The updates in 6.0 focus on six key areas:

1. Strengthening the foundation for business agility
2. Empowering teams and clarifying responsibilities
3. Accelerating value flow
4. Improve business agility across the entire organization with SAFe
5. Shape the future with AI, big data, and the cloud
6. Achieve better results with Measure and Grow and OKRs

Official article: https://scaledagileframework.com/whats-new-in-safe-6-0/

SAFe®, the Scaled Agile Framework, is a comprehensive framework for agile development and lean management in larger organizations. It provides structured guidance for organizations that develop complex systems and want to scale agile principles and practices across multiple teams and, if necessary, the entire organization. SAFe® integrates Agile methods such as Scrum, Kanban, and Lean thinking with a clear focus on continuous delivery and customer value. It helps organizations respond faster to market changes, increase productivity, improve quality, and achieve better alignment between business goals and development processes.

Scaled Agile, Inc. is the company behind the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), a proven body of knowledge that relies on Lean-Agile principles and practices to transform the way large organizations operate. Scaled Agile provides training, certification, resources, and a global community of SAFe practitioners to help organizations implement Lean-Agile methods. The goal is to reduce time to market, increase productivity, improve quality and increase employee satisfaction. Scaled Agile helps organizations of all sizes become more agile by providing a framework for scaling agile practices beyond individual teams to programs, portfolios and even the entire organization.

A Scaled Agile Partner is an organization that has been formally recognized and authorized by Scaled Agile, Inc. to provide services related to the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®). These partner organizations have distinguished themselves through their expertise and experience in implementing SAFe® in various enterprise contexts. They offer a range of services, including training, consulting, and coaching, to help organizations adopt and optimize their agile processes using the SAFe® principles. Scaled Agile Partners play a critical role in the adoption and application of SAFe® by ensuring that organizations correctly understand and implement the methodology to improve their productivity, efficiency, and market adaptability.

Eligibility requirements for the various SAFe® exams vary depending on the specific course and certification level. However, as a general rule, students in a SAFe® training course are typically eligible to take the corresponding exam after successfully completing the course. Here are some general guidelines regarding eligibility requirements:

1. Participation in an official training course: For most SAFe® certification exams, participation in an official SAFe® course taught by a certified SAFe® trainer (SAFe® Program Consultant, SPC) is required.
2. Experience and knowledge of agile work: Although not always formally required, it is advantageous if participants have basic knowledge and experience of agile working methods, especially when it comes to more advanced certifications.
3. Specific requirements depending on certification: Some advanced certifications may have additional prerequisites, such as previous SAFe® certifications, proven experience in a corresponding role, or participation in specific training courses.
4. Preparation and Self-Study: Although attending the course is a requirement, candidates are expected to prepare for the exam through self-study and practical application of what has been learned.

Registration for the SAFe® exam usually takes place immediately after attending an official SAFe® training. Here are the steps you typically need to follow to register for and take the exam:

1. Attend official SAFe® courses: Start with a Scaled Agile, Inc. accredited course taught by certified SAFe® trainers. These courses are your first step in acquiring the skills required for the SAFe® certification exam.
2. Obtain exam access: After completing your SAFe® training, you will receive an access code or an exam registration link, often directly from your trainer or the training institute.
3. Exam registration process: Use the access code you received on the official Scaled Agile website or the specified exam portal to register for your SAFe® exam.
4. Time frame for the exam: Note the time frame available for the exam – this may vary depending on the course.
5. Prepare in advance: Gain additional knowledge through supplemental study materials and practice exams to prepare for the SAFe® exam.
6. Take the exam online: The SAFe® exam is delivered online, giving you the flexibility to take the exam from any location with internet access.
7. Instant exam results: You will receive your results immediately after completing the exam. If you pass, your digital SAFe® certification will be sent to you.

These steps are not only a guide for your SAFe® Certification journey, but also a key to gaining relevant knowledge in the agile community and advancing your professional development. SAFe® Certification opens doors to new career opportunities and improves your visibility in the industry. Prepare yourself with the right resources and take the chance to become a certified SAFe® professional.

At this time, the SAFe® certification exams are taken exclusively online and not in person.

Yes, you can conveniently take the SAFe® exams online. The Scaled Agile Framework® certification exams are designed to be flexible and can be taken from any location as long as there is a stable internet connection. This allows candidates to take their exams in an environment that suits them, without being tied to a physical exam location. Online exams provide an efficient and accessible way to achieve your SAFe® certification and demonstrate your agile expertise in an increasingly digitalized work environment. Prepare thoroughly and use the available resources to get the most out of this flexible exam option.

Exam fees for SAFe® certifications may vary depending on the specific course and certification level. However, the cost of the first exam is already included in the fees for the corresponding preparation course. However, if you do not pass the exam on the first attempt and a retake exam is required, additional fees may apply.
This cost is $50, except for the “Implementing SAFe®” certification exam, where the fee for the second attempt is $250.

No, it is not necessary to become a member of Scaled Agile, Inc. to attend a SAFe® training or to take a SAFe® certification exam. Participation in SAFe® courses and taking the certification exams are open to anyone, regardless of membership.

However, upon successful completion of a SAFe® exam, certified individuals gain access to a variety of Scaled Agile resources and community services. This includes, but is not limited to, access to exclusive content, tools, and a membership directory that allows you to network with other SAFe® practitioners. A Scaled Agile membership can thus provide additional benefits and resources to deepen your knowledge and support your professional development in the area of agile methods. However, it is a decision that each individual can make based on their own needs and professional goals.

The SAFe® certificate is valid for one year after successful completion of the exam. To maintain certification and continue to benefit from the SAFe® community’s benefits and resources, certified individuals must renew their certification annually.

Starting April 3, 2023, Scaled Agile will introduce a new membership model for SAFe Studio that allows certification holders to renew their membership and certification at one of three levels. Each level is aimed at different levels of qualification and offers specific benefits:

1. SAFe® Expert membership ($995 USD/year + tax): This membership level is designed for current SPC (SAFe® Program Consultant) or SPCT (SAFe® Program Consultant Trainer) certification holders. It automatically renews all of the holder’s certifications, grants access to all SAFe content, and entitles SPCs and SPCTs to lead training to drive Lean-Agile transformations.
2. SAFe® Advanced membership ($295/year + VAT): Members with one or more advanced certifications are eligible for this level. It provides access to basic and some advanced SAFe content, as well as continuous access to courses and resources. In addition, the following certifications can be renewed:
   • Agile Product Management (APM)
   • Lean Portfolio Management (LPM)
   • Release Train Engineer (RTE)
   • SAFe® Advanced Scrum Master (SASM)
3. SAFe® Foundational Membership ($195 USD/year + VAT): This membership level is intended for holders of one or more Foundational certifications. It provides access to basic and some advanced content, continuous access to courses and resources, and allows renewal of the following certifications:
   • SAFe® Agilist (SA)
   • SAFe® Practitioner (SP)
   • SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)
   • Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM)

These tiered membership options allow certification holders to choose the level that is right for them to keep their credentials current, stay up to date on the latest SAFe content, and continuously advance their skills. This model not only promotes professional development, but also supports the practical application of SAFe® principles in different organizational contexts.

It is very difficult to answer this question in general terms.
We recommend planning for 20 to 80 hours of exam preparation time, depending on the certification chosen.

Pass rates for SAFe® certification exams vary and depend on a number of factors, including the type of exam, the preparation of the candidate, and the complexity of the material. Scaled Agile, Inc. does not publish specific pass rates for its exams, but it is well known that thorough preparation and understanding of the SAFe® principles and practices are essential to successfully passing the exam.

To maximize the chances of success, we recommend that participants:

• Active participation in the course: Engage in the training, ask questions, and interact with your trainer and fellow learners.
• Thorough preparation: Use the provided study materials, review the course content and take self-tests to identify and close knowledge gaps.
• Establishing practical relevance: Try to integrate the SAFe® concepts into your daily work or understand them through practical examples to develop a deeper understanding of the material.
• Leverage additional resources: Explore additional learning resources provided by Scaled Agile or your training provider, including practice questions and study guides.

While there is no guaranteed method to ensure passing the exam, the combination of careful preparation, practical application, and an understanding of the underlying principles and values of SAFe® can significantly increase the success rate.

Using the contact form on our homepage, the email address info@ifp-duesseldorf, the phone number +49 211 30187938 or in direct exchange with our lecturers, customers can ask questions about the courses and report problems to us regarding the course offerings. With regard to the customer’s complaint, possible immediate measures are initiated immediately upon receipt and, with the help of selected methods, sustainable solutions are developed by the IfP team. The derived measures and solutions are implemented and communicated to the customer by email or phone call. The aim of each process is to achieve 100% customer satisfaction.

SAFe® certification offers numerous benefits for both individuals and organizations that want to implement or optimize agile work at the enterprise level. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Expanded knowledge and skills: Certification deepens your understanding of Agile methods and the Scaled Agile Framework®. You will learn how to apply Agile principles and practices in large organizations to work more efficiently and achieve better results.
2. Industry recognition: SAFe® certification is recognized worldwide and demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills to play an important role in an agile organization. This can improve your career prospects and your visibility in the job market.
3. Better career opportunities: With SAFe® certification, your chances of getting higher-paying positions increase because more and more companies are looking for professionals who have experience scaling agile methods.
4. Network and community access: By becoming certified, you join a global community of SAFe® practitioners. This provides excellent networking opportunities and access to a wide range of knowledge and experience.
5. Work more effectively: The skills acquired in the certification enable you to improve processes and workflows in your organization, resulting in greater efficiency, better product quality, and increased customer satisfaction.
6. Advancing organizational goals: With SAFe® certification, you are better able to support the implementation of the Scaled Agile Framework® in your organization, resulting in improved alignment with organizational goals, faster time to market, and increased competitiveness.
7. Continuous learning: SAFe® places a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and learning. Certification is the beginning of a lifelong learning process that helps you stay up to date with the latest Agile methods and best practices.

Overall, SAFe® certification offers not only the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills, but also to advance your career and make a significant contribution to the performance and success of your organization.

As part of your SAFe® training, you have the opportunity to take your certification exam free of charge within a window of 30 days after the end of the course. If you are unable to take the exam within this period, Scaled Agile® offers you a flexible option to reschedule your exam appointment directly through your Scaled Agile Community profile. Here is a step-by-step guide to using this option:

1. Login: Sign in to the SAFe Community.
2. Navigation: Select “Learn > My Learning” from the top menu items.
3. Course Selection: Click on “In Progress” to display courses in progress.
4. Select Exam: Find and select the appropriate course.
5. Extend: Below the course schedule, you will find the option “Extend time 2 weeks”, which allows you to extend the exam period by two weeks.
6. Agreement: After you have requested the extension, you agree to the terms. You will then receive an additional two weeks to take the exam at no additional cost.

If you do not pass the exam or do not take the exam within this two-week extension, you will need to purchase a retake ticket to start a new exam attempt. This option to extend your exam date by two weeks remains available for an additional 30 days from the original exam end date.

This flexible approach ensures that you have sufficient time to prepare optimally for your SAFe® exam and to successfully pass your certification.