SAFe Agilist: What is it?

Introduction 

To become a SAFe Agilist it is ideal to start with learning about SAFe and its principles and constructs. The SAFe® Agilist certification is provided to candidates who are able to pass the exam. In order to pass the exam, candidates are given a two-day course about Leading SAFe. As the name itself says, Leading SAFe is mainly for individuals who want to lead a Lean-Agile framework. For such people, the Scaled Agile Framework is an important element for them to learn and become a SAFe Agilist.  

SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) and its underlying principles which are taken from Agile Development, design thinking, Lean Portfolio Management, Lean, DevOps, systems thinking, and product development flow are all covered in the training program of Leading SAFe. It even gives the Lean-Agile leader the skills and knowledge needed to participate and provide support in PI Planning events.   

Why SAFe Agilist? 

A SAFe Agilist has a different type of philosophy of what it needs to change the Agile Product Development System. They also learn how to use Agile Portfolio Management in a business that gives an ongoing course of value to customers and stakeholders while maintaining a short and sustainable time-to-market.  

Furthermore, a SAFe Agilist proves their skills and knowledge with the help of the Scaled Agile Framework.  

History of Scaled Agile Framework 

The SAFe framework gained traction in the product sector in 2011. The SAFe architecture was initially dubbed the “Agile Enterprise Big Picture” by software industry veteran Dean Leffingwell, author of Agile Software Requirements. The “Big Picture” explained how to use existing agile frameworks like Lean, Kanban, Scrum, and XP at the Team, Program, and Portfolio levels.   

Leading SAFe 

Leading SAFe is a part of the Scaled Agile Framework. Its main principles come from Lead, Product Development Flow, DevOps, Lean Portfolio Management, Design Thinking, Agile Development, and Systems Thinking. It even provided the leaders of Lean-Agile to understand the need to participate in and support PI planning events.  

A SAFe Agilist will be able to apply principles of Agile, Lean, and Product Development Flow in a positive manner. This will help to improve product quality, time to market, employee satisfaction, and productivity. A SAFe Agilist has the capability to apply and introduce SAFe in an organization. They are even able to take advantage of the benefits of SAFe to reach their goals. As a SAFe Agilist, you will be able to understand the interaction between Agile Programs, Agile Teams, and Agile Portfolio Management.  

SAFe® Agile Training and Certification 

SAFe Agile concepts generally go on for 2 to 4 days. After you finish your training course, with the help of additional preparation and study, you will be able to attempt the SAFe® Agilist Certification exam.   

SAFe provides a variety of certifications to almost anyone who works with the framework. To learn the best techniques and practices to manage products in a SAFe Agile Environment individuals can become a certified SAfe Product Manager/Owner or a certified SAFe Agile Product Manager.  

Being a certified SAFe Program Consultant, SAFe Agilist or SAFe Lean Portfolio Manager helps individuals to prepare how to introduce, implement, and practice SAFe at a more holistic level in organizations. There are also certifications for DevOps, Software Engineers, Train Engineers, Scrum Masters, and Architects.   

Benefits of SAFe® Agile Certification 

The common question that arises is why get a SAFe® Agile Certification? Given below are a few benefits that individuals come across after gaining a SAFe Agile Certification: 

• Recognized Globally – With its global renown, the SAFe Agilist Certification value is easily well-known. With the increase in demand for professionals in the field, the value of SAFe® Agile Certification also increases. As a result, this Certification adds weight to an individual’s qualifications. This in turn enhances their career prospects. 
• Management Skills and Knowledge – Individuals will be able to share their techniques, practices, and knowledge, as well as how to add more value to an organization. The training session increases the value of the SAFe Agilist certification because individuals learn how to use Value Lean Finance and Lean Portfolio Management to simplify execution and maintenance. Thus, the value of the SAFe Agilist Certification lies in proper management through the use of a decision-making capacity and economic estimation.  
• Well-Paid Jobs – It is known that SAFe® Agilist Certification does provide a good salary to most individuals. 

Responsibilities of a SAFe Agilist  

There are many responsibilities of a SAFe Agilist. Some of these can include: 

• Assisting employees in establishing their expertise and careers by motivating them in a way that expands their capabilities and deepens their commitment to their own and the company’s perspectives and goals. 
• It’s the responsibility to respond to the need for innovation and help define the perceptions and goals of the company. The SAFe Agilist responds to the needs of both the internal teams and the stakeholders.  
• It is the primary responsibility of a SAFe Agilist to ensure the adoption, guiding success, and continuous development of SAFe in an enterprise 

SAFe Agile Principles 

There are certain principles that are followed by organizations. Similarly, some of the principles of a SAFe Agilist include:  

1. Taking an economic view  

1. Apply systems thinking  

1. Preserve options and assume variability  

1. Build incrementally with integrated learning cycles  

1. Milestones to be based on an objective evaluation of the working systems   

1. Decentralize decision making  

1. Organize around value  

1. Synchronize with cross-domain planning  

1. Visualize and limit the work in progress, reduce batch sizes and manage queue lengths  

1. Unlock the intrinsic motivation  

Conclusion 

SAFe is considered to be one of the most popular enterprise organizations. Many of its elements focus on removing any common problems that are faced by the team while scaling agile. SAFe® Agilist Certification is also considered to be worthwhile because it aids in the management of an individual’s credits. It provides access to a wide range of resources including professional development. This helps them keep their SAFe knowledge up to date and relevant.