Did you know that you can do enterprise architecture training online? In the past, a career in enterprise architecture required extra time on campus. Now it’s possible to get your enterprise architecture training and certification completely online.
Let’s discuss how you can become a certified enterprise architect online. First, here’s a quick refresher on what EA is, and why you want to be certified.
What is Enterprise Architecture?
EA relates to a framework for pairing business process with technology. CIO Magazine explains that “Enterprise architecture is the process by which organizations standardize and organize IT infrastructure to align with business goals.” They go on to say, “Enterprise architecture (EA) is the practice of analyzing, designing, planning and implementing enterprise analysis to successfully execute on business strategies.”
An enterprise architect performs analyses of how the business uses, stores, and works with information and technology. Then, the EA prepares a plan to improve those relationships. Simply put, enterprise architecture training is a gateway to a rewarding and lucrative career.
Why should I get an enterprise architecture certification?
There are many reasons to get certified as an enterprise architect.
CIO Magazine says, “If you’re planning a career as an enterprise architect (EA), certifications are a great way to validate your EA skills. As an EA, you’ll be responsible for developing the IT strategy for a business that keeps business goals in line with IT goals. Companies rely heavily on technology, so IT is now a foundational part of any strong business strategy. These certifications test your skills, knowledge, and abilities working with EA frameworks, tools, software, and best practices.”
How do I become a certified Enterprise Architect?
There are a number of ways to become an enterprise architect. You could complete an IT or computer science degree. Then, you could pick up EA skills along the way or in graduate school. Or, you can do your enterprise architecture training online.
Technically, enterprise architecture training doesn’t require a computer science degree. Neither does enterprise architecture certification. A degree (or two) is very helpful for getting a job in the industry, however.
Because of this, many sources recommend a degree as a point of entry into the field. They also recommend hands-on experience in the industry.
With education handled, the next step is the enterprise architecture training itself.
Step 1: pick a framework to learn
There are a number of certifications that an enterprise architect might pursue. Think of this in the same way you think of programming languages a coder might want to learn. The framework, and the certification course, you should pick depends on your career goals and interests. A few examples of these frameworks include:
- Virtualization Council Master Infrastructure Architect certification
- Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA)
- Red Hat Certified Architect
- Zachman International
The gold standard in enterprise architect certification is The Open Group Architecture Framework (The TOGAF® Standard) Certification.
TOGAF is one of the most widely used enterprise architecture frameworks. According to The Open Group, it has been adopted by “the world’s leading organizations to improve business efficiency.”
Step 2: Find a training program
We promised to tell you how to find enterprise architecture training online, so we’ll focus our attention there. Once you have determined your target framework, then explore training options for that framework that are available online. We specialize in The TOGAF® Standard, so let’s zoom in.
With TOGAF, certification is about knowing the standard and passing an exam. To get TOGAF 9 certified, you must pass The Open Group's TOGAF Certification exams.
Both exams test your knowledge of TOGAF. The first exam, TOGAF 9 Foundation, is a broad knowledge test about the TOGAF standard. The second exam, TOGAF 9 Certified, tests your ability to apply the TOGAF standard in different enterprise architecture scenarios.
There are two ways to prepare for the TOGAF exam: Self Study or through an accredited TOGAF training program.
If you are into studying on your own, The Open Group offers materials to make that happen. We recommend an accredited training program. The Open Group has reviewed the program offering and confirms that it includes everything you need to learn the material. As long as you can keep up and do the work.
Even better, TOGAF enterprise architecture courses are available fully online. Online enterprise architecture training has three huge benefits, as we explain on our website:
- Students can proceed at their pace: Some students commit full days, while others spread their learning out.
- Speed the education process: All of us enter the course with prior knowledge. Online training lets you skip ahead or repeat until you are comfortable.
- Training at their convenience: It is never convenient to take the entire team off to a course.
All of this means that the best way to find enterprise architecture training online is to dive in at Conexiam. Start preparing for your TOGAF Certification today!
