SAFe® for Government

Transitioning to Lean-Agile practices for building technology-based capabilities is especially challenging in the government context. But issues of legacy governance, contracting, and organizational barriers can be overcome with the right information and strategies. During this two-day course, attendees will learn the principles and practices of the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), how to execute and release value through Agile Release Trains, and what it means to lead a Lean-Agile transformation of a program inside a government agency.

Attendees will gain an understanding of the Lean-Agile mindset and why it’s an essential foundation for transformation. They’ll also get practical advice on building high performing, multi-vendor Agile teams and programs, managing technology investments in Lean flow, acquiring solutions with Agile contracting, launching the program, and planning and delivering value using SAFe. Attendees will also learn how specific leadership behaviors can drive successful organizational change, even in government.

Course Outline

To perform the role of a SAFe® for Government leader, attendees should be able to:

• Transition government programs from traditional software and systems development models to Lean-Agile and DevOps mindset, principles, and practices using SAFe
• Adapt technology strategy, budgeting and forecasting, acquisition, compliance, and governance processes to flow-based practices using emerging government guidelines
• Organize government programs into one or more Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and execute in Program Increments (PIs)
• Explore Large Solution coordination in a government and multi-vendor environment
• Identify and internalize the mindset and leader behaviors essential to successful Lean-Agile transformation
• Follow success patterns for SAFe implementations adapted to the government context
• Build a preliminary outline of next steps to begin and/or accelerate the SAFe implementation in your program or agency

Our Advantage

As a specialist training provider and active contributors to the Enterprise Architecture industry, when you train with EA Principals you will receive genuine advantages other training organizations are simply unable to provide:

•  Subject Matter Experts: All our classes are curated and taught by industry experts with long standing careers in the disciplines that they teach.
•  Industry Knowledge: EA Principals is one of the first training providers accredited to facilitate this training course.
•  Individual Attention: We pride ourselves on having a high instructor to student ratio to ensure you receive as much individual attention as desired.

Inclusions

The class registration includes:

• Attendee workbook
• One-year membership to the SAFe Community Platform
• Course certificate of completion
• One Certification exam attempt upon General Availability of the course

Attendees who pass the certification exam will receive:

• SAFe® 4 Government Practitioner certificate
• A SAFe® 4 Government Practitioner digital badge to promote your accomplishment online
• A one-year certified membership as a SAFe® 4 Government Practitioner, which includes access to the SGP Community of Practice
• Access to a variety of learning resources to support certified professionals during their SAFe journey

Prerequisites

All are welcome to attend the course, regardless of experience. However, meeting the following prerequisites will make the training more productive.

• A foundational understanding of the Agile Manifesto, SAFe House of Lean, and SAFe Principles is required using pre-work suggestions
• A foundational understanding the full lifecycle of government technology programs is helpful
• Registered attendees will receive a list of readings and videos specific to Agile in government that will be beneficial to review before the course

Course & Certification Benefits:

Completing the EA Principals SAFe® for Government training course prepares you to undertake the SAFe® for Government certification exam. Upon successful completion of this exam you will receive your SAFe® for Government certificate. When you complete this course, you are also entitled to receive a Certification of Completion upon request.

The benefits of becoming a SAFe® for Government certified Professional with EA Principals include:

• Amplify your employment and career opportunities
• Enhance your professional brand with a globally trusted certification
• Validate your knowledge and skill set
• Increase your worth to your organization

Exam Information

• Exam name: SAFe® 4 Government Practitioner Exam
• Exam format: Multiple choice; Multiple select
• 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 SAFe® 4 Government course
• Exam duration: Once the exam begins, candidates have 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to complete the exam
• Number of questions – 45
• Passing score – 33 out of 45 (73%)
• 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 $50.
• 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.