An In-house Architecture

Certification Program

-by Gouri Das (gouri_das@yahoo.com, http://www.linkedin.com/in/gouridas )

July 11, 2010

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Key Issue

� Company XYZ wants to create an architecture training and certification program to clearly identify the architects in its vast technology staff pool

� Underlying Intent� To create an well-defined intenal architecture

profession� Benefit

� Improvement of business value via assured and potentially higher quality solutions

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What makes a profession?

� Common definition

� Consistent training and curriculum

� University programs in the specialty

� Governed accreditation and certification

� Including national and state licensing

� Commonly accepted roles & responsibilities

� Recognized career paths

� Professional code of ethics

Source: “State of EA 2010”, Westbrock, Tim; Paras, George; EA Directions,

http://www.slideshare.net/gparas/e-adirections-state-of-ea-6-152010

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Survey of Certification Programs

� Enterprise Architecture courses are being taught in some colleges in NA, Europe and Australia� GWU, Bentley University, CMU Heinz College in Australia,

Reading University in UK (TOGAF)

� UCLA, Penn State are investigating

� Customized IT architecture course at Mercer Community College, New Jersey

� Generic / Specific Programs� IASA CITA

� TOGAF ITAC

� Federal Enterprise Architecture Certification Program

� Microsoft Certified Architect Program

� Other relevant programs� IT executive program at Babson College, Boston, MA

Source in part: “State of EA 2010”, Westbrock, Tim; Paras, George; EA Directions,

http://www.slideshare.net/gparas/e-adirections-state-of-ea-6-152010

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IASA Certified IT Architect Program

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Key Characteristics of In-house

Architecture Certification Program

� Many companies have “IT Architect” job title; purpose of certification is to create additional generally accepted level of trust in the execution of the function

� Key components:

� Well defined entry criteria

• Past experience is a determinant of the future performance

� Mid- to long-term apprentice-ship and mentoring

• Should include real life projects

� End of apprentice assessment (i.e. the certification)

� Other pre-certification training courses

• But must not be “take the class – pass the exam – and whalla! You have arrived”

� Peer group accepted

� Periodic recertification; should be tied to successful execution

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Key characteristics …

� Balanced between being relevant to the business environment and general industry knowledge

� Adopt and customize certification criteria from established industry bodies

� Certification criteria must have a combination of attributes; � Teamwork, leadership, “turned on by pushing limits”

� Tied to demonstration via successful project implementation

� Judged and generally accepted by peer group (the fellowship model)

� Eventually formalized via HR job description and associated compensation scheme� E.g. senior technical staff member, distinguished engineer

and IBM fellow at IBM

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Key characteristics …

� Proof is in the pudding� Must have established criteria for value demonstration; this

is not just an academic exercise

� For example, must be able to lead various levels of complex projects, defends its design, demonstrate mature trade-off, etc. – and eventually a stable, running system

� Create special program incentive� Accreditation to ensure portability outside company

� High profile project assignment• tiger team assignment; • technical due diligence in M&A

� Recertification on a periodic basis; should be tied to successful project execution

� Cert. criteria highly relevant to the business environment of (technical and business) yet within the framework of a chosen industry-standard body (e.g. IASA)

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Key characteristics …

� Certification can be subdivided into various technical / business process domains

� Deep knowledge of applying a substantial area of technology to a business problem (such as infrastructure)

� Deep business process knowledge in an area of significance to the business along with (such as supply chain)

� Expertise in at least two or more of such areas would meet minimum qualifications

� Should demonstrate complex design capability and holistic thinking

� Most importantly, demonstrate ability to create new solutions

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Deployment considerations

� Begin with a proof-of-concept with say half dozen prospects over six months

� May start with by invitation only; spot talent and nurture

� Create a pool of evangelists of senior technologists who will actively promote to the prospective candidates

� Create a mentoring program

� Declare success criteria for the proof-of-concept; for example, a certified architect is able to lead an appropriately complex project through to successful completion

� Consider tie up with a college (e.g. Mercer / Babson) that specializes in IT executive education

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Preparation considerations

� Create / modify job descriptions of certified architects; include expected skills, knowledge and behavior

� Design certification program; establish criteria by adapting an industry standard program (e.g. IASA)

� Promote via deliberate communication / marketing campaign; this should be similar in scale to introducing BPM campaign or Total Quality campaign

� For example, ensure that this becomes a topic of discussion

in executive town halls

� Obtain executive and HR support

End of Presentation