When you are preparing to start a job as an enterprise architect, obtaining certificates is the best way to validate your skills as an enterprise architect. An enterprise architect is an IT personnel who works to join the organization’s services and technologies. They are responsible for strategizing and designing an overall system architecture and IT solutions that align with the enterprise’s aims and objectives. Since their main focus is to align IT solutions with the organization’s needs, they must therefore be on the lookout for standard technologies and tools with emerging trends and innovations. They make sure everything goes according to plan in the IT landscape, in order to ensure a smooth business for the organization. This post has been carefully curated to explain why getting an Enterprise Architecture (EA) certification is important..
Enterprise Architecture (EA) Certification
Before diving heads on into what Enterprise Architecture (EA) certification is, we first have to understand the concept of Enterprise Architecture (EA). Enterprise Architecture (EA) is an outline that aligns an organization’s structure, activities, policy and management model. It sketches and defines how an organization should arrange and control to achieve its objectives. The main goal of Enterprise Architecture (EA) is to regulate how an organization can achieve its set objectives and how the different business units in the organization can work together to achieve this goal. Enterprise Architecture (EA) involves the arrangement, designing and execution of analysis in an organization. The concept of Enterprise Architecture (EA) varies and may be viewed differently by the different subsections in an organization but it helps these different parts to be on the same page as to the mission, vision and goals of the enterprise. This Enterprise Architecture (EA) helps enterprises to achieve their objectives in the ever-dynamic world.
An Enterprise Architecture (EA) certification therefore, is a certification that verifies an IT professional, earlier described as an enterprise architect, in their knowledge and skills in Enterprise Architecture (EA). It confirms professionalism in handling and managing organizations’ IT infrastructure. It shows the capability of an enterprise architect to bridge the gap between organizations’ services and technology.
Benefits of Enterprise Architecture (EA) Certification
Enhanced skills and knowledge
Certification courses teach skills and impact knowledge that are crucial in the field of enterprise architecture. These skills are not only helping in gaining employment but are also resourceful skills in an overall technical career. It verifies an IT professional’s knowledge and understanding of the framework and the best practices in enterprise architecture. This type of deep knowledge increases the capability to design, execute and control IT systems efficiently to serve the enterprise’s needs.
Increased credibility
Certification is proof of advanced knowledge to get the job done well. Having several recognized enterprise architecture certificates gives multiple foundations and advanced skills needed for competition in the labor market and also shows the professionalism of the IT personnel to the employers, which can instantly boost credibility and give more access to a wide range of opportunities.
Increased confidence in the job market
Owning a certificate that others do not, puts an enterprise architect above others in the labor market. Employers might look for the certificate section in the resume because it is proof of knowledge and skills on the part of an IT personnel which is very beneficial. It shows a level of qualification above others, especially when applying for a specialized position.
Higher salary potential
Possessing relevant certificates in Enterprise Architecture (EA) is proof of enhanced skill, capability and knowledge needed for a certain Enterprise Architecture (EA) role. This opens opportunities to be employed in certain senior positions upon reaching the required level of qualification. The higher the position, the higher the pay.
Better communication
Certificates imbibe a set of languages in an Enterprise Architecture (EA). Employees that possess certificates in enterprise architecture will have a common language and it will set grounds for standardized discussions among IT team and organization management.
Some common Enterprise Architecture (EA) Certifications
AWS Certified Solution Architect
AWS (Amazon Web Service) Certified Solution Architect professional course is for persons with two or more years of working experience with cloud-based concepts. It verifies the capability to plan and utilize cloud systems that are cost-effective, fault-tolerant and scalable on AWS. It is also an added advantage to have at least one year of experience deploying and managing AWS technology. This certificate is proof that the certified individual is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide complex solutions to complex problems and many more. It is an Avenue for organizations to identify and train those with the skills to implement cloud initiatives.
TOGAF- The Open Group Architecture Framework
This certification focuses on TOGAF standards which many organizations have adopted as it is centered on creating efficiency among IT systems. It allows a standardized demonstration of professionals’ competence. The certification opted for is determined by the career path and role, as there are three types of TOGAF certification to choose from; TOGAF 9, TOGAF Business Architecture and TOGAF Enterprise Architecture. It will always remain the most used and universally recognized, and vendor-neutral certification that shows the architects’ skills and knowledge in implementing and controlling enterprise technology. There are two basic levels of the certification, level one is focused on building and understanding the standards and practices of TOGAF, while level two takes place after the completion of the exams. It shows the employers that the IT individual is well-versed in the knowledge and skills to compliment the organization’s objectives.
Zachman Framework
Zachman certification is a type of enterprise architectural method that offers a framework that classifies and organizes information that is needed to build and design a system. It equips working personnel to build theoretical and technical skills needed in the present-day workspace. It also gives enterprise architects the needed platform to broaden their skill and knowledge in their understanding of the ever-growing industry trend and equips them with the ability to be able to operate The Zachman Framework. This certification is subdivided into four different levels, which include; associate, practitioner, professional and educator. Certificate is given through online workshops either self-learned or led by an instructor.
Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Azure certification is unique in its deep analysis of an enterprise architect’s expertise. It is closely related to AWS certification as it also can design and integrate cloud-based concepts on Microsoft Azure and it has been tested to focus on practical experience and proven techniques.
Factors to consider when choosing an Enterprise Architecture (EA) Certifications
There are different processes involved when trying to choose which enterprise architecture certification to go for out of the numerous certifications These tips are therefore provided to help guide the choice of certification.
- Consider the cost of the certificate
- Consider your time commitment to the certificate
- Consider the level of recognition of certification.
- Consider the alignment of certification to the Organization’s needs.
- Consider a certification that matches your experience.
- Consider a certification that matches your career goals.
- Consider different options before settling for one.
Future Trends
The future of enterprise architecture certification is most likely to be restructured in different ways as there are new and dynamic emerging trends in technology. Certifications are most likely to become more important as cloud computing is becoming a norm and enterprise architects will need well-versed cloud technologies. Certifications that deal with data solutions and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration also have a chance of becoming an important asset. Some certifications that are based on critical thinking and problem solving, together with some enterprise architecture principles are likely to be in high demand. In essence, certifications are likely to be more specialized and adaptive to the ever-changing technologies and the changing role of enterprise architects.
