Passed the SAFe 5.1 Agilist certification exam in my first attempt with 98%.

I passed the SAFe 5.1 Agilist certification exam in my first attempt with 98%. Overall it was a very good experience learning the fundamentals of Lean, Agile, and product development flow from the basics of Scaled Agile Framework® to integrate, deploy, and release value to support the PI planning and other events in program execution to maximize value.

The Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) is used for large-scale Agile project teams to carry out an Agile transformation seamlessly. Applying these Lean/Agile principles and practices across all levels within an enterprise is the first step in the Agile transformation journey. SAFe® synchronizes the alignment, collaboration, and delivery of multiple Agile teams. 

Now, in its latest release, SAFe® 5.1  promises to bring full business agility with significant advances in strategy, execution, and leadership competencies that help individuals and organizations deliver innovative business solutions.

Today, most organizations work across distributed teams on complex systems. This requires Agile to work across the enterprise seamlessly to bring in the benefits of faster delivery, better quality products, and improved collaboration among the project team members. 

Key learnings from the SAFe® Agilist training-

1. Learn fundamentals - I learned how Lean, Agile, and Product Development Flow form the basics of Scaled Agile Framework®.

2. Effective scaling - It applies SAFe® values of a Lean-Agile mindset to scale Lean and Agile development in your enterprise.

3. Lean-Agile principles - It is in the blood of an Agility Leader. It recognizes and applies the Lean-Agile mindset to the team.

4. Maximizing value - It helps in integrating, deploying, and releasing value to support the PI planning and other events in the Program execution.

5. Seven core competencies - It helps in understanding the seven core competencies of SAFe® 5.1 and coordinates the development of large solutions.

6. Lead transformation - SAFe® 5.1 supports a Lean-Agile transformation in your enterprise with the SAFe®  Implementation Roadmap.

7. Lean Portfolio Management - SAFe® empowers with a Lean Portfolio by applying the Lean-Agile principles to the roles which establish alignment and execution with strategic themes.

8. Leadership skills - It enhances our Lean-Agile leadership skills & creates high-performing Agile teams.

Tips to prepare for the examination - 

1) Please Go through the SAFe® 5.1 workbook provided after the training at least 2-3 times.

2) Please pay special attention to Section #2 (Becoming a Lean-Agile Leader) and Section #4 (Building Solutions with Agile Product Delivery) as it carries exam weightage of 29% & 33% respectively.

3) Also, go through the excellent material available on the Scaled agile framework which is available on the website. Please go through all the explanations given on the website.

4) Take the Practice exam provided within the scaled agile website as many times till you start scoring 90% and above. Keep in mind that 77% is the minimum passing percentage. In my opinion, the practice test questions on the scaled agile website are similar to the real examination.