Steps to Becoming an SPC

If you have completed the SAFe® course, you have already taken the step toward becoming a Certified SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC). There is a growing demand for several Agile coaches and trainers, especially among the top Global 2000 enterprises. That is why the value of an SPC certification is greater than before. Yet, if you are new to this field, knowing about the basics of becoming an SPC, and other relevant aspects will help you understand the workings of the professional better. This is what we will be looking at in detail below.

Who is an SPC?

A SPC refers to a leading agent who implements the complete SAFe framework within an organization. These certified change agents combine their technical knowledge of SAFe with an intrinsic motivation. This helps them improve the company's specific software, systems, and other Agile business processes. SPCs also play a critical role in the successful implementation of SAFe.

An SPC also leads all levels of an organization through a Lean-Agile transformation at scale. It is usually done through intensive training, coaching, facilitating, and mentoring.

These professionals come from numerous internal or external roles. It includes business and technology leaders, project managers, architects, process leads, analysts, and consultants.

Steps to Becoming an SPC

Getting an SPC certification is your first step to becoming a professional in this field. Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming an SPC:

Enrolling in SPC Certification Training: 

Enroll in the SPC certification training delivered by experienced SAFe® Practice Consultant Trainers (SPCTs) at a reputed training institute such as Simpliaxis. 

Completing the SPC Training: 

All professionals must complete their training in SAFe® to prepare themselves for the exam and the subsequent certification. They can get trained under professionals who have already worked in this field for a long time. 

The training acquaints learners with the necessary training to work and execute functions as an SPC. 

Practicing for the Exam: 

Practice papers and mock tests are a must before attempting the SPC certification exam. You can also ask your training institute for some mock tests before attempting your exam. 

Mock papers can tell you about the exam pattern, questions, and examiner expectations during the exam. This increases your chances of clearing the exam in your first attempt.

Attempting the Exam: 

The certification examination fee for the first attempt comes under the course registration fee. It applies if the exam is taken within 30 days of course completion. Each attempt or retake past the 30-day window costs $250. 

Becoming a Certified SPC: 

You can get the SPC certification from Scaled Agile if you score 75% (45/60) in the exam. This earns you a verified credential to become a certified SPC who can work across various organizations and industries. 

With an SPC certification under your belt, you are now ready to embark on a successful journey to a great career.

Also, check:SPC Certification Process

Skills to Become a SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC)

To excel as a SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) Practice Consultant, it is crucial to possess a comprehensive skill set. Here are the key attributes and abilities required for success in this role:

1. Proficient Teaching Skills in Agile Concepts

Mastery in delivering Agile classes tailored for beginners, ensuring a clear and effective understanding of Agile principles and methodologies.

1. Effective Communication Across Organizational Levels

Strong communication skills that enable seamless interaction with individuals at all organizational levels, fostering collaboration and understanding across departments.

1. Business-IT Alignment Proficiency

The capability to bridge the gap between business and IT perspectives, facilitating a cohesive understanding of organizational objectives and ensuring alignment with IT strategies and initiatives.

1. Emotional Intelligence

Possessing emotional intelligence to navigate and manage interpersonal relationships, empathize with team members, and create a positive and productive work environment.

1. Facilitation Expertise

Adept facilitation skills to guide and lead discussions, workshops, and meetings, promoting collaboration, creativity, and consensus among team members and stakeholders.

1. Agile Process and Workflow Fluency

In-depth knowledge and fluency in Agile processes and workflows, enabling the consultant to navigate complex scenarios, provide informed guidance, and drive successful Agile implementations.

1. Time Management Proficiency

Strong time management skills to efficiently plan and prioritize tasks, ensuring the timely completion of deliverables and milestones within the Agile framework.

Who Should Attend the SPC Course?

The Implementing SAFe (SPC) training or course is designed to provide valuable insights and skills for individuals who play pivotal roles in steering organizational transformation towards Agile practices. This training is particularly beneficial for professionals with the following responsibilities:

Internal Change Agents

 Individuals within the organization who actively drive and champion change, influencing others to embrace Agile methodologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Services Consultants & Coaches

Professionals offering services and guidance to organizations on Agile adoption, equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to coach teams and leaders through the transformation process.

Portfolio Managers & Program Management Office (PMO)

Those responsible for overseeing portfolios and program management, gaining insights into how Agile principles can be effectively applied at the portfolio and program levels to enhance overall organizational performance.

IT Managers, Program Managers, and Leaders

 Leaders in the IT domain, program managers, and individuals responsible for steering teams and initiatives toward Agile methodologies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Enterprise, System, and Solution Architects

 Professionals involved in architectural roles at different levels, learning how to integrate Agile practices into architectural processes and strategies within the broader enterprise context.

Anyone Leading Processes

 Individuals leading various organizational processes who seek to enhance their understanding of Lean-Agile principles and contribute to the successful implementation of Agile programs.

Those Responsible for Agile Program Implementation

Professionals tasked with the responsibility of implementing Agile programs as part of a larger Lean-Agile change initiative within the enterprise.

What are the Advantages of Becoming an SPC?

The SPC certification as well as training looks overwhelming but is completely worth it.  Here are the advantages of pursuing the SPC certification training that will also put your doubts to rest: 

• Transformation Coach: SAFe® is among the top frameworks for business agility. Yet, many find it challenging to achieve it, something that an SPC can help make easier. A consultant can spearhead transformation in several industries. You can hone your skills as a transformational leader if you choose your job wisely.
• Lucrative Job Opportunities: There is a rising demand for Agile trainers and coaches among the top Global 2000 organizations. You can get annual pay hikes and lucrative job opportunities after completing SPC certification. You can also work as an independent consultant and drive several efficient Agile transformations.
• Hone Your Expertise: You get the chance to become part of an elite global community as a certified SAFe® Practice Consultant. It will further help in networking and interaction with your fellow SPCs.
• Global Recognition: Scaled Agile, a global certifying body offers the SAFe® Practice Consultant certification which is valid globally across industries and companies.
• Access to Learning Resources: The SPC can access a global SAFe® community of 10,00,000 individuals engaged in across 20,000 organizations. The SPCs also have access to Agile coaching, SAFe® agile certifications, and performance toolkit resources to drive proper transformations. 

What to Do After Becoming an SPC?

Becoming an SPC places professionals in a huge league. This is because it enables you to 

• Conduct SAFe® certification training classes after getting certified yourself
• Learn, and communicate with all other SPCs within a particular community based on your practice
• Participate in webinars every month to enhance your SAFe® knowledge and earn Professional Development Units (PDUs)
• Access training toolkits and resources to become a proficient agile coach and SAFe® transformation leader 

What are the Responsibilities of an SPC?

SPCs lead change conversations across business departments as well as organizational hierarchies. They must speak with knowledge and competence to be effective in team discussions. Here are the responsibilities of an SPC that you must know: 

• Exhibit the Lean-Agile Mindset: Every SPC must lead the way to help others achieve a Lean-Agile Mindset. This will be a continuous journey for all the SPCs who wish to take it. SAFe SPCs model the principles of Lean Thinking as well as the Agile Manifesto in daily interactions.
• Showcase the SAFe Core Values: SPCs showcase a common value system and inspire others to the same beliefs by exemplifying respect for alignment, transparency, people, and relentless improvement.
• Utilize SAFe Principles: SPCs internalize SAFe Principles and use them to initiate and sustain conversations inspiring change. They sense the issues that hinder agility and help clearly communicate the principles that inform transformed practices.
• Communicate The Vision for Change: SPCs guide teams at multiple levels throughout the organization, and handle the cycles of change. These professionals partner with enterprise leaders to coach leaders to communicate effectively.
• Maintain Guiding Coalition: SPCs help organizations utilize the LACE and Value Management Office (VMO). These professionals further help identify the proper individuals for those organizations. SPCs also encourage emerging members of both groups to become future SPCs to understand the transformation process entirely.
• Maintain the Transformation Backlog: SPCs, the LACE, and the VMO, align on transformation backlogs. This enables a shared vision for the required changes to improve flow, grow role-based competencies, advance skills, and grow mindset.
• Launch Exemplar Communities of Practice (COPs): SPCs form a CoP to share knowledge and support each other within the same community. These professionals also help create and enhance other CoPs. They also enable collaborative environments that enable organizations to learn and retain top talent.

What Courses can SPCs Teach and Where?

You are authorized to teach all kinds of public in-person courses if you are an Independent SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC). However, you should not be associated with a Partner Organization. There is a restriction here which is that you cannot advertise these public trainings on the SAI's training calendar. It is because all the advertised public courses are reserved for the Gold, Silver and Platinum Partners of Scaled Agile. 

Hence, you are not authorized to publish on SAI's training calendar if you are not a part of these partners. You are also authorized to hold private courses remotely as an independent SPC. You can also train individuals in person. 

Conclusion

SPCs must be trained for their new role. These professionals must also be certified to be enabled to train others. They need to acquire the tools and skills to execute their responsibilities. It is how the SPCs learn to coach and teach others to implement the change. So, how do you do this? The best way is to implement SAFe with the SPC certification classes. This particular four-day course prepares aspiring SPCs to become the change agents for efficient transformation. 

FAQs

Why should I choose SPC Certification Training?

Holding the Implementing SPC Certification Training shows your proficiency in implementing SAFe Framework, lean thinking, and Product development flow principles within an organization. SAFe® Certification helps with career enrichment and an attractive salary.

How much does Implementing SPC Certification Training cost?

The first exam attempt for an SPC is included as part of the course registration fee. This applies if the particular exam is taken within 30 days of the specific course completion. Each retake attempt for the same costs $250.

Do I need to renew my SPC certifications?

Yes, you need to renew the SAFe certification annually.

What is the process for Implementing SPC with Certification renewal?

Implementing SAFe® Certification Training is valid for one year. It also includes membership in the SAFe® Community Platform. Individuals may renew their certification in the first year itself.

What is the pattern, duration, and format of the SAFe® Practice Consultant exam?

The SAFe® Certification exam is an online test comprising of different questions. The candidates have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the exam once it begins.

How to download SPC Certification after completing the particular examination?

Download and print the SPC Certification Certificate from the Manage Profile -> Professional Development -> Certifications/Programs tab.