SAFe for Government (SGP)

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SAFe for Government (SGP)

Summary

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, multivendor 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.

Attending the class prepares individuals to take the exam and become a certified SAFe® Government Practitioner (SGP)

Learning Goals

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

Topics Covered

  • Advancing Lean-Agile in government
  • Embracing a Lean-Agile mindset
  • Understanding SAFe principles
  • Creating high-performing Agile teams and programs
  • Planning with cadence and synchronization
  • Supporting program execution
  • Mapping the path to agency and program agility
  • Leading successful change
 What Attendees Get

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

 Who will benefit?

This course is designed for government leaders and influencers who can guide the decision to adopt SAFe within their agency or program. Examples include:

  • Executives, directors, branch chiefs
  • Managers of development, engineering, QA, architecture, operations, support
  • Program and project managers
  • Program/Project Management Office (PMO)

 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

 SAFe Certification Kit

Attendees who pass the certification exam will receive:

  • SAFe® 5 Government Practitioner certificate
  • A SAFe® 5 Government Practitioner digital badge to promote your accomplishment online
  • A one-year certified membership as a SAFe® 5 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

 Annual Renewal

Certifications expire one year from the date the certification is earned.

  • Renewal fee is $100
Exam Details
  • Exam name: SAFe® 5 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® 5 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. 

Professional Development Units (PDUs) and Scrum Education Units (SEUs)

  • Attendees may be eligible to apply for 15 PDUs toward their continuing education requirements with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for PMP, PgMP, and PMI-ACP certifications
  • Attendees may be eligible to apply for SEUs under Category C, toward earning or renewing their CSP through the Scrum Alliance
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