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What is the Future of SAFe Program Consultant?

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19th Feb, 2024
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    What is the Future of SAFe Program Consultant?

    The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a collection of organizational and workflow patterns for deploying agile practices at the enterprise level. The framework is a body of knowledge that includes structured guidance on the roles and responsibilities of SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), work planning and management, and values to adhere to. 

    SAFe encourages collaboration, alignment, and delivery among many agile teams. It was built on three fundamental bodies of knowledge: agile software development, lean product development, and systems thinking. 

    SAFe combines lessons learned from proven agile methodologies to create a platform that meets the needs of large enterprise software development programs. SAFe, like Scrum, provides a flexible, evolving framework for meeting incremental milestones to complete a larger project. SAFe's popularity stems from its systematic and structured approach of SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) to project alignment and completion. 

    The Future Market Demand For SPC

    If you're wondering what the SAFe Program Consultant certification can accomplish for you, it's simple: this course provides a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of Lean/Agile principles and practices for people working in the field of Lean/Agile in their daily work and the certification is a formal acknowledgment that will help you take the next step in your professional development as a Lean-Agile coach by allowing and encouraging you to teach others. 

    SAFe is becoming the dominant way to embrace and professionalize Agile practices on a bigger scale, so there's a lot of market value. SPC certification is a requirement for some employees, such as consultants, to even apply for specific tasks. This qualification is also internationally recognized, making it even more relevant and attractive for those who operate in foreign companies or environments. Because not everyone passes the SPC exam, it's excellent evidence of your abilities. 

    This is a transitory position, while some firms prefer to engage resident agile consultants, and most people in this position depart a team after making considerable progress. Agile coaches are typically found in the technology and innovation sectors, where a little coaching can go a long way toward increasing efficiency and team spirit. 

    Consultants often have a bachelor's degree in a related discipline and have worked as a scrum master, Agile Coach, or equivalent for a few years. Some institutes specialize in educating persons for this employment, which pays up to $170,000 per year for those new to the profession. 

    SAFe is frequently implemented to boost team productivity. Any problems individually or in combination may be the root of poor production. Increased production would arise from improvements in such areas. The gains in productivity are mostly contrasted with conventional project delivery methods (in the waterfall area). 

    But Scrum already incorporates the majority of these pauses for thought. Heck, SAFe employs Scrum's established reflection times (such as the Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective), only requiring more reflection moments due to the complexity increase. 

    SPC Certification: Next-level Lean/Agile Coaching

    Lead the transformation to lean-agile. Gain a better knowledge of the Scaled Agile Framework and become a professional SAFe Program Consultant. The SPC certification helps you understand how to manage teams through a SAFe transformation in a distributed workforce environment. 

    With the SPC certification, you may learn and teach how to create Agile Release Trains in SAFe businesses. You'll learn how to train teams through a SAFe transformation by participating in real-world simulations and activities. In the SAFe SPC Training, learn about the various roles in SAFe and how successful solutions are developed in a SAFe context. 

    Is SPC Certification Worth it?

    People who are SAFe specialists and keen on implementing SAFe and educating others or who hold leadership positions in organizations going through a SAFe transformation tend to become SPCs. A consultant's new internal hiring will often engage an experienced SAFe Program Consultant (SPC). The following positions frequently produce excellent internal candidates for SPC training: 

    • Business and technology leader 
    • Portfolio/program/project manager 
    • Architect 
    • Analyst 
    • Process lead 

    It is strongly advised that a company supports its newly certified internal SAFe Program Consultants with experienced SAFe Program Consultants (SPC) who can guide them through the process to increase the likelihood of a successful SAFe adoption. 

    Future Scope and Benefits Of SAFe SPC Certification

    Experience and training received during SPC Certification and other online Agile Management course contributes to overall budget planning. You will be able to plan and execute sizable development initiatives that span several agile release trains and aid in defining the development necessary to put the highlighted themes into practice. Here are some of the benefits of having a SAFe SPC certification - 

    You Can Train The Trainer!

    Large organizational changes only have a chance of succeeding if there is a distinct future vision and if there is widespread internal support. According to the SAFe principles, a SAFe implementation will only be successful if enough people are involved and ready to work together. Leading this shift is the SAFe Program Consultant (SPC). You are establishing the new organization as a SAFe Program Consultant (SPC).

    You assist co-workers in navigating their new jobs and teach teams in the SAFe framework. As soon as the SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) gets an organization moving, they make sure to point everyone in the correct direction and keep the momentum going. 

    Inspired Learning Through The Network

    The SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) is in charge of establishing the new organization and leading the SAFe implementation in accordance with the SAFe principles. An agent who combines their SAFe technical expertise with a deep-seated desire to enhance the organization's software and systems development processes. They are essential to the effective application of SAFe. 

    Brilliant Trainers Make A Difference

    One of the most intriguing alternatives available to people who have SPC certification is to become consultants (as the term implies), able to support and train others on the Scaled Agile Framework and assist them in implementing Lean/Agile principles. As an SPC, you are permitted to conduct the majority of scaled agile training on your own. As a result, you may perform a lot of training internally, which is a terrific and cost-effective approach to upskilling your company. 

    What could be better than training and directing your own team of consultants? It results in a more stable shift, and you now have internal resources to assist you with the next steps. When you begin to implement and professionalize Agile techniques, you will find that there are always more things to improve; if you comprehend the Lean/Agile mentality, there are always more chances to be found. Along the road, you'll need company. 

    SPC Certification Training Course 

    You must take the 4-day Implementing SAFe course to become a Certified SAFe Program Consultant. During this course, you will learn how to adapt and use the SAFe concepts and practices as part of a Lean-Agile transformation with Knowledgehut online agile management courses.

    As soon as you register for the course, you'll get a request to join the SAFe Community Platform, where you may access a digital workbook, study resources, and a practice test (after course completion). You must pass an online exam, which is detailed later, to become certified. 

    Once certified, you can continue accessing SAFe toolkits, course materials, and other tools through the Community Platform to implement and teach SAFe. 

    Elevate your career with PRINCE2 training and certification. Enhance your proficiency in project management and unlock new opportunities. Enroll today and take the first step towards achieving your career goals!

    Major Components Of SAFe

    SAFe has five major components that are based on Agile principles: 

    • Architecture 
    • Integration 
    • Governance 
    • Funding 
    • Roles 

    These components are evaluated on three levelsTo meet enterprise requirements, SAFe employs multiple teams. Teams will work independently as well as collaboratively with other teams. Every team is agile, regardless of the duties assigned to them. 

    Team 

    As in other agile methods, each team will consist of 5-9 members working toward a specific programming goal. A systems team, also referred to as a design-build-test (or D/B/T) team, is in charge of testing and delivering software every two weeks. These two-week periods are known as sprints. 

    Program Considerations 

    A typical agile release train (ART) consists of 3-5 teams collaborating on single software development for each program iteration (PI). The bigger unit of measurement in the program is the PI. The agile release train is the main method of providing value during a PI. 

    As numerous teams are working on their sprints concurrently in the PI, one team will produce one piece of the software puzzle during a single sprint. The innovation and planning iteration (IP), which takes place after the PI, applies to all development produced during the PI. 

    Portfolio

    The portfolio is the third level of the SAFe framework. The portfolio is made up of several value streams that are tied to the entire business software through concepts like: 

    • Strategy 
    • Investment funding 
    • Program management 
    • Governance 

    For six to twelve months, each of these themes will contribute to total budget planning. Epics are significant development projects that span multiple agile release trains and help define the development required to actualize the identified themes. 

    Bottom Line

    Working around the command-and-control mindset and established hierarchies is rather difficult. Agile adoption and the resulting transformation were far from attainable in the early years when compared to the aspirations of the present generation of software professionals. Professional qualifications proved to be the more profitable option in such scenarios, as the vast majority of such firms were looking for 'specialists' to operate in such situations. You can prepare for it with our SPC Certification Training program.

    If you want to migrate to a more agile way of working, the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) has answers for many common difficulties. However, if you only want to solve your problems, you don't need all of SAFe's bells and whistles. Scrum, a lightweight framework, can help you tackle the same problems. You can minimize unnecessary complexity and overhead by utilizing Scrum alone. 

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1What is the role of the SAFe Program Consultant?

    SPC Certification is a Scaled Agile, advanced certification. SPCs, or SAFe Program Consultants, are essential for SAFe implementation success. An SPC Certification verifies a professional's expertise and ability to lead a SAFe transformation. 

    2How do you become an SPC?

    To become certified, you must first complete 32 hours of training with a SAFe Program Consultant Trainer (SPCT), followed by an exam to demonstrate your understanding of SAFe. You will be certified as a SAFe Program Consultant if you pass the exam. 

    3Which SAFe certification is best for project management?

    Yes, for enterprises of all sizes, Scaled Agile is the most popular scaling framework. SPCs are essential for a successful SAFe rollout. With a SAFe SPC Certification, you can demonstrate your knowledge and competency in leading SAFe transformation across an organization. 

    4What is the cost of SAFe SPC certification?

    SAFe certification costs vary based on where you live. Please consult the schedule page for the most up-to-date tariffs in your area. 

    5How many times can I take the SPC exam?

    If you pay for the exam, there are no restrictions on how many times you can take it. Within 30 days of completing the course, Scaled Agile, Inc. allows you to take the first attempt for free. After that, each retake attempt will set you back $50. 

    Profile

    Lindy Quick

    Blog Author

    Lindy Quick, SPCT, is a dynamic Transformation Architect and Senior Business Agility Consultant with a proven track record of success in driving agile transformations. With expertise in multiple agile frameworks, including SAFe, Scrum, and Kanban, Lindy has led impactful transformations across diverse industries such as manufacturing, defense, insurance/financial, and federal government. Lindy's exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor. Currently associated with KnowledgeHut and upGrad, Lindy fosters Lean-Agile principles and mindset through coaching, training, and successful execution of transformations. With a passion for effective value delivery, Lindy is a sought-after expert in the field.

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