To become a SAFe Agilist, you must undergo Leading SAFe training and take the SAFe Agilist exam. The SAFe Agilist certification, offered by Scaled Agile, Inc., is designed for individuals who wish to demonstrate their knowledge of SAFe principles and practices.

This certification is often the first step in a SAFe learning journey and is highly regarded in the Agile community. In this blog post, we will explore the details of the SAFe Agilist certification exam.

SAFe Agilist Exam Format

45 multiple choice questions
90 minutes to complete the exam
Online proctored exam from your personal computer
Minimum passing score is 75% (34 or more correct answers)

SAFe Agilist Exam Contents

Applying SAFe Principles
Embracing a Lean-Agile Mindset
Connecting Teams with Value Streams
Building Agile Release Trains and Programs
Leading Lean-Agile transformation

Certification Details

Credential issued by Scaled Agile upon passing the exam
Certification renewal is required annually through retesting
Renewal demonstrates ongoing education on the latest practices
Active SAFe Agilists gain access to exclusive community forums

The SAFe Agilist certification signals you have the knowledge to participate effectively in SAFe implementations and are ready for greater responsibility. It’s an investment that can accelerate your Agile career growth.

Factors That Influence Difficulty

Previous Knowledge
– Assess your current understanding of Agile methodologies like Scrum and XP. Strong foundational knowledge will help grasp SAFe principles more easily.

– Review your experience participating in or coaching Agile teams. Familiarity with Agile practices will translate well to a SAFe environment.

– If you are new to Agile or SAFe, invest time upfront in foundational training and reading. Don’t rely solely on the SAFe Agilist prep materials.

Study Materials
– Use multiple study resources – the official study guide, online training course, practice tests, study groups, etc. Diversify materials to build deeper comprehension.

– Thoroughly understand the exam outline and know which topics have a greater emphasis. Prioritize a higher percentage of areas in your studying.

– Supplement studying with real-world examples and case studies. This grounds the concepts and aids retention.

– Review the glossary frequently to ensure you understand SAFe terminology and can recall definitions.

Practice Questions
– Start practice exams early in your preparation to diagnose knowledge gaps while there’s still time to improve.

– Mimic actual exam conditions when taking practice tests – timed, no open books or notes, quiet environment. This builds exam endurance.

– Analyze wrong answers to understand why you got them incorrect. Don’t just memorize answers. Improve conceptual grasp.

– After practice tests, review notes and re-study areas you struggled with. Targeted content review is efficient studying.

Exam Anxiety
– Get plenty of rest leading up to the exam so you are energized and focused. Being tired can heighten test anxiety.

– Use positive self-talk leading up to and during the exam. Picture yourself succeeding.

– Avoid cramming right before the exam, which can be counterproductive and stressful.

– Take deep breaths during the exam to calm nerves. Pace yourself and don’t rush. Trust your preparation.

Tips for Succeding in the SAFe Agilist Exam

Have a good foundational knowledge of Agile principles and values. Review the Agile Manifesto and be familiar with concepts like iterative development, continuous improvement, and responding to change.
Study the SAFe principles and framework in depth. Get familiar with the different configurations, roles, events, and practices. Review the SAFe website, guides, and glossary.
Take advantage of available training resources. Consider taking a course led by a certified SAFe trainer or reviewing online video tutorials. Hands-on experience will boost retention.
Read the exam outline and know the topic areas. Review what percentage of the exam covers each knowledge area.
Take practice tests to identify weak spots in knowledge. An 80% or higher on practice exams indicates readiness. Review missed questions.
Manage exam anxiety with positive self-talk, relaxation techniques, and avoiding cramming. Arrive rested and focused.
Read questions carefully in the exam. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first. Mark questions to return to if unsure.
Pace yourself, as you have limited time. Don’t get stuck on one question. Flag it and keep moving.

Also Read: SAFe Agilist Certification Cost

Final Words

The SAFe Agilist exam is considered moderately challenging, requiring diligent preparation. It tests not just conceptual knowledge but the ability to apply SAFe principles across various scenarios.

The passing score of 75% illustrates the exam’s rigor. Test takers must demonstrate competency – simply familiarity with terms is insufficient. Prior SAFe and Agile experience helps but does not guarantee success.

With dedication and consistent preparation over 2-3 months, passing the SAFe Agilist exam is an achievable goal for both new and experienced practitioners. The key is immersing yourself in SAFe resources, training, and practice tests.

Stay motivated and trust in your preparation. With focus and discipline, you can join the ranks of over 100,000 SAFe Agilists worldwide.

Enroll in our 2 days of Official SAFe Agilist Certification Training and become a renowned SAFe Agilist.