career advice: Will a TOGAF certification be helpful to move from a developer role to a software architecture role?

Here is my response to a recent question "Will a TOGAF certification be helpful to move from a developer role to a software architecture role?"


TOGAF is a broad body of knowledge that covers BiDAT dimensions of architecture

• Business Architecture
• Data Architecture
• Applications Architecture
• Technology Architecture

Those working in Software Engineering and Application Development will benefit from knowledge of some of the TOGAF topics.

Now, back to your specific question - as a software developer, if you are looking to complete a TOGAF certification in order to move to an application or software Architect role, you may be better off focused on other vendor/technical certifications focused on Technical Architect roles.

Look around your organization’s technology landscape and identify technologies like SAP, Microsoft, IBM, SFDC etc and consider Architect level certifications in those domains. Those certifications will provide you an opportunity to move towards and architecture role.

However, after you have gained sufficient experience in one or more technology or functional domains, if you plan to pursue a career in Enterprise Architecture, TOGAF certification will help.

Also, check out my earlier blog on this topic Career advice: What is cost of TOGAF 9 certification? What are the job opportunities in Bangalore?