Today, agile approaches are the foundation of business management, and it is crucial to know how to expand agile at scale.
Among all the concepts of scaling agile, the Scaled Agile Framework has drawn much attention from researchers and practitioners of agile; within SAFe, POPM certification occupies an important status.
This article will focus on giving a first understanding of everything regarding the POPM SAFe certification; what it is, what it offers, and how it might shape your future.
What is the POPM SAFe Certification?
SAFe POPM is a professional certification of your knowledge about the role of Product Owner and Product Manager within the framework of SAFe.
It is intended for those who are in charge of product development and delivery with a focus on the scope that is used in large organizations and scaled agile frameworks.
SAFe is the implementation of the principles and practices of agile, lean, and DevOps in a way that enables an organization to handle projects across various teams and divisions on an Agile model.
POPM SAFe certification has a specific concentration on Product Owners and Product Managers for driving the teams from the strategic directions, backlog management, and customer value focus.
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Role of Product Owners and Product Managers in SAFe
Extraordinarily, Product Owners and Product Managers are profoundly important in a SAFe setting to make certain that the right products are developed and delivered to consumption domains.
Although their jobs are quite separate, they have close coordination with each other to synchronize business strategy and product planning.
- Product Owner (PO): Based on this, the Product Owner oversees the prioritization of the program backlog in an attempt to have the development team work on more valuable features.
The product owner stands in for a customer in that he/she must consider the customer’s need and the value that the product is going to impart to the customer.
- Product Manager (PM): The Product Manager has the ownership of the product vision, strategy, and the corresponding management of the product.
The PM collaborates with other stakeholders to establish the needs of the market and the position of the product by the strategic objectives of the organization.
The PM also works with the PO to make sure the development team works on the right feature set at the right time.
Consequently, the role of PO and PM is to create a fine synergy in a SAFe context so that product development is aligned towards meeting business goals and benefits delivery to the customers.
Main Features of the POPM SAFe Certification
SAFe certification could include a range of issues that might be critical for the person working at a company that applies the POPM SAFe model. Some of the key components of the certification include:
- Understanding the Roles of Product Owner and Product Manager:
The certification gives a detailed comprehension of the function and tasks of POs as well as PMs in a SAFe setting.
It outlined various interactions between these roles to point out that their cooperation is crucial for the effective organization of the PD process and the achievement of business and customer value.
- Connecting SAFe Lean-Agile Principles to Roles:
Here, the focus is made on the fact that SAFe Lean-Agile principles consider the work of POs and PMs. Some of its topics include Lean product development, backlog management, and the Lean concept of work prioritization by putting through the customer value lens.
- Identifying and Prioritizing Features and Capabilities:
The certification explains ways of proper prioritization of features and capabilities that would greatly benefit the users. It comprises methods of market investigation, analysis of customers’ requirements, and product development in line with the business plan.
- Managing and Prioritizing Backlogs:
The management of backlog constitutes one of the most indispensable techniques for POs and PMs. The certification deals with advanced techniques of managing and prioritizing the backlogs in a way that the development team is always working on the features that would create the most value.
- Delivering Value to Customers:
The certification highlights the need to create and provide customer value in the whole product development value proposal.
It encompasses approaches to the evaluation of value output and the management of the product so that it provides value to customers and builds business value.
Ways of Acquiring the SAFe POPM Certification
To attain the POPM SAFe certification there is a systematic process that a candidate has to go through including the following: Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
- Meet the Prerequisites:
There are no special requirements for enrolling in the POPM SAFe certification and it is highly encouraged that the participants have some working experience in product management or product ownership, preferably in an agile system.
An overview of SAFe also counts as a plus for a candidate.
- Attend a SAFe POPM Course:
To take the certification test, it is mandatory to undergo a SAFe POPM program from an accredited training vendor.
These courses offer extended training on the roles of POs and PMs in SAFe environments and all there is on the certification exams.
- Study and Practice:
Upon the completion of the course, it’s pertinent to go over the course work and learn how they can apply them at the workplace.
There are many sample papers available in the market and most of the training provided such as StarAgile provides extra material in the form of mock tests.
- Pass the Certification Exam:
The final process that must be completed is to take the POPM SAFe certification exam.
The exam is based on 50 multiple-choice questions, which cover the roles of the PO and the PM, as well as practical application of the SAFe Lean-Agile principles.
After this examination, you will obtain your POPM SAFe certification which is valid for a year and is renewable on an annual basis routinely.
Advantages of the POPM SAFe Certification
Learning the POPM SAFe certification is equally advantageous when an employee wants to progress to a higher level in the career path of product management and agile development. Some of the key benefits include:
- Enhanced Career Opportunities:
SAFe is being adopted by organizations from around the world and with the adoption comes the need for personnel in such organizations to be trained in SAFe practices.
The POPM SAFe awareness certification creates new professional opportunities for people, which may be connected with product management, product ownership, and aggregate transformation.
- Improved Earning Potential:
Specifically, those with a SAFe-certified official title, such as POPM, are generally paid more than those who are not certified. It shows that you know how to grow agile across an organization, which is always good to have.
- Recognition as a SAFe Expert:
Having the POPM SAFe certification enhances you as a professional, especially in Agile environment activities such as BIG, Lean, and SAFe in product management and product ownership.
Such acknowledgement can be a reason for promotions, new responsibilities, and leadership in your firm.
- Access to a Global SAFe Community:
Once certified as a SAFe professional, you will be joining a global community of other SaFe professionals who, like you, are in a position to apply SAFe in their organization or business and can afford to discuss all details of SaFe in the organization of practising professionals.
What Makes StarAgile Exclusive for POPM SAFe Certification?
As for the preparation of the POPM SAFe certification, the selection of a training company is very significant.
StarAgile is involved in providing the SAFe certification training wherein you get all the training and study material for better certification exam preparation and enhancement of your career.
- Expert Instructors: StarAgile has professional trainers who are SAFe trained and have a working knowledge of SAFe Practices.
- Comprehensive Course Materials: The official website of StarAgile gives detailed concepts covered in the class, sample quiz questions, and other resources to prepare for the final certification exam.
- Flexible Learning Options: Both online and classroom training sessions are available at StarAgile and flexibility can be given to the employees at their convenience.
- Post-Certification Support: StarAgile also provides post-certification services so that aspiring professionals are well-connected with the SAFe community and can access other resources for lifelong learning.
Conclusion
The POPM SAFe certification is a useful certification for those working in product management and product ownership in a SAFe context.
It affirms your comprehension of basic SAFe rules and guidelines and makes you be identified as a wise and efficient leader in the enhancement of the process of scaling agile in an organization.
