SAFe® for Government 5.0 (SGP Certification) Training

Transitioning to Lean-Agile practices for building technology-based capabilities is especially challenging in the government context. 

However, issues of legacy governance, contracting, and organizational barriers can be overcome with the right information and strategies. During this two-day SAFe for Government 5.0 Training 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 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 also learn how specific leadership behaviors can drive successful organizational change in government. 

This course also prepares you to take the Scaled Agile exam and achieve SAFe® Government Practitioner 5.0 (SGP) certification. Course tuition includes the exam.

SAFe® for Government 5.0 (SGP Certification) Training Benefits

• This SGP Certification includes the following benefits:

  • 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.
  • Build a preliminary outline of the following steps to begin and accelerate the SAFe implementation in your program or agency.
  • Includes 1-year Scaled Agile Membership (for first-time attendees of SAFe courses).

• Prerequisites

  The following prerequisites are highly recommended:

  • A foundational understanding of the Agile Manifesto, SAFe House of Lean, and SAFe Principles is required using pre-work suggestions.
  • A foundational understanding of 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.

• Certification Information

  • Duration: 90 minutes 
  • Number of Questions: 45 
  • Passing Score: 73% 
  • Delivery: Web-based, closed book, no outside assistance, timed 
  • Access: Practice and certification exams are available in your Scaled Agile Community portal under the course you’re attending.  
  • Cost: Initial cost is included in the course registration fee if taken within 30 days of course completion. 
  • Retake Fee: $50; $250 for SPCs 
  • Retake Policy: First retake may be taken immediately after the first failed attempt. Second retake may be taken 10 days after the first retake. Third retake may be taken 30 days after the second retake. All subsequent retakes require a 30-day wait.

  This course is aligned to SAFe 5.0 and is the latest version of the course availalable from Scaled Agile.

SAFe for Government Training Outline

Module 1: Advancing Lean-Agile in Government

• Recognize the problem to be solved
• Review the state of Lean-Agile adoption
• Know the basic constructs of SAFe and the Implementation Roadmap

Module 2: Embracing a Lean-Agile Mindset

• Embrace the Lean mindset
• Support the Agile Manifesto

Module 3: Understanding SAFe Principles

• Take an economic view
• Apply systems thinking
• Assume variability; preserve options
• Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles
• Base milestones on objective evaluation of working systems
• Visualize and limit WIP, reduce batch sizes, and manage queue lengths
• Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning
• Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers
• Decentralize decision-making
• Organize around value

Module 4: Creating High-Performing Teams and Programs

• Create high-performing Agile Teams
• Continuously deliver value with Agile Release Trains
• Provision the key ART roles
• Coordinate and integrate multiple ARTs and Suppliers

Module 5: Planning with Cadence and Synchronization

• Prepare to experience PI Planning
• Create and review draft PI plans
• Finalize plans and establish business value
• Review final plans and commit to a set of PI Objectives

Module 6: Supporting Program Execution

• Guide innovation and exploration for programs and large solutions
• Manage flow of value
• Update the Program Vision and Roadmap
• Define system attributes with Features
• Set priorities through backlog refinement
• Engage in key SAFe events

Module 7: Mapping the Path to Agency and Program Agility

• Map the journey to agency/program Agility
• Build large programs to align with agency strategy
• Transition from projects to Lean flow of Epics
• Adopt Lean Budgeting aligned to Value Streams
• Apply Lean estimating and forecasting with cadence-based development
• Modify acquisition practices to enable Lean-Agile development and operations
• Build in quality and compliance
• Adapt governance practices to support Agility and Lean flow of value

Module 8: Leading Successful Change

• Lead by example
• Adopt a Lean-Agile mindset
• Lead the change to SAFe

Module 9: Becoming a Certified SAFe Government Practitioner

• Becoming a Certified SAFe Professional