Website rebuild

A few days ago there was a malfunction in the datacentre this website was running. Some data had to be rebuilt. This means that I had to re-post some articles I posted in the last laf year.

For those of you following me via an RSS feed, this means that you will see many posts yu have seen before.

My apologies for this. I hope the website works normal again from this moment.

Sjaak.

Tips for getting your ITAC certificate

To become ITAC certified one has to create a so-called certification package. The certification package includes up to 50 pages and describes the experience of the architect. Here are some tips for completing the certification package:

• Take the Open Group "self-assessment test" to make sure you fulfill all conditions.
• Take your time. As a guideline for completing the certification package approximately 80 hours should be allocated. If this is done in addition to your regular work a lead time of several months is not uncommon.
• Make certain your costs are covered. By submitting the certification package a fee be paid, otherwise the certification package is not reviewed.
• Start with reading all questions in the template to get a picture of the amount of work to be done.
• Make a list of three projects in which most of the required experience is gained. These three projects are described in the certification package and can be referred to. If the project descriptions contain much information, much can be reused to avoid duplications of text in the certification package.
• Start by describing the three projects (in the last part of the document). Then enter the rest of the information in the document. This helps in getting the right mindset and you can refer to the text already described.
• Provide the requested credentials. Arrange with the clients at which you have implemented projects to have them send a letter (or an email) to explain that you really have completed the project successfully. Send them a standard text template stating exactly what The Open Group wants to hear and do not let them create their own text.
• Inform your client that The Open Group could verify the credentials. In my case they called at least 1 of my clients for a reference check!
• Check the length of your certification package. It's easy to write much and very difficult to limit yourself to 50 pages. Your certification package will not be accepted if it is 51 pages or more!

After completion of the certification package it can be submitted to The Open Group. The process is entirely via web forms. You need a credit card for the payment.

The Open Group certification board reviews your package and provides feedback. You (once) get the opportunity to re-submit your certification package. Use that opportunity to update the document with The Open Group's feedback - even if it only states some spelling errors.

After the final submission the document is reviewed again. When all is well you receive an invitation for the next certification board meeting. In this meeting you will be interviewed by three different people. The interviews (each 1 hour long) is a 1-on-1 interview assessing whether the claims in your certification package are trusted.

If all goes well you receive a notification of your certification. This can take up to 6 weeks after the interview. A few clicks on another web form will make you the next Master Certified IT Architect.