RTE or Release Train Engineer operates as a servant leader to the ART (Agile Release Train). He must understand how to scale Lean and Agile practices, and needs to be a great coach and facilitator. Moreover, he needs to know how to escalate impediments and manage risks. He further helps ensure value delivery and helps drive relentless improvement. All the above skills make him an indispensable part of an organization that works within SAFe® environment. Learn more about RTE’s role and responsibilities and discover how to become one!
RTE - the 'Super Scrum Master'
Agile Release Trains (ARTs) are made of self-organizing and self-managing teams. But that doesn’t mean they can work successfully without proper guidance. To work successfully, they need guidance and support. They need protection and help of someone who can ensure value delivery. All these qualities are embodied in a Release Train Engineer (RTE), or ‘Super Scrum Master’, as some like to call it.
About the role and responsibilities
An RTE holds many responsibilities. He doesn’t only act as a servant leader to the train. Many RTEs also participate in Lean-Agile transformations. They coach the leaders, teams, and Scrum Masters in new ways of working, introducing them to new processes and mindsets to help the organization change the culture.
Typical responsibilities
According to Scaled Agile, Inc., the RTEs typically fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Manage and optimize the flow of value through the ART using various tools, such as the Program Kanbans and other information radiators
- Facilitate the PI planning event, System Demo and periodic synchronization events
- Assist with economic decision-making
- Coach leaders, teams, and Scrum Masters in Lean-Agile practices and mindsets
- Help manage risks and dependencies
- Escalate and track impediments
- Work with Product and Solution Management, Product Owners, and other stakeholders to help ensure strategy and execution alignment
- Improve the flow of value through value streams
- Drive relentless improvement via Inspect and Adapt workshops
Full list of RTEs responsibilities can be found here.
How to become an RTE?
First, attend the course
If you want to become a Certified SAFe® Release Train Engineer, you will first need to attend the mandatory three-day SAFe® Release Train Engineer course. Always make sure, the company delivering SAFe trainings is an authorized provider and a partner of Scaled Agile®, the founders of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
Course is based on didactic, dynamic and group activities. It calls for active participation, which is proven to significantly improve stickiness of learning.
The course will give you an in-depth understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Release Train Engineer (RTE) in the SAFe enterprise. More over, you will examine the RTE role in a Lean- Agile transformation, learn how to facilitate ART processes and execution, coach leaders, teams, and Scrum Masters in new processes and mindsets. Aditionally, you will also explore how to prepare, plan, and execute a Program Increment (PI) planning event, the primary enabler of alignment throughout all levels of a SAFe organization. You can find more details about the course here!
Second, pass the exam
Upon attending the course, the attendees will gain access to all the study materials and the exam. Passing the exam is mandatory to become a SAFe certified RTE. Attending the course alone does not guarantee passing the exam – depending of course on attendee’s previous knowledge and experience. Have a look at some great tips on how to crack any SAFe exam!
Why to get certified?
The Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) is the world’s leading framework for business agility. Firstly, more than 20.000 enterprises across the world have adopted SAFe. Secondly, more than 70% US Fortune 100 companies are now using SAFe trained professionals. Thirdly, demand for SAFe certified professionals who bring credentials that demonstrate their ability to work is growing at an exponential rate. That being said, that is why the value of holding a SAFe Certification is now greater than ever before. SAFe® Certification has become the standard for Lean-Agile enterprises and a great asset if you want to upgrade your career or business and take it to a whole new level. Are you still not convinced? Explore the 5 greatest benefits of holding a SAFe® Certification!
