Practical Hybrid-Agile (CHAMP) Certification: Various Shades of Grey for a CHAMP

The phrase "shades of grey" usually refers to situations that are not just black or white, right or wrong, left or right. Instead, they exist somewhere in between, where clarity is fuzzy, ambiguity is dominant, and absolutes don't really apply.

Hybrid is one such area. The predictive model of development relies on heavy upfront planning. In some cases, it's absolutely needed. At the other end of the development spectrum, we have adaptive, where there is very little detailed planning. The planning is mostly just-in-time (JIT) and usually happens before the iteration (as in Scrum) or when capacity is available (as in Kanban). 

Hybrid development sits in between: between predictive and adaptive. It takes elements of both and delivers.

Understanding this need, the CHAMP certification has been specifically developed for when Hybrid-Agile (or simply Hybrid) works best. CHAMP certification is all about hybrid. This certification is valuable because:

• It blends rigid and flexible: Traditional Waterfall (predictive) is structured and sequential, while Agile (adaptive) is iterative and incremental. Hybrid-Agile? It weaves together the two. Hence, the term "grey".
• It's tailored, not textbook: With CHAMP and hence Hybrid-Agile, the project team doesn't follow the book. Rather, the team builds its own strategy based on the project's needs. The decision-making is in the grey zone, where trade-offs are not optional but essential.
• It's highly practical with needed theory: The CHAMP certification is the world's only practical Hybrid-Agile certification. It’s also highly economical. See here.

Now, let's see the various Shades of Grey for Hybrid-Agile, as used in the CHAMP certification. Though there are many, I've highlighted a few. 

Shade of Grey # 1: Hybrid-Scrum

In the hybrid world, Hybrid-Scrum is not just about stand-ups and retrospectives. It's not about upfront planning, either. It’s about embedding agility (Scrum) into a predictive framework — or predictive elements into an otherwise Agile project. 

The CHAMP course teaches how to conduct Sprint Planning alongside Gantt charts; how to align features (or user stories) with a WBS; and how to hold Daily Scrums alongside routine meetings.

Shade of Grey # 2: Hybrid-Kanban

Scrum thrives on Sprints. Kanban thrives on flow. Hybrid-Kanban brings not only the flow, but also visualization with Kanban Boards, identification of work-in-progress (WIP) items, reporting with Cumulative Flow Diagrams, among other tools. 

CHAMP doesn't just teach you Hybrid-Kanban management — it teaches you how to work with any type of Hybrid-Kanban project. Like Hybrid-Scrum, real-world projects are used here as well.

Shade of Grey # 3: Hybrid-ScrumBan

This is greyer than the greys! ScrumBan combines both Scrum and Kanban. Hence the name. Hybrid-ScrumBan goes a step further by blending Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban.

As you progress through the CHAMP certification course, the Hybrid-ScrumBan approach becomes a powerful tool in your strategic toolkit. But how?

As a CHAMP, you learn when to iterate and when to go with flow. In other words, Sprints where needed, flow where it's a must. And once again, you'll master this through real-world, scenario-driven projects.

Shade of Grey # 4: Baselining Hybrid-Projects

Ask any management professional, and they’ll know the value of a baseline. In predictive projects, baselining is essential to track progress, identify variances, perform variance analysis, and generate subsequent reports. 

In Hybrid-Agile, baselining can still be applied because it includes predictive elements. But how do we apply baselines to the Agile parts? Sometimes, that’s necessary too — especially when regulatory requirements demand it. CHAMP teaches you exactly how to do that. 

Shade of Grey # 5: Tracking Hybrid-Projects

Tracking is indispensable in any project. Even in Scrum projects, we use burndown and burnup charts. Once the initial scope is set, the schedule is defined, and cost expectations are established, it's time to track real progress against them. 

But then tracking also comes with a shade of grey, as different elements may follow different approaches. 

With CHAMP, you learn techniques such as Earned Value Analysis integrated with Agile metrics, and how to use MS Project’s tracking tools to update percent complete, actuals, and forecast variances.

Other Shades of Grey 

There are other shades of grey. In the CHAMP course, they are explained, elaborated, and demonstrated hands-on through real-world projects using the practical software tool MS Project Agile. I’ve highlighted a few above. 

Want to know more? Consider becoming a CHAMP. See here.

Conclusion

CHAMP is not a paper tiger course. It’s a hands-on, tool-driven, scenario-based certification. 

You don’t just learn theory needed, you also build hybrid plans hands-on, track real metrics hands-on, and generate reports hands-on.

The CHAMP certification exam is not a quiz! It’s a proving ground and practical-driven. The question standard, as reported by CHAMP certified professionals, is high.

The course includes over 100 exercises, two full-length practice Q&A sets, and a 15-day money-back guarantee. The emphasis is on hands-on mastery: from project setup, board configurations, and board management to applying Hybrid-Agile principles and management techniques. 

All of these are crucial for both your hybrid-agile certification and real-world application.

CHAMP Reviews and Success Stories:

• CHAMP Review: Excellent One for Mastering MS Project in both Traditional and Agile Environments
• CHAMP Success Story: A Niche Certification –Never Seen Anything Like this Before!
• CHAMP Success Story: One of the Best Hybrid-Agile Certification Courses I Ever Attended

ManagementYogi's CHAMP Certification Course:

• Certified Hybrid-Agile Master Professional (CHAMP)

Free CHAMP Questions:

• 20 CHAMP Free Questions with Answers (Part - 1)
• 20 CHAMP Free Questions with Answers (Part - 2)

Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) Certification: Product Goal – What It Is and What It’s Not!

The Product Goal, which is part of the Product Backlog, is an essential element of the CIPSA framework. Though this term is well-known in the Agile community, its usage within a single Product Backlog supporting multiple Scrum or Kanban teams, is often not clearly understood when applied at scale.  

In this article, we will explore what a Product Goal means for a large team and clarify some common misconceptions about this goal. 

Among many, I’ve outlined the following points. These clearly distinguishes a Product Goal for Agile at Scale. Do note that both Product Backlog and Product Goal are commonly used terms for both CIPSA Scaled Scrum and CIPSA Scaled Kanban.

To read all articles of this series use this link: What It's and What It's Not series for CIPSA.

Product Goal – What It’s and What It’s Not! 

1. Not Short-term, but Long-term: The (CIPSA) Product Goal is not short-term. The Product Goal provides a long-term objective to the CIPSA team.

The Product Goal spans beyond immediate Sprints (as in CIPSA Scrum) or Integrated Increments. It offers guidance and path to meet final Product vision.

2. Not Per Team, but Shared: The Product Goal is not per individual teams - individual Scrum teams or Kanban teams. The Product Goal is shared by the entire CIPSA team working on a single product.

All individual teams (Scrum or Kanban) align under one unified Product Goal rather than having separate ones. This promotes cohesion and reduces conflicting priorities.

3. Not Just for CIPSA Team, but for All: The Product Goal is not only for the CIPSA team. The Product Goal provides vision, context and direction to the stakeholders.

The Product Goal informs and involves all stakeholders, not just the CIPSA team. It helps everyone understand the product direction and purpose.

4. Not Many at Once, but One at a Time: The Product Goal is not multiple at a time. The Product Goal is a single objective at a time.

There is only one Product Goal at a time. It ensures focus and clarity. 

5. Not Static, but Evolving: The Product Goal is not static. It changes when needed. When one goal is completed, another is taken up. 

The Product Goal adapts over time based on progress and feedback. Once a goal is achieved, a new goal emerges, continuing the product evolution.

6. Not Outside, but Inside: The Product Goal is not outside of the Product Backlog. Product Goal is part of the Product Backlog.

The Product Goal is clearly embedded within the Product Backlog and evolves with it. Such practice ensures that the goal remains visible and connected to the team's daily work.

7. Not Backlog-Driven, but Backlog-Driving: The content of the Product Backlog does not drive the Product Goal. The Product Goal drives the content of the Product Backlog.

This is another misconception, which needs clarity. The Product Goal shapes what goes into the Product Backlog, not the other way around! It ensures alignment between features to be taken and strategic direction.

Product Goal – Summary Table

In summary, Product Goal is indispensable for the success of the CIPSA team. The Product Goal is the ultimate one to achieve with the help of CIPSA Goals (or CIPSA Sprint Goals) and individual Team Goals (or Team Sprint Goals). 

The above points that we just learned is summarized in the table below.

In Conclusion...

It’s the responsibility of the CPO to clearly communicate and emphasize the importance of the Product Goal. The CPO is accountable for it. For the CPO role, see here. 

On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the CIPSA Team and individual teams to achieve the Product Goal through CIPSA Goals and individual Team Goals. Mark the extra "s" in other goals.

In other words, for one Product Goal (one objective at a time), there can be multiple CIPSA Goals and individual Team Goals.

The above explanations are only partial. Want to dive deeper? Consider becoming a CIPSA. When you subscribe to this course, you’ll learn:

• What are the other uses of a Product Goal?
• How do you define and add a Product Goal?
• Where and when should it be added?
• How can it be used by the CIPSA team?
• How can it be used by the individual Scrum or Kanban teams?
• And more.

To reiterative, the CIPSA certification is not only highly practical with a large number of exercises and solution files, it also comes at a very low cost.

CIPSA – What It's and What It's Not Series:

All Articles in What It's and What It's Not - CIPSA

CIPSA Sample Videos:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a Video)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete Playlist)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

CIPSA Certification:

[1] NEW Scaled Agile Certification Course: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA)

[2] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CIPSA Certification  

[3] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide

[4] Understanding the CIPSA Scrum Framework – Practical, Hands-on Scrum at Scale

[5] The CIPSA Framework Clock - A Unique Way

New Trailer: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) – World's Only Practical Scaled Agile Certification

The Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) course world’s only Practical Scaled Agile certification, where you learn scaling with your own hands. It’s also highly economical. 

The below second trailer (1m: 4s) informs more. For the best experience, go full-screen HD mode and plug-in your headphones. For the earlier one, see here.

A tabular differentiation is shown below. Do note that CIPSA supports both Scrum at Scale and Kanban at Scale. There are many differences compared to other Scaled Agile certifications; I've outlined a few.  

For example, cadence management for Kanban at Scale is complicated, but with CIPSA,  you'll learn it in-depth. Similarly, you'll have visualizations with Cumulative Flow Diagrams (CFD), determining WIPs, among others.

To know more about the CIPSA certification course, see here.

For this course, many FAQs have been answered. See here. 

If you have any questions or clarifications, please send an email to managementyogi@gmail.com.

References

[1] Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) – Practical and Economical Certification

[2] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide

CIPSA Sample Videos:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a Video)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete Playlist)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) Certification: The Principal Flow Master (PFM) – What It Is and What It’s Not!

 

In the CIPSA Kanban (not Scrum!) Framework, one key primary role is that of the Principal Flow Master (PFM). Very few Scaled Agile frameworks, if any, support team-level Kanban. CIPSA is unique not only in its practical, hands-on, tool-driven approach but also in its support of Kanban.

As the PFM role is new and not available in most Scaled Agile approaches, it is often misunderstood. Note that this role is unique to CIPSA certification.

In this post, we will learn more about the PFM role and how it differs from the individual team-level Flow Master. In addition, we will explore what this person actually does. This post explains “what it is and what it is not” to bring more clarity.

To read all articles of this series use this link: What It's and What It's Not series for CIPSA.

Among many, following are a few.

Principal Flow Master – What It Is and What It’s Not

1. Not a Manager, but an Enabler: The Principal Flow Master is not the manager of flow for the CIPSA team. The Principal Flow Master enables the flow for the CIPSA team.

This role of the PFM is not about command and control, but about creating the conditions for flow to happen naturally for the CIPSA Kanban team. 

2. Not Intra-, but Inter-team: The Principal Flow Master is not concerned about intra-team bottlenecks. The Principal Flow Master is focused on inter-team bottlenecks (in flow).

The focus of the PFM is on how teams interact, not how they operate individually. The PFM looks for inter-team bottlenecks and works to remove them. 

3. Not Team Metrics, but Product Flow: The Principal Flow Master does not track the individual Kanban team Increments. The Principal Flow Master tracks the overall product work and progress.

The PFM does not micro-manage team Increment or team-metrics, and indeed, he or she plays no role in that! The goal is to maintain visibility into the flow of value at the product or system level.

4. Not Local Fixes, but Systemic Resolution: The Principal Flow Master does not check for the issues and impediments within individual teams. The Principal Flow Master ensures resolutions of cross-team issues and removal of cross-team impediments.

It’s well-known in management that local issues are best handled by the team itself. The Principal Flow Master, on the other hand, focuses on complex, multi-team issues that block the CIPSA Team’s overall flow.

5. Not Individual Team Risks, but Cross-team Risks: The Principal Flow Master is not concerned about individual risks arising within individual teams. The Principal Flow Master is focused on cross-team risks.

Cross-cutting risks can impact multiple areas and jeopardize delivery. It’s the job of the PFM to manage the. By managing them, the CIPSA Team can have smoother coordination and predictability.

6. Not Setter, but Facilitator of WIP Limits: The Principal Flow Master does not set the work in progress (WIP) limits. The Principal Flow Master supports the team in deciding the WIP. 

WIP can be set for the workflow states in the CIPSA Kanban Board. The CIPSA Team is trusted to self-regulate their capacity. The PFM’s role is to facilitate, not impose it.

Principal Flow Master – Summary Table

The following table contrasts common misconceptions with the true nature of the role of PFM, highlighting key differences in focus and approach. 

Live Video Explanation

For the PFM role, I've prepared the below video [duration - 13m: 30s]. I've also explained the false pride in having "branded" certification. A certification should be useful to you. Watch the video alongside this article for a better learning experience. Plug-in your headphones and go full-screen HD.

Conclusion

The Principal Flow Master (PFM) plays a facilitative and enabling role, rather than a directive or managerial one. The PFM’s focus is not on managing individual teams or resolving team-specific issues, but on fostering cross-team alignment, enabling flow, and removing bottlenecks that hinder the CIPSA team’s ability to deliver.

Just as the Principal Scrum Master (PSM) is a key role in CIPSA Scrum (see here), the PFM is also a vital and indispensable role in CIPSA Kanban. Like the PSM, the PFM is a leader who servers the CIPSA Kanban team. However, unlike the Scruma@Scale+CIPSA mindset for the PSM, the thinking here for the PFM must be rooted in Kanban@Scale+CIPSA mindset.

The above list of “what it’s and what it’s not” is a partial and brief one. 

• Want to learn more with hands-on practical software tools?
• Want to know how the PFM is assigned and part of the Flow Master group?
• Want to visualize the workflow across the Integrated Kanban Board at Scale?
• Want to build the Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD) at Scale?
• Want to resolve overallocations for Kanban at Scale?
• Want to determine the Work in Progress Limit (WIP) at Scale?

To gain in-depth knowledge on all the above and more, consider being a CIPSA! You’ll learn Kanban at Scale in a hands-on manner with direct usage of software tool. The course is thoroughly practical and highly economical.  

CIPSA – What It's and What It's Not Series:

All Articles in What It's and What It's Not - CIPSA

CIPSA Sample Videos and Questions:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a Video)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete Playlist)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

CIPSA Certification:

[1] NEW Scaled Agile Certification Course: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA)

[2] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CIPSA Certification  

[3] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide

[4] A Close Look at the CIPSA Kanban Framework – Practical, Hands-on Kanban at Scale

[5] The CIPSA Framework Clock - A Unique Way

Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) Certification: The Principal Scrum Master (PSM) – What It Is and What It’s Not!

In the CIPSA Scrum Framework, in addition to the primary role of Chief Product Owner, we also have the Principal Scrum Master (PSM). This role is necessary to have Scrum at Scale with CIPSA. Unlike the Individual Teams’ Scrum Masters, the role and responsibilities of the PSM are different. It’s a very important role to have in order to succeed at Scale. 

In this post, we will explore more on the Principal Scrum Master role as there are a number of misconceptions and misunderstandings. It’s presented in the form of what it is and what is not, to provide greater clarity.  

The following are some of them. To read all articles of this series use this link: 

What It's and What It's Not series for CIPSA. 

Principal Scrum Master – What It Is and What It’s Not

1. Not Manager, but Leader: The Principal Scrum Master is not the manager of the CIPSA team. The Principal Scrum is a true leader who serves the team and organization.

The Principal Scrum Master leads by serving, not managing. The PSM focuses on team and organizational needs.

2. Not Intra-Team, but Inter-Team: The Principal Scrum Master is not concerned about intra-team dependencies. The Principal Scrum Master focuses on inter-team dependencies.

Rather than resolving team dependencies which are internal, the Principal Scrum Master addresses coordination across multiple teams. The PSM manages dependencies that span beyond one individual Scrum Team.

3. Not Team Tracking, but Product Tracking: The Principal Scrum Master does not track the individual Team Increments. The Principal Scrum Master tracks the overall product work and progress.

The focus of a PSM isn't on individual Team Increments, but on the unified or Integrated Increment. This ensures the overall product progress aligns with strategic objectives.

4. Not Fragmented, but Unified: The Principal Scrum Master does not communicate like individual Team Scrum Masters. The Principal Scrum Master is the main communicator for and of the CIPSA Team.

The PSM provides a unified voice to upper management. Communication is consolidated through the Principal Scrum Master. This ensures alignment across teams rather than fragmented messaging from and for each Scrum team. 

The PSM is the main spokesperson for the CIPSA team.

5. Not Reporting, but Enabling: The Principal Scrum Master is not a chief-clerk or secretary responsible for reporting the status. The Principal Scrum Master enables progress for the entire CIPSA team.

The PSM don't just gather updates and report status for the CIPSA Scrum team. The PSM actively remove obstacles and facilitate progress. This role is about driving momentum, not about reporting status as chief-clerk.

6. Not Spot Checks, but Systemic Resolution: The Principal Scrum Master does not check for issues and impediments of individual teams. The Principal Scrum Master ensures that cross-team issues are addressed and cross-team impediments are removed.

Instead of isolated checks, the PSM drives solutions to broader, recurring impediments. It's also about issues impacting multiple teams. The approach taken by the PSM is proactive and system-wide.

7. Not a Replacement, but a Complement: The Principal Scrum Master does not replace the responsibilities of individual Scrum Masters. The Principal Scrum Master complements their efforts by coordinating cross-team work.

The Principal Scrum Master doesn't take over individual Scrum Masters’ roles. Many have this misconception! Instead, he or she coordinates and supports cross-team initiatives. 

The PSM complements, not replaces, the individual Team Scrum Master.

Summary Table – Principal Scrum Master 

For quick remembrance and recall, a summary table is shown below.  

Live Video Explanation

The below video [duration - 10m: 08s] will further consolidate your understanding. Watch the video alongside this article for a better learning experience. Don't forget to plug-in your headphones and go full-screen HD.

Closing Remarks

It’s the PSM who ensures the CIPSA meta-events are conducted in a positive manner and are productive. Do remember that these meta-events are timeboxed. 

While going with Scrum at Scale with CIPSA, the key focus is on the CIPSA Integrated Increment. Ultimately, that’s artifact that matters! The PSM plays an indispensable role in having the Integrated Increment. See here.

• Want to learn more with hands-on practical software tools?
• Want to know how the PSM and CPO are assigned?
• Want to visualize cross-team dependencies for the entire CIPSA team?
• Want to assign resources for Scrum at scale?
• Want to resolve overallocations for Scrum at scale?

Consider being a CIPSA professional. You will get the highest possible return on your investment. 

CIPSA – What It's and What It's Not Series:

All Articles in What It's and What It's Not - CIPSA

CIPSA Sample Videos:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a Video)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete Playlist)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

CIPSA Certification:

[1] Scaled Agile Certification Course: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA)

[2] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CIPSA Certification  

[3] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide

[4] Understanding the CIPSA Scrum Framework – Practical, Hands-on Scrum at Scale

[5] The CIPSA Framework Clock - A Unique Way

Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) – World's Only Practical Scaled Agile Certification

 

The Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) course is highly practical and economical. It's world's only Practical Scaled Agile certification, where you learn scaling with your own hands. 

Complex concepts are explained with simple lessons, and you will get an unforgettable certification. The below trailer (1m: 1s) informs more. For the best experience, go full-screen HD mode and plug-in your headphones.

A brief tabular differentiation is shown below. 

To know more about the CIPSA certification course, see here.

To have the complete course breakdown, check here.

For this course, many FAQs have been answered. See here. 

If you have any other questions or clarifications, please send an email to managementyogi@gmail.com.

References

[1] Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) – Practical and Economical Certification

[2] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide, by ManagementYogi.com

CIPSA Sample Videos:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a Video)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete Playlist)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

Top 10 Reasons To Go For ManagementYogi’s Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) Certification

Life is never static. It flows forward like a river. Almost every aspect of life changes - or upgrades, if you want - as you grow. It happens in all spheres of our lives, including our professional lives, where we spend much of our time. Let’s consider a few examples:

• You started as a trainee engineer or developer. Do you remain (or want to remain) in the same position as time passes: say, 10 or 15 years down the line?
• You learned Scrum, a team-level framework, years ago. Now, your organization has grown, and Scrum needs to be applied at an organizational level. Will Scrum work in such cases?
• You were fine with lesser, but fair compensation early in your career. Would you want to stay on the same salary for the next 5 or 10 years?

I’m sure you know the answers to these questions!

The old saying below comes to my mind as I write:

“What I hear, I may forget. What I see, I may remember. What I do, I'll understand....and unlikely to forget.”

With the CIPSA Certification, in fact, you are doing all three of the above, i.e., listening to and watching the videos, visualizing Scaled Agile concepts being applied to build large products, and doing them hands-on to understand. 

In addition, you will also have self-reviews with practice exercises, running the solution files with MS Project software, and answering questions.

Now, let’s look at the top reasons to go for the CIPSA Certification.

--

Reason – 1: The CIPSA Certification is the world’s only practical, hands-on Scaled Agile certification. 

Worldwide, many Scaled Agile frameworks and certifications exist, but none offer hands-on, practical use with software tools, except CIPSA. Most frameworks are theoretical, which is important, but real-world application is a must for a useful certification. 

The CIPSA certification, based on the CIPSA framework (see here), focuses on practical scaling with hands-on software tools like MS Project. Similar concepts can be applied with other tools.

Reason – 2: The unique CIPSA certification comes at a very affordable price. No other Scaled Agile Certification is offered at such a low cost.

To be a CIPSA, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars, not even a thousand dollar. It comes at a very low cost. 

No other Scaled Agile certification comes at such a low cost. It also comes with a full-money guarantee without any  terms and conditions. No other provider will provide it! The guarantee is applicable for the entire course duration. (See here for price, and guarantee details)

Reason – 3: CIPSA certification combines essential theory with practical.

The CIPSA certification course has a 70%:30% ratio – 70% practical and 30% theoretical. Scaling is new to many teams and scaled Agile aspirants and simplifying it, is challenging for most. 

Therefore, theory is provided for clarity, but the emphasis is on practical application. A large number of solution files are available for hands-on practice. See here for example.

Reason – 4: CIPSA certification offers in-depth, practical Scrum at Scale and Kanban at Scale training—unmatched by any other Scaled Agile certification.

Scrum is one of the widely used team-level frameworks. But when you go for Scrum at Scale (see here), you need to have various meta-events, artifacts and roles/accountabilities at scale. The CIPSA course explains and demonstrates these concepts.

Again, you’ll not only learn how to scale these elements, but also how to apply them practically in a hands-on manner.

Next to Scrum, Kanban is another well-used team-level Lean framework. With Kanban at Scale (see here), you'll also need meta-events, artifacts and roles/accountabilities at scale. The CIPSA course explains and demonstrates these with Kanban projects.

Here too, you’ll not only learn about scaling various theoretical aspects of Kanban ones, you’ll also learn how to do them practically in a hands-on manner.

Reason – 5: The CIPSA framework is simple, easy to learn, and follow. There are little to no pre-requisites.

Simple things are always easy to remember and apply. The CIPSA framework is very simple and easy to follow. CIPSA stands out for its simplicity. In any endeavor, simplicity is powerful. Combined with practicals, you'll learn in and out of the scaling.

Now, because it’s straightforward, your team members can  also quickly grasp and apply it. Some "frameworks" are overly complex with numerous roles and artifacts, taking months or years to understand—let alone apply. That's bureaucracy! When bureaucracy prevails, Agile fails. 

The primary goal of Agile is to deliver valuable increments. With CIPSA, that means the CIPSA Integrated Increment. See here. Complex "frameworks" (which aren’t truly frameworks!) undermine this purpose. 

Download the guide here, for free. You can see it's simple.

Reason – 6: The course comes with a massive content library – 11 hours, 153 videos and over 80 solution files. 

The course content is detailed oriented. You’ll learn with hours of videos, practice, demonstration with software tool. In addition, all solution files are downloadable. 

The solution files are needed when you’re stuck or you’re struggling with the software tool. You can load these files into the software tool and instantly see the solution. The files are in Microsoft Project Plan (.MPP) format. 

Reason – 7: You’ll receive hands-on solution files, practice questions, quizzes, and a full-length question set for your CIPSA certification.

The CIPSA certification is highly practical, with essential theory included, making its course structure and test approach unique.

You’ll receive exercises, Microsoft Project Plan (.MPP) files, lesson-end quizzes, and full-length practice exams. For sample questions, see here. 

After preparing, you'll take the final test and earn your CIPSA certification. One free retake is allowed if needed.

Reason – 8: Globally accessible and accessible 24*7. Learn at your pace, anytime, anywhere.

The CIPSA certification course is hosted online and you can access anytime, anywhere from part of the planet. With this you can learn at your own pace and at your own place. 

Another advantage is that as the course is video-based, you can watch the content as many times as you want till you master the topic at hand. 

This certification is globally recognized. A number of articles, webinars and publications have done for this certification. In fact, worldwide, many are pursuing this certification. 

Reason – 9: Scaling is inevitable. With CIPSA certification, you stay ahead of the curve because it's created by industry experts with proven Scaled Agile experiences. 

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, growth requires upskilling and learning. Real learning happens through practical application, which helps you retain knowledge longer.

The CIPSA certifications is prepared with inputs from Agile and Scaled Agile practitioners with decades of work experiences. Hours of discussions, meetings and reviews have been done before it went public. In other words, it's tested and validated by hundreds of hours of reviews.

Your career won’t remain static, and growth is a must. As organizations adopt Scrum at Scale or Kanban at Scale, these skills will become crucial in your skill-arsenal.

Reason – 10: You can lead Scaled Agile Transformations with the Globally Recognized CIPSA Certification.

When you not only explain scaling, but demonstrate how it's done with your CIPSA certification, it goes a long way in securing the coveted job or career growth that you always wanted.

As a CIPSA, you will gain the expertise to guide and manage large-scale Agile transformations within your organization.

Here are some more reasons to go for the CIPSA certification:

• No other certification is needed to be a CIPSA. It’s a stand-alone certification and you can immediately start off. 
• Scaling is inevitable. With CIPSA certification, you stay ahead, boost your resume, and drive your career growth. Your skills become unique – because you can not only tell, but also demonstrate. You truly know how to do scaling.

Conclusion

One can say the following about the CIPSA certification. The certification is:

• Practical and economical.
• Value-driven and Agile-conscious.
• Outcome-oriented and benefits-focused.
• Hands-on skills, and a life-time achievement.

It has a number of real-world projects, comes with purposeful learning, and job-focused results. You’ve complex concepts explained with simple lessons, and will get an unforgettable certification.

With this course, you not only learn, but also get value for your money. 

References

[1] Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) – Practical and Economical Certification

[2] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide, by ManagementYogi.com

CIPSA Sample Videos:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a Video)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete Playlist)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) Certification – The Ninjas, The Guide, The Mastermind and The Patron

Scrum at Scale with CIPSA introduces only two key roles – Chief Product Owner (CPO) and Principal Scrum Master (PSM). But the soul of the CIPSA framework is the CIPSA team as I’ve noted here. 

Without the developers, including the integrations specialists in the CIPSA team, there is no delivery. If there is no delivery, then Scrum at Scale has no real meaning, use, or purpose. 

In addition, there can be a Sponsor. Without a Sponsor or an executive champion, the product is not actively pursued or supported at the executive level. The Sponsor is not directly part of the CIPSA Scrum team but plays a crucial role.

In this article, I’ve taken four metaphors to describe the four roles used in the CIPSA Scrum Framework. CIPSA is world’s only framework that is practical and hands-on. These metaphors set the mindset, which is crucial for implementing the CIPSA framework.

Top 10 Reasons to go for the CIPSA Certification. See here.

Importance of Metaphors

Metaphors exist in every language, including English. In our context, they relate to Agile at Scale, specifically Scrum at Scale using the CIPSA framework.

In individual team-level Scrum, there are only a few people, roles, events (ceremonies), and artifacts. Complexity and dependencies are minimal, and risks, impediments, issues, and problems are mostly contained within the individual Scrum team.

However, Scrum at scale will be very different because of the followings:

• A number of teams will be involved and hence, a number of people.
• There have to be new roles.
• There will be meta-events, not events.
• Additional artifacts will be required. 
• The complexities, obviously, will be more. 
• The focus will be on inter-team risks and dependencies, among others.

Hence, the mindset to scale has to be different when compared to the mindset at individual team-level. To reiterate, metaphors play a crucial role in setting this mindset – the mindset of scale. 

The metaphors used in the CIPSA Scrum Framework are:

• Ninja,
• Guide,
• Mastermind, and
• Patron.

Now, let’s have a look at them briefly. The detailed elaboration is be part of the CIPSA certification course. See the details here.

Ninja

The developers in the CIPSA Scrum Team are Ninjas. A ninja is a top-class implementer. He or she is classically stealthy and highly skilled. Give a ninja a task, and be assured that the work will get done. There is no second-guessing here. This skilled executor focuses on delivering high-quality work and is not high dependent on others to deliver. The ninjas thrive on autonomy and mastery. 

It’s the ninjas who deliver the work and provide the CIPSA Integrated Increment every Sprint. See here.

Guide 

The guide is the Principal Scrum Master and is always available to the CIPSA team. The PSM helps CIPSA team members solve cross-team problems (issues and impediments), rejoices in the team’s growth, shares his/her knowledge, and offers experience. 

In addition, the guide champions Agile values and principles and ensures the team continuously improves. Some of the value and principles may or may not be applied at Scale, but it’s the job of the Guide to understand and provide solutions.

The guide, i.e., the PSM can also be called the coach of the entire CIPSA team. See here.

Mastermind

The mastermind is the Chief Product Owner. In this role, the mastermind is the chief strategist, thinking ahead about the items to be added to the Product Backlog. The CPO, as I’ve noted in this article (see here), is not a backlog maintenance person, but a backlog strategist. 

The mastermind is a visionary who steers product direction and backlog prioritization. As this person thinks ahead, hence the name or metaphor. 

Patron 

The Sponsor is the patron. The patron is the one who supports the product's delivery and remains continuously invested. This person secures resources and organizational support. The patron also champions the initiative at the executive level.

It’s the patron who secures the funding and brings in the resources – financial, assets, material, equipment or others. Hence, the metaphor!

Table Brief – Ninja, Guide, Mastermind and Patron 

Now that understand the metaphors used in the CIPSA Certification Course, it’s a good time to have a summary table. It’s shown below.

Live Video Explanation

I’ve prepared a video [duration - 09: 28s] to further consolidate your understanding. Watch the video alongside this article for a better learning experience. Don't forget to plug-in your headphones and go full-screen HD.

Conclusion

You now may be wondering are there any metaphors in the CIPSA Kanban Framework? 

Yes, indeed! There too we’ve metaphors, but they’re different from CIPSA Scrum Framework. Scrum and Kanban are not the same! Hence, when you scale, your thinking also has to be different. 

For example, in the CIPSA Kanban framework, I’ve used the metaphors of Samurai and Sensei to explain on my visualization of the roles. As wrote in the beginning, it helps to set the mindset when applying Agile at Scale.

So, whether you go for the CIPSA Scrum or Kanban frameworks for implementation in your teams and/or organizations, keep these metaphors and roles in mind to get the maximum value out of your CIPSA certification.

CIPSA Sample Videos:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a Video)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete Playlist)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

CIPSA Certification:

[1] NEW Scaled Agile Certification Course: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA)

[2] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CIPSA Certification  

[3] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide

[4] Understanding the CIPSA Scrum Framework – Practical, Hands-on Scrum at Scale

[5] The CIPSA Framework Clock - A Unique Way