How to get your TOGAF 9.1 certification in five steps

By Sarah Morgan

Use TOGAF 9.1 in your organisation and develop an enterprise architecture (EA) that’s free to use, consistent and aligned to industry best practices.

However, to prove you know how to use this renowned EA effectively, and to get on track for a £70,000 salary (ITJobsWatch), you need to get certified.

Passing both TOGAF certification exams and achieving your certification is an investment, but it can be a daunting. This guide will show you how to get TOGAF certified, in five simple steps.


1. Two-step approach vs. combined approach

You’ve decided to get TOGAF certified, but what now? To get the certification, you’ll need to pass both TOGAF exams:

• Level 1: TOGAF 9 Foundation
• Level 2: TOGAF 9 Certified

Your first choice is between the two-step approach and the combined approach. Take the two-step approach and you’ll pass the two TOGAF exams individually - the Level 1 first, followed by Level 2 when you feel comfortable with your chances of passing it.

The combined approach allows you to get both exams out of the way in one sitting, it’s faster but you’ll need to retain more knowledge.


2. Study the TOGAF 9.1 Framework

Get started by reading the TOGAF 9.1 framework. You’re able to access, and download, the entire framework on The Open Group’s website. A number of licensing options are available, depending on how you propose to use the framework:

• A free, perpetual Corporate License is available to any organization wanting to use TOGAF 9.1 entirely for internal purposes.
• A free, perpetual Academic License is free to any academic organization wanting to use TOGAF 9.1 entirely for academic (teaching and/or research) purposes.
• An annual Commercial License is available for organizations wishing to exploit TOGAF 9.1 commercially.

3. Get yourself a TOGAF 9.1 study guide

Study guides are a near essential tool for any student embarking on self-study. As you might imagine for a popular certification like TOGAF, there are several effective guides available in both electronic and physical formats.

Take a look at the TOGAF® 9 Certified Study Guide - 3rd Edition if you’re attempting either the two-step or combined approach. This comprehensive study guide covers both certification levels and supports you as you prepare for both exams. It’s available on Amazon in both paperback and kindle, depending on your preference.

If you’re currently aiming to pass the Level 1 TOGAF certification exam, take a look at the TOGAF 9 Foundation Exam Study Guide. This foundation guide is concentrated and to-the-point, ideal for busy architects who need to learn TOGAF quickly. If you’re struggling with hundreds of pages of TOGAF documentation – this is for you. Get it on Amazon, in kindle and paperback.


4. Make the most of free TOGAF revision resources

Take a break from your study guide and TOGAF framework documentation to take a look at some external resources.

There are dozens of high quality TOGAF resources available online. And to save you from trawling the web to find the best, we’ve already compiled a list of our Top 10 TOGAF resources you don’t need to pay for, including:

• TOGAF 9 in pictures
• Enterprise Architecture for Dummies
• TOGAF 9.1 Quick Start Guide for IT Enterprise Architects
• Frequently Asked Questions about TOGAF

Revision is much easier when you have a plethora of exam simulators, multiple choice practice exams, free presentations, TOGAF FAQ’s and instructional videos to support your knowledge.


5. Book your exam(s)

You’ve invested your precious time, and hard-earned cash, into revising TOGAF 9.1 - now it’s time to book your exams. However, before you do, make sure to test your knowledge against practice exam questions, here are our favourite:

• Free TOGAF® 9 Exam Simulator
• TOGAF 9 Certification Scenario Questions
• TOGAF Foundation Level Certification – Practice Test
• TOGAF 9 Foundation Exam Questions Test - TechBolo

To book your exam, simply navigate to Prometric’s website, register and find a local test centre.


I don’t have time to self-study!

Sometimes, even the most determined can’t fit self-study around their busy lives. For those who can’t invest the time, lack the motivation or simply need to get certified faster, there are other options.

For those who really need to get TOGAF 9.1 certified in the fastest possible time, take a look at Firebrand’s accelerated three day TOGAF course.


Related articles:

• 5 things you need to know to pass your TOGAF exam
• Top 10 TOGAF resources you don’t need to pay for
• Best IT certifications for 2015

About the Author:        
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.