Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to use the SPCT Program handbook
1
6
Audience.................................................................................................................................. 6
About the SPCT Program
7
SAFe® Practice Consultant-T (SPCT)....................................................................................7
SPCT Mission Statement........................................................................................................ 7
Gold SPCT Program................................................................................................................ 7
Internal SPCT Program (iSPCT)............................................................................................. 7
iSPCT Private Cohort.............................................................................................................. 8
iSPCTs at Gold Partners......................................................................................................... 8
Authorized Co-Trainer.............................................................................................................8
Code of Conduct......................................................................................................................9
SPCT Sponsorship Requirements
9
Gold SPCT Partner.................................................................................................................. 9
SAFe Enterprise Customer and iSPCTs................................................................................ 9
Accessing the SPCT Portal.................................................................................................. 10
SPCT Pipeline........................................................................................................................ 10
SPCT Prospect – Qualification and Application................................................................................. 11
SPCT Prospect – SAI Screening........................................................................................................11
Interview results............................................................................................................................. 11
SPCT Nominee.................................................................................................................................. 11
Immersion week................................................................................................................................. 12
SPCT Candidate – Field Experience................................................................................................. 12
SPCT Pairing exam........................................................................................................................... 12
Passing the Pairing exam.............................................................................................................. 12
iSPCT Private Cohort - Overview...................................................................................................... 13
SPCT Application Packet
14
Intent of Application Artifacts.............................................................................................. 14
Documentation Review......................................................................................................... 14
Needs Revision..............................................................................................................................14
Not Accepted................................................................................................................................. 14
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Accepted........................................................................................................................................14
Required Experience
15
i/SPCT Application Requirements......................................................................................................16
General experience and education................................................................................................16
Training and consulting skills......................................................................................................... 16
i/SPCT Requirements........................................................................................................................ 16
Explained: Requirements Aspects.................................................................................................16
Aspect: Application Artifacts.......................................................................................................... 17
Business Lead Nomination........................................................................................................17
Program Application.................................................................................................................. 17
Letter of Intent........................................................................................................................... 17
Letter of Recommendation........................................................................................................ 17
Aspect: Transformation Architecture............................................................................................. 18
Successful SAFe Implementation............................................................................................. 18
Value Stream and ART Identification Workshop....................................................................... 18
ART Quick-Start........................................................................................................................ 18
ART Launch, Re-Launch........................................................................................................... 19
LACE Toolkit Workshop.............................................................................................................19
Architecture Toolkit Workshop................................................................................................... 19
Measure & Grow Workshop...................................................................................................... 19
Value Stream Mapping Workshop............................................................................................. 20
Flow Workshop..........................................................................................................................20
Aspect: Trusted Advisor.................................................................................................................20
SAFe Speaking Engagement.................................................................................................... 20
Blog Post................................................................................................................................... 20
Executive Workshop..................................................................................................................20
Transformation Support Activities..............................................................................................20
Volunteer Activity.......................................................................................................................21
Aspect: Trainer...............................................................................................................................21
Leading SAFe............................................................................................................................21
Leading SAFe taught using SAFe Studio..................................................................................21
Other SAFe Courses - Nomination............................................................................................22
SAFe for Teams, as part of Quick Start.....................................................................................22
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SAFe Product Owner / Product Manager..................................................................................22
SAFe Scrum Master.................................................................................................................. 22
Advanced Courses.................................................................................................................... 23
Implementing SAFe CDE.......................................................................................................... 23
Co-Teach Implementing SAFe.................................................................................................. 23
Implementing SAFe Pairing Exam............................................................................................ 23
Implementing SAFe Class Pairing Exam– Private iSPCT Cohort................................................. 24
Current SPC.............................................................................................................................. 24
Latest SAFe Upgrade................................................................................................................25
Attend SPCT Day or Masterclass..............................................................................................25
Attend SAFe Summit.................................................................................................................25
Latest Courseware Entablements............................................................................................. 25
Reading Reports....................................................................................................................... 25
Capstone Essay........................................................................................................................ 25
Authorized Co-Trainer Program Requirements.................................................................. 26
Authorized Co-Trainer Applications Requirements............................................................................ 26
Explained: Requirements Aspects.................................................................................................26
Aspect: Application Artifacts.......................................................................................................... 26
Business Lead Nomination........................................................................................................26
Program Application.................................................................................................................. 27
Letter of Intent........................................................................................................................... 27
Letter of Recommendation........................................................................................................ 27
Aspect: Transformation Architecture............................................................................................. 27
Successful SAFe Implementation............................................................................................. 27
Value Stream and ART Identification Workshop....................................................................... 27
ART Launch, Re-Launch........................................................................................................... 28
Aspect: Trainer...............................................................................................................................28
Leading SAFe............................................................................................................................28
Leading SAFe taught using SAFe Studio..................................................................................28
Implementing SAFe CDE.......................................................................................................... 29
Aspect: Trusted Advisor.................................................................................................................29
SAFe Speaking Engagement.................................................................................................... 29
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Blog Post................................................................................................................................... 29
Current SPC.............................................................................................................................. 29
Latest SAFe Upgrade................................................................................................................29
Latest Leading SAFe Entablement............................................................................................29
Reading Reports....................................................................................................................... 29
i/SPCT Renewal Requirements............................................................................................ 31
.................................................................................................................................................31
Aspect: SAFe Engagement........................................................................................................... 31
Latest SAFe Upgrade................................................................................................................31
Attend SAFe Summit, SPCT Day or Masterclass..................................................................... 31
Implementing SAFe...................................................................................................................31
Deliver an Advanced Course.....................................................................................................32
Deliver Other SAFe Course.......................................................................................................32
Aspect: Lifelong Learner................................................................................................................32
Attend a Class........................................................................................................................... 32
Be Coached...............................................................................................................................32
Aspect: Outreach: Live the Values.................................................................................................33
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Mentor Others........................................................................................................................... 33
Volunteer Activity.......................................................................................................................33
Provide Volunteer Consulting.................................................................................................... 33
University Teaching................................................................................................................... 33
Aspect: Community Engagement.................................................................................................. 33
Participate in a Podcast.............................................................................................................33
Publish a SAFe-related Blog..................................................................................................... 33
SAFe Speaking Engagement.................................................................................................... 34
Appendix
35
SPCT Reading List................................................................................................................ 35
Required for Nomination................................................................................................................35
Required for Certification............................................................................................................... 35
Elective Reading List (Select 2 for Certification)............................................................................35
SPCT and Co-Trainer Operations Policy............................................................................. 37
Policy for the Delivery of Implementing SAFe....................................................................37
Policy Purpose................................................................................................................................... 37
Calculating Feedback Scores...............................................................................................38
Full-Time Employment.......................................................................................................... 39
SPCT Program Policy............................................................................................................40
Participation and Collaboration Agreement....................................................................... 41
Data Retention Policy............................................................................................................42
Code of Conduct....................................................................................................................43
Inclusion and Selection Policy.............................................................................................45
Release Notes
5
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
How to use the SPCT Program handbook
The SPCT Program handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the SPCT Program, the certification
process, and governing policies and procedures.
Audience
The intended audience for this handbook is prospective SPCTs, Business Leads, Account Managers, and
anyone else interested in the SPCT Program.
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About the SPCT Program
SAFe® Practice Consultant-T (SPCT)
SAFe® Practice Consultant-Ts (SPCTs) are among the most highly regarded SAFe® experts in the world.
The nearly two-year SPCT journey is designed to validate and refine the T-Shape that define an SPCT.
SPCTs are the most sought-after SAFe® Trainers, SAFe® Trusted Advisors, and SAFe® Transformation
Architects among enterprises seeking to improve their methods of working in pursuit of Business Agility.
SPCT Mission Statement
The purpose of the SPCT Program is to develop and lead a worldwide community of change agents
focused on helping enterprises thrive with business agility.
Gold SPCT Program
The Gold SPCT Program is a benefit exclusive to Scaled Agile Gold Partners. Gold SPCTs can serve as
an SPCT publicly, privately within a client’s organization, and privately within their organization, for all
engagements directly affiliated with their sponsoring organization. An SPCT may not serve as an SPCT
independent of their sponsoring Gold Partner organization.
SPCTs nominees are required to attend Immersion Week with other candidates from other enterprises
and consulting partners.
The Gold SPCT credential is held jointly between an SPC and the sponsoring Scaled Agile Gold Partner.
Should a partner relinquish their Gold status or should an SPCT and partner choose to part ways, the
SPCT credential is placed in a hold status. The SPCT has three months to align with a new Gold Partner
before their credential is rendered invalid.
If a Gold SPCT Partner is without a staff SPCT, the partner immediately loses its ability to host
Implementing SAFe classes as well as the Gold SPCT Partner badge and will be moved to a Gold
Partner.
Internal SPCT Program (iSPCT)
The iSPCT Program is available to SAFe Enterprise Subscription (SES) customers (Sponsor). To
nominate and maintain iSPCTs, an Enterprise must maintain an SAFe Enterprise Subscription(s) of 500
seats.
iSPCTs can deliver Scaled Agile courses privately within their sponsoring Enterprise. iSPCTs are not
permitted to deliver public training or to enterprises that are not their sponsor. The only exception to this
policy may be considered is in the case of an iSPCT Candidate seeking to gain experience delivering
Implementing SAFe. In this case, an iSPCT Candidate may serve as a co-trainer alongside another SPCT
provided that there is an explicitly business-to-business agreement in place between the Enterprise and
Gold Partner.
iSPCTs are required to attend Immersion Week with other candidates from other enterprises and
consulting partners.
iSPCT Private Cohort
The iSPCT program is available to SAFe Enterprise Subscription (SES) customers who have reached a
point in their journey toward achieving and sustaining business agility that they are ready to take charge
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of their own SAFe journey. The iSPCT Private Cohort allows an enterprise to have up to 8 qualified
applicants attend an enterprise Immersion Week and enter the iSPCT Program.
iSPCTs can deliver Scaled Agile courses privately within their sponsoring Enterprise. iSPCTs are not
permitted to deliver public training or to enterprises that are not their sponsor.
Members of the iSPCT Closed Cohort are required to attend Immersion Week sponsored by their
organization.
iSPCTs at Gold Partners
Under certain circumstances, Gold Partners may also elect to develop an iSPCT. Those circumstances
include large multinational consulting firms who wish to develop SAFe skills among their consulting staff.
In this scenario, the iSPCT will function in the same manner as an Enterprise iSPCT, in that the individual
may only train people within their organization.
The other scenario where a Gold Partner may employ an iSPCT is if the iSPCT has served a single client
for several years (for example, a large consulting firm that supports a government agency.) In this context,
the iSPCT may only train individuals employed by or associated with that customer.
Authorized Co-Trainer
An authorized Co-Trainer is an SPC who has demonstrated the skill and candor required of the SPCT
Program but who may not yet have the required experience or desire to enter the SPCT Program. Similar
to the SPCT program, the Co-Trainer validation is a benefit exclusive to Gold SPCT Partners and is
issued jointly to the SPC and sponsoring partner. Nominated by an SPCT and employed by an Gold
SPCT Partner or SAFe Enterprise Subscription Customer, a Co-Trainer is authorized to support an SPCT
in the delivery of Implementing SAFe classes. The Co-Trainer credential may only be used for
engagements in support of the sponsoring partner.
The Authorized Co-Trainer designation is valid when:
(1) the Co-Trainer validation is good for one year.
(2) the Co-Trainer is in good standing within the SAFe Community, and in compliance with the SAI
code of conduct
(3) the Co-Trainer remains employed full-time by the sponsoring Enterprise or Gold SPCT Partner
a. if the Co-Trainer leaves the sponsor, they must be employed for a minimum of three
months with a new employer before they can be re-nominated to the Co-Trainer Program
(4) the Co-Trainer completes SAFe upgrades within 60 days of release, and
(5) the Co-Trainer maintains a minimum trainer knowledge and trainer skill feedback rating of at least
4.00 in all categories in all supported Implementing SAFe classes.
Please note, the Co-Trainer authorization is intended to be a developmental step for an individual in
pursuit of the SPCT Program. The Co-Trainer authorization should not be marketed, and is not intended
to be a career path or business strategy. Additionally, former SPCTs or SPCT Candidates are not eligible
to receive Co-Trainer authorization.
Failure to adhere to these stipulations will result in the immediate revocation of Co-Trainer authorization
and suspension from the program for no less than six months.
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Code of Conduct
It is expected that everyone in the SPCT Program (Gold, iSPCT, Co-Trainer, Prospect, Nominee, and
Candidate) remain in good standing within the community and in compliance with the SAI Code of
Conduct. Breach of the code-of-conduct will have immediate consequences, including the revocation of
the SPCT/iSPCT/Co-Trainer authorization.
SPCT Sponsorship Requirements
Gold SPCT Partner
Building a business with a reputation for helping enterprises achieve business outcomes with SAFe is an
important element in becoming a Gold SPCT Partner as having individuals with the candor, knowledge,
and experience required of the SPCT Program. The market has expectations that a Gold SPCT Partner
organization has engaged SPCT(s) committed to helping enterprises in all aspects of large-scale
transformations. A Gold SPCT Partner that only has the support of a part-time SPCT (for part-time
training opportunities) struggles to fulfill the role of a Gold SPCT Partner organization.
When considering accepting a nomination for the SPCT Program, Scaled Agile account managers will
assure that the partner has:
●
been an active and exemplary member of the partner community
●
a history of ethical business practices
●
acted in good faith upon notification of community violations
●
an account in good standing
●
a history of marketing and selling their own services
●
demonstrated the capacity to conduct discovery activities and provide transformation architecture
services to clients
●
a history of helping clients achieve positive business outcomes
●
an offering of a suite of SAFe supporting services, such as change management, technical
coaching, DevOps consulting, etc.
In closing, the SPCT is a benefit exclusive to Gold Partners. Nominations into the program will only be
accepted from Gold Partners in good standing.
SAFe Enterprise Customer and iSPCTs
Enterprises seeking to accelerate their transformation through embedded expertise may consider the
Internal or iSPCT program. To nominate a qualified SPC for the iSPCT Program, an enterprise must have
an executed SAFe Enterprise Subscription agreement with a minimum of 500 seats available on the
agreement.
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The SPCT Application Process
The SPCT credential is held jointly between the sponsoring Gold partner or enterprise and the SPC. As
such, alignment between the sponsoring entity and individual must be assured before an individual is
granted access to the SPCT Portal on the SAFe Community Platform.
Accessing the SPCT Portal
To gain access to the SPCT Portal, an interested SPC must first assure alignment with their business
lead. To ensure success in the program, the business lead must understand the financial and consulting
requirements of the program.
After Alignment
Once alignment has been achieved with the business lead, the SPC will schedule a conversation with the
business lead and the organization’s Scaled Agile account lead. This conversation aims to align with
intent and account requirements for supporting a prospective SPCT.
With alignment achieved, the Scaled Agile account lead will make the appropriate introductions to the
Scaled Agile Expert Programs team to begin the SPCT journey.
Please note: if a year passes without any activity in the SPCT Portal, You will need to reapply.
SPCT Pipeline
There are many statuses to be aware of when progressing along the SPCT journey. It is essential to
understand these statuses and reference them accordingly.
Please remember that the SPCT Program is a highly competitive and discretionary application process.
Completing the nomination and certification requirements represents the minimum required for program
consideration. Successful candidates will demonstrate a deep knowledge of SAFe practices and
principles and a breadth of transformation experience across disciplines and industries.
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SPCT Prospect – Qualification and Application
The Prospect is the first state that an SPC enters in the SPCT Program. While considered a Prospect, an
SPC is focused on:
1. building their nomination packet,
2. understanding the feedback provided by the artifact reviewers, and
3. completing the documentation required for their interview.
Tip: Please do not work on requirements other than nomination requirements. If certification requirements
are submitted before SPCT Immersion Week, they will not be reviewed. Additionally, requirements
change frequently, and the likelihood of rework is high.
SPCT Prospects are expected to satisfy the most current nomination requirements for the upcoming
nomination cycle. If requirements change and previously accepted requirements are no longer valid, they
will need to be resubmitted under the latest acceptance criteria.
SPCT Prospect – SAI Screening
Once each nomination artifact has been accepted, the SPCT Prospect is now ready for their screening
interview. During this process, two SAFe Fellows and/or SPCTs will be assigned to review the Prospect’s
nomination packet and schedule an interview. During this interview, the interviewers will assess the
Prospect’s experience, gravitas, knowledge of SAFe practices, and consulting skills.
Interview results
The results of the interview and artifact review will be weighed against the other prospects in the same
nomination cycle. The top prospects, up to eight, will be invited to immersion week. Prospects who are
not selected after two interviews will be placed on “hold” for one year before another interview attempt
can be made. After three unsuccessful interviews, a prospect will not be permitted to interview again.
SPCT Nominee
Once a Prospect has accepted the invitation to SPCT Immersion week, they become an SPCT Nominee.
During the period leading up to Immersion week, Nominees are focused on addressing any knowledge
gaps that may have been identified in the interview process and completing the artifacts required for
Immersion week.
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Immersion week
SPCT Immersion week consists of a consulting skills evaluation, a presentation evaluation, a training
simulation evaluation, and participation in an Implementing SAFe exemplar class. During the intense
week, Nominees are evaluated under the watchful eye of SAFe Fellows and SPCTs. The team focuses on
identifying any characteristics or gaps that may disqualify a nominee from the SPCT program.
At the end of Immersion week, successful Nominees are provided feedback, assigned an SPCT Guide,
and welcomed to the SPCT community as SPCT Candidates.
SPCT Candidate – Field Experience
During the one to two years that an SPC spends as an SPCT Candidate, the individual focuses on
growth, implementing feedback received from their Guide, and completing certification requirements.
Most SPCTs reflect on their time as an SPCT Candidate as one of the most transformative of their career.
Upon completion of SPCT Immersion Week, SPCT requirements are locked for a period of one year. If a
year passes and a pairing test is not yet scheduled, the SPCT Candidate will inherit any new
requirements that have been added to the program since completing Immersion Week.
Additional requirements may be added should the Guide or program team identify additional opportunities
for improvement or require additional experience to validate skills or knowledge expected of an SPCT.
At no point is achieving the SPCT credential guaranteed. SPCT Candidates must work hard to
demonstrate growth in knowledge, skill, and candor to successfully complete the program and earn the
SPCT credential.
SPCT Pairing exam
With the last certification requirements complete, an SPCT Candidate schedules their Implementing SAFe
pairing exam. Though not always the last step in the SPCT certification process, the pairing exam often
serves as a final validation of knowledge and skill for an SPCT Candidate. Candidates are expected to
pair leveraging the most current version of Implementing SAFe. Additionally, pairing exams are expected
to take place in-person, using the 4-day Implementing SAFe format, except under extenuating
circumstances.
Passing the Pairing exam
Following the successful completion of the Pairing exam, the Guide conducts a final review of the
Candidate’s certification packet and course feedback scores. Following discussion with the other SPCT
guides and agreement that the Candidate has been successful in the program, an announcement is made
that the SPCT Candidate has become an SPCT.
Note: The only time during the SPCT journey when a digital badge is issued is when a person completes
the SPCT journey. At no point is an SPC permitted to modify the SPCT badge to indicate status as an
SPCT Candidate or any other sub-state throughout the process.
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iSPCT Private Cohort - Overview
The iSPCT Private Cohort program is available to SAFe Enterprise customers who have reached a point
in their journey toward achieving and sustaining business agility that they are ready to take charge of their
own SAFe journey.
To host a closed cohort, the following conditions must be met:
13
●
The sponsoring enterprise must be a SAFe Enterprise Customer and meet the minimum license
requirements dictated within the SAFe Enterprise contract.
●
The sponsoring enterprise must identify at least 5 and no more than 8 nominees who meet the
outlined nomination criteria
●
The sponsoring enterprise will host SPCT Immersion Week and an Implementing SAFe Exemplar
class taught by SAI Instructors. This session will replace the requirement to attend SPCT
Immersion Week in Boulder.
●
The Implementing SAFe Class can be hosted online, or in-person at a facility of the sponsoring
enterprises choosing.
●
The class must contain a minimum of 12 learners in addition to the SPCT Nominees.
●
While there will be an expense to deliver the Implementing SAFe Class, as well as the T&E for
the supporting instructors (2) and SPCT advisor (1) there is no additional charge for the iSPCT
Private Cohort program.
●
To remain active iSPCT Candidates and certified iSPCTs, the sponsoring enterprise must
maintain the SAFe Enterprise Subscription and meet the minimum license requirements.
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
SPCT Application Packet
Intent of Application Artifacts
As mentioned, the SPCT program is highly competitive and discretionary. Prospective SPCTs mustn’t
view the nomination requirements as boxes to be checked but as opportunities to demonstrate a deep
understanding of SAFe and expert training and consulting skills.
If a person is uncertain about the acceptance criteria of a specific artifact, they should consult with the
Scaled Agile Expert Programs team. The context of the conversion should be to understand the intent of
the acceptance criteria, not to ask for an exception.
The acceptance criteria are fixed, and no exception will be granted unless otherwise noted.
Documentation Review
An experienced SAFe Fellow or SPCT will carefully review each artifact submitted during the SPCT
journey. The documents will be accepted immediately, require clarification, or be rejected.
Remember, each submission is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and experience. Please
provide thoughtful detail, but do not feel the need to be verbose.
In the spirit of Agile principle #10, practice the art of maximizing the amount of work not done and be
intentional with your words.
Needs Revision
If a document is returned as Needs Revision, carefully review the comments provided and clarify with
additional context. If you have questions, do not hesitate to request a conversation with the reviewer.
We’re here to help.
Not Accepted
If a document is Not Accepted, the experience has been determined not to meet acceptance criteria.
Review the feedback carefully, and do not hesitate to ask questions. Seek to understand why the
experience was rejected and apply that learning to the next submission.
Accepted
Congratulations! Your submission has been accepted and is now reflected on your SPCT Dashboard.
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Required Experience
i/SPCT Program
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i/SPCT Application Requirements
●
Prospect is a full-time employee of at least three months with nominating Gold Partner, or.
●
Prospect is a full-time employee of at least one year nominating SAFe Enterprise.
●
Must be a certified SPC for at least one year
●
Those in the SPCT Program must remain in good standing within the SAFe Community, and in
compliance with the SAI code of conduct
General experience and education
●
10 years of professional experience
●
5 years of Lean-Agile experience
●
Five years of product development/systems engineering experience and/or program/product
manager or product owner experience
Training and consulting skills
●
Three years of training experience with high feedback scores
●
Five years of consulting experience, with three years in a leadership position
i/SPCT Requirements
Explained: Requirements Aspects
i/SPCTs are focused on helping organizations achieve their goals through business agility. In that pursuit,
there are four aspects of professionalism that we have defined as essential for i/SPCTs to demonstrate
skill: Transformation Architecture, serving as a Trusted Advisor (consulting and coaching), Training, and a
commitment to lifelong learning.
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Aspect: Application Artifacts
The following artifacts are required in application for the i/SPCT program.
Business Lead Nomination
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
The Business Lead nomination requirement can be found on the SPCT Business Lead Portal
Completed by the person financially responsible for the prospects SPCT journey
Expresses understanding of the SPCT Program and journey
Expresses a business need for developing the SPCT
Program Application
Acceptance Criteria:
●
The Program Application can be found on the SPCT portal.
Letter of Intent
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
The letter of intent should be 1-2 pages in length and outline the reasons why a prospect would
like to enter the SPCT Program, what they hope to learn through the process, what they will do
with the SPCT, if earned; and how they will contribute to the community following certification.
The Letter of Intent should be uploaded to the appropriate requirement via the SPCT portal.
Letter of Recommendation
Acceptance Criteria:
17
●
●
●
●
●
Letter from an SPCT (not Candidate) that has paired with the prospect
If an SPCT is not available, then a student or pairing partner outside of the partner organization
Letter details what class they taught, and dates
Must specifically recommend them for the SPCT program
The class that is listed must have feedback scores above 4.0
●
The Letter of Recommendation should be uploaded to the appropriate requirement via the SPCT
portal.
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Aspect: Transformation Architecture
Transformation Architecture, the ability to understand where an enterprise is, help them define what they
want to accomplish, and road mapping the journey, is a key skill of an SPCT. The following requirements
are designed to validate a baseline level of mastery in Transformation Architecture.
Successful SAFe Implementation
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
Contributions resulted in clear, positive business outcomes (ref. metrics), validated through
case studies, letters of reference from the client, and client interviews
Engaged with the implementation for at least 30 days
Submissions must be from different companies for SPCTs, or different operating groups
within the same company for iSPCTs.
Value Stream and ART Identification Workshop
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
All attendees took Leading SAFe or SAFe Jumpstart before the workshop
The Value Stream and ART Identification Toolkit was leveraged
The Operational Value Stream was identified and described
The type of Operational Value Stream was identified
The Development Value Stream was identified and described
Agile Release Trains were identified
The first Agile Release Train to be launched was selected
The date of the first PI Planning was set
Sanitized photos and/or other artifacts from the workshop included
Submissions must be from different companies, different operating groups within the same
company, or different profit centers.
ART Quick-Start
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
18
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
Applicant used the SAFe PI Execution Toolkit
Established cadence for all team events (Iteration Planning, Team Sync, Iteration Review and
Iteration Retrospective)
Established cadence for all program events (Coach Sync, ART Sync, PO Sync, System
Demo, and Inspect & Adapt)
The applicant taught SAFe for Teams to all team members before the PI Planning Meeting
SAFe for Teams was conducted for the whole ART in the days leading up to the first PI
Planning event.
Additional SAFe for Teams a/c below.
ART was launched using the quick-start method, or over the course of fewer than six weeks
Facilitated the PI Planning Meeting using the SAFe PI Planning Toolkit
Facilitated the PI Planning Management Review & Problem Solving meeting
PI Planning resulted in a committed set of PI Objectives with Business Value
Sanitized photos, or other artifacts of the teams’ planning spaces, PI Objectives, and the
Program Board, included
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
Submissions must be from different companies for SPCTs, or different operating groups
within the same company for iSPCTs
ART Launch, Re-Launch
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
Applicant used the SAFe PI Execution Toolkit
Established cadence for all team events (Iteration Planning, Team Sync, Daily Standup,
Iteration Review, Demo, and Iteration Retrospective)
Established cadence for all program events (Coach Sync, Scrum of Scrums, ART Sync, PO
Sync, Release Management Meeting, System Demo, and Inspect & Adapt)
All ART members were provided SAFe training ahead of launch
Attendees who did not attend training completed the SAFe Jumpstart elearning.
Facilitated the PI Planning Meeting using the SAFe PI Planning Toolkit
Facilitated the PI Planning Management Review & Problem Solving meeting
PI Planning resulted in a committed set of PI Objectives with Business Value
Sanitized photos, or other artifacts of the teams’ planning spaces, PI Objectives, and the
Program Board, included.
Submissions must be from different companies for SPCTs, or different operating groups
within the same company for iSPCTs
LACE Toolkit Workshop
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
All attendees took recommended leading and follow-up training
Resources in the downloadable toolkit were used
The objectives of the workshop were clearly defined and met
Sanitized photos or other artifacts from the workshop included
Architecture Toolkit Workshop
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
All attendees took recommended leading and follow-up training
Resources in the downloadable toolkit were used
The objectives of the workshop were clearly defined and met
Sanitized photos or other artifacts from the workshop included
Measure & Grow Workshop
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
19
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
All attendees took SAFe training before the workshop
The Measure & Grow Toolkit was leveraged
The workshop was conducted via SAFe Studio, or Agility Health
All ART members participated in the survey
Survey results are visualized
Appropriate Growth Recommendations were identified with an action plan
Sanitized photos or other artifacts from the workshop included
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Value Stream Mapping Workshop
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
All attendees took recommended leading and follow-up training
Resources in the downloadable toolkit were used
The objectives of the workshop were clearly defined and met
Sanitized photos or other artifacts from the workshop included
Flow Workshop
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
All attendees took recommended leading and follow-up training
Resources in the downloadable toolkit were used
The objectives of the workshop were clearly defined and met
Sanitized photos or other artifacts from the workshop included
Aspect: Trusted Advisor
The ability to influence and lead others along the path toward business agility requires consultative and
coaching skills. The following requirements are intended to validate a baseline level of mastery as a
Trusted Advisor.
SAFe Speaking Engagement
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
Lead an external community-facing venue such as a conference, meetup, or webinar
Focused on a SAFe-specific
Photos, videos, or presentations included
Blog Post
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
Published to a personal, corporate, or the SAI blog
Focused on a SAFe-specific
A link to the post must be provided
Executive Workshop
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
All attendees took recommended leading and follow-up training
Resources in the downloadable toolkit were used
The objectives of the workshop were clearly defined and met
Sanitized photos or other artifacts from the workshop included
Transformation Support Activities
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
20
One additional successful SAFe Implementation
o Must be done within a different business unit or Operational Value Stream
One additional Value Stream and ART Identification Workshop
o Must be done within a different business unit or Operational Value Stream
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
●
One additional toolkit workshop (LACE, Architecture, Measure & Grow, Executive, etc.)
Coach/Lead a Lean Agile Center of Excellence (LACE.)
o Must provide a LACE charter, backlog, and documented results
Publish a case study
o Presented at SAFe Summit, an Agile conference, or published on SAI website.
Volunteer Activity
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
Provide no-charge service of any kind to a non-profit, civic group, or startup.
A summary of the addressed problems, activities, and outcomes must be provided
Sanitized photos or other artifacts from the session included
Aspect: Trainer
High-quality training experiences are a hallmark of an SPCT. The trainer aspect validates trainer
capability to the highest standard.
Leading SAFe
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Leading SAFe 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Note: If an SPCT Candidate or Co-Trainer, pairing with an SPCT on an Implementing SAFe
class would count if the Leading SAFe portion (days 1 and 2) met the above acceptance
criteria
Leading SAFe taught using SAFe Studio
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Must be an online learning facilitated using SAFe Studio
Leading SAFe 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
A screen capture of the virtual classroom is provided
Note: Pairing with an SPCT on an Implementing SAFe class would count if the Leading SAFe
portion (days 1 and 2) met the above acceptance criteria
Other SAFe Courses - Nomination
Required Courses
21
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
Any course from the SAFe catalog, other than Leading SAFe, Implementing SAFe and RTE
Acceptance Criteria for each course:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Course version 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
SAFe for Teams, as part of Quick Start
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
SAFe for Teams 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Attended by all teams on the ART
SAFe Product Owner / Product Manager
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
SAFe PO/PM 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
SAFe Scrum Master
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
SAFe Scrum Master 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Advanced Courses
●
●
●
22
SAFe for Architects
Lean Portfolio Management
SAFe Release Train Engineer
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
SAFe Advanced Scrum Master
Agile Product Management
Acceptance Criteria for each course:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Course version 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Implementing SAFe CDE
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
Complete the assigned SPCT Program eLearning on SAFe Studio
Upload completion validation to the appropriate requirement via the SPCT portal.
Co-Teach Implementing SAFe
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Must be completed after SPCT Immersion Week
Leading SAFe 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of twelve or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Implementing SAFe Pairing Exam
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
23
Must be conducted in-person, using the latest version of Implementing SAFe
If an online learning exception is granted, must be facilitated using SAFe Studio
Pairing exam with SAI is done as the last step in the process. The candidate must be within
six weeks of all certification requirements to schedule the pairing. Note that if a candidate
pairs before all requirements are met, this may count as a Leading SAFe class but not as an
Implementing SAFe class pairing exam
For Gold SPCTs, the class must be public, private with a client, or private internal where the
class is composed of at least 2/3 of the participants coming from outside of the candidate’s
operating group. For iSPCTs, the class must be private within the sponsoring enterprise.
Has established a shared understanding of expectations with the pairing Guide
Contributed to selling, marketing, and promoting the class
Has a minimum of 12 students
Prepared for the class (understood the attendee context, prepared the room, etc.)
Taught 50% or more of the class distributed across all four days
Facilitated 50% or more of the exercises as per the Trainer Guide included in the kit and
confirmed class understood key learnings
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Successfully taught the SAFe Lean-Agile Principles lesson
Successfully played the RTE in the PI Planning simulation
Successfully taught the Building Large Solutions lesson
Successfully facilitated the exercises on identifying Value Streams and ARTs
Successfully completed the Inspect & Adapt Problem-Solving Workshop exercise
Demonstrated strong teaching, facilitation, and classroom management skills
Quality level confirmed by the SAI Instructor
At least 40% of class attendees have submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge & Training feedback scores of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Implementing SAFe Class Pairing Exam– Private iSPCT Cohort
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Must be conducted in-person, using the latest version of Implementing SAFe
If an online learning exception is granted, must be facilitated using SAFe Studio
Can be done at any point in the SPCT program.
The class must be hosted by the sponsoring enterprise and be composed of learners from
the iSPCT Candidates enterprise.
Has established a shared understanding of expectations with the pairing Guide
Contributed to promoting the class
Has a minimum of 12 students
Prepared for the class (understood the attendee context, prepared the room, etc.)
Taught 50% of the class distributed across all four days
Facilitated 50% of the exercises as per the Trainer Guide included in the kit and confirmed
class understood key learnings
Successfully taught 50% of the SAFe Lean-Agile Principles lesson
Successfully back-briefed the pairing guide on the Lean-Agile Principles not taught
Successfully played the RTE or Product Manager in the PI Planning simulation
Successfully taught 50% of the Building Large Solutions lesson
Successfully back-briefed the pairing guide on portions of Building Large Solutions not taught
Successfully co-facilitated the exercises on identifying Value Streams and ARTs
Successfully co-facilitated the Inspect & Adapt Problem-Solving Workshop exercise
Demonstrated strong teaching, facilitation, and classroom management skills
Quality level confirmed by the SAI Instructor
At least 40% of class attendees have submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge & Training feedback scores of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Aspect: Lifelong Learner
SPCTs are lifeline learners. The purpose of the Lifelong Learner aspect is to reinforce the drive to actively
seek new learning and knowledge.
Current SPC
Acceptance Criteria:
●
Must be an SPC in good standing
Latest SAFe Upgrade
Acceptance Criteria:
24
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
Must have completed the most current SAFe upgrade
Attend SPCT Day or Masterclass
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
Attend an SPCT Day adjacent to a SAFe Summit, or
Attend an SPCT Masterclass in Boulder, CO
Attend SAFe Summit
Acceptance Criteria:
●
Attend a SAFe Summit event
Latest Courseware Entablements
Acceptance Criteria:
●
Must provide evidence of having completed the most-current courseware enablements:
o SAFe for Teams
o Implementing SAFe
o Leading SAFe
o SAFe Scrum Master
o SAFe Advanced Scrum Master
o SAFe Release Train Engineer
o SAFe Product Owner / Product Manager
o Agile Product Management
o Lean Portfolio Management
o SAFe for Architects
o SAFe DevOps
Reading Reports
Quantity: All nominations, all core, plus two electives from the SPCT reading list.
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
Key points identified which can be incorporated into training
Key concepts identified which can be applied to your consulting or change agent work
Capstone Essay
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
25
Must be completed after pairing exam
Write a brief essay, in contrast to your letter of intent, describing how your mindset has changed
throughout the SPCT journey, what you have learned, and what you intend to do as an SPCT,
post-certification.
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Authorized Co-Trainer Program Requirements
Authorized Co-Trainer Applications Requirements
●
The nominee is a full-time employee of at least three months with nominating Gold Partner or
SAFe Enterprise customer
●
The nominee is an SPC who has completed available upgrades
●
Those in the Co-Trainer program must remain in good standing within the SAFe Community, and
in compliance with the SAI code of conduct
Explained: Requirements Aspects
i/SPCTs, and those working to become one, are focused on helping organizations achieve their goals
through business agility. In that pursuit, there are four aspects of professionalism that we have defined as
essential for i/SPCTs to demonstrate skill: Transformation Architecture, serving as a Trusted Advisor
(consulting and coaching), Training, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Aspect: Application Artifacts
The following artifacts are required in application for the i/SPCT program.
Business Lead Nomination
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
26
The Business Lead nomination requirement can be found on the SPCT Business Lead Portal
Completed by the person financially responsible for the prospects SPCT journey
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
Expresses understanding of the SPCT program and journey
Expresses a business need for developing the SPCT
Program Application
Acceptance Criteria:
●
The Program Application can be found on the SPCT portal.
Letter of Intent
Acceptance Criteria:
●
The letter of intent should be 1-2 pages in length and outline the reasons why a prospect would
like to enter the SPCT program, what they hope to learn through the process, what they will do
with the SPCT, if earned; and how they will contribute to the community following certification.
Letter of Recommendation
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
Letter from an SPCT (not Candidate) that has paired with the prospect
If an SPCT is not available, then a student or pairing partner outside of the partner organization
Letter details what class they taught, and dates
Must specifically recommend them for the Co-Trainer authorization
The class that is listed must have feedback scores above 4.0
Aspect: Transformation Architecture
Transformation Architecture, the ability to understand where an enterprise is, help them define what they
want to accomplish, and road mapping the journey, is a key skill of an SPCT. The following requirements
are designed to validate a baseline level of mastery in Transformation Architecture.
Successful SAFe Implementation
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
Contributions resulted in clear, positive business outcomes (ref. metrics), validated through
case studies, letters of reference from the client, and client interviews
Engaged with the implementation for at least 30 days
Submissions must be from different companies, different operating groups within the same
company, or different profit centers.
Value Stream and ART Identification Workshop
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
27
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
All attendees took Leading SAFe or SAFe Jumpstart before the workshop
The Value Stream and ART Identification Toolkit was leveraged
The Operational Value Stream was identified and described
The type of Operational Value Stream was identified
The Development Value Stream was identified and described
Agile Release Trains were identified
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
●
●
The first Agile Release Train to be launched was selected
The date of the first PI Planning was set
Sanitized photos and/or other artifacts from the workshop included
Submissions must be from different companies, different operating groups within the same
company, or different profit centers.
ART Launch, Re-Launch
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Leveraged guidance is no older than SAFe 5.0
Applicant used the SAFe PI Execution Toolkit
Established cadence for all team events (Iteration Planning, Team Sync, Daily Standup,
Iteration Review, Demo, and Iteration Retrospective)
Established cadence for all program events (Coach Sync, Scrum of Scrums, ART Sync, PO
Sync, Release Management Meeting, System Demo, and Inspect & Adapt)
All ART members were provided SAFe training ahead of launch
Attendees who did not attend training completed the SAFe Jumpstart elearning.
Facilitated the PI Planning Meeting using the SAFe PI Planning Toolkit
Facilitated the PI Planning Management Review & Problem Solving meeting
PI Planning resulted in a committed set of PI Objectives with Business Value
Sanitized photos, or other artifacts of the teams’ planning spaces, PI Objectives, and the
Program Board, included
Aspect: Trainer
High-quality training experiences are a hallmark of an SPCT. The trainer aspect validates trainer
capability to the highest standard.
Leading SAFe
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Leading SAFe 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Note: Pairing with an SPCT on an Implementing SAFe class would count if the Leading SAFe
portion (days 1 and 2) met the above acceptance criteria
Leading SAFe taught using SAFe Studio
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
28
Must be an online learning facilitated using SAFe Studio
Leading SAFe 5.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of six or more participants
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
●
●
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
A screen capture of the virtual classroom is provided.
Note: Pairing with an SPCT on an Implementing SAFe class would count if the Leading SAFe
portion (days 1 and 2) met the above acceptance criteria
Implementing SAFe CDE
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
Complete the assigned SPCT Program eLearning on SAFe Studio
Upload completion validation to the appropriate requirement via the SPCT portal.
Aspect: Trusted Advisor
The ability to influence and lead others along the path toward business agility requires consultative and
coaching skills. The following requirements are intended to validate a baseline level of mastery as a
Trusted Advisor.
SAFe Speaking Engagement
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
Lead an external community-facing venue such as a conference, meetup, or webinar
Focused on a SAFe-specific
Photos, videos, or presentations included
Blog Post
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
Published to a personal, corporate, or the SAI blog
Focused on a SAFe-specific
A link to the post must be provided
Aspect: Lifelong Learner
SPCTs are lifeline learners. The purpose of the Lifeline Learner aspect is to reinforce the drive to actively
seek new learning and knowledge.
Current SPC
Acceptance Criteria:
●
Must be an SPC in good standing
Latest SAFe Upgrade
Acceptance Criteria:
●
Must have completed the most current SAFe upgrade
Latest Leading SAFe Entablement
Acceptance Criteria:
●
Must provide evidence of having completed the most-current enablement for Leading SAFe
Reading Reports
●
●
29
Principles of Product Development Flow
Value Stream Mapping
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
Team Topologies
Extreme Ownership
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
30
Key points identified which can be incorporated into training
Key concepts identified which can be applied to your consulting or change agent work
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
i/SPCT Renewal Requirements
Aspect: SAFe Engagement
To maintain an SPCT and serve as an effective Scaled Agile brand ambassador, SPCTs must maintain a
level of brand awareness and engagement.
Latest SAFe Upgrade
Acceptance Criteria:
●
Must have completed the most current SAFe upgrade
Attend SAFe Summit, SPCT Day or Masterclass
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
Attend a SAFe Summit Event
Attend SPCT Day adjacent to a SAFe Summit, or
Attend SPCT Masterclass in Boulder, CO
Implementing SAFe
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
31
If an online learning, must have been facilitated with SAFe Studio
Implementing SAFe 6.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
●
●
Class attendance of twelve or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Deliver an Advanced Course
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Must be LPM, APM, DevOps, Architecture, or RTE
If an online learning, must have been facilitated with SAFe Studio
Must be version 6.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Deliver Other SAFe Course
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Can be any course from the SAFe catalog
If an online learning, must have been facilitated with SAFe Studio
Must be version 6.0 or newer
Applicant taught 50% or more of the class
Applicant facilitated at least 50% of the course exercises
Applicant facilitated the PI Planning Simulation
Class attendance of six or more participants
A minimum of 40% of attendees submitted feedback
Instructor Knowledge feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Instructor Training feedback score of 4.0 or greater, unrounded
Aspect: Lifelong Learner
SPCTs are lifeline learners. The purpose of the Lifeline Learner aspect is to reinforce the drive to actively
seek new learning and knowledge.
Attend a Class
Tracking: 1 Unit per Day of Class
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
Attend any SAFe or SAFe-adjacent class
Can be live, online, or self-paced
Provide a brief summary of how this learning may help others in the community.
Be Coached
Tracking: 1 Unit per Session
Acceptance Criteria:
●
32
Be coached by a mentor
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
Provide a brief summary of how this learning may help others in the community.
Aspect: Outreach: Live the Values
At Scaled Agile, giving back to the community is part of our DNA. As extensions of the SAI brand, we ask
the SPCTs also live this value by making an effort to impact their communities.
Mentor Others
Tracking: Hourly
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
Serve as a coach or mentor
Provide a brief summary of how this learning may help others in the community.
Volunteer Activity
Tracking: Hourly
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
Provide no-charge service of any kind to a non-profit, civic group, or startup.
A summary of the addressed problems, activities, and outcomes must be provided
Sanitized photos or other artifacts from the session included
Provide Volunteer Consulting
Tracking: Hourly
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
Provide volunteer consulting to a non-profit, civic, or community group
Provide a brief summary of how this learning may help others in the community.
University Teaching
Tracking: Hourly
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
Teach a SAFe-adjacent course at a University
Provide a brief summary of how this learning may help others in the community.
Aspect: Community Engagement
One of the pillars of the SPCT program is community: we are better together. The intent of the Community
Engagement aspect is to drive continued engagement of the SPCT community.
Participate in a Podcast
Tracking: 1 per episode
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
Rerecord a podcast about SAFe or a SAFe-related topic
Provide a link to the published recording
Publish a SAFe-related Blog
Tracking: 1 per episode
Acceptance Criteria:
●
33
Published to a personal, corporate, or the SAI blog
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
●
●
Focused on a SAFe-specific
A link to the post must be provided
SAFe Speaking Engagement
Acceptance Criteria:
●
●
●
34
Lead an external community-facing venue such as a conference, meetup, or webinar
Focused on a SAFe-specific
Photos, videos, or presentations included
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Appendix
SPCT Reading List
Required for Nomination
●
Principles of Product Development Flow by Donald G. Reinertsen
●
SAFe Distilled by Richard Knaster and Dean Leffingwell (latest version)
●
The DevOps Handbook by Gene Kim, Patrick Debois, John Willis, Jez Humble
●
Value Stream Mapping by Karen Martin and Mike Osterling
●
Team Topologies by Manuel Pais and Matthew Skelton
●
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Required for Certification
●
Agile Software Requirements by Dean Leffingwell
●
Leading Change by John P. Kotter
●
The Lean Machine by Dantar P. Oosterwal
●
From Project to Product by Mik Kersten
●
The Trusted Advisor by Robert Galford
Elective Reading List (Select 2 for Certification)
35
●
The ART of Avoiding a Train Wreck by Em Campbell Pretty and Adrienne Wilson
●
Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins
●
Continuous Delivery by Jez Humble and David Farley
●
Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore
●
Lean Architecture: for Agile Software Development by James O. Coplien and Gertrud Bjørnvig
●
Lean Process and Product Development by Allen C. Ward and Sobek II
●
Lean UX by Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden
●
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
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The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox
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The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
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The Phoenix Project by Gene Kim and Kevin Behr
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Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet
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Leadership is Language by David Marquet
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Team of Teams by Stanley McChrystal
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XLR8 (Accelerate) by John Kotter
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Tribal Unity by Em Campbell-Pretty
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
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Change by John Kotter
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SAFe for DevOps Practitioners - Robert Wen
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Lean Thinking - Womack and Jones
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Out of the Crisis - W. Edwards Demming
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Unicorn Project - Gene Kim
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Competing in the Digital Age - Karim R. Lakhani and Marco Iansiti
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Kanban: Successful Evolutionary Change for your Technology Business. Author: David J
Anderson
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Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard - Chip Heath and Dan Heath
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
SPCT and Co-Trainer Operations Policy
The SPCT credential and co-trainer designation are held jointly between the sponsoring partner or
enterprise and the SPCT or co-trainer. As such, an SPCT and/or Co-Trainer must exercise the rights and
privileges associated with their credential under their sponsoring SPCT Gold Partner or SAFe Enterprise.
Policy for the Delivery of Implementing SAFe
SPCTs and Co-Trainers are only authorized to deliver Implementing SAFe when hosted by their
sponsoring Gold SPCT Partner or SAFe Enterprise.
SPCTs nor Co-Trainers are permitted to contract independently with a Gold Partner who is not their
sponsoring Gold Partner or SAFe Enterprise, and are not permitted to host Implementing SAFe courses
outside of their sponsoring entity.
SPCTs and Co-Trainers are permitted to deliver Implementing SAFe with other SPCT Gold Partners and
enterprises when a Business-to-Business relationship exists between two entities, representing a
sub-contracting or other engagement model.
Failure to adhere to these stipulations will result in immediate revocation of SPCT, Candidate, or
co-trainer status, and suspension from the program for no less than six months, at which time
reapplication will be necessary.
Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to (1) protect SPCT Gold Partners who have invested in the development of
SPCTs, and (2) to protect the integrity of SAFe in the marketplace.
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Calculating Feedback Scores
Course feedback scores are calculated by converting the feedback ratings to number values and then
averaging them for a particular course.
To calculate feedback scores for a course:
1. Download the class survey from the community platform
2. For each the “instructor knowledge” and “instructor facilitation” questions, convert the responses
to numeric values where Excellent = 5, Very Good = 4, Good = 3, Fair = 2, Poor = 1
3. Average the values for each question to two decimal places
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Full-Time Employment
SPCT Prospects, Nominees, Candidates, and Co-Trainers must work full-time for their sponsoring
organization.
We recognize full-time in the employment capacity to mean devoting one’s full attention and energies
to something (Merriam-Webster) in the employ of the sponsoring organization.
Is expected that most of a person’s professional capacity is focused on improving SAFe knowledge,
experience, and transformation expertise with their sponsoring organization.
The SPCT and Co-Trainer credentials are held jointly between the SPC and sponsoring organization.
Outside of the sponsoring organization, where a business-to-business agreement is not in place, the
SPCT and Co-Trainer credentials are not valid. An SPCT or Co-Trainer working in either capacity outside
of their sponsoring organization without a business-to-business agreement in place is in violation of the
program policy and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including removal from the SPCT
program and revocation of SPCT and/or Co-Trainer designations.
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
SPCT Program Policy
Executive Summary
This document aims to share essential policies concerning the Gold SPCT and Internal SPCT (iSPCT)
programs.
The following policies are addressed in detail in the following pages.
iSPCTs at Gold Partners
Gold Partners can now have iSPCTs for two reasons:
1. To lead the Gold Partner’s internal SAFe transformation
2. To be embedded within a single Federal customer
Portability of iSPCT and Gold SPCT certifications
When an iSPCT/Gold SPCT (certified or Candidate) leaves their employer, program status is placed on
hold for three months until a new employer (Gold Partner or SAFe Enterprise customer) is found. When a
new employer is found, the business lead submits a transfer form (located on the partner portal), and
program status is regained.
Transitioning between iSPCT and Gold SPCT programs
Upon transfer, the new business lead completes and submits a transfer form found on the partner portal
to the SPCT inbox. Once processed, the individual automatically becomes a candidate in the new
program. An SPCT guide will interview the Candidate to determine additional requirements needed to
regain certification. If the transitioning iSPCT was part of a private enterprise cohort, this includes
attending a public immersion week and retaking the pairing to meet the acceptance criteria of a standard
pairing exam.
Ability for iSPCTs to teach Implementing SAFe outside their enterprise
iSPCTs are permitted to teach Implementing SAFe outside their enterprise with a certified Gold SPCT.
Contracting must be done across the two businesses (not at the individual level).
Updated iSPCT nomination and certification requirements
Nomination Requirements: Amended acceptance criteria, changed the ART Launch requirement to
leading a PI Planning event.
Certification Requirements: Created core and elective requirements for increased flexibility.
Employment tenure required to apply for the iSPCT or Gold SPCT program
Individual must be employed full-time at sponsoring organization for a minimum of 3 months before
applying to the iSPCT or Gold SPCT program (does not apply if the individual is already in the SPCT
program.)
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Participation and Collaboration Agreement
This SAFe® Program Consultant Trainer Participation and Collaboration Agreement (“Agreement”) is
made between Scaled Agile, Inc. (“SAI”) and the undersigned SAFe® Program Consultant Trainer
(“SPCT”) or candidate (“SPCT”), or Authorized Co-Trainer, and is effective upon digital signature.
1. Participation. Submission of artifacts, collaboration, and other activities in no way guarantees eventual
certification as an SPCT.
2. Employment Status. Participation in the SPCT and Co-Trainer programs requires that participants be
employed full-time with their sponsoring Gold Partner, as defined in the SPCT Handbook.
3. Work from Collaboration. On occasion, SAI may offer you the opportunity to collaborate on the
development of future SAFe content. If you choose to participate in contributing to or developing any such
content, you agree, and do hereby, assign to SAI all rights in such work (the “Work”). You warrant that any
Work you provide will not infringe the proprietary rights of any third party, or violate any other agreement
with a third party, including any non-compete or nondisclosure obligations. You acknowledge that you will
not receive monetary compensation for such Work.
4. Term. This Agreement shall commence upon signature and will apply to all Work regardless of when it
is created.
5. Confidential Information. Your collaboration with SAI involves a relationship of trust and confidence
between you and SAI. You acknowledge that the confidential and proprietary information of SAI is of great
value, and that part of that value is derived from limited disclosure. During and after the term of this
Agreement, you will not disclose and will not use any confidential information relating to SAI, its products,
methods, strategies, exams, courses, or clients. No information, experience, or materials provided by you
will be treated as confidential information or as proprietary to you, absent a separately executed
agreement.
6. Termination. SAI reserves the right to immediately revoke SPCT and/or Co-Trainer statuses should a
violation of the policies outlined in the SPCT Handbook, or in the event of a breach of the SAI Code of
Conduct, be discovered.
7. Limitation of Liability. In no event shall SAI be liable to you for any lost profits or direct, special,
indirect, or consequential damages arising from or related to this Agreement, whether or not SAI has
been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will SAI be liable to SPCT for any amount in
excess of One Thousand United States Dollars ($1,000).
8. Relationship. The parties will engage as independent contractors under this Agreement. Nothing
herein creates an employer-employee relationship, partnership, joint venture, or franchise.
9. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, without
regard to its choice of law rules.
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Data Retention Policy
Artifacts and attachments you upload via the SAFe Community Platform to your SPCT record will be
retained by Scaled Agile until either (1) you are issued the SPCT certification, or (2) the data you
submit has aged three years, whichever comes first.
It is your responsibility to retain copies of artifacts you submit to Scaled Agile should you need them in the
future.
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct describes the professional behavior and ethical standards that Scaled Agile, Inc.
(“SAI”) expects of all SAFe® members and Partners (“SAFe Associates”).
Commitment to SAFe
SAFe Associates must commit to integrity and quality in their SAFe delivery, engage ethically in their
business relationships with SAI and their SAFe clients, and protect SAI intellectual property.
SAFe Service Delivery
SAFe Associates who teach or consult must deliver a high-quality learning experience and will therefore:
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Accept the responsibility inherent in teaching and practicing SAFe.
Lead with integrity and enthusiasm, emphasize teamwork, and inspire curiosity.
Help each learner realize his or her learning potential.
Establish mutual respect and trust with every SAFe learner and client.
Engage equally and without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, gender, age, disability,
sexual orientation, or other protected class.
Establish an environment conducive to learning.
Preserve the integrity of the learning and examination process.
Collaborate with clients to provide the best possible SAFe solution for their needs.
Records and Pricing
SAFe Associates will:
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Provide complete and accurate accounting and course roster information to SAI.
Remain apprised of current SAFe course pricing guidelines and, where applicable, adhere to
local pricing policies.
Promptly refund registration fees for canceled courses or SAFe engagements.
Delivery of Training
SAFe Associates will follow all SAI training delivery guidelines, including but not limited to recommended
class size and remote training
Ethics
SAFe Associates must conduct themselves ethically in their SAFe practice and will therefore:
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Be transparent, honest, and act with integrity in their business relationships with SAI and their
SAFe clients.
Be accountable and take responsibility for their actions.
Ensure that their representations about SAFe in any forum are professional, accurate, and not
misleading.
Fair Dealing
SAFe Associates must conduct business legally and fairly and will therefore:
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43
Comply with all laws applicable to their SAFe delivery and practice, including data privacy
regulations, and refrain from involvement in unethical or improper acts related to such delivery
and practice.
Comply with all applicable anti-bribery and money laundering laws, including but not limited to the
United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.S. Federal Procurement Integrity Act and the
U.K. Bribery Act of 2010.
Comply with all applicable antitrust and competition laws and regulations.
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
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Avoid any unfair or deceptive act or practice with SAI or their SAFe clients.
Avoid conflicts of interest that would interfere with any contractual responsibilities to SAI or their
SAFe clients.
Intellectual Property
SAFe Associates must safeguard SAI intellectual property and will therefore:
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Protect all SAI intellectual property with the same degree of care they would exercise for their
own intellectual property, but in no event less than a reasonable degree of care.
Refrain from using any SAI trademarks, logos, domain names, email address, or other social
media identifiers (“SAI marks”) or copyrighted SAI material except with SAI’s explicit written
permission to do so.
Not register or seek to register any trademark, logo, domain name, email address, or other
designation of source that incorporates SAI marks or is confusingly similar to SAI marks.
Retain all SAI copyright and trademark ownership markings in SAFe materials.
Violations and Accountability
If a SAFe Associate violates this Code of Conduct, SAI may terminate its business relationship with such
SAFe Associate immediately in accordance with applicable laws and/or contractual provisions. SAFe
Associates should promptly notify SAI of any potential or suspected violation of this Code of Conduct and
any unethical or illegal situation related to the delivery or practice of SAFe of which it becomes aware.
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Inclusion and Selection Policy
Scaled Agile is committed to diversity and inclusion and gives equal preference to all members of our
community.
When inviting community members to participate in Expert Programs, we consider SAFe expertise,
unique industry experience, the market an individual serves, unique technical perspective, violations
history of the sponsoring partner, and the ability of the sponsoring partner to help the nominee complete
program requirements.
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SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.
Release Notes
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April 20, 2023
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April 10, 2023
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Bug fix: ART launch submissions must be from different companies for SPCTs, or
different operating groups within the same company for iSPCTs
March 14, 2023
○
46
Clarified “volunteer” language
Baseline for SAFe 6.0
SPCT® Certification Handbook – April 20, 2023
2014-2023 Scaled Agile Inc. All rights reserved.