When you talk about Enterprise Architecture (EA), it is inevitable to come across TOGAF – The Open Group Architecture Framework. Over a couple of decades, TOGAF has established a global standard in enterprise architecture to the point where most of the biggest businesses today use this framework. As companies continue to embrace digital transformation, there is no indication of the popularity of TOGAF fading away. Basically, this framework is used to plan and design an organization’s IT architecture and further execute and manage it so as to achieve better business efficiency.
Today, this Open Group framework has been widely adopted by organizations of many types. Its application is viewed as a potential systematization of efforts by governments, enterprises, and others to apply formal enterprise architectural principles to the still relatively ‘black arts’ of IT operations and software development. This comes in the wake of high-profile project collapses. If you are someone willing to understand TOGAF better, then the Open Group offers various options to achieve a certificate in the TOGAF. When you start seeking a TOGAF certification online, you should know about the steps on how to earn it.
Read on to find out more.
Steps to Earn a TOGAF Certification
Before you know the steps that lead you to a TOGAF certification, you must know what the various certifications offered by the Open Group are. Here are the names of five certifications included in the portfolio:
- TOGAF 9 Foundation
- TOGAF 9 Certified
- TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Foundation
- TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Practitioner
- TOGAF Business Architecture Foundation
The certification portfolio includes Bodies of Knowledge based on both the TOGAF standard, Version 9.2, and the TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition. Note that the complementary learning paths included in the portfolio are associated with different amounts of learning, ranging from short credentials (3 study hours or more) to multi-day certifications.
Let us take into consideration the TOGAF 9 Foundation certification and understand how you can earn it.
The TOGAF 9 Foundation certification holders are familiar with the vocabulary, structure, and fundamental concepts of the TOGAF 9 Standard, along with the core principles associated with enterprise architecture. In order to achieve this certification, you need to pass the TOGAF 9 Part 1 examination. This test involves 40 multiple-choice questions and covers the Level 1 learning outcomes. You need to answer at least 22 questions correctly out of 40 (55% passing score) to clear the exam within a time limit of 60 minutes. Note that the exam is open to all applicants, and there is no requirement for any previous certification. Consequently, to earn the TOGAF Certified credential, you need to appear for the TOGAF 9 Part 2 exam and clear it successfully within a time limit of 90 minutes.
The TOGAF 9 Part 1 exam focuses on the topics like Architecture Development Method (ADM) introduction, ADM phases, enterprise continuum tools, architecture governance, ADM guidelines and templates, building blocks of enterprise architecture, architecture viewpoints and stakeholders, ADM deliverables, and TOGAF reference models. So, if you want to pass this exam, then ensure that you have an in-depth understanding of all these topics.
Further, the TOGAF 9 Part 2 exam consists of eight gradient-scored complex scenario-based questions. You will pass the exam if you achieve a 60% or higher score in this test. Its syllabus includes the concepts covered at the TOGAF Foundation level, along with adapting the ADM, TOGAF reference models, architecture content framework, ADM phases, and the architecture capability framework.
Those who achieve this certification become eligible for job roles like solutions architect, technical architect, solution design architect, cyber security solutions specialist, and enterprise architecture application strategy consultant.
Preparing for the TOGAF Exams
There are two options to prepare for the TOGAF certification exams – self-study and enroll in a TOGAF 9 Accredited Training Courses from various institutes. If you are confident of your knowledge of enterprise architecture and are familiar with TOGAF terms and concepts already, then you may opt for self-study. Going for this option requires you to register with a Prometric center. The process is entirely online. Your preparation will include going through the official study materials offered by the Open Group. All you need to do is head over to the Open Group official website and download the content.
However, we recommend you enroll in a training program so as to prepare better and clear the exam in a single try. The instructors for such training courses are highly qualified and will help you gain a step-by-step understanding of the TOGAF concepts. Moreover, they include case studies, real-world examples from various industries, scenario-based examples, and engagement and reinforcement videos as part of the course curriculum. Note that all the accredited training course providers include the TOGAF exam fee as part of their course fee or offer a voucher to appear for the public Prometric test center.
After reading all the information given above, it is now easy for you to approach the TOGAF certification the right way. If you are serious about a career in enterprise architecture, then you can climb the ladder of success with a TOGAF certification. Start with the foundation certification first and then pursue the Certified level. Happy learning!
