Enterprise architecture is a growing career field with unique opportunities in various industries. If you’re interested in an enterprise architecture role, you may consider earning certification to demonstrate your technical skills and expertise. Learning more about different certification options can help you find the best one for your career goals.
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In this article, we list seven common enterprise architect certifications, define what an enterprise architect is, explain the benefits of earning certifications and offer tips for choosing the right certification.
7 enterprise architect certifications
There are many enterprise architect certifications you can obtain, including these common examples:
1. Zachman Enterprise Architect Certification
Zachman International offers this certification that trains professionals to use the Zachman Framework, a type of enterprise architectural method. This certificate course focuses on the structure and properties of the enterprise. It can be a good option if you want to develop and show a broad understanding of enterprise architecture.
There are four different levels of certification, including:
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Enterprise Architect Associate
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Enterprise Architect Practitioner
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Enterprise Architect Professional
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Enterprise Architect Educator
The requirements can vary for each level. Level one typically involves completing a workshop and passing an exam. The higher levels typically involve submitting case studies to demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge. They may also require a referral or review.
2. Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) 9 Certification
This certification through the Open Group focuses on the TOGAF standards, which many organizations use. This program focuses on creating efficiency within an IT system. The framework can work for all parts of enterprise architecture, from the initial design stage to the maintenance stage. If your company uses TOGAF, this may be a good certification option for you to consider.
There are two levels for this certification. Level one focuses on developing an understanding of the TOGAF standards and practices. To earn the certificate, professionals can complete an exam. Level two shows prospective employers you have advanced knowledge of the TOGAF principles and know how to use them to meet a company’s business goals.
3. Axelos ITIL Master certification
Axelos offers the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a certification focusing on service management principles. If you’re interested in IT services management tools and processes, you may consider this option.
You can pursue five levels based on your career goals and interests, including:
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ITIL Foundation
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ITIL Practitioner
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ITIL Intermediate
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ITIL Expert
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ITIL Master
To complete the first level, candidates can take a course and two exams. To become an ITIL Master, the highest level of certification, professionals typically need five years of IT experience in a leadership role.
4. Open Group Certified Architect (CA)
This is another certification option through the Open Group. To qualify, candidates submit proof of their skills and experience. The certification process includes written applications and peer reviews rather than exams or workshops. The certification can show prospective employers you have expert knowledge and skills in enterprise architecture. If you have experience in the field, this may be a good option for you. There are three different levels, including certified, master and distinguished, you may qualify for, depending on your expertise.
5. CISSP Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP)
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC 2) offers this certification to professionals who have already completed a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) course. The CISSIP-ISSAP adds a concentration in security architecture. To earn this certificate, you can take a series of exams. If you’re interested primarily in security architecture within an enterprise, this certificate could help you develop specialized skills.
6. Dell EMC Proven Professional Cloud Architect Specialist (DECE-CA) certification
Dell offers the DECE-CA to professionals interested in the cloud structure of an enterprise. You can complete various courses and pass several exams to earn this certificate. You may also complete a collaborative design project, depending on your studies. This may be a good enterprise architecture certification if you’re interested in cloud computing and structures.
7. Professional Cloud Solutions Architect Certification
This certification program, offered by the Cloud Credential Council (CCC), includes courses related to cloud computing, service management and cloud solution architecture. This certification can help enterprise architects, application architects and system architects. Some professionals complete this course after earning other certifications, such as the TOGAF 9, but this is optional. The program includes a course and exam.
What is an enterprise architect?
An enterprise architect is a technology professional responsible for an organization’s IT network and services. They use the company’s business goals and strategies to create an IT strategy and overall system architecture, including IT software, tools and processes a business uses.
What does an enterprise architect do?
An enterprise architect creates a strategic plan for an organization’s IT structure and operations. Their goal is to improve efficiency within a company, but their duties can vary depending on their employer and area of focus. Some common responsibilities include:
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Analyzing current IT strategies and processes and suggesting improvements
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Designing enterprise architecture models to show the organization’s goals
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Assessing the system engineering process and finding areas for improvement
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Discussing potential improvements with business leaders to reduce IT costs
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Planning training to improve team members’ IT knowledge to help the organization grow
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Designing new methods for data storage, data management and data control
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Reviewing options for internal and external IT and determining whether it’s best to buy products or make new ones
Benefits of enterprise architect certifications
Here are some of the potential benefits of earning an enterprise architect certificate:
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More job opportunities
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Increased chance of getting an interview
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Higher salary potential
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Broader skill set
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Increased competitive advantage
Tips for choosing an enterprise architect certification
Consider these tips when selecting an enterprise architect certificate:
Explore the discipline options
Enterprise architects may specialize in a variety of disciplines. Some common disciplines include data, business, security, application and network architecture. Consider researching these different specializations to help you determine which is best for you. Then, you can find a certificate program related to that discipline.
Take time to reflect
Consider taking time to review your personal goals, interests, experiences and skills. This can help you determine what area of enterprise architecture is best for you. For example, if you communicate well with others, you may pursue an enterprise architect role related to service management or business administration. Such a role would allow you to frequently present your findings and collaborate with others. You may complete a certification for IT service management or a similar topic.
Consider gaining experience first
Many enterprise architects begin their careers before completing a certification course. This can help you gain experience and learn more about the different options within the field. Consider exploring junior enterprise architect positions before applying for a certificate. You may also consider working in other disciplines within enterprise architecture to learn more about each one. This can help you find an area of study that interests you and aligns with your career goals. Also, this can help you qualify for more advanced certification courses or levels.
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