Certification — How to Prepare for TOGAF 10 Combined Exam (OGEA-103)
Mastering the TOGAF 10 Framework: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Certification Success
Introduction
The TOGAF 10 Combined Exam (OGEA-103) represents a significant milestone for enterprise architects seeking to enhance their credentials and deepen their expertise in enterprise architecture. This certification demonstrates your proficiency in using the TOGAF framework to develop, manage, and evolve enterprise architectures, aligning IT investments with business goals and ensuring coherent, consistent, and adaptable IT architecture.
What is TOGAF?
The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is a comprehensive framework used for developing, managing, and evolving enterprise architecture. It provides a standardized approach to ensure that IT aligns with business objectives and strategic goals. TOGAF helps organizations to:
- Design Effective Architectures: Create architectures that meet organizational requirements.
- Guide Transformation: Facilitate the transformation of business vision and strategy into effective enterprise change.
- Ensure Consistency: Maintain consistency and coherence across the architecture landscape.
- Adapt to Change: Evolve architecture in response to changing business needs and technological advancements.
Target Audience
The TOGAF 10 Exam is ideal for:
- Enterprise Architects: Professionals looking to validate their skills and knowledge in enterprise architecture.
- IT Professionals: Individuals aiming to advance their careers by gaining a deep understanding of enterprise architecture.
- Project Managers: Those who oversee architecture-related projects and need to align IT with business strategies.
- Business Architects: Professionals responsible for defining and implementing business strategies within the IT framework.
Role and Responsibilities of an Enterprise Architect
The role of an enterprise architect varies by organization but generally includes:
- Developing Architecture Roadmaps: Creating and maintaining an enterprise architecture roadmap that aligns with business goals.
- Stakeholder Management: Engaging with stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure architectural alignment.
- Strategic Planning: Translating business strategies into actionable architectural plans.
- Governance and Compliance: Establishing governance frameworks to ensure compliance with internal and external standards.
- Technology Selection: Evaluating and selecting technology solutions that fit the enterprise architecture.
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with architectural decisions.
- Continuous Improvement: Continuously assessing and improving the architecture to adapt to changing business needs.
Step 1: Understand the Exam Content
The TOGAF 10 Combined Exam tests your knowledge of the TOGAF framework, including:
- TOGAF Fundamentals: Core concepts and principles.
- Architecture Development Method (ADM): Phases and their purposes.
- Architecture Content Framework: Deliverables, artifacts, and building blocks.
- Enterprise Continuum: Tools and techniques for managing architecture.
- Governance and Change Management: Processes for implementing and maintaining EA.
Step 2: Learning Plan
Recommended Training: Accredited Training Course (recommended but not mandatory)
2.1 Video Trainings
- TOGAF 10 Overview and Fundamentals: Standard 10.0 — Level 1 Enterprise Architect Course | Udemy
- ADM Phases and Techniques: Detailed videos on each phase of the ADM — Enterprise Architecture Practitioner with TOGAF 10 Standard | Udemy
2.2 Workshops -
- TOGAF Simulations: Interactive instructor-led case studies to apply TOGAF principles.
- Case Studies: Practice real-world examples of enterprise architecture projects.
2.3 TOGAF Documentation
The TOGAF documentation is comprehensive, covering all aspects of the framework. It includes detailed instructions on the ADM, content framework, and governance. Access the documentation at https://www.opengroup.org/togaf/10thedition
Step 3: Practice Tests
Practice tests are crucial for exam preparation. They help you familiarize yourself with the question format and identify areas for improvement. Consider using resources like:
- Link to important documents (from exam perspective) — togaf-10-resoruces/Togaf-10-exam-important-links.txt at main · jitu028/togaf-10-resoruces (github.com)
- Open Group Practice Exams: Official practice questions — TOGAF® 9 Certification Self-Study Pack, 4th Edition (opengroup.org)
(though these are edition 9 practice tests but holds good for edition 10 as well) - Third-party Providers: Enterprise Architecture TOGAF 10 Part 1 and 2 practice tests | Udemy
Step 4: Scheduling the Exam
Prepare thoroughly, ideally over 2–3 months, focusing on all exam content areas. Once you consistently score 80% or higher on practice tests, schedule your exam.
This exam is designed for candidates aiming to achieve Level 2 certification directly. It combines Part 1 and Part 2 of the TOGAF Enterprise Architecture exams.
Exam Details:
- Exam Name: TOGAF® Enterprise Architecture Combined Part 1 and Part 2
- Exam Number: OGEA-103
- Qualification: TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Practitioner
- Delivery: Authorized Examination Provider Test Centers and Online Proctored
- Prerequisites: None
- Supervision: Yes
- Open Book:
- Part 1: Closed Book
- Part 2: Open Book (electronic copy of the Body of Knowledge available)
Exam Type:
- Section 1: 40 Simple Multiple-Choice questions
- Section 2: 8 Scenario-Based, Complex Multiple-Choice questions
- Number of Questions: 48
Pass Score:
- Part 1: 60% (24 out of 40 points)
- Part 2: 60% (24 out of 40 points)
Both parts must be passed to achieve certification.
Time Limit:
- Total: 150 minutes Part 1: 60 minutes + Part 2: 90 minutes
Retake Policy: If you fail, you must wait one month before retaking the exam. You only need to retake the part you failed.
Examination Fee: Refer to the official fee schedule
Exam Scheduling: Book your exam through The Open Group’s website. You can choose a remote proctored exam or an in-person testing center — TOGAF® Enterprise Architecture Combined Part 1 and Part 2 Exam | Certification & Accreditation (opengroup.org)
Exam Day: Ensure a quiet, distraction-free environment for the remote exam. Follow all proctoring guidelines carefully.
Conclusion
The TOGAF 10 Combined Exam (OGEA-103) is a valuable certification for enterprise architects, offering a comprehensive understanding of the TOGAF framework. Earning this certification demonstrates your proficiency in aligning IT investments with business goals, ensuring coherence, consistency, and adaptability in enterprise architecture. By following the preparation steps outlined above, you can effectively master the material, pass the exam, and significantly enhance your professional credentials. This achievement will not only advance your career but also position you as a strategic asset to any organization, capable of driving effective and sustainable enterprise transformation. Pursuing TOGAF 10 certification is an investment in your future, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to excel in the ever-evolving field of enterprise architecture.
References
About me — I am a Multi-Cloud Architect with over 12 years of experience in IT industry. Past few months I wrote 20+ certifications (10x GCP). My current engagements are on Data Architecture, GenAI, MLOps, Cybersecurity, platform engineering.
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