Did you know the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) has been adopted by over 20,000 organizations worldwide, with approximately 1,000,000 individuals utilizing its principles and practices? Agile methodologies are the prominent approach to improving productivity, efficiency, and adaptability, facilitating organizations to respond swiftly to changing market demands and deliver high-quality products and services. Recognized globally, the SAFe Agilist certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to lead and implement the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) within their organization.
In this comprehensive guide, we will understand the SAFe Agilist certification, its importance and all the necessary details you need to know about the certification.
What is SAFe Agilist Certification?
SAFe Agilist certification is a globally recognized accreditation offered by Scaled Agile to demonstrate an individual’s ability to drive and implement SAFe® practices in their organization. It is designed for professionals who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of scaling Agile and Lean practices. The certification course, also known as Leading SAFe, provides participants with the knowledge and skills to lead Agile transformations within their organizations using the Scaled Agile Framework.
To kickstart your SAFe Agilist certification journey, join KnowledgeHut’s SAFe Agilist course. The course covers the key concepts of the Scaled Agile Framework, including Lean, Agile, Scrum methodologies and more. It provides in-depth knowledge of Agile principles, practices, and tools enabling you to lead Agile transformations at an enterprise level. The interactive sessions, practical exercises, case studies, and real-world illustrations will enhance your overall learning experience.
Who is a SAFe Agilist?
A SAFe Agilist is an individual who has been trained in the Scaled Agile Framework and can apply its principles to improve productivity within the organization. They play a crucial role in implementing Agile practices at a scale and are responsible for leading Agile transformations. SAFe Agilists have a strong understanding of Lean and Agile principles and know how to apply them effectively to benefit the organization. They are responsible for organizing roles and responsibilities, planning and managing work, and upholding the core values of SAFe.
Eligibility Criteria for SAFe Agilist Certification
Every candidate must meet the following requirements for SAFe Agilist Certification:
- Experience: It is important to have a minimum of five years of experience in software development, testing, business analysis, product management, or project management. This experience provides a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of Agile practices.
- Scrum Knowledge: Familiarity with Scrum is important as it lays the groundwork for understanding Agile principles and practices.
- Training: While there are no specific prerequisites for attending the Leading SAFe training, it is highly recommended to undergo the two-day training provided by Scaled Agile. This training equips participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the SAFe Agilist certification exam.
- Commitment: SAFe Agilist certification requires dedication and commitment to learning and implementing SAFe practices. It is essential to have a genuine interest in Agile and Lean methodologies and a willingness to drive organizational change.
- Exam: After completing the training, participants must pass the SAFe Agilist certification exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice and true/false questions and a passing score of 77% is required. Once you have excelled in the exam, you will receive the certification from Scaled Agile Inc (SAI).
Why Choose SAFe Agilist Certification?
SAFe Agilist certification offers numerous benefits for professionals looking to advance their careers in Agile product development. Here are the top reasons why you should consider obtaining SAFe Agilist certification:
- Global Recognition: SAFe Agilist certification is globally recognized and accredited by Scaled Agile, a leading Agile body. This recognition enhances your professional reputation and opens up opportunities for career growth.
- Increased and Diverse Job Opportunities: SAFe Agilist certification is highly valued by organizations that have adopted SAFe®, increasing your chances of landing a job in Agile product development. According to the 15th State of Agile Report, 37% of organizations are using SAFe®.
A SAFe certification leads to several new opportunities for different job roles. Here is an overview of the salaries for each role:
| Job Title | Range |
| Product Owner | $71k – $133k |
| Certified Scrum Master (CSM) | $81k – $145k |
| Agile Coach | $99k – $178k |
| Scrum Master | $73k – $139k |
| Senior Project Manager, IT | $98k – $158k |
| Software Engineer | $72k – $126k |
| Senior Product Manager | $101k – $169k |
- Competitive Advantage: With SAFe Agilist certification, you gain a competitive edge over non-certified professionals. Employers often prefer certified individuals as they have proven knowledge and skills in implementing SAFe® practices.
- Salary Outlook: SAFe Agilist certification can lead to higher earning potential. According to recent industry data, professionals with SAFe Agilist certification earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers.
Here is the salary paid to SAFe Agilist as per Payscale in different countries
| Country | Salary per annum |
| United States | 80,000 – 135,000 USD |
| Canada | 66,000 – 145,000 CAD |
| India | 12,00,000 – 20,00,000 INR |
| United Kingdom | 33,000 – 75,000 GBP |
| Australia | 100,000 – 157,000 AUD |
- Agile Transformation Expertise: SAFe Agilist certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to lead Agile transformations within your organization. You become an Agile transformation expert, capable of implementing SAFe® practices effectively.
- Increased Productivity: SAFe Agilist certification helps organizations increase productivity by implementing Agile practices at a scale. You will learn how to optimize work processes and eliminate inefficiencies, leading to improved productivity and faster time to market.
- Improved Collaboration: SAFe Agilist certification emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. You will learn how to foster effective collaboration among cross-functional teams, ensuring better communication and alignment in achieving organizational goals.
- Continuous Learning: SAFe Agilist certification is a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. It demonstrates your dedication to staying updated with the latest Agile practices and methodologies.
What are the Benefits of a Scaled Agile Framework?
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) offers several benefits for organizations looking to scale Agile practices. According to industry statistics, organizations with SAFe® implementation have experienced significant improvements, including a 30-75% faster time to market, a 20-50% increase in productivity, a 25-75% improvement in quality and a 10-50% increase in employee satisfaction.
Here are the key benefits of implementing SAFe®:
- Faster Time to Market: SAFe® enables organizations to deliver value to customers faster by streamlining processes and reducing time-to-market.
- Increased Productivity: By implementing SAFe®, organizations can improve productivity through efficient collaboration, clear communication, and optimized work processes.
- Improved Quality: SAFe emphasizes built-in quality practices, leading to improved product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced Customer Engagement: SAFe focuses on customer-centricity, ensuring that customer requirements and feedback are incorporated into the development process, resulting in higher customer engagement.
- Drives scalability: SAFe provides a structured framework for scaling Agile practices across the enterprise, enabling organizations to handle complex projects and large teams more effectively.
- Alignment: SAFe® aligns teams and departments across the organization, ensuring everyone works towards a common goal and vision.
- Transparency: SAFe® promotes transparency by breaking down traditional silos and encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing.
- Better Risk Management: SAFe’s iterative and incremental approach allows organizations to identify and mitigate risks early in the development process, reducing the chances of project failure.
- Agile Transformation: SAFe provides a framework for organizations to undergo Agile transformations, enabling them to adapt to changing market needs and remain competitive.
- Employee Satisfaction: SAFe® emphasizes the importance of employee engagement and empowerment, leading to increased job satisfaction and motivation.
What is the Best SAFe® Certification for You?
When it comes to SAFe® certifications, there are several options for different industry professionals, each targeting different roles and levels of expertise. Here are some of the popular SAFe® certifications:
- SAFe Agilist (SA): SAFe Agilist certification is the starting point for most professionals. It provides a comprehensive understanding of SAFe® principles and practices and is suitable for individuals who want to lead Agile transformations within their organizations.
- SAFe Scrum Master (SSM): SAFe Scrum Master certification for Scrum master’s working in a SAFe® environment. It focuses on the role of the Scrum Master in facilitating Agile teams and ensuring successful Agile implementations.
- SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM): SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager certification is for individuals defining and prioritizing requirements and managing the product backlog in a SAFe® environment.
- SAFe Program Consultant (SPC): SAFe Program Consultant certification is for experienced Agile professionals who want to become certified trainers and coaches in SAFe® practices.
- SAFe Release Train Engineer (RTE): SAFe Release Train Engineer certification is for individuals responsible for facilitating the Agile Release Train (ART) and ensuring its successful operation.
- SAFe for Government: This certification is for individuals working in government organizations and guides on implementing Agile practices in a government context. It covers contracting, governance, and compliance topics, enabling government agencies to deliver value to citizens more efficiently.
The best SAFe® certification depends on your role, experience level, and career aspirations. It is vital to assess your goals and consult with industry professionals to determine the suitable certification for your needs.
How Much Does a SAFe Certification Cost?
The cost of SAFe certification varies depending on the certification level and the training provider. Typically, the cost of SAFe Agilist (SA) certification ranges from $500 to $1500. The cost includes training fees, study materials and the certification exam fee. It is important to choose a reputable training provider for high-quality training and certification support.
Here is an overview of the cost breakdown for Leading SAFe certification:
- Training cost: The training cost for Leading SAFe certification is approximately USD 819.
- Examination fees: The examination fees for Leading SAFe certification are USD 100.
- Renewal fees: The certification must be renewed annually, with a renewal fee of USD 100.
- Re-examination fees: In case of re-examination, a fee of USD 50 is applicable.
Conclusion
SAFe Agilist certification is a valuable globally recognized accreditation to advance a career in Agile product development. It offers increased job opportunities, higher earning potential and the ability to lead Agile transformations within organizations. Implementing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) provides organizations with faster time to market, improved productivity and enhanced customer engagement. So, choose the right SAFe® certification and invest in your professional development to position yourself as a leader in the Agile community and contribute to the success of your organization.
FAQs
Is SAFe Agilist certification difficult?
The difficulty of SAFe Agilist certification depends on your level of experience and knowledge in Agile practices. The certification exam tests your understanding of SAFe® principles and practices, so thorough preparation and study are recommended. By attending the Leading SAFe training and dedicating time to study, you can increase your chances of passing the exam.
What is the average salary of a SAFe Agilist?
The average salary of a SAFe Agilist depends on factors such as location, experience, and industry. According to recent industry data, SAFe Agilists earn higher salaries compared to non-certified professionals in Agile product development. The salary range for SAFe Agilists varies from $80,000 to $160,000 annually, with opportunities for growth and advancement.
How do I prepare for SAFe Agile certification?
To prepare for SAFe Agile certification, it is recommended to attend the Leading SAFe training provided by Scaled Agile. The training covers the key concepts and principles of SAFe® and prepares you for the certification exam. Also, self-study using study guides, practice exams and online resources to reinforce your understanding of SAFe® practices. It is important to allocate dedicated study time and practice applying SAFe® principles in real-world scenarios.
