Certified SAFe® Architect (ARCH)

Section 1: Demonstrating Agile Architecture

• Defining Agile Architecture
• Roles and Collaborations of SAFe Architects
• Architectural Design Principles in SAFe

Section 2: Designing for DevOps and On-Demand Release

• Cultivating a DevOps Mindset
• Understanding Value Flow in the Continuous Delivery Pipeline
• Architectural Strategies for Continuous Exploration
• Design Principles for Continuous Integration
• Architectural Approaches for Continuous Deployment
• Planning Architectures for On-Demand Release

Section 3: Synchronizing Architecture with Business Goals

• Influence of Strategic Themes, Portfolio Canvas, and Portfolio Vision on Architecture
• Role of Value Streams in Business Support
• Value Delivery through Solution Trains and Agile Release Trains

Section 4: Crafting Solution Vision, Intent, and Roadmaps

• Aligning Solution Vision with Strategic Themes and Context
• Contributing to Solution Intent
• Managing Quality with NFRs and Lean QMS
• Roadmap Development and Contribution

Section 5: Architectural Preparation for PI Planning

• Contributing to Program Backlog
• Prioritizing and Sequencing Program Backlog Work
• Involvement in Pre-PI Planning for Solutions

Section 6: Architecture Coordination in PI Planning

• Engagement in PI Planning
• Participation in Management Review and Problem-Solving
• Involvement in Post-PI Planning for Solutions

Section 7: Facilitating Continuous Delivery in PI Execution

• Overseeing Architecture and Continuous Delivery During PI
• Preparing for Iteration Reviews and Demos
• Continuous Improvement through Inspect and Adapt

Section 8: Architecture Alignment with New Strategic Themes and Value Streams

• Aligning Architecture with Enterprise Strategy
• Evolving the Solution Portfolio
• Contributing Enabler Epics to Portfolio Kanban
• Coordinating Amongst Value Streams

Section 9: Architectural Leadership in Lean-Agile Transformation

• The Architect’s Role as a Lean-Agile Leader
• Guiding the Agile Architecture Transition in Transformations
• Creating an Action Plan for Organizational Transformation Support

Section 10: Achieving Certification as a SAFe Professional

• Path to Becoming a Certified SAFe Professional

• Design architectures utilizing SAFe principles
• Synchronize architecture with business objectives
• Create and convey the vision and purpose of the architecture
• Strategize architectural runway to facilitate successful delivery
• Develop architectures to support continuous delivery and on-demand release
• Guide and mentor architects and team members throughout Program Increment (PI) Planning and implementation
• Offer leadership in the course of a Lean-Agile transition.

Professionals who stand to gain from this include:

• System, Solution, and Enterprise Architects
• Technical Discipline-Supporting Architects
• Seasoned Software Developers
• Technical Managers involved in Architectural Decision-Making
• Product Leaders working in conjunction with Architects

Participants who successfully complete the certification exam will be awarded:

• A SAFe Architect certificate
• A digital badge for the SAFe Architect to showcase their success online
• One-year certified membership as a SAFe Architect, inclusive of access to the ASE Community of Practice
• A guide for utilizing the SAFe Architect certification, including ARCH certification marks
• Access to an array of educational resources to aid certified professionals throughout their SAFe journey

Upon completing this course, you will gain access to the examination and all related study materials, which are part of your Learning Plan on the SAFe Community Platform.

• Exam Name: SAFe® 6 Architect Exam
• Exam Format: Multiple choice (single answer) or multiple select (2-3 answers)
• Exam Mode: Web-based (single-browser), closed book, no external assistance, under timed conditions
• Exam Availability: Accessible on the SAFe Community Platform after completing the SAFe® for Architects course
• Exam Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete once started
• Number of Questions: 60
• Passing Score: 45 out of 60 (75%)
• Exam Language: English
• Retake Policy: Immediate second attempt allowed. A third attempt requires a 10-day wait, and a fourth attempt necessitates a 30-day wait.