Open group ITAC /Open CA Certification

I am working on becoming ITAC /Open CA certified as a Master Certified IT Architect. ITAC /Open CA is an IT Architect Certification program of the Open Group and is meant for experienced IT architects.

Edit: In 2011, ITAC was renamed to Open CA.

Open CA certified architects must prove to the Open Group they have real world experience in IT architecture. This proof must be provided in two ways: candidates must create a 50 page certification package and must perform 3 interviews with Open Group certification board members.

I have created the certification package some time ago. The certification package must provide proof of IT experience by answering many open questions (like "provide three examples in which you have conviced stakeholders of the benefits of a new architecture") and by providing three experience profiles (in effect descriptions of projects in which you were the lead architect). The certification package is sent to the Open Group for review (after payment of course) and when the package is accepted the candidate is invited for the interviews. The package must contain endorsements from clients and these references are checked by the Open Group.

Last week I went to Reading (UK) - close to London - for the interviews. At the Open Group offices I has three one hour interviews, one on one with three Open Group certification baord members. In the interviews I was asked about my certification package and about my experiences. Although the interviews felt like having a job interview I liked the interviews with these very experienced architects and I think it all went well. However, I have to wait for the results that are expected in a week or so. When at least two of the three board members feel you deserve the Open CA title "Master Certified IT Architect" you will get it.

Edit: A few weeks after this article, I was awarded the Master Certified IT Architect title.

This entry was posted on Sunday 06 December 2009