Business Agility is the capability to adapt to changes and seize opportunities in the digital era by implementing innovative, digitally-enabled business solutions. Organizations looking to achieve business agility often outgrow small-team Agile and require a scalable approach. Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a comprehensive set of integrated principles, practices, and competencies that help organizations to achieve business agility using Lean, Agile, and DevOps methodologies.
As companies continue to adopt the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) for its scalability and various roles and ceremonies, more team members are expected to be trained in SAFe and certified in it. As SAFe is the most commonly used Scaled Agile framework, it is beneficial to consider SAFe obtaining certification. This article will compare the two SAFe certifications: the Certified SAFe Agilist (SA) and the Certified SAFe Practitioner (SP).
Certified SAFe Agilist
The SAFe Agilist certification is a foundational level certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in applying the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), Lean, and handling product development process in a large organization using a set of principles based on the SAFe model. With this certification, professionals can demonstrate their ability to effectively plan and execute value-based programs using Agile Release Trains and Lean-Agile budgeting and to build an Agile portfolio in a large enterprise using SAFe and an Agile transformation model.
Key areas of competency
- Apply SAFe to scale Lean and Agile development in the enterprise
- Apply Lean-Agile Mindset and principles
- Plan and successfully execute Program Increments
- Execute and release value through Agile Release Trains
- Build an Agile portfolio with Lean-Agile budgeting
Exam details
The SAFe Agilist certification exam is 90 minutes long and consists of 45 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 77% to pass the exam. The exam is only available in English currently. If the exam is taken within 30 days of course completion, the first exam attempt is included in the course registration fee.
Learning objectives
- Apply SAFe to scale Lean and Agile development in your enterprise
- Support the execution of Agile Release Trains
- Coordinate large Value Streams
- Manage a Lean-Agile Portfolio
- Align the organization to a standard process model
- Configure the Framework for your context
- Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers
- Support a Lean-Agile transformation in your enterprise
Certified SAFe Practitioner (SP)
The SAFe Agilist (SA) certification provides a general understanding of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). In contrast, the SAFe Practitioner (SP) certification focuses on the practical application of SAFe as a high-performing team member on an Agile Release Train (ART). The SP certification exam covers topics such as writing user stories, planning and executing Iterations, participating in PI Planning, understanding the Continuous Delivery Pipeline, the importance of a DevOps culture, integrating with other teams on the ART, and continuous improvement.
Key areas of competency
- Explain SAFe Agile Principles
- Plan Iterations
- Plan Program Increments
- Execute Iterations and demonstrate the value
- Improve Agile Release Train processes
- Integrate and work with other teams on the Agile Release Train
- Perform as a member of an Agile Team on an Agile Release Train
Exam details
The Certified SAFe Practitioner (SP) exam is a 90-minute exam consisting of 45 questions. A passing score of 77% or 35 correct answers is required. The exam is currently only available in English. The first exam attempt is included as part of the course registration fee if taken within 30 days of completing the course.
Learning objectives
- Apply SAFe to scale Lean and Agile development in your enterprise
- Know your team and its role in the Agile Release Train
- Know all other teams on the train, their roles, and the dependencies between the teams
- Plan iterations
- Execute iterations, demo value, and improve your process
- Plan Program Increments
- Integrate and work with other teams on the train
SAFe SA or SAFe SP: which certification should I choose?
The SAFe Agilist (SA) certification is suitable for those looking to gain a general understanding of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and work effectively in a SAFe environment. But if your objective is to participate as a team member actively, the SAFe Practitioner (SP) certification may be more appropriate as it mainly focuses on the practical application of SAFe.
Conclusion
CBT Proxy is the best choice if you want to take a certification exam at a reputable proxy exam center. We can help you pass the SAFe Agilist (SA) or SAFe Practitioner (SP) exams on your first attempt. We work on a pay-after-pass model, which means that candidates only pay the fee if they pass the exam. To learn more about our proxy exam services, you can click the chat button below.
