TWO SCALED AGILE CERTIFICATIONS FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Scaled Agile addresses the challenge of coordinating multiple Agile teams working on the same product. This is a natural consequence of increasing product complexity, which starts as an MVP and eventually outgrows its initial scope.
The main scaling challenges are:
- Integration of work from different teams into a common, integrated, potentially releasable product increment at least at the end of each iteration.
- Preventing duplicate work between teams.
- Preventing communication overload.
- Coordinating inter-team dependencies.
- Maintaining linear productivity growth when adding new teams.
- Reducing decision latency.
- Preventing the emergence of various “coordination bodies” that tend to pop up like mushrooms as complexity and workload increase.
In one of my previous articles, I described three different Agile certifications that cover the Scrum Master role. Now, let’s look at two certifications that I recently completed as part of the Scaled Agile course preparation. This is the only course in the market that covers four Scaled Agile frameworks.
The answer to the question “Can four scaled frameworks really be covered in one week?” is YES.
Scaled Professional Scrum (Nexus)
The SPS certification is managed by scrum.org. It’s based on the 10-page Nexus Guide, which extends the original Scrum with a new role called Nexus Integration Team and a few additional ceremonies.
In my opinion, Nexus is the most suitable framework for organic Agile growth in an organization.
Before taking the certification, knowledge of the Scrum framework at least at the PSM I level is required. Instead of reading the Nexus Guide, I recommend the 130-page book The Nexus Framework for Scaling Scrum, which is essentially the Nexus Guide with explanations and best practices.
The exam questions are relatively simple and mostly focus on identifying bad practices and understanding the purpose of scaled Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective ceremonies. There’s enough time to complete it, so with some preparation, it’s possible to achieve a perfect score.
Registered Scrum@Scale Practitioner
Certification title: Registered Scrum@Scale Practitioner (RS@SP)
Provider: Scrum Inc.
Price: $695 – $1,995 for online courses (depending on the instructor). Certification is only possible after completing the course.
Number of questions: 30
Time: unlimited
Required pass rate: 75%
Retake: two attempts (third attempt requires personal arrangement with the trainer)
Periodic renewal required: annually
The Scrum@Scale Practitioner certification can be taken up to one month after completing the course. This is where Scrum.org and Scrum Inc. differ. Scrum.org certifications can be taken independently, without attending courses.
The course I attended was led by experienced trainer Donald Patti. Training lasted two eight-hour days and focused on practical examples and interdependencies of individual Scrum@Scale elements. All course participants were Scrum certified practitioners and had read at least one book about Scrum@Scale framework. Despite this, we were literally catching our breath due to the pace. The amount and density of information, along with challenging competitive quizzes and workshops, completely exhausted us in two days. My advice: if you decide to take this training, get plenty of rest beforehand, and coffee or energy drinks during the course won’t hurt either 😊 An interesting aspect of this course is that participants must keep their cameras on constantly.
The exam is relatively simple and focuses on:
- Scrum@Scale specifics such as the tasks of Executive MetaScrum and Executive Action Team.
- Complementary practices such as Agile Practice group, Patterns and Enabling Specifications.
- Scaled role responsibilities such as Scaled Scrum Master or Chief Product Owner.
What about SAFe and less?
SAFe
SAFe is implemented in organizations using the Big Bang method (everyone at once). This typically involves an expensive external consulting organization that brings along numerous certified consultants.
Scaled Agile Inc. offers numerous certifications. Certification is part of the preparation for, or implementation of SAFe. Most certifications are quite partial due to the complexity of the SAFe framework.
In my opinion, SAFe certification isn’t worthwhile unless you work in an organization that practices it. If that’s the case, the consulting organization will handle your certification as part of the SAFe transformation.
LeSS
LeSS is scaled Scrum that’s bound into a functional whole through best practices. The framework is recommended for experienced teams and Agile organizations.
Due to the practical nature of the framework, there is no certification exam. The Certified LeSS Practitioner (CLS) status is obtained through course participation. I don’t plan to pursue this certification yet, as the course with a quality instructor costs from €2,200 upward. There are cheaper courses by certified LeSS trainers, but they’re more risky in terms of quality.
Since LeSS is based on good Scrum practices that trainers develop and practice daily, courses with the same name can vary significantly. Their curriculum is only framework. This is illustrated by the requirement for LeSS trainer status, which involves participating in two identical CLS courses from different instructors.