Using the PDF Open Book in the exam is far from ideal! But you can become familiar with it’s structure before the exam.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not suggesting that you would only want to pass the exam without really learning about TOGAF! Of course you also need to learn about the black art of Enterprise Architecture – to understand the techniques and skills, to get plenty of practice and experience, and to become an expert in your field.
But the fact remains that you also need to get to through the 2-part TOGAF exam in order to be certified. So here are my top ten tips for passing the exam:
1. Pace Yourself
There is a fixed amount of time to complete the exam – 60 minutes for 40 multiple choice answers for Level 1, and a further 90 minutes to answer 8 scenario questions for Level 2. Once you start the clock is unstoppable.
Keep an eye on the time – the remaining time is shown at the top of the screen throughout. If you are not a native English speaker then you can select the English as a Second Language (ESL) option to get more time – 90 and 135 minutes respectively.
When you complete Level 1 you can choose to move on to Level 2, or Level 2 will start automatically when the time for Level 1 is over. Remember that once you move on to Level 2 you can’t go back to Level 1! So work at a steady pace and keep an eye on the clock.
2.Answer Questions You Know First
Level 1 consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer 55% correctly – i.e. 22 questions. It is easiest to answer the ones you know first. This will leave more time for the other questions. If you know 22 correct questions then you’ve already passed! If you are not sure of an answer, then you can mark if for review.
After last question you are given a summary page that lists your answers, tells you which questions are still unanswered, and shows you which questions you marked for review – so choose to go back to questions that you stand the best chance of getting right.
3.Eliminate “Wrong” Answers
Level 2 consists of 8 scenarios. You have to choose the response you think is most appropriate for each scenario from four options. Answers are graded 5 points for “correct” answer, 3 for next closest, then 1 and 0. Eight “correct” answers would get you 40 points, but you only need to get 60% to pass – which is 24 points.
Start by reading the scenario carefully to figure out what it is about – think about which phases of the ADM are relevant, the concerns of stakeholders, and how well each option meets their needs. Then eliminate any obviously “wrong” answers, reducing your choices to those you think are “right”.
Remember that for Level 2 you have access to the TOGAF documentation in PDF format. Use the reference material to assess scenarios, but be smart with your searches.
4. Learn the Language of TOGAF
Questions and answers are all carefully worded using language as defined in the TOGAF documents. So make sure that you know the words and their definitions!
5. According to TOGAF
This tip is especially useful if you are already an experienced architect. If you know your stuff it is easy to be critical of TOGAF, but to pass the exam remember that you are being tested on the gospel according to TOGAF – not your interpretation or criticism of it!
6. Know what’s in TOGAF
Get to know how TOGAF is structured. It will help you take advantage of the open book in the Level 2 exam. It’s also useful to go through the document and ask yourself what makes sense to you, and more importantly – what you don’t get… For things you don’t understand, ask yourself why it’s included, how it can be used, and which stakeholders it supports.
Relate things that are difficult to other bits that make more sense. And if you are struggling on your own, try learning with others.
7. Know the PDF Open Book
Using the PDF Open Book in the exam is far from ideal! But you can become familiar with its structure before the exam. Practice searching on key words to find the sections you need.
8. Draw the ADM Diagram
ADM is at the heart of TOGAF. Learn it by heart. You are given pencil and paper for the exam, so quickly draw the diagram before you start the exam.
9. Practice the Exam
Study example questions, especially Level 2, to get a feeling for the exam.
10.Think like an Architect
Finally, remember this is about being an architect – so put your architect hat on and think like one.
TOGAF has strict rules about keeping the actual exam material confidential, so I can’t give you any specific questions to remember, but if you follow my top ten tips it should give you a head start in passing the exams!
