Product Owners/Product Managers are the links between customers and the delivery team in an Agile Release Train (ART). They are accountable for creating epics, breaking them into features and stories, and managing the backlog. They also set goals and create the roadmap for both the team and program levels.
They also validate user stories. By obtaining the POPM certification, candidates will understand how to effectively carry out their role in an ART and deliver value through Program Increments.
What is the SAFe POPM certification?
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) offers some of the most highly-regarded certifications to help professionals gain expertise in relevant agile skills for enterprise environments. The SAFe credential specifically targets individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge and become proficient Product Owner.
The SAFe Certification grants recognition as a Certified SAFe Agile Product Manager. The Agile SAFe Project Manager/Product Owner (SAFe 5 POPM) certification provides a comprehensive understanding of Design Thinking, Lean-Agile values, and principles. The certification equips professionals with the ability to handle all roles and responsibilities of a Project Manager/Product Owner.
You will learn the following:
- Articulate the Product Owner and Product Manager role;
- Connect SAFe Lean-Agile principles and values to the PO/PM roles;
- Decompose Epics into Features and decompose Features into Stories;
- Refine Features into Stories;
- Manage Program and Team backlogs;
- Collaborate with Agile teams in estimating and forecasting work;
- Represent Customer needs in Program Increment Planning;
- Execute the Program Increment and deliver continuous value.
About the SAFe POPM exam
The SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification exam has multiple-choice questions. The exam has a duration of 90 minutes, with a total of 45 questions. To pass the exam, you must score 33 out of 45, which is equivalent to 73%. The first exam attempt is free if taken within 30 days of completing the course.
Prerequisites
There are no mandatory prerequisites for the SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification. The exam is open to anyone interested in learning about the SAFe framework and developing their product development skills. Prior experience working in a SAFe environment can be beneficial as it can help to understand the concepts quickly. Additionally, knowledge of Lean and Agile practices or holding other certifications can aid in passing the exam, but it is not a requirement for taking the exam.
Why become a certified SAFe Product Owner Product Manager (POPM)?
Many of the world's largest companies, including 70% of those listed in the Fortune 100, use the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®). A significant number of the Global 2000 companies have certified SAFe professionals and on-site consultants. Scaled Agile reports that over 700,000 people have been trained in SAFe® to date. According to the State of Agile report, it remains the most widely used method for scaling Agile development.
SAFe is the leading method for scaling Agile development, outpacing its competitors. Many well-known companies such as Bosch, Lockheed Martin, PepsiCo, Anthem, Cisco, Standard Chartered, CapitalOne, Thales, FitBit, and AstraZeneca have adopted SAFe to improve time-to-market, increase productivity, boost quality, and enhance employee engagement and job satisfaction. The growing demand for SAFe expertise is reflected in the average salary of a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (SPOPM), which ranges from $83,865 to $124,613. This has led to an all-time high demand for Product Owners and Product Managers who can deliver continuous value at the enterprise level.
Who should take the POPM certification exam?
SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) is a certification exam designed for individuals responsible for determining and prioritizing the features, epics, and capabilities of a product or solution in an enterprise adopting SAFe.
This includes individuals in roles such as:
- Product Owners and Scrum Masters
- Project or Product Managers
- Release Train Engineers
- Product Line Managers or Delivery Managers
- Business Owners and Business Analysts
- Portfolio or Program Managers
What does the certified SAFe POPM professional do?
- Building products with a customer-centric approach
- Deliver more value through the use of Scaled Agile Framework®
- Work in collaboration with engineering teams and business stakeholders to achieve business goals
- Organize epics into features and decompose features into stories
- Deliver continuous value by identifying and executing program increments
- Increase productivity by designing, prioritizing, building, testing, and delivering products
What are the benefits of earning the SAFe POPM certification?
The SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification is a widely recognized and accepted credential that can provide many professional advantages.
By obtaining this certification, individuals can leverage the following benefits:
Launch your career
Obtaining a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification is an easy and straightforward way to gain the knowledge and skills required to work in a new job or start a new career.
Globally recognition
Obtaining a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification is widely recognized by many companies and employers, making it an important asset when seeking new job opportunities. Being certified in SAFe demonstrates your proficiency in Agile and Lean practices and your ability to deliver value to customers.
Demonstrate your knowledge
With a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification, you demonstrate your knowledge of the SAFe framework and ability to work with Agile and Lean practices. This means that your employer can trust that you have the skills and knowledge they need without spending time and effort verifying it themselves.
Boost your growth
Obtaining a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification demonstrates your dedication to personal and professional growth and exemplifies your commitment to making your employer's goals a reality. This certification showcases your ability to work with Agile and Lean practices and skills to deliver customer value.
The final words
Holding a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (SAFe POPM) certification can boost your career as a Product Owner or Product Manager. This widely recognized certification can lead to increased salary and career advancement opportunities.
As a Product Owner, you are responsible for driving the product strategy and understanding customer need to prioritize features. You must balance delivering what the customer wants with economic considerations and aim to exceed their expectations.
