SAFe Certifications

Hi Rami!

1) I understand you need a course for every SAFe certificate which will cost around $750 for each certificate.
Cannot comment on the price, but that is correct, a class is required. The cost of the exam/cert depends. But the exam fee is included as part of the package of registering for the class. Now, that said, renewal fees vary. IIRC, the renewal for SPC is $800/yr.

2) The exam is online and NOT proctored.
Exam is online

3) Where can you get the study guide from ?
Materials are distributed as part of the class. The scaled agile website has a lot of information as well.

4) Any recommended course providers ?
Sorry, I can't remember who I used. I tried to look it up, but think its with an old work email address

5) How valuable was this certification to you ?
It was valuable when I first earned b/c my client at the time was using SAFe. But since then, I'd say my other certs have been more valuable. SAFe certs are only really valuable within an actual SAFe implementation/environment.

Hey Rami!

No, the online exam is not proctored. It's similar experience as the PSM.

No, I believe it is only the SPC level cert that is that expensive. My SA and SP certs are $100/year.

Apologize for the delayed response!

Hey Rami!

I have been an SPC for 4 years now, so hopefully my input will also shed some light.
1) I understand you need a course for every SAFe certificate which will cost around $750 for each certificate.
Yes, you need a course for every certificate you want to obtain. The course prices vary depending on duration (2 or 3 days) and licence costs (most of them cost 100 USD, but some like LPM or APD cost 450 USD and SPC costs 895 USD I believe).
2) The exam is online and NOT proctored.
True, there is no live proctor on the other side. No camera required.
3) Where can you get the study guide from ?
The framework is freely available at scaledagileframework.com.
Every part of it is clickable, the links between different articles work great as well.
Other than that the course is the best way to get knowledge.
There are also numerous meetups dedicated to Scaled Agile Framework.
4) Any recommended course providers ?
I have been working with a couple of them, mostly in Europe though. Are you only interested in US based providers?
5) How valuable was this certification to you ?
As an SPC it obviously helps a lot in my business. My students also find it useful in their framework implementation efforts later on. Not as much as PMP though. Remember, the certificate is valid for one year, after that you need to pay a renewal fee (equal to the licence cost, so most of the renewal fees are 100 USD, mine is 895 USD).

Best Regards,
Marcin

Hi Rami!

1) I understand you need a course for every SAFe certificate which will cost around $750 for each certificate.
Cannot comment on the price, but that is correct, a class is required. The cost of the exam/cert depends. But the exam fee is included as part of the package of registering for the class. Now, that said, renewal fees vary. IIRC, the renewal for SPC is $800/yr.

2) The exam is online and NOT proctored.
Exam is online

3) Where can you get the study guide from ?
Materials are distributed as part of the class. The scaled agile website has a lot of information as well.

4) Any recommended course providers ?
Sorry, I can't remember who I used. I tried to look it up, but think its with an old work email address

5) How valuable was this certification to you ?
It was valuable when I first earned b/c my client at the time was using SAFe. But since then, I'd say my other certs have been more valuable. SAFe certs are only really valuable within an actual SAFe implementation/environment.

I have to agree with Andrew on the last point. SAFe only comes up in job requirements if the organization is heavily into SAFe - where as a Scrum / Agile certification tends to be required more broadly.

I've only seen a few jobs (mostly in the insurance industry) require SAFe in the job postings