Overview

The Open Agile Architecture™ (O‑AA) Practitioner Certification and the TOGAF® Certification Portfolio both support professionals working in Enterprise Architecture and Digital Transformation. While they are distinct programs with different Bodies of Knowledge, they are highly complementary. This article explains how O‑AA certification relates to TOGAF certifications and how the two can be used together to build a modern, agile‑aligned architecture skillset.

How O‑AA Certification Complements TOGAF Certifications

1. Shared Foundations in Enterprise Architecture

Both the O‑AA Standard and the TOGAF Standard:

• Are standards developed by The Open Group
• Address the needs of enterprise‑level architecture practice
• Provide structured guidance for designing and evolving complex systems
• Promote common terminology and professional alignment across architecture teams

While the TOGAF Standard focuses on Enterprise Architecture frameworks and methods, the O‑AA Standard focuses on architecting with agility in fast‑moving digital environments.

2. Different but Compatible Bodies of Knowledge

TOGAF Certifications

TOGAF certifications (e.g., Foundation, Practitioner, Business Architecture Foundation) are based on:

• The TOGAF Standard
• The TOGAF Library
• Bodies of Knowledge that emphasize architecture development, governance, and capability building

O‑AA Practitioner Certification

O‑AA certification is based on the Open Agile Architecture Standard, which emphasizes:

• Agile Architecture
• Digital Transformation
• Agile strategy and business agility
• Design thinking and experience design
• Product and operations architecture
• Agile Security Architecture

The two Bodies of Knowledge are distinct but designed to interoperate.

3. How They Work Together in Practice

Professionals often combine the TOGAF approach and the O‑AA approach to support modern architecture practices:

The TOGAF Standard Provides:

• A structured architecture development method
• Governance, capability, and operating model guidance
• A comprehensive Enterprise Architecture framework

The O‑AA Standard Provides:

• Techniques for architecting in agile environments
• Guidance for aligning architecture with digital product teams
• Practices for continuous evolution rather than stage‑gated design
• A bridge between Enterprise Architects and Agile practitioners

Together, they enable architects to operate effectively in both traditional EA environments and agile, product‑centric organizations.

4. Who Should Consider Both Certifications

Combining TOGAF certification and O‑AA certification is especially valuable for:

• Enterprise Architects working in agile or digital transformation contexts
• Solution and product architects supporting agile delivery teams
• Architecture leaders responsible for scaling agile practices
• Organizations transitioning from traditional EA to agile‑aligned architecture

5. Summary of the Relationship

Conclusion

O‑AA certification and TOGAF certifications are complementary, not competing. The TOGAF Standard provides the foundational Enterprise Architecture framework, while the O‑AA approach equips practitioners to apply architecture effectively in agile, digital, and rapidly evolving environments. Together, they form a powerful, modern skillset for today’s architecture professionals.