ArchiMate Certification FAQ

ARCHIMATE 3® CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME

What is the purpose of the programme?

  • It ensures that individuals are knowledgeable about the ArchiMate modelling language.

  • It is a common baseline of knowledge.

  • It provides a visible trust mark.

What is the ArchiSurance Case Study and how is it used?

This is a fictional case study that illustrates the use of the ArchiMate and TOGAF standards. The Case Study is used to support the mandatory practical exercises that are required to be completed as part of an accredited course. The examination draws on examples from it.

What are the available ArchiMate certifications?

  • ArchiMate 3 Foundation (Level 1): Knowledge of the notation, terminology, structure, and concepts of the ArchiMate modelling language.

  • ArchiMate 3 Practitioner (Level 2): In addition to Knowledge and comprehension, the ability to analyze and apply the ArchiMate modelling language.

How can I achieve ArchiMate 3 certification?

  • ArchiMate 3 Foundation (Level 1) - by passing the ArchiMate 3 Part 1 exam.

  • ArchiMate 3 Practitioner (Level 2) - by passing the ArchiMate 3 Part 1 and Part 2 exam, or by passing the ArchiMate 3 Combined Part 1 and 2 examination.

Studying for ArchiMate 3 Foundation can be used as a learning objective towards achieving ArchiMate 3 Practitioner, as the learning outcomes in ArchiMate 3 Foundation are also required in ArchiMate 3 Practitioner. The difference between the two certification levels is that, in addition to the requirements for ArchiMate 3 Foundation, ArchiMate 3 Practitioner requires passing an advanced examination.

How do the certifications relate to the Part 1 and Part 2 exams?

The exams are what you need to pass to reach a certification qualification. The Part 1 exam is for ArchiMate 3 Foundation, and the Part 2 exam is for ArchiMate 3 Practitioner.

REAL IRM AS ARCHIMATE CERTIFICATION TRAINING PROVIDER

Why should I choose Real IRM for my ArchiMate training and certification?

  • Real IRM is an Accredited Training Course Provider and thus our ArchiMate courses and our trainers are subject to assessment by The Open Group.

  • We pride ourselves on the quality of our courses. Our trainers are highly knowledgeable and experienced both as consultants and as course presenters. The course material and hand-outs are comprehensive and our teaching style is participative and interactive for an enjoyable learning experience.

Where do I find details of Real IRM’s ArchiMate course?

Go to ArchiMate 3 training for a full course description.

How much does certification cost?

Your certification exam vouchers are included in your course fees, so there is no additional charge.

ARCHIMATE CERTIFICATION EXAMS

What do the exams cover?

The following topics are common to both Level 1 and Level 2:

  • The basic concepts and key terminology of Enterprise Architecture and the ArchiMate language

  • The principles and core concepts underlying the ArchiMate core language and extensions

  • The concepts from the ArchiMate layers and extensions

  • The ArchiMate relationships

  • The ArchiMate views and viewpoints

  • Adapting the ArchiMate language

  • The ArchiMate certified tools to support modelling and analysis

  • The relationship of the ArchiMate modelling language to other languages and frameworks

What is the format of the examinations?

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 1 - Pass mark 60% (24 or more points out of a maximum of 40). This closed book exam comprises 40 questions in a simple multiple-choice format, covering the Level 1 learning outcomes. Each correct answer scores a single point.

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 2 - Pass mark 70% (28 or more points out of a maximum of 40). This exam comprises 8 scenario-based complex multiple-choice questions, with gradient scoring. This exam is open book and covers the complete Level 2 learning outcomes. The correct answer scores 5 points, the second best answer 3 points, and the third best answer 1 point. The distracter scores zero points.

  • ArchiMate 3 Combined (Part 1&2) - This is a combined ArchiMate 3 Part 1 and Part 2 examination for candidates who want to achieve Level 2 certification directly in a single examination. It consists of two sections, with passing marks as per the ArchiMate 3 Part 1 and 2 examinations described above. Each section must be passed in order to obtain an overall pass mark. If you fail a section then no certification is awarded, however, you only need to retake the Examination(s) corresponding to the failed section(s).


What is the pass score for the exam?

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 1 - Pass mark 60% (24 or more points out of a maximum of 40)

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 2 - Pass mark 70% (28 or more points out of a maximum of 40)

  • ArchiMate 3 Combined (Part 1&2) - Pass marks as per the ArchiMate 3 Part 1 and 2 examinations described above. Each section must be passed in order to obtain an overall pass mark. If you fail a section then no certification is awarded, however, you only need to retake the Examination(s) corresponding to the failed section(s).

What allowances are made for non-native English speakers?

Additional time is permitted for individuals for whom English is a second language (ESL). ESL candidates are permitted to bring a translation dictionary into the exam (subject to Proctor inspection).

Candidates who have English as a second language can apply for ESL(English Second Language) extension(additional time) via the Pearson VUE contact centre at 0800 995 044.

How long are the examinations?

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 1 -60 minutes

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 2 – 90 minutes

  • ArchiMate 3 Combined (Part 1&2) – 150 minutes

What are the prerequisites for the exams?

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 1 - There are no prerequisites for ArchiMate 3 Part 1. Any and all candidates are thus eligible to take this examination.

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 2 - A candidate must be certified in ArchiMate 3 Foundation or have achieved a passing result for the ArchiMate 3 Part 1 examination on the same day at the same ATTC provider as they are taking the Part 2 examination.

  • ArchiMate 3 Combined (Part 1&2) - There are no prerequisites for the ArchiMate 3 Combined Part 1 and 2 Exam. Any and all candidates are thus eligible to take this examination.

For candidates not taking the Part 1 exam in the same session, a candidate must have an ArchiMate 3 Foundation entry in the Directory of Certified People at http://archimate-cert.opengroup.org/certified-individuals or have passed at least the Part 1 section of the Combined examination.

What is the difference between the Combined Part 1 and Part 2 Examination and taking the exams separately?

The Combined Part 1 and Part 2 examination is designed for candidates who want to go to ArchiMate 3 Practitioner without the intermediate step of ArchiMate 3 Foundation, and who want to take both papers in one examination session.

If you take the exams separately and only pass Part 1 you will be awarded ArchiMate 3 Foundation.

If you take the Combined Exam and fail a section, you will need to retake the failed section(s) before certification will be awarded.

What is the retake policy if I fail an examination?

Candidates who fail an examination are not allowed to re-set ANY ArchiMate examination again for a period of one (1) month. A result received before one month will be VOID.


How long is my exam voucher valid?

Your exam voucher is valid for one year. We would advise you to write the exam as soon after completing the course as possible so that the material is fresh in your mind.

Is it an open-book exam?

This examination comprises two separate sections.

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 1 section is CLOSED Book.

  • ArchiMate 3 Part 2 section is OPEN book.

The Open Group's Examination Providers operate a clean exam room environment, so all applicable open-book reference materials are provided electronically with the examination test. An electronic copy of the specification is built into the exam and becomes available in Part 2 only.

EXAMINATION CENTRES

How do I locate a test centre?

The certification exams can be taken at a Pearson VUE test centre. To register online with Pearson VUE, visit http://www.pearsonvue.com/theopengroup/ or contact the Pearson Vue help centre at 0800 995 044

Why is the appointment time at the test centre longer than the exam time?

The appointment time includes the time needed to register at the test centre, review the instructions, read and accept the NDA, and complete the exam questions.

How can I apply for an additional time extension for the exam?

Candidates who have English as a second language can apply for ESL(English Second Language) extension(additional time) via the Pearson VUE contact centre at 0800 995 044.

How do I register to take an exam at a Pearson VUE test centre?

Visit the Take Exam page to learn how to register and log in to schedule an exam.

Is there specific advice for taking exams at a Pearson VUE test centre?

For all other exams see the generic advice sheet: Advice for Candidates Attending Pearson VUE Test Centers

EXAMS AND RESULTS

When will I receive my exam results?

You will receive a notification of your pass or fail status within a few minutes of completing your exam in the form of a printed score report. In addition, for candidates testing at Pearson VUE, you can obtain your score reports from within your Open Group Pearson VUE testing account.

The examination provider will forward your score to The Open Group within five business days, after which The Open Group will process the results. If the results are acceptable for certification, The Open Group will then contact you via email within 6 six business days to complete your certification. You will not be visible in the Directory of Certified Individuals until you receive this email from The Open Group AND log in to the certification system to complete the steps to be certified.

What are the next steps after completing the exam(s)?

Exam results are sent from the exam provider to The Open Group. Upon receipt, they are processed, and if accepted as suitable for certification then The Open Group sends you an email with information on how to login to the web certification system at The Open Group to complete the process to become certified.

How long does it take for The Open Group to contact me?

This can take up to 6 business days. The Open Group typically receives your exam result from the exam provider within 2 days of you taking the exam and then needs to process the result. Please note that The Open Group offices are closed on the weekend.

What should I do if I am not contacted by The Open Group?

Occasionally we are unable to contact you due to an incorrect email address used when you registered for the exam. If after 6 business days you have not been contacted please submit an Open Group helpdesk ticket for the applicable certification program.

Will The Open Group send me a hard copy of the certificate?

No. Due to the global nature of the program, only PDF certificates are available. Certificates can be downloaded from an individual's resource center which is available once certification is complete.

I do not have an Open Group web ID, what should I do?

You will first need to create one before you attempt to complete certification. You can do this via The Open Group website, www.opengroup.org. Please click log in & create an account. You can then use the account details you have just registered to log in to the certification system and complete the steps to become certified.

Where do I log in to complete my Certification?

See the How to Complete your Certification page for a link to the applicable certification program website. After you log in, the certification system will guide you through the steps to complete your certification.

Where do I log in to obtain my Certificate and the certification logos?

You must log in to the applicable certification program website. Your certificate and a file containing the certification logo will be accessible from your Resource Center, which is available after you complete the process to get certified. See the page on how to complete your certification for a link to the applicable certification program website. After you log in, you will either see your Resource Center where you can access your certification and logos (if you have completed the certification process) or the ability to complete your certification.

I failed part of a combined exam, but have now passed that part, but my certification level does not reflect this. What should I do?

You should contact the appropriate certification helpdesk to request they update your certification level. Please include information on the exams taken, the score reports, a detailed summary of the results, and the certification IDs in the system.