Gladwell Academy Presents: Implementing SAFe® with SAFe® 4 Program Consultant Certification

Course Curriculum

Leading SAFe® – Days 1 and 2

• Introducing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
• Embracing a Lean-Agile Mindset
• Understanding SAFe Principles
• Creating High-Performing Teams and Programs
• Experiencing Program Increment (PI) Planning
• Exploring, Executing, and Releasing Value
• Leading a Lean-Agile Enterprise
• Empowering a Lean Portfolio
• Building Large Solutions

Implementing SAFe® – Days 3 and 4

• Reaching the SAFe Tipping Point
• Designing the Implementation
• Launching an ART
• Coaching ART Execution
• Extending to the Portfolio
• Sustaining and Improving
• Becoming a SAFe 4 Program Consultant (SPC)

Learning Goals

To perform the role of a SAFe® Program Consultant (SPC), attendees should be able to:

• Lead an enterprise Lean-Agile transformation
• Implement the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
• Empower with a Lean Portfolio
• Align the organization to a common language and way of working
• Perform Value Stream identification
• Launch and support Agile Release Trains, and coordinate Large Solutions
• Build and execute an implementation rollout strategy
• Configure the Framework for a specific enterprise context
• Train managers and executives in Leading SAFe®
• Continue their learning journey and become enabled to train other SAFe roles in the enterprise

Prerequisite

All stakeholders in a Lean-Agile transformation are welcome to attend the course, regardless of experience.

However, the following prerequisites are highly recommended for those who intend to take the SAFe® 4 Program Consultant certification exam and practice as a SAFe® 4 Program Consultant (SPC):

• 5+ years of experience in software development, testing, business analysis, product, or project management
• 3+ years of experience in Agile
• One or more relevant Agile certifications

Who will benefit?

This course is intended for those who will be materially and directly involved in a SAFe implementation. This includes practitioners, change agents, and consultants responsible for implementing Agile programs and portfolios as part of an enterprise Lean-Agile change initiative. Attendees typically include:

• Professional Services Consultants
• Internal Change Agents, Lean-Agile Center for Excellence (LACE) participants, Agile Working Groups
• Business and Technology Executives, Leaders, Managers, and Directors
• Portfolio Managers and Fiduciaries, Project/Program Management Office (PMO) personnel
• Development, QA, and IT Managers
• Program and Project Managers
• Product and Product Line Managers
• Process Leads and Lifecycle Governance personnel
• Enterprise, System, and Solution Architects

Certification

The class registration includes:

• Attendee workbook
• Preparation and eligibility to take the SAFe 4 Program Consultant (SPC) exam
• One-year membership to the SAFe Community Platform
• Course certificate of completion

Exam Details

Attendees must attend all four days of the course in order to qualify for the exam.

• Exam name: SAFe^® 4 Program Consultant Exam
• Exam format: Multiple choice
• Exam delivery: Web-based (single-browser), closed book, no outside assistance, timed
• Exam access: Candidates can access the exam within the SAFe Community Platform upon completion of the Implementing SAFe course
• Exam duration – Once the exam begins, candidates have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the exam
• Number of questions – 60
• Passing score: 45 out of 60 (75% pass rate)
• Language: English
• Exam cost: First exam attempt is included as part of the course registration fee if the exam is taken within 30 days of course completion. Each retake attempt costs $250.
• Retake policy: Second attempt on exam (first retake) can be done immediately after first attempt. Third attempt requires a 10-day wait. Fourth attempt requires a 30-day wait. Contact support@scaledagile.com for any retake questions.

SAFe Certification Kit

Attendees who pass the certification exam will receive:

• SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) certificate
• A SAFe 4 Program Consultant digital badge to promote your accomplishment online
• A one-year certified membership as a SAFe Program Consultant, which includes access to the SPC Community of Practice
• A SAFe Program Consultant certification usage guide with SPC certification marks
• Access to online Trainer Enablement plans to qualify to teach and certify others in Leading SAFe (SAFe Agilist SA), SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM), SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), SAFe Advanced Scrum Master (SASM), and SAFe for Teams (SAFe Practitioner (SP)
• Access to a variety of learning resources to support certified professionals during and throughout their SAFe journey

Annual Renewal

Certificates expire one year from the date the certification is earned.

• Renewal fee is $895