Top 11 Systems Architect Certifications

Certifications are important for a systems architect in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill the requirements of the position. They also give employers confidence that they are hiring someone who is up-to-date on current technologies and industry trends, as well as having a commitment to professional development. Certifications provide a competitive edge in the job market, allowing systems architects to stand out from other candidates who may not have taken the time or effort to obtain certifications. Finally, certifications can lead to higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement in the field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Systems Architects and explain how they can help advance a career in this field.

What are Systems Architect Certifications?

Systems Architect Certification is a professional certification for systems architects, which is an emerging field of IT professionals who are responsible for the design and implementation of integrated computing systems. This certification program provides in-depth, hands-on training in the areas of system architecture, software engineering, and project management. The certification helps to ensure that systems architects possess the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement efficient, secure and cost effective IT solutions that meet customer requirements.

The Systems Architect Certification program focuses on four main areas: systems architecture, software engineering, project management, and security. Through this program, IT professionals learn how to use best practices to develop efficient architectures that integrate different technologies into one cohesive solution. They also learn how to use leading project management methods to ensure successful execution of projects. Additionally, they gain an understanding of security protocols for protecting data and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

By obtaining Systems Architect Certification, IT professionals demonstrate their commitment to their profession and show employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle complex technical challenges. The certification also helps them stand out from other job applicants by showing that they have taken the extra step of investing in their education in order to become certified as a Systems Architect.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a systems architect certification, make sure to have a thorough understanding of the architecture principles and practices applicable to the specific area you are certifying in. This includes an understanding of the various technologies, tools, and techniques that are used in the field. Additionally, having hands-on experience with such technologies is invaluable when it comes to demonstrating your expertise during the certification process.

Related: What does a Systems Architect do?

Top 11 Systems Architect Certifications

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

1. Certified Enterprise Architect (CEA)

Certified Enterprise Architect (CEA) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in enterprise architecture. It is designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to effectively design, develop, and manage complex enterprise architectures.

The CEA certification process consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of enterprise architecture principles, practices, and tools. The practical exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply these principles, practices, and tools in real-world scenarios.

To get certified as a CEA, you must first complete the application process. This includes submitting an application form with your resume and other supporting documents such as transcripts or certifications from other organizations. Once your application has been approved, you will be scheduled for the written and practical exams.

The cost of getting certified as a CEA varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere between $500-$1000 for both exams combined. Additionally, some organizations may require additional fees for their services or materials related to preparing for the exams.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes around three months from start to finish to become certified as a CEA. This includes studying for the exams, taking them, and waiting for results from both exams before receiving your official certification letter from The Open Group (the organization which administers the CEA program).

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized information security certification developed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². The CISSP certification is designed to validate a professional’s knowledge and experience in the field of information security. It is one of the most sought after certifications for professionals working in the information security field.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes around 6 hours to complete. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least five years of cumulative paid full-time work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you are taking it, but it typically ranges from $699 USD to $1,199 USD.

To maintain your certification, you must earn 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits over three years and pay an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD.

3. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional designation awarded by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) to individuals who demonstrate expertise in business analysis. The CBAP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and experience to analyze, assess and improve the effectiveness of business systems.

To obtain CBAP certification, applicants must meet certain prerequisites and pass an exam. Prerequisites include at least 7,500 hours of documented business analysis experience within the past 10 years and at least 900 hours of experience in each of four knowledge areas: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring; Elicitation & Collaboration; Requirements Life Cycle Management; and Strategy Analysis.

The CBAP exam is a three-hour multiple-choice test administered online or at a testing center. It consists of 120 questions that cover all six knowledge areas outlined by IIBA’s Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK). To pass the exam, applicants must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.

The cost for taking the CBAP exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $325-$450 USD. After passing the exam, applicants must pay an additional fee for their certification ($125 USD for IIBA members or $250 USD for non-members).

Overall, it can take several months to complete all requirements for obtaining CBAP certification.

4. Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (CSAA)

Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (CSAA) is a certification program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed to validate an individual’s ability to design and deploy secure, reliable, and cost-effective cloud solutions on the AWS platform.

The CSAA exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions that cover topics such as designing highly available, cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS; selecting appropriate AWS services to design and deploy an application based on given requirements; identifying appropriate use of AWS architectural best practices; estimating AWS costs and identifying cost control mechanisms; and migrating complex multi-tier applications on the AWS platform.

It typically takes around 4-6 months of preparation to pass the CSAA exam. To get certified, you must first register for the exam through the AWS Certification Portal. The exam fee is $150 USD. You can also purchase practice tests from third parties or take free practice exams available online. After passing the exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be used to demonstrate your expertise in cloud architecture on platforms like LinkedIn.

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (AWS CSAP)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (AWS CSAP) is a certification program for professionals who design, deploy, and manage applications and infrastructure on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. The certification is designed for those with at least two years of experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

The exam to obtain the AWS CSAP certification is a multiple-choice exam that takes approximately 170 minutes to complete. It consists of 80 questions and covers topics such as networking, storage, compute, databases, security, application services, analytics, deployment & management, and more.

To get the AWS CSAP certification you must first register for an AWS account. Once your account has been created you will need to purchase an exam voucher from Amazon's website or through a third-party vendor. After purchasing the voucher you can then schedule your exam date with Pearson VUE.

The cost of the AWS CSAP certification exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $300 - $400 USD.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s expertise in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting Microsoft cloud-based solutions. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who are looking to demonstrate their skills in working with Microsoft Azure services, Windows Server, Hyper-V, System Center, and other related technologies.

To get the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, an individual must pass two exams: Exam 70-532 – Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions and Exam 70-533 – Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions. Both exams are available through Pearson VUE testing centers. The total cost of the two exams is $330 USD ($165 per exam).

The amount of time it takes to complete the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification depends on the individual’s experience level with the technology being tested. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 3 months to 6 months or more depending on how much time an individual puts into studying for the exams. It is recommended that individuals have at least 6 months of hands-on experience with the technology prior to taking either exam.

7. Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center (CCNP Data Center)

Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center (CCNP Data Center) is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting data center infrastructure. It is designed for experienced networking professionals who are looking to specialize in data center technologies.

To obtain the CCNP Data Center certification, individuals must pass two exams: one core exam and one concentration exam. The core exam tests a candidate's knowledge of data center infrastructure, including network principles, virtualization, automation, unified computing, storage networking, network security and management. The concentration exam focuses on specific technologies such as Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), Cisco Nexus switches or Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS).

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the CCNP Data Center certification program. Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of experience working with data center technologies before attempting the exams.

The cost of the CCNP Data Center certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1000 USD for both exams combined.

8. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master (OCM12c)

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master (OCM12c) is an Oracle certification that recognizes advanced knowledge and skills in the administration of Oracle Database 12c. The OCM12c is a prestigious certification that validates a professional’s expertise in administering, configuring, troubleshooting and tuning Oracle Database 12c.

It typically takes several months to prepare for the OCM12c exam. Candidates must have extensive experience with Oracle Database 12c, including installation, configuration, patching, monitoring and troubleshooting. They should also have a thorough understanding of database architecture, data modeling, SQL and PL/SQL programming languages.

To obtain the OCM12c certification, candidates must pass two exams: 1Z0-063: Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration and 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers around the world.

The cost of the exams varies depending on location but typically ranges from $245 to $395 USD per exam.

9. VMware Certified Design Expert 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCDX-DCV 6)

VMware Certified Design Expert 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCDX-DCV 6) is an advanced certification that validates a professional's expertise in designing, deploying, and managing VMware vSphere-based solutions. It is the highest level of certification offered by VMware and requires extensive experience in virtualization technologies.

It takes approximately three to six months to complete the VCDX-DCV 6 program. The process involves preparing a design document, passing two exams, and completing a defense presentation. To start the program, candidates must first have either the VMware Certified Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) or VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization Design (VCAP6-DCV Design) certifications.

The cost of the VCDX-DCV 6 program varies depending on the exams and other materials required for completion. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD.

10. Red Hat Certified Architect – RHCSA/RHCE/RHCVA

Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCSA/RHCE/RHCVA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., a leading provider of open source software solutions. The program is designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who have achieved expertise in Red Hat's enterprise-class technologies.

The RHCSA/RHCE/RHCVA certification program is divided into three levels: RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator), RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer), and RHCVA (Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator). Each level requires different levels of experience and knowledge to achieve certification.

To become an RHCSA, you must pass the Red Hat Certified System Administrator exam. This exam tests your knowledge of basic Linux system administration tasks such as configuring users, managing files, setting up services, and troubleshooting problems. The exam takes approximately one hour to complete and costs $400 USD.

To become an RHCE, you must first pass the RHCSA exam and then pass the Red Hat Certified Engineer exam. This exam tests your knowledge of advanced Linux system administration topics such as network configuration, security management, system performance tuning, virtualization technology, storage management, and scripting. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $600 USD.

To become an RHCVA, you must first pass both the RHCSA and RHCE exams and then pass the Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator exam. This exam tests your knowledge of virtualization technologies such as KVM hypervisor, OpenStack cloud platform, Ansible automation platform, Docker container platform, OpenShift container platform, CloudForms cloud management platform, Gluster storage solution for containers or clusters of servers running on physical hardware or in virtualized environments. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $600 USD.

In total it can take up to four hours to complete all three exams required for the full RHCSA/RHCE/RHCVA certification program at a cost of $1,600 USD.

11. CompTIA Cloud+ Certification

CompTIA Cloud+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in cloud computing. It demonstrates a candidate’s ability to understand cloud models, virtualization, infrastructure, security, resource management and business continuity. CompTIA Cloud+ is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in cloud technologies and validate their ability to manage and optimize cloud infrastructures.

The exam for CompTIA Cloud+ takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. To earn the certification, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in but typically costs around $319 USD.

To prepare for the exam, CompTIA offers official training materials such as study guides, practice exams, online courses and instructor-led classes. Candidates can also find third-party resources such as books, videos and websites that provide additional information on preparing for the exam.

Do You Really Need a Systems Architect Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not necessarily need a Systems Architect certificate to be successful in the field. However, depending on where you are in your career and the type of job you are seeking, it may be beneficial to have one.

A Systems Architect certificate can provide a solid foundation for those looking to enter the field. It covers topics such as system design, software engineering, databases, networks, and security. A certificate also helps demonstrate commitment to the profession and proficiency in these areas. This can give potential employers confidence that you are capable of handling their systems architecture needs.

On the other hand, some jobs may not require a Systems Architect certificate. If you have extensive experience or another relevant degree or certification, that could be enough for certain positions. Additionally, if you are already working in the field but want to move up into a higher-level role or switch companies, having a Systems Architect certificate could make you more competitive for those positions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Systems Architect certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. It is important to consider what types of roles you would like to pursue and how a certification might help (or hinder) your chances of success.

Related: Systems Architect Resume Examples

FAQs About Systems Architect Certifications

1. What is a Systems Architect Certification?

Answer: A Systems Architect Certification is a credential that confirms a professional’s knowledge and understanding of the design, implementation, and management of complex IT systems.

2. How do I become a Certified Systems Architect?

Answer: To become a Certified Systems Architect, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge and skills in the areas of architecture, security, integration, and operations. You may also need to complete additional training or education courses depending on the certification program you choose.

3. What is the difference between a Systems Architect Certification and an Enterprise Architecture Certification?

Answer: A Systems Architect Certification focuses on the design and implementation of individual IT systems within an organization while an Enterprise Architecture Certification focuses on the overall design and organization of multiple IT systems across an entire enterprise.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Systems Architect?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Systems Architect depends on the specific certification program you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. In general, most programs can be completed in 6-12 months with regular study hours each week.

5. Is there any extra cost involved in getting certified as a Systems Architect?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs involve some cost associated with taking the exam or purchasing additional materials such as books or training courses. However, many organizations offer discounts on certain certifications so it’s best to check with your employer to see if they offer any savings options before signing up for any certifications programs.