Certified SAFe® Architect (ARCH)

Part 1: Exemplifying Agile Architecture

1.        Describe Agile architecture

2.       Describe SAFe Architect roles and collaborations

3.       Architect using SAFe principles

Part 2: Architecting for DevOps and Release on Demand

1.        Foster a DevOps culture

2.       Describe how value flows through the Continuous Delivery Pipeline

3.       Architect for and facilitate Continuous Exploration

4.       Architect for Continuous Integration

5.       Architect for Continuous Deployment

6.       Architect for Release on Demand

Part 3: Aligning Architecture with Business Value

1.        Describe how Strategic Themes, Portfolio Canvas, and Portfolio Vision influence architecture

2.       Explain how Value Streams support the business

3.       Explain how Solution Trains and Agile Release Trains deliver value

Part 4: Developing Solution Vision, Solution Intent, and Roadmaps

1.        Align Solution Vision with Strategic Themes and Solution Context

2.       Contribute to Solution Intent

3.       Manage quality with nonfunctional requirements (NFRs) and the Lean quality management system (QMS)

4.       Contribute to Roadmaps

Part 5: Preparing Architecture for PI Planning

1.        Contribute to the Program Backlog

2.       Sequence and prioritize work in the Program Backlog

3.       Contribute to Solution pre-PI Planning

Part 6: Coordinating Architecture throughout PI Planning

1.        Contribute to PI Planning

2.       Contribute to management review and problem-solving

3.       Contribute to Solution post-PI Planning

Part 7: Supporting Continuous Delivery during PI Execution

1.        Guide architecture and Continuous Delivery throughout the PI

2.       Prepare for Iteration Reviews and System and Solution Demos

3.       Relentlessly improve through Inspect and Adapt (I&A)

Part 8: Supporting New Strategic Themes and Value Streams

1.        Align architecture to Enterprise strategy

2.       Evolve the Solution Portfolio

3.       Contribute Enabler Epics to the Portfolio Kanban

4.       Coordinate across Value Streams

Part 9: Leading as an Architect during a Lean-Agile Transformation

1.        Describe how Architects perform as Lean-Agile leaders

2.       Describe how to lead the transition to Agile architecture during a transformation

3.       Develop an action plan to support your organization’s transformation

Part 10: Becoming a Certified SAFe Professional

1.    Becoming a Certified SAFe Professional

Professionals who may benefit include:

• System, Solution, and Enterprise architects
• Architects in supporting technical disciplines
• Experienced software developers
• Technical managers making architectural decisions
• Product leaders collaborating with architects

• Architect using SAFe principles
• Align architecture with business value
• Develop and communicate architecture vision and intent
• Plan architectural runway to enable delivery success
• Architect for continuous delivery and Release on Demand
• Lead and coach architects and team members during Program Increment (PI) Planning and execution
• Provide leadership during a Lean-Agile transformation

• Exam name – SAFe® 6 Architect Exam
• Exam format – Multiple choice (one answer) or multiple select (2-3 answers)
• Exam delivery – Web-based (single-browser), closed book, no outside assistance, timed
• Exam access – Candidates can access the exam within the SAFe Community Platform upon completion of the SAFe® for Architects course
• Exam duration – Once the exam begins, candidates have 120 minutes (2.0 hours) to complete the exam
• Number of questions – 60
• Passing score – 45 out of 60 (75%)
• Language – English
• Retake policy – Second attempt on exam (first retake) can be done immediately after first attempt. Third attempt requires a 10-day wait. Fourth attempt requires a 30-day wait.