Overview
The Open Group offers two types of professional recognition within the TOGAF ecosystem: Certification Credentials and Full TOGAF Certifications. While both validate knowledge and skills, they differ significantly in scope, purpose, assessment method, and how they are issued. This article explains the key differences to help candidates choose the path that best fits their goals.
What Are Certification Credentials?
Certification Credentials are short, focused learning achievements designed to recognize expertise in specific topic areas. They typically require 3 hours or more of study and are ideal for targeted upskilling or demonstrating knowledge in a specialized domain.
Examples include:
- TOGAF Agile Specialist
- TOGAF Digital Specialist
- TOGAF EA Leader
- TOGAF Environmentally Sustainable Information Systems Specialist
- Integrating Risk and Security
- TOGAF Essentials 2018 (Up‑to‑date knowledge)
How They Are Issued
Certification Credentials are:
- Issued directly through Credly, The Open Group’s digital badging partner
- Delivered as an Open Badge plus a downloadable certificate
- Managed entirely within your Credly account
These credentials are digitally verifiable, making them easy to share and validate online.
What Are Full TOGAF Certifications?
Full TOGAF Certifications represent comprehensive knowledge of the TOGAF Standard and are achieved through exam‑based assessment.
Examples include:
- TOGAF® Enterprise Architecture Foundation
- TOGAF® Enterprise Architecture Practitioner
- TOGAF® Business Architecture Foundation
How They Are Issued
Full certifications:
- Are awarded after passing the required examinations
- Are managed through The Open Group’s certification portal
- May also be issued as an Open Badge via Credly, but only if the candidate opts in to the Open Badges program
- Include a certificate downloadable from the certification portal (not Credly)
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Certification Credentials | Full TOGAF Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Targeted, topic‑specific learning | Comprehensive certification of TOGAF knowledge and application (if applicable) |
| Assessment | Short learning + online assessment | Formal exam(s) required |
| Time Commitment | Typically 3+ hours | Extensive study and exam preparation |
| Issuing Platform | Credly (badge + certificate) | The Open Group certification portal (badge optional via Credly) |
| Recognition | Digital credential for specialized skills | Industry‑recognized certification level |
| Use Case | Upskilling, specialization, keeping knowledge current | Demonstrating full TOGAF qualification |
Summary
- Certification Credentials are short, specialized, and issued entirely through Credly as digital badges and certificates.
- Full TOGAF Certifications require formal exams, represent broader qualification levels, and are managed through The Open Group’s certification system.
- Both support professional development, but they serve different purposes depending on your learning goals.