In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about TOGAF 9.2, including the best resources for preparing for the TOGAF certification exams.
What is TOGAF Certification?
TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework), as the name implies, is a framework for developing and optimizing enterprise IT architecture developed by the Open Group. The framework is mature and well-known. Known as the de facto standard for architectural frameworks, TOGAF provides a complete practical methodology for building enterprise IT architectures. With TOGAF, companies can design an IT infrastructure that is adapted to their requirements. This is where trained TOGAF specialists come into play. These communicate with various stakeholder groups and help quickly and effectively design and implement an IT strategy based on the corporate strategy. The Open Group Architecture Forum brings together over 200+ organizations. Together, they strive to gradually improve TOGAF through an iterative improvement process that has resulted in the latest release of TOGAF 9.2.
Is TOGAF Certification worth it?
TOGAF certification is widely acknowledged and is seen as a strong argument for IT architect skills and knowledge. There are numerous benefits of TOGAF certification, including:
New career opportunities
Companies of all sizes rely on certifications. One simple reason is standardization. As a certified architect, you demonstrate that you have been trained and tested by an industry-recognized body and that you understand key architectural concepts. Certification in TOGAF opens doors that you may not otherwise be able to open due to this trust. Large companies like banking, public administration, and other industries will trust your skills and turn to you to solve their business management problems.
Ability to speak the professional language
Working as a TOGAF professional requires a lot of communication. When planning and implementing an IT environment for your company, you must work with other specialists. Getting certified will teach you the language of professionals in your field. This makes collaboration easier and allows everyone to contribute their ideas.
Work on your leadership skills
A TOGAF certification combines the technical and management aspects of IT and is, therefore, an excellent stepping stone for budding managers. To implement a TOGAF project, experts must consider and weigh multiple perspectives which helps in developing leadership skills.
Validate your skills
TOGAF is an internationally recognized certification. As far as enterprise architecture certifications go, TOGAF has the best standing in the industry. Being TOGAF certified signifies your competency. When you have been TOGAF certified, companies are confident in your skills and knowledge.
Networking opportunities
TOGAF certification allows you to network with professionals in the same field, which helps you get to know current trends in the industry and share ideas that could improve TOGAF principles.
How to obtain TOGAF 9.2 Certification?
To obtain certification, you need to pass two exams, TOGAF 9.2 Part 1 Exam (for which they give TOGAF 9 Foundation status) and TOGAF 9.2 Part 2 Certification Exam ($360 each), or the TOGAF 9 Combined Part 1 and Part 2 exam, which includes both foundation and certification($ 550). Questions are in the form of multiple-choice, and there are 4 answer options: absolutely correct (5 points), slightly less correct (3 points), even less correct (1 point), and completely incorrect (0 points). To pass, you need to score 24 points (60%). The first part includes the following questions:
Basic Concepts (3 questions)Core Concepts (3 questions)Introduction to the ADM (3 questions)The Enterprise Continuum and Tools (4 questions)ADM Phases (9 questions)ADM Guidelines and Techniques (6 questions)Architecture Governance (4 questions)Architecture Views, Viewpoints and Stakeholders (2 questions)Building Blocks (2 questions)ADM Deliverables (2 questions)TOGAF Reference Models (2 questions)
The second part contains 8 questions from the following list of topics:
ADM Phases: Project Establishment (phases Preliminary, A, Requirements Management)ADM Phases: Architecture Definition (phases B, C, D)ADM Phases: Transition Planning (phases E and F)ADM Phases: Governance (phases G and H)Adapting the ADMArchitecture Content FrameworkTOGAF Reference ModelsArchitecture Capability Framework
150 minutes are given, with 60 minutes for the first part and 90 minutes for the second. You can also request 30 minutes of extra time for each part and the ability to use a dictionary for non-English speaking countries. Different learning platforms offer hundreds of TOGAF learning resources, some of which are advanced and accredited, and some are entry levels. These learning resources include online courses, live training, and ebooks. Below, we’ll look at the best TOGAF Certification preparation resources.
TOGAF 9 Certification Self-Study Pack, 4th Edition (PDF)
This self-study pack is the most up-to-date TOGAF preparation resource offered by OpenGroup. It consists of three ebooks; TOGAF 9 Foundation Study Guide, TOGAF 9 Certified Study Guide, and TOGAF Standard Version 9.2 Pocket Guide. The cost of the self-study pack is $59.90.
TOGAF 9 Combined level 1 and level 2 training course
Simplilearn’s TOGAF version 9.2 certification training takes you through the terminologies, structures, and concepts of TOGAF 9. It offers both online boot camp and corporate training options. They offer a passing guarantee and a free retake option. The cost of the TOGAF online Bootcamp is $999, which is inclusive of the TOGAF exam. You can custom quote for corporate training.
Standard 9.1- Part 2 Certified Enterprise Architect Course
This TOGAF course offered on Udemy is one of the most well-known preparation courses with almost 40K students. It is focused on the 2nd and more advanced TOGAF part 2. The size of the course is relatively smaller than other TOGAF courses, which makes it ideal for professionals. The course cost is $84.88, but if you are lucky, you can get it on sale for less than $18.
Overview of the TOGAF® 9.1 Enterprise Architecture Framework
This course offered on Pluralsight is an advanced level accelerated TOGAF training course that covers both part 1 and part 2. It includes case studies which make it much easier to grasp key concepts. The cost of this course is included in the subscription to the Pluralsight platform. Based on the type of subscription, it can cost between $159-$239 for individuals and between $399-$779 for teams.
TOGAF for Practitioners Level 1&2
TOGAF for Practitioners is an advanced-level course for TOGAF certification preparation for professionals acquainted with TOGAF. The course covers both the foundation and certified level of TOGAT exams and TOGAF adaptation. The course cost is $3895, inclusive of all exam fees.
Preparing for TOGAF Certification Training
Preparing for TOGAF Certification Training is an accredited TOGAF preparation course. It covers all the things you need to pass the TOGAF Foundation level exam. The training is instructor-led, and there is an option for one-to-one coaching. The cost of training for individuals is around $2990, and for corporate training, you can request a custom quote.
TOGAF PREP COURSE (Level 1 & 2 Combined) Version: v9.2
TOGAF prep course is an Open Group approved course which covers both foundation and certification levels. The course offers 32 hours of online training and a certificate on completion of the course. The cost of the course can be requested and is inclusive of the exams fee.
Final Words
The TOGAF 9.2 certification specification contains thousands of paragraphs of information, sometimes just unrelated to each other, each paragraph, for the most part, vague and unclear. However, by picking the right learning resources based on your own preferences, the TOGAF certification journey can become a lot easier. You may also be interested in AWS Practice Tests.
