Free Practice Questions for Scaled Agile SAFe-SGP Exam

According to the Build Incrementally with Fast, Integrated Learning Cycles article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, convergence of requirements with designs reduces the cone of uncertainty. The article states that “The cone of uncertainty describes the uncertainty and risk in estimates at different phases of development. The cone narrows as the project progresses, reflecting the fact that there is less uncertainty and risk as more is learned about the requirements and design of the system. The goal is to reduce the cone of uncertainty as quickly as possible by converging on the requirements and design through fast feedback and learning cycles.” Therefore, the correct answer is A, convergence of requirements with designs. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the terms that describe reducing the cone of uncertainty. Convergence of alternatives with flexible specifications (B), convergence of architectures with design sets ©, and convergence of flexible specifications with design sets (D) are not concepts that are used in the Scaled Agile Framework.

Business epics are large initiatives in SAFe that drive business value and typically cross the organizational boundaries (release trains), time boundaries (Program Increments), or both1. They are solution descriptions for the business that capture the more substantial investments that occur within a portfolio2. Business epics directly deliver business value, while enabler epics are used to advance the Architectural Runway to support upcoming business or technical needs2.

1: Implementation Strategies for Business Epics - Scaled Agile Framework 2: Epic - Scaled Agile Framework

According to the House of Lean article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, the principle that explains the purpose of the PI Planning retrospective is relentless improvement. The article states that “Relentless improvement is a constant sense of danger combined with a paranoid desire to find a better way. It’s a culture of organizational self-assessment, problem-solving, and action. It’s a willingness to change before the crisis forces us to do so. It’s a commitment to relentless reflection and a continuous learning journey.” Therefore, the correct answer is D, relentless improvement. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the principles that directly relate to the PI Planning retrospective. Respect for people and culture is the foundation of the House of Lean, innovation is the roof, and flow is another principle that supports value delivery.

According to the Government Article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, tagging backlog items with funding metadata for future reporting and calculating a fixed cost labor cost per ART based on actual salaries are two recommendations for tracking expenditures using the Program Backlog. The article states that “To track expenditures, the Program Backlog can be tagged with funding metadata for future reporting. Additionally, a fixed cost labor cost per ART can be calculated based on actual salaries. This simplifies the tracking of labor costs and allows for more accurate forecasting.” Therefore, the correct answers are A, tagging backlog items with funding metadata for future reporting, and E, calculating a fixed cost labor cost per ART based on actual salaries. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the recommendations for tracking expenditures using the Program Backlog. Organizing ARTs by funding classification (B) is not a recommended practice, as it may create silos and reduce collaboration across ARTs. Including a fiduciary expert in backlog refinement © is not a necessary step, as the backlog items should be prioritized based on value and not on cost. Using charge codes assigned by each program (D) is not a simple or effective way to track expenditures, as it may introduce overhead and complexity.

According to the Decentralize Decision-Making article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, the type of decision that should be decentralized is the one that has a high cost of delay. The article states that “All other decisions should be decentralized. Characteristics of these types of decisions include: Frequent – The problems addressed by decentralized decisions are recurrent and common (e.g., Team and Program Backlog prioritization, real-time Agile Release Train [ART] scoping, response to defects and emerging issues). Time-critical – The cost of delay for these decisions is high, and waiting for approval or consensus would cause significant waste or missed opportunities. Reversible – The consequences of these decisions are not long-lasting or irreversible and can be easily changed or corrected if needed.” Therefore, the correct answer is A, high cost of delay. The other options are not accurate, as they are either irrelevant or better suited for centralized decisions.

One way that Lean-Agile leaders can exemplify the SAFe Core Value of alignment is by participating in backlog visibility, review, and preparation1. This means that leaders are actively involved in understanding and prioritizing the work items that deliver value to the customers and stakeholders. They also provide feedback and guidance to the teams and trains that execute the work. By participating in backlog management, leaders can ensure that the work is aligned with the vision, mission, and strategy of the enterprise or government agency2.

1: The Evolving Role of Managers in Lean-Agile Development - Scaled Agile Framework 2: Core Values - Scaled Agile Framework

According to the Implementation Roadmap article on the Scaled Agile Framework website, the appropriate first step for an agency that is ready to undertake a large modernization effort using SAFe is to identify and train change agents that will lead the effort. The article states that “The first step in the roadmap is to identify the change agents who will lead the transformation. These are the people who have the vision, influence, and drive to make the change happen. They include executives, managers, coaches, and other leaders who can champion the new way of working and inspire others to follow. Change agents need to be trained in the principles and practices of SAFe, as well as the skills and mindset of Lean-Agile leadership.” Therefore, the correct answer is D, identify and train change agents that will lead the effort. The other options are not accurate, as they are not the first steps in the roadmap. Mapping all stage gates to Agile events (A) is a possible activity in the fourth step, which is to create the implementation plan. Training Product Owners in the principles, practices, and benefits of adopting SAFe (B) is a possible activity in the fifth step, which is to prepare for ART launch. Starting an Agile project with an internal Agile Scrum Master © is not a recommended step in the roadmap, as it does not involve the whole ART or the Lean Portfolio Management.

In addition to PI objectives and uncommitted objectives, program risks must also be identified during PI planning1. Program risks are the uncertainties or impediments that may affect the ART’s ability to deliver value in the PI2. Identifying and managing program risks is a collaborative activity that involves all the teams and stakeholders in the ART. The program risks are captured in the program risks board, which is a visual tool that helps prioritize and track the resolution of the risks3.

1: PI Planning - Scaled Agile Framework 2: Program Risks - Scaled Agile Framework 3: Program Risks Board - Scaled Agile Framework

Authenticity is the aspect of leading by example that challenges Lean-Agile leaders to ‘walk the talk’ by being a role model of desired professional and ethical behaviors by acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency1. Authentic leaders are genuine, self-aware, and trustworthy. They align their actions with their words and values, and they inspire trust and respect from others2. Authenticity helps leaders create a culture of openness, collaboration, and continuous learning in their organizations3.

1: Lean-Agile Leadership - Scaled Agile Framework 2: What Is One Way Lean-agile Leaders Lead by Example? - CGAA 3: Three Dimensions of Lean-Agile Leadership: A Guide for Leading Your …