The agile model is currently utilised in the whole technology sphere. Agile methodologies are spreading throughout the country with every firm wishing to deliver faster and have better products. It has increased the demand in Certified Agile professionals.
Considering Agile certification, you are making the right choice because Agile certification can advance your career rather seriously. Besides, they raise your earning potential in addition to creating new opportunities.
In that respect, we can consider two common variants; that is, Certified Scrum Master certification and Leading SAFe certification. These two certifications are pretty effective in the Indian job market.
The relevance of Agile Certifications in India
India is experiencing the boom in the IT industry. AMong the most popular Agile practices in leading IT companies in India one can point out the companies like TCS, Infosys and Wipro. It is not only this but it is also followed by startups and MNCs.
Agile professionals are able to make a lot of money especially those who are certified. Advancement wishes the career is made in shorter time as well. Organizations have confidence in certified agile experts to head worthwhile projects.
Nonetheless, the need of agile professionals is also increasing in other industries other than the IT sector. Agile methods have come to be incorporated in other industries such as banking, medicine, and manufacturing. This opens avenues to qualified workers in different sectors of industries.
Scrum Certification Knowledge
Scrum is straightforward but also effective. It is also an agile framework that is the most popular. Scrum can help teams to provide working software at a faster rate.
It is also possible to take you to Scrum through Certified Scrum Master certification which besides being recognised in India is also reputable all over the world. Lots of top companies seek certified CSM professionals. Many professionals get both certifications. Start with CSM to build your foundation. Then add Leading SAFe for enterprise expertise or consider pursuing for advanced project management in agile environments.
What is the Role of Scrum Master?
A Scrum Master is not a typical manager but a coach or a facilitator who allows teams to collaborate in order to achieve better results.
Besides it, a Scrum Master removes obstacles that hinder the performance of teams. He is the one who makes sure that all people take Scrum practices to heart. In addition, Scrum Masters save the team against outside disturbance.
It is a dream job to people interested in see other people prosper. During a good Scrum Master, it is not required to have a technical background.
Advantages of CSM Certification
Certified Scrum Master certification has quite a number of benefits.
To state another example, in India, the CSM-certified professionals are usually paid 20-30 percent more than their non-certified colleagues. In addition, they are at a better position to secure employment as most vacancies of agile positions require CSM qualification. It is an added advantage because the certification is reality all over the globe. The certification will be valid in the whole planet and this would assist you in case you are considering employment overseas.
CSM certification is associated with opportunities of a good career growth too. It will enable you to ascend to such senior positions as Agile Coach or Product Owner. You can also join the network of certified professionals in the whole world.
Certification To Get Your CSM
It may seem a smooth way to become a Certified Scrum Master, but one actually needs a little preparation.
First thing you must do is to pass through a two-day training regimen with a Certified Scrum Trainer. There are both the online and offline versions in India.
Choose your trainer and find a person who has practical agile. You may read reviews by former students. In India, the average range to train at any place is INR 25,000 to INR 50,000. Because company sponsored training is widespread, you can inquire your employer whether he/she will sponsor you.
After the training, you will be expected to take CSM exam online. It has 50 multiple-choice questions and you require at least 37 answers to pass the exam.
The cost of training you can afford gives you two attempts and most people pass the first attempt in case they have given adequate attention in the training.
After passing the test you are a Certified Scrum Master. The certification is two years and can be renewed by accumulating education points.
Learning SAFe Certification
Scaled Agile Framework or SAFe is not similar to Scrum. The scrum can be used in smaller team, whereas SAFe is implemented in large organisations.
The Leading SAFe qualification that trains on Agile implementation at enterprise level is ideal among the senior professionals and heads.
The question is why not Leading SAFe?
Big Indian businesses use SAFe because it assists them in aligning several agile squads. SAFe is widely used by banks, telecom businesses, and big IT organizations.
Upon attaining Leading SAFe certification, you are becoming an enterprise agile leader. In addition, it pays more than the entry-level Scrum certifications.
What You are Going to Learn
Leading SAFe certification deals with:
Lean-Agile principles. SAFe methodology is based on it.
Program Increment planning. The way to manage many teams.
Value streams. Value delivery: idea to customer.
Leadership roles. What you must do as a SAFe leader.
Implementation strategies. The process of implementing SAFe in companies.
How to become a Leading SAFe Certified
The certification process is the same as CSM except that it is more intense.
Training Requirements
Firstly, you need to take a two days Leading SAFe course. SAFe Program Consultants have seen to it that this kind of training can only be delivered by them. The average prices of the training in India are somewhere between INR 45,000 and INR 80,000. The increased expenses indicate the superior material and few number of learners in a classroom.
The Exam
The Leading SAFe exam is harder as compared to the CSM exam. It has 45 questions where you have to answer 35 correct.
Such questions are knowledge and skill based. You will have to examine the situations and make the most appropriate decisions in terms of SAFe methods.
Certification Benefits
Being a leading SAFe certified is very rewarding:
Premium salaries. In India, the experienced professionals who are already certified earn an annual salary of 15-25 lakhs.
Executive opportunities. Creates potentials of change and leadership.
Consulting prospects. A number of certified practitioners turn into independent consultants.
Industry respect. In big organizations, a considerable emphasis is put on SAFe certification.
The Decision of CSM or Leading SAFe
The two certifications are all useful, only that they have different uses.
Take Certified Scrum Master certification in Correct circumstances:
- Agile virgins
- Collaboration is made on small to medium-sized teams
- Seeking practical administration of teams
- Making a job in Agile career
Leading SAFe certification is the one to pick when you:
- I am already aware of Agile
- Employing at big companies
- They are interested in strategic deals
- Effecting change programs
It is common to find lots of professionals attaining both certifications. Begin with CSM to establish your basis. Then include Leading SAFe enterprise expertise.
Making One Ready to Succeed
To pass in any of the certifications, simply training is not enough.
Scout the official guides. There exist detailed study materials in CSM and SAFe.
Go through sample questions. Preparation exams on both of the certifications are available on many websites.
Join study groups. Find other applicants of certification either in your city or virtually.
Use concepts in the work place. See whether you can do Agile-like work in your present job, at least unofficially.
Stay updated. These two frameworks are continuously subject to change. Subscribe to official blogs and newsletters.
Investment Vs Returns
Although the certification fees might be expensive, you will have to think of the returns. The mean salary increments are high, and the certification fees are sometimes offset in months.
Some companies restore the cost of certification with some of them offering bonuses to obtaining certifications. You may refer to the policy of your HR team.
Although the cost is on you, even in the case that you are taking it upon yourself to cover it, it amounts to a valuable investment given all the career opportunities and a raise in salaries that will come your way as a result of it.
Conclusion
Agile can be good career choice to master using certifications. Choosing to get the Certified Scrum Master Certification or Leading SAFe certification is as good as investing in your brighter tomorrow.
Indian market is very lucrative towards certified agile professionals. Organisations require leaders who can produce better outcomes in highly dynamic environments.
Choose the way of certification and then tomorrow you can be very happy of this choice.