12 Major Enterprise Architecture Certifications and Their Details

Enterprise architects align IT strategy with business goals, and certifications can boost careers across cloud, applications, software, and systems.

If you plan a career as an Enterprise Architect (EA), certifications validate your skills; EAs develop IT strategies to align business and IT objectives, and certifications test your proficiency with EA frameworks, tools, software, and best practices.

Below are 12 major enterprise architecture certifications that can enhance your résumé, covering cloud, applications, software, and other EA domains.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect

The exam covers designing solution architectures, best practices, and long‑term EA project management; it requires practical experience with all AWS compute, network, storage, and database services. No mandatory courses, but 6 months to 2 years of AWS usage is recommended.

Cost: $100 for Cloud Practitioner, $150 for Associate, $300 for Professional.

Axelos ITIL Master

ITIL helps EAs manage service processes; the Master certification demonstrates service‑management capabilities. Requires at least five years of ITSM experience in a leadership role and prior ITIL Expert certification.

Cost: varies by provider.

CISSP ISSAP (Information Systems Security Architecture Professional)

This certification is for professionals who already hold CISSP and have at least two years of experience in one or more CBK domains, focusing on identity and access management, security operations, infrastructure security, governance, risk management, and application security.

Cost: $699 exam fee plus $35 annual maintenance.

Dell EMC Proven Professional Cloud Architect (DECE‑CA)

The DECE‑CA course covers gathering requirements and designing cloud services in an ITaaS environment, with collaborative cloud‑service design projects. To earn the credential, you must pass one of five associate‑level exams and obtain a cloud architect expert certification.

Cost: starting at $900 for courses and exams; exam vouchers available separately.

EC‑Commission Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA)

Targeted at government and military sectors, CNDA requires prior CEH certification and employment with a government or military organization, focusing on security and compliance.

Cost: $250.

Google Professional Cloud Architect

Validates ability to design, plan, and manage secure, compliant cloud solutions on Google Cloud, analyze business processes, and oversee implementation. No prerequisites, but the exam is taken in person at an official test center.

Cost: $200.

Professional Cloud Solution Architect (CCC)

Offered by the Cloud Certification Council, this certification targets technologists, architects, and senior developers, covering ITaaS, cloud computing, service management, client needs, and solution evaluation. No formal prerequisites, though prior Cloud Technology Associate and TOGAF 9 certifications are recommended.

Cost: $499 for self‑study materials and exam voucher.

Red Hat Certified Architect

Includes RHCE, RHCEMD, and RHCJD tracks; candidates can customize paths by focusing on specific skills and technologies. Course fees vary by topic and location, ranging roughly from $1,500 to $4,000, with subscription options up to $7,000 for a year.

Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA)

Requires prior certification as a Salesforce Application or System Architect, followed by a technical architect review board exam where candidates design solutions based on client requirements within a timed setting.

Cost: $200 per exam plus $6,000 for the review board exam.

The Open Group TOGAF 9 Certification

TOGAF is a widely used enterprise architecture framework; the certification is vendor‑neutral and offered at two levels (Foundation and Certified). It demonstrates skills in implementing and managing enterprise technology using TOGAF.

Cost: $320 per exam or $495 for both exams together.

The Open Group Certified Architect (Open CA)

Open CA has three levels (Certified, Master, Distinguished) and does not require a formal exam; candidates submit written applications and undergo peer review to prove their expertise.

Cost: $1,250 plus annual renewal fees.

Virtualization Committee Certified Infrastructure Architect

Provides four vendor‑neutral certifications covering popular virtualization products (VMware, Microsoft, Xen, Virtual Iron). Each exam focuses on a specific enterprise architecture platform.

Cost: $125 per exam.