stage. This feedback system is very effective in the management of big projects because the work is organized and leaves room for threat detection in time without compromising on product delivery.
 

SAFe certification courses:
 

Scaled Agile Framework offers a variety of certifications catering to the needs of individuals and projects. Every project requires individuals with a specific set of skills and knowledge who are capable of handling specific jobs. The different SAFe certifications train you in all of these areas and give you clarity in terms of your career preference and skillset.

These certifications also create an organized system where everyone knows what they are supposed to do and strive to get better in their chosen field. It is a method to validate your skills through a process that is credible and trusted by organizations for its competencies.
 

The certifications offered by SAFe are:
 

• Certified SAFe Agilist
• Certified SAFe Agile Product Manager
• Certified SAFe Lean Portfolio Manager
• Certified SAFe Architect
• Certified SAFe Agile Software Engineer
• Certified SAFe Government Practitioner
• Certified SAFe DevOps Practitioner
• Certified SAFe Program Consultant
• Certified SAFe Release Train Engineer
• Certified SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager
• Certified SAFe Advanced Scrum Master
• Certified SAFe Scrum Master
• Certified SAFe Practitioner

As the name suggests, these certifications test your skills in different areas of software development and project management in a Lean-Agile environment. The courses about management such as Product Manager or Portfolio Manager focus on strategizing and operation using Lean-Agile principles and eventually create a better system of governance that is more feasible and visionary. A SAFe Architect builds a system for effective operation and increased productivity, and a SAFe Software Engineer uses their skills to code and builds applications in an Agile environment. A SAFe Government Practitioner is any individual using their skills for development in a government organization. A SAFe DevOps Practitioner is trained in the effective use of Continuous Delivery Pipeline that enhances the quality of the product. A SAFe Program Consultant guides the teams throughout the project management and constantly suggests ways to make the work environment better and productive. A SAFe Release Train Engineer is focused on relentless improvement and proper execution with reduced risks. A SAFe Product Manager analyses market trends and categorises the need for improvement in the project. A SAFe Scrum Master plans PIs and works on collaboration between different Agile teams. And a SAFe Practitioner is a professional that manages Agile teams and constantly works for relentless improvement. All of these certifications are equally competent and it is up to you to see what suits you best.
 

Key aspects of Learning SAFe:
 

The SAFe methodology is a very holistic and competent way of learning Agile and its techniques. All the SAFe certifications introduce the basic theoretical concepts such as the Agile principles and core values and give the build applications of working in an Agile environment. SAFe is focused on delivering better business results through improved client relations, happier employees, and increased productivity at every step of the way.

Learning the ways of SAFe requires fluency in the different areas of the Agile methodology such as Lean-Agile Leadership, DevOps, Lean Portfolio management, etc. It operates on different levels of Team, Program, and Portfolio and creates an iterative method of management. The learning path for SAFe is a collaborative knowledge of SAFe techniques and the execution of them in real-time.
 

How to opt for a SAFe certification?
 

To choose a SAFe certification that suits you the best, you should know the field, the certifications it offers, and its scope in the industry today. Once you have an idea of which field you want to pursue, you can go through the course description for all the certifications and choose the one that suits you the best. All the certifications on the SAFe website explain in detail the job description, the target audience, and the competency areas which enable the candidate to make the right choice. The SAFe certification needs to be renewed every year.

In the current pandemic situation, many organizations have transformed to Agile and have witnessed a rising graph in productivity as well as customer relations. The focus on growth and effective leadership has made Agile the top preference for enterprises, and organizations today prefer professionals who are credibly certified in Agile. SAFe certification adds value and recognition to your skills as an Agile professional and introduces you to the latest trends in the market. It facilitates your growth as a professional and will come in handy if you are looking for a long time career in the industry.
 

Value of SAFe Certification today:
 

According to the 3rd Annual State of Agile Marketing Report, Agile has been adopted by 41% of marketers already. From the rest of the population, 42% aim to adopt it soon. The value of Agile in the job market today can be assessed by this very fact. With an increased dependency on Agile, the jobs for people who are certified in Agile are also increasing day by day. SAFe certification captures almost 35% of the market share and it’s only an increasing trend. So, it holds much value for any individual or organization and adds weight to your resume. It is the best time to go for a SAFe certification today and gain skills that will be useful in many different job positions in the industry.