BCS Foundation Certificate in Architecture Concepts & Domains

The BCS Foundation Certificate in Architecture Concepts and Domains program introduces the fundamental principles of enterprise architecture. It covers the key concepts, tools, and solutions that are essential for an organization to effectively align its vision, operations, and technology in a compliant, cost-efficient, and sustainable manner. This certificate equips candidates with knowledge on the various subdomains of enterprise in which an architect can specialize in. It serves as a foundation for understanding the building blocks of an enterprise and architecture.

Prerequisites to study BCS Architecture Concepts & Domains
No experience of IS / IT or architecture work is required

The Learning Outcomes

• An understanding of the meaning of architecture and the different levels within it
• An understanding of the various subdomains of enterprise architecture and their purpose
• An understanding of the key activities undertaken in each subdomain and the related artefacts

Who should do the course?
The BCS Architecture concepts and domain certificate course is suitable for anyone who is involved in the design and development of IT systems and is looking to understand more about architecture, their interactions how they can apply this knowledge to work more closely and efficiently with other members if their team.

Anyone who is involved in any aspect of enterprise and solution architecture, including those who are new-to-role are also welcome, in addition to the following:

• Business analysts
• Data analysts
• Software engineers and developers
• Technical leads and Development managers
• Technical specialists across domains
• Architects from all disciplines
• Change management leaders and managers
• IT consultants
• Technical auditors

BCS Architecture Concepts & Domains Course Syllabus

1.The Fundamentals of Architecture (25%) – 10 Exam Questions
1.1 Identify the meaning and levels of architecture
1.2 Identify the various subdomains of enterprise architecture and their interactions
1.3 Explain the purpose and role of standards and frameworks in architecture
1.4 Identify relevant frameworks and professional standards
1.5 Explain the meaning and objectives of governance, risk, and compliance
1.6 Describe an architect’s contribution to a business case
1.7 Explain the purpose and methods of performing gap analysis
1.8 Describe a range of key drivers for architecture
1.9 Describe the purpose and use of an architecture description

2.Business Architecture (10%) – 4 Exam Questions
2.1 Identify the meaning and objectives of business architecture
2.2 Describe the key artefacts commonly used
2.3 Describe the key activities undertaken by a business architect
2.4 Describe the structure and behaviour of a business system

3.Applications Architecture (10%) – 4 Exam Questions
3.1 Identify the meaning and objectives of applications architecture
3.2 Describe the key artefacts commonly used
3.3 Describe the key activities undertaken by an applications architect
3.4 Describe the use and behaviour of applications in a business
3.5 Explain the purpose and use of cross-reference grids
3.6 Identify different kinds of application

4.Data Architecture (10%) – 4 Exam Questions
4.1 Define the meaning and objectives of data architecture
4.2 Describe key artefacts commonly used
4.3 Describe key activities undertaken by a data architect
4.4 Explain the differences between data and information and how they are used
4.5 Describe the data structures used by a business and/or its applications

5.Infrastructure Architecture (10%) – 4 Exam Questions
5.1 Identify the meaning and objectives of infrastructure architecture
5.2 Describe key artefacts commonly used
5.3 Describe the key activities undertaken in infrastructure architecture

6.Software Architecture (10%) – 4 Exam Questions
6.1 Identify the meaning and objectives of software architecture
6.2 Describe the key artefacts commonly used
6.3 Describe the key activities undertaken by a software architect
6.4 Describe system modelling techniques
6.5 Describe the role of APIs in software architecture

7.Security Architecture (10%) – 4 Exam Questions
7.1 Identify the meaning and objectives of security architecture
7.2 Describe the key artefacts commonly used in security architecture
7.3 Describe the key activities undertaken by a security architect
7.4 Identify legislation and professional standards relevant to security architecture
7.5 Identify the key concepts in data architecture security
7.6 Identify the key concepts applications architecture security
7.7 Identify the key concepts and activities in infrastructure architecture security

8.Solution Architecture (15%) – 6 Exam Questions
8.1 Identify the meaning and objectives of solution architecture
8.2 Describe the key artefacts commonly used
8.3 Describe the key activities undertaken by a solution architect
8.4 Describe different types of solution requirements
8.5 Explain the purpose and stages of the solution architecture lifecycle
8.6 Identify stakeholder categories in solution architecture

View by clicking BCS syllabus for the Foundation Certificate in Architect Concepts and Domains syllabus page

View by clicking Full BCS course information directly on the BCS site