Top 11 IT Architect Certifications

Certifications are an important part of an IT Architect's job market. They demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for in potential hires and can be a way to differentiate yourself from other applicants. Certifications provide proof of your abilities, help build credibility, and can open up new opportunities for advancement. Having certifications also shows that you have the necessary skills to handle the responsibilities associated with the position you are applying for. Additionally, certifications can provide a competitive edge when it comes to salary negotiations or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for IT Architects and explain how they can contribute to an IT Architect's career by providing a deeper understanding of the field and greater job opportunities.

What are IT Architect Certifications?

Architect certification is a form of professional certification for architects. The purpose of architect certification is to ensure that architects meet the highest standards of professional practice and ethics, as well as demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience in their field. The certification process is typically administered by an independent certifying body, such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), or International Council of Design Professionals (ICDP).

The benefits of obtaining architect certification include enhanced credibility and recognition from peers, potential employers, clients, and the public. It also demonstrates a commitment to quality and excellence in architecture, which can lead to increased job opportunities. Additionally, it may be required for certain types of projects or licenses. Finally, some states require certified architects to obtain continuing education credits in order to maintain their license.

Overall, architect certification is a valuable asset for any aspiring or established architect looking to demonstrate their expertise and dedication to quality design. It can help open new doors in terms of career opportunities and provide assurance to clients that they are working with a knowledgeable and experienced professional.

Pro tip: When studying for an IT Architect Certification, focus on the fundamentals of the technology areas associated with your certification. Understanding the basics will give you a strong foundation to build upon and allow you to better apply the concepts as you progress through the material. Additionally, look for real-world use cases and examples to help reinforce your understanding of the material.

Related: What does an IT Architect do?

Top 11 IT Architect Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to IT Architects today.

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect

AWS Certified Solutions Architect is a professional-level certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It validates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and operate applications and infrastructure on the AWS platform. The certification is designed for individuals who have experience working with AWS services and can demonstrate their technical knowledge of the platform.

The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately 130 minutes to complete. Candidates must score at least 720 points out of 1000 in order to pass the exam.

To get the AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification, candidates must first register for the exam through the AWS Certification website. Once registered, they can then prepare for the exam by studying material provided by AWS or third-party vendors such as books, online courses, and practice exams.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150 to $300 USD.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based solutions. This certification validates the ability to design, deploy, configure, manage and maintain Microsoft cloud-based solutions. It also covers the skills necessary to migrate existing workloads to the cloud, as well as integrating public cloud services with existing IT infrastructure.

It typically takes around 3-6 months to prepare for and pass the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure exam. To get this certification, you must first pass one or more qualifying exams related to Windows Server or Azure technologies. You will then need to pass the MSCE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure exam which consists of multiple choice questions about cloud computing concepts such as virtualization, networking, storage, identity management, monitoring and automation.

The cost of the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification varies depending on where you take it from but it typically costs around $165 USD per exam.

3. Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect

Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect is a certification program from Google that validates an individual’s ability to design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable, highly available and dynamic solutions in the Google Cloud Platform. It demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the architecture of applications on the Google Cloud Platform.

The certification process typically takes around three months to complete. To become certified as a professional cloud architect, you must first pass two exams: the Associate Cloud Engineer exam and the Professional Cloud Architect exam. The Associate Cloud Engineer exam focuses on basic cloud engineering principles such as setting up projects, configuring networks and virtual machines, managing resources and services, deploying applications and monitoring their performance. The Professional Cloud Architect exam tests your knowledge of advanced cloud architecture topics such as designing secure systems, creating resilient architectures and deploying large-scale applications.

In order to take either of these exams, you must have at least one year of experience working with GCP or equivalent experience with other cloud platforms. You can also attend instructor-led training courses offered by Google or its partners to prepare for the exams.

The cost of taking both exams is $200 USD per exam ($400 USD total). Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with attending instructor-led training courses or purchasing study materials.

4. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is a highly respected certification in the field of networking. It is awarded by Cisco Systems and indicates that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in designing, building, configuring and troubleshooting complex networks.

To become CCIE certified, individuals must pass two exams: a written exam and a lab exam. The written exam tests theoretical knowledge while the lab exam tests practical skills. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The lab exam lasts eight hours and requires candidates to configure and troubleshoot complex networks in a timed environment.

The cost for the CCIE certification varies depending on the region you are taking the exams in, but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD for both exams combined.

It can take anywhere from six months to several years to become CCIE certified depending on your experience level and how much time you dedicate to studying for the exams. To prepare for the exams, it is recommended that individuals have at least three years of experience working with Cisco technologies as well as completing training courses offered by Cisco or its partners.

5. Oracle Certified Master, Java EE Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer

Oracle Certified Master, Java EE Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved expertise in developing web services using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 (Java EE 6). This certification is intended for experienced Java developers who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in developing web services using the latest version of the Java EE platform.

The Oracle Certified Master, Java EE Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an online lab exam. The written exam tests your knowledge of web service development with the Java EE 6 platform, including topics such as web services architecture, SOAP/RESTful web services, security, and performance tuning. The online lab exam tests your ability to develop a complete end-to-end web service application using the Java EE 6 platform.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for both exams. It is recommended that you have at least two years of experience developing applications with the Java EE 6 platform before attempting this certification. You should also be familiar with concepts such as XML, SOAP/RESTful web services, security, and performance tuning.

The cost of taking the Oracle Certified Master, Java EE Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer exams varies depending on which country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 USD for both exams combined.

6. IBM Certified Solution Architect – Cloud Computing Architecture V1

IBM Certified Solution Architect – Cloud Computing Architecture V1 is an IBM certification that demonstrates expertise in the design and implementation of cloud solutions. It is designed for professionals who have experience designing and deploying cloud-based solutions using IBM technologies.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of 70 multiple choice questions. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the exam is $200 USD.

To get started, you need to register for the exam on the IBM website. Once registered, you can purchase study materials from IBM or third-party vendors to prepare for the exam. You can also take practice tests to help familiarize yourself with the types of questions that will be asked on the actual exam.

7. VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)

VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the field of network virtualization. This certification is focused on VMware NSX, which is a software-defined networking solution for virtualizing networks.

To get the VCP-NV certification, you must first pass the VMware Certified Associate (VCA) Network Virtualization exam or have an equivalent certification from another vendor. After that, you must complete a training course from an authorized VMware Training Partner and then take the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) – Network Virtualization exam. The training course typically takes about three days and can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the provider.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your VCP-NV certification. This certification is valid for two years after which you must retake the exams to maintain it. The cost of taking both exams is around $450 USD total.

8. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) is a certification program from Red Hat which recognizes IT professionals who demonstrate the highest level of expertise and knowledge with Red Hat technologies. It is one of the most sought-after certifications in the IT industry.

To get RHCA certified, an individual must pass a series of rigorous exams that test their skills and knowledge on various topics related to Red Hat technologies. The exams are divided into two categories: core and specialty. The core exams cover basic concepts such as system administration, security, virtualization, storage, networking, clustering and automation. The specialty exams focus on specific products such as OpenShift Container Platform or Ansible Automation Platform.

The time it takes to get RHCA certified depends on the individual's experience level and how quickly they can prepare for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all the necessary steps for certification.

In order to get RHCA certified, individuals must first purchase an exam voucher from Red Hat's website or through a third-party vendor. The cost of each exam voucher varies depending on the type of exam being taken. After purchasing an exam voucher, individuals must then register for an exam date at a Pearson VUE testing center near them.

Once all the necessary steps have been completed and all required exams have been passed with a passing score, individuals will be awarded their RHCA certification and will receive their certificate in the mail within 8-10 weeks after passing their last exam.

The total cost of getting RHCA certified will depend on how many exams are taken and which ones are chosen but generally speaking it can range anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 USD depending on the number of exams taken and any discounts that may be applied when purchasing vouchers or registering for tests.

9. Citrix Certified Integration Architect (CCIA)

Citrix Certified Integration Architect (CCIA) is an advanced certification from Citrix that validates a professional’s expertise in designing, integrating, and deploying complex Citrix solutions. The certification is designed for IT professionals who have a deep understanding of the Citrix product portfolio and are able to design solutions that meet customer requirements.

The CCIA certification requires the successful completion of two exams: 1Y0-311: Citrix XenApp 6.5 Advanced Administration and 1Y0-341: Designing, Deploying, and Managing Citrix XenDesktop 7 Solutions. The exams must be taken within six months of each other in order to qualify for the certification.

In order to take the exams, you must first purchase a voucher from a Pearson VUE testing center or from the Citrix website. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where it is purchased but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam.

Once you have purchased your vouchers, you can schedule your exams with Pearson VUE at any time during their normal business hours. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and you will receive your results immediately after finishing the exam.

Once both exams have been successfully completed, you will be awarded the CCIA certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

10. Salesforce Certified Technical Architect

Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) is Salesforce’s highest level of certification. It is designed to recognize the most experienced and knowledgeable Salesforce professionals in the world. A CTA has a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform, its architecture, and its capabilities. They are able to design and implement complex solutions that leverage the full power of the Salesforce platform.

It typically takes several years of experience working with Salesforce to become a CTA. To qualify for this certification, you must have at least five years of experience as a Salesforce Administrator or Developer and demonstrate expertise in multiple areas such as data modeling, security, integration, mobile development, and more.

To get certified as a CTA, you must first pass two exams: the Architect Design Exam (ADX-201) and the Advanced Developer Exam (DEV-501). The ADX-201 exam focuses on designing solutions that meet customer needs while leveraging the full power of the Salesforce platform. The DEV-501 exam tests your ability to develop custom applications using Apex code and VisualForce pages. After passing both exams, you must submit an application to be reviewed by a panel of Salesforce experts who will decide if you are qualified for certification.

The cost for taking both exams is $400 each ($800 total). In addition to this cost, there may be other fees associated with submitting your application for review such as travel expenses if applicable.

11. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that verifies a person's knowledge and skills in IT security. It is designed to validate a person's ability to identify risks and implement the appropriate security measures to protect networks, systems, and data from malicious attacks.

The certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, you must pass the Security+ exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $320-$400 USD.

To prepare for the exam, CompTIA recommends taking their online training course as well as studying other resources such as books and practice tests. Additionally, many employers offer free or discounted training courses for employees who are interested in obtaining the certification.

CompTIA Security+ is widely accepted by employers around the world as a measure of knowledge and skill in IT security. It is also approved by U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570/8140 for Information Assurance Technicians (IAT) Level II and Information Assurance Managers (IAM) Level I positions.

Do You Really Need a IT Architect Certificate?

Whether or not you need an IT Architect Certificate depends on your career goals. If you’re looking to advance your career in the field of information technology (IT), a certificate may be beneficial. An IT Architect Certificate shows potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to design and implement IT solutions. It also demonstrates that you understand the various aspects of IT architecture, such as networking, security, data storage, and software development.

In addition to showing potential employers that you have the skills necessary for an IT architecture position, having an IT Architect Certificate can also help you stand out from other candidates who don't have one. Employers often prefer candidates with specialized certifications because it shows that they are motivated and dedicated to their profession. Additionally, many organizations are now requiring applicants for certain positions to possess a certification or degree in order to be considered for the job. Therefore, having an IT Architect Certificate may give you a competitive edge over other applicants without one.

Finally, earning an IT Architect Certificate can provide personal satisfaction by helping expand your knowledge base and keep up with new technologies and industry trends. As technology advances rapidly, having a certificate can ensure that you stay current with developments in the field so that you remain marketable in the job market.

Overall, whether or not you need an IT Architect Certificate depends on your career goals and aspirations. If you’re looking to advance your career in the field of information technology or just want to stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments, obtaining an IT Architect Certificate may be beneficial for you.

Related: IT Architect Resume Examples

FAQs About IT Architect Certifications

1. What is an IT Architect Certification?

Answer: An IT Architect Certification is a professional certification that validates a person's knowledge and expertise in the field of Information Technology Architecture. It provides recognition for individuals who are able to plan, design and implement solutions to meet business objectives.

2. What are the benefits of getting an IT Architect Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining an IT Architect Certification include increased job security, higher pay, improved career prospects, and enhanced credibility among peers and employers. Additionally, certified architects may be eligible for additional certifications or training opportunities which can lead to further career advancement.

3. What type of jobs can I get with an IT Architect Certification?

Answer: With an IT Architect Certification you may qualify for various positions such as Enterprise Architect, Solutions Architect, Infrastructure Manager, Security Analyst or even Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Depending on your experience level and qualifications you may also be considered for more senior roles such as Director or Chief Information Officer (CIO).

4. How long does it take to get an IT Architect Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete the necessary requirements for becoming certified will vary depending on the individual’s experience level and the specific certification program they choose to pursue. Generally speaking, it may take several months or up to two years to achieve certification status.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting an IT Architect Certification?

Answer: Most certifying organizations require applicants to have prior work experience in the field as well as a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields before being eligible for certification exams. Additionally, some programs may require completion of certain courses or other specialized training prior to applying for certification exams.