SAFe — Leading SAFe / SAFe Agilist
This two-day Leading SAFe training prepares transformation leaders to implement the Scaled Agile Framework in their organization: the Lean-Agile Leader role, PI Planning, the Agile Release Train (ART), and a path to SAFe Agilist (SA) certification — a framework widely adopted by organizations scaling agility worldwide.
Scaling Agile is not just running more Scrums side by side
Many organizations that have implemented Scrum at the team level hit the same wall when trying to scale: several teams working on a shared product generate dependencies, conflicting priorities, and no shared delivery rhythm. The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) addresses this with a concrete structure — an Agile Release Train that synchronizes teams on a shared Program Increment cadence, with a single planning event (PI Planning) that sets the plan for the next 8-12 weeks for the entire program.
For the transformation leader, not just for the certificate
Leading SAFe does not stop at exam preparation. Participants work through the Lean-Agile Leader role — a way of leading teams that replaces control with decentralized decision-making and builds a culture of continuous improvement (Inspect & Adapt). This approach sets the program apart from purely certification-focused courses: participants leave with a concrete plan for running PI Planning in their own organization, not just a passed test.
PI Planning, step by step
The training’s central element is a detailed walkthrough of the two-day PI Planning event — from preparing the Program Backlog, through identifying dependencies and risks (ROAM board), to team confidence votes and finalizing the Program Board. A simulation workshop lets participants practice part of this process on a sample Agile Release Train before applying it in their own organization.
Benefits
- Understand the seven core competencies of the Lean-Agile Enterprise and the four SAFe configurations (Essential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full)
- Lead or participate in PI Planning — a two-day event synchronizing the work of an Agile Release Train
- Apply the Lean-Agile Leader role to build a culture of continuous improvement and decentralized decision-making
- Prepare for the SAFe Agilist (SA) certification exam — one of the most frequently required certifications in Agile job postings
Who is this training for?
Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of agile methodologies (Scrum or Kanban) or experience on an Agile project
- No prior Scaled Agile certification required
Training program
Introduction to the Scaled Agile Framework
- Why scaling Agile differs from team-level Agile — the challenges of coordinating multiple teams
- The seven core competencies of the Lean-Agile Enterprise and the House of Lean
- Four SAFe configurations: Essential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full — choosing the right one for your organization's scale
- Mapping SAFe roles: RTE, Product Manager, System Architect, Business Owners
Agile Release Train (ART) and team structure
- Building an ART — Agile teams organized around a shared value stream
- ART roles: Release Train Engineer, Product Management, System Architect/Engineering
- Program Backlog and prioritizing features at the ART level
- Cadence synchronization — the Program Increment (PI) as the organization's rhythm
PI Planning in practice
- The two-day structure of the PI Planning event — a step-by-step agenda
- Identifying dependencies and risks across teams (ROAM board)
- Establishing team confidence votes and finalizing the PI plan
- Simulation workshop: preparing part of a Program Board for a sample ART
Lean-Agile Leadership and a culture of continuous improvement
- The leader's role in a SAFe transformation — from control to enabling self-organization
- Decentralizing decisions and eliminating waste (Lean thinking)
- Inspect & Adapt (I&A) — retrospectives at the ART level
- Organizational maturity map and common SAFe implementation barriers
Preparing for SAFe Agilist certification
- SA exam format — question structure, duration, passing score
- Reviewing key concepts: Lean-Agile Mindset, SAFe Core Values
- Mock exam and review of common mistakes
- Development path after SA certification — further SAFe roles and certifications (RTE, POPM, SPC)
Delivery Methods
Online
- Convenience of participating from anywhere
- Interactive live sessions with trainer
- Materials available for 30 days
- No travel costs
On-site
- Direct contact with trainer and group
- Intensive hands-on workshops
- Networking with other participants
- Full focus on learning
Frequently asked questions
How does Leading SAFe differ from a standard Scrum training?
Scrum operates at the level of a single team. Leading SAFe shows how to coordinate the work of several, a dozen, or sometimes dozens of development teams working on a shared product — through the Agile Release Train, a shared Program Increment cadence, and the PI Planning event. This training is for organizations that already have Agile at team level and need to scale at the program or portfolio level.
Does the training include SAFe Agilist certification?
Yes — upon completing the training, participants gain access to the SAFe Agilist (SA) certification exam administered by Scaled Agile, Inc. SA certification is valid for 1 year and requires an annual renewal. The training includes exam preparation, covering question format and a mock exam.
Which SAFe configuration is covered — Essential or Full?
Leading SAFe covers the fundamentals shared across all four configurations (Essential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full), with particular focus on the Essential level (single ART) as the typical starting point for most transformations. We also discuss when and how an organization expands to the Large Solution or Portfolio level as it scales.
Is this training useful for people outside of IT?
Yes. SAFe engages not only development teams but also Business Owners, Product Management, and business stakeholders participating in PI Planning. The training emphasizes the Lean-Agile Leader role — a function performed by managers and directors regardless of technical background.
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