Introduction
Scaled Agile Framework is a framework that is an obvious requirement for SAFe certifications. The Scaled Agile Framework emerged as the leading method to scale Agile practices in enterprises. This transformation is centered around the SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC), a highly respected credential which equips professionals to successfully implement SAFe on an organizational scale.
Agile transformations have become increasingly complex. As a result, a greater need is required for advanced leadership abilities and expertise. This demand has led to the introduction of the Advanced SPC certification path. This advanced certificate is for SPCs with experience who want to improve their skills and knowledge in Agile, or refine their coaching techniques.
This blog is created to give a detailed comparison between SPC certification and Advanced SPC certification Path by examining their main differences, eligibility criteria, benefits, and career options. This guide can help anyone, from an Agile Practitioner looking to advance their career into SPC status or a SPC who is considering an advanced route.
What is SPC Certification?
SPC (SAFe practice consultant) certification is a basic foundational certificate for Agile coaches and consultants. SPCs who are certified gain experience in SAFe implementation and training across organizations.
SPC Certification Course Highlights:
- Includes SAFe Principles, Lean and Agile mindset, and transformational leadership.
- The course enables professionals to conduct SAFe training courses, such as Leading SAFe and SAFe Teams.
- Passing an exam is required after attending a 4-day SPC training course.
- This course is ideal for those Agile professionals seeking to implement SAFe.
What is the Advanced SAFe Practice Consultant Certification Path?
Advanced SPC certification path is for SPCs that have extensive SAFe experience. This certification focuses on coaching and organizational agility. Here is the
Advanced SPC Certification Course Highlights:
- This course is for SPCs who have experience in SAFe transformation
- Increases your knowledge of enterprise-level agile coaching and Lean portfolio Management
- Completing this course requires an understanding of Business Agility that goes beyond the implementation of frameworks
- The course is designed to prepare professionals for advanced SAFe transformations
Key Differences Between SPC and Advanced SPC certification Path
1.Basic understanding of SPC and Advanced SPC Certifications path
SPC (SAFe® Practice Consultant) Certification and Advanced SPC Certification Path are both professional accreditations under the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®). These certifications focus on Agile transformation at an enterprise level.
- The SPC certification is the entry-level credential for professionals who guide organizations through SAFe® transformations.
- The Advanced SPC certification path is for experienced SPCs who want to deepen their expertise, expand their coaching capabilities, and take on leadership roles in Agile transformations.
2.Certification Overview
Here is the detailed overview for the both of the certification:
Feature | SPC (SAFe® Practice Consultant) | Advanced SPC Certification Path |
| Purpose | Equips professionals to implement SAFe®, train SAFe® courses, and lead Agile transformations. | Expands the SPC role by focusing on coaching, leadership, and advanced transformation strategies. |
| Experience Level | Suitable for experienced Agile coaches, consultants, and change agents. | Designed for highly experienced SPCs who have been actively implementing SAFe®. |
| Prerequisites | Candidates need 5+ years in business analysis, project management, or software development, 3+ years in Agile, a relevant Agile certification, and earned SEUs/PDUs. | Requires SPC certification and significant hands-on SAFe® implementation experience. |
| Training Course Duration | 4-day instructor-led training program. | Advanced learning path, which may include multiple workshops, case studies, and advanced SAFe® training. |
| Exam Format | Online, multiple-choice exam. | May require case studies, project-based assessments, or additional courses. |
| Validity | 1 year (requires renewal). | Continual learning with periodic assessments and experience validation. |
| Renewal Requirements | Annual renewal with fee payment and professional development units (PDUs). | Renewal may require additional evidence of SAFe® coaching engagements and learning credits. |
| Key Skills Gained | SAFe® transformation strategy, SAFe® framework application, Agile team coaching, and SAFe® course delivery. | Advanced SAFe® coaching techniques, organizational leadership, Lean Portfolio Management (LPM), and Agile business strategy. |
| Who Should Take It? | Agile coaches, consultants, Scrum Masters, Release Train Engineers (RTEs), and program managers. | Experienced SPCs aiming to specialize further in enterprise transformation and leadership roles. |
3.Roles and Responsibilities
SPC (SAFe® Practice Consultant): An SPC is a SAFe® transformation leader responsible for:
Implementing SAFe® across teams and organizations.
- Training and coaching Agile teams, leaders, and executives
- Facilitating PI (Program Increment) planning and Agile Release Trains (ARTs).
- Supporting Lean-Agile transformation efforts.
- Teaching SAFe® courses like SAFe® Scrum Master, SAFe® for Teams, etc.
Advanced SPC (Senior SAFe® Consultant/Coach)
Advanced SPC professionals take their expertise further by:
- Providing strategic leadership in large-scale Agile transformations.
- Coaching senior executives and leadership teams on Agile business agility.
- Driving enterprise-level Agile maturity assessments.
- Specializing in Lean Portfolio Management (LPM), Agile Contracting, and Organizational Change Management (OCM).
- Working as a Transformation Architect, leading multiple SAFe® implementations across different organizations.
4.Exam and Certification Process
SPC Certification Exam:
- Format: Multiple-choice, online.
- Passing Criteria: Requires a minimum passing score (varies by exam version).
- Exam Fee: Included in course registration.
- Renewal: Requires annual renewal with a fee.
Advanced SPC Certification path Exam :
- Exam Format: Multiple-choice, online
- Number of Questions: 20
- Passing Score: 75%
- Exam Duration: 60 Minutes
5.Career Growth and Opportunities
Aspect | SPC Certification | Advanced SPC Certification Path |
| Career Level | Mid to senior-level Agile transformation consultant | Senior-level Agile business leader or enterprise coach |
| Industry Demand | High demand for SPCs across industries like IT, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing | Highly demanding for executive-level coaching and large-scale SAFe® implementations |
| Average Salary | $120,000 – $160,000 per year (varies by location and experience). | $160,000 – $200,000+ per year due to leadership-level impact. |
| Job Roles | SAFe® Consultant, Agile Coach, SAFe® Trainer, RTE, Change Agent. | Enterprise Agile Coach, SAFe® Transformation Leader, Agile Business Consultant. |
| Global Recognition | Recognized across industries and organizations adopting SAFe®. | Considered a highly prestigious certification in the Agile transformation domain. |
Who Should Choose SPC or Advanced SAFe Practice Consultant Certification Path Training
SPC Certification is ideal for:
- Program and Project Managers
- Managers
- Directors
- Portfolio Managers
- SAFe Practitioners
- Consultants and Coaches
- Enterprise and Solution Architects
- Professional Service Consultants
- Change Agents and Lean-Agile Leaders
- Anyone Involved in Large-Scale Agile Transformations
Advanced SPC Certification is best for:
- Experienced SPCs who have successfully led multiple SAFe transformations
- Senior Agile coaches aiming to deepen their enterprise-level impact.
- Leaders focused on scaling Agile practices beyond frameworks
Exam Requirements and Eligibility
SPC Certification:
- Completion of a four-day SAFe practice Consultant training course.
- Passing an online proctored exam with multiple-choice questions.
- Recommended for Agile professionals with some SAFe knowledge.
Advanced SPC Certification path:
- Candidates must already hold an active SPC certification.
- Significant experience in leading SAFe implementations.
- Additional training on advanced SAFe coaching and transformation strategies.
- Successfully Complete the Advanced SAFe Practice consultancy certification exam.
Career Growth and Opportunities
- Recognized SAFe trainer status, allowing professionals to certify others
- Increased opportunities in Agile transformation roles
- Access to the SAFe community and resources for continuous learning
Advanced SPC Certification path Benefits:
- Positions professionals as enterprise Agile transformation experts
- Higher-level strategic coaching opportunities in large organizations
- Greater leadership roles in Lean Portfolio Management and Agile coaching
Conclusion
Both SPC and Advanced SPC certification paths play crucial roles in scaling Agile within enterprises. While the SPC certification is ideal for professionals looking to implement SAFe and train teams, the Advanced SPC path is best suited for those aiming for leadership roles in enterprise Agile transformation. Understanding these differences will help Agile practitioners make informed career decisions and contribute more effectively to Agile organizations. Simpliaxis is one of the most leading & Scaled Agile Gold SPC Training partners for SAFe certification. Taking training for SPC certification or Advanced SPC (ASPC) path at Simpliaxis is a great choice for professionals.
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