Understanding the SAFe model for simple and more complex implementations

Do I need to have completed a Leading SAFe® class before taking an Implementing SAFe® class

This is a question that gets frequently asked and is worthy of a quick article to answer not only for now but for future enquires too 😀

In the first instance, let’s look at the Scaled Agile, Inc pre-requisites:

 “All stakeholders in a Lean-Agile transformation are welcome to attend the course, regardless of experience.

However, the following prerequisites are highly recommended for those who intend to take the SAFe® 4 Program Consultant exam and practice as a Certified SAFe® 4 Program Consultant (SPC):

• 5+ years of experience in software development, testing, business analysis, product, or project management
• 3+ years of experience in Agile
• One or more relevant Agile certifications”

So, you can see that Leading SAFe®  is not a pre-requisite to attending an Implementing SAFe® class. In fact, when I took my Implementing SAFe® class I had not previously attended a Leading SAFe® class.

In addition, I tend to find only about a third of Implementing SAFe® class delegates have attended a Leading SAFe® course.

What is more important is that you do have a background and experience in Agile because the Scaled Agile Framework is based on this body of work.

However, there is a BUT!