This document is a guide to the steps for an individual registering themselves for Direct Certification in The Open
Group's IT Architect Certification Program. It is an extract
from The Guide to Certification within The Open Group
IT Architect Certification program.
Applying for certification requires you to submit your application via the web to the IT Architect
Certification Authority at The Open Group. Prior to applying for certification, you should become familiar with the certification
program and ensure that all the applicable requirements are met. To accomplish this, you should review the Certification Policy
document, the Certification Package template, the agreements that are part of the program, and other related information such as
the Certification Program Guide and FAQ. All information and documents related to the program are available on the
Certification Authority web site.
3. Registration
3.1 Accessing the Web Certification System
The Certification Authority provides a web based certification system through which an individual can submit themselves for
certification. This is a workflow system that will guide you through the necessary steps for completing a registration. The entry
point to the system is at https://www.opengroup.org/itac/cert/ (this is a
secure server).
3.2 Submitting Initial Certification Information
To log into the web certification system you need a valid username and password on the Certification Authority's web server.
If you don't yet have an account, you may obtain one from the certification web site by selecting "New User" to create your
username and password. It takes approximately thirty minutes for a new account to become activated.
Once you have your username, from the secure web site, select "Login".
3.3 Registering yourself for the IT Architect Certification Program
Once you have successfully logged in, to register for the IT Architect Certification Program
select "follow this link" under the Direct Certification Route, or
if you have previously created a registration select the "Home Page" link
and then "Start a New Registration".
An application form is then presented on the screen for completion. The form is used to produce your initial Certification
Record. This includes giving your contact details and optionally information about your employer. You also need to decide in this
screen the initial visibility of your entry on the Directory of Certified Architects, and if visible whether you want your contact
details on the public Directory.
You must then select the Method(s) that you have chosen to cite with your submission from a set of recognized methods. This is a
multiple selection. If your available choice is not available select OTHER. If OTHER is selected, then an upload will be required
later in the process
containing documentation describing the method.
You must also indicate whether you wish to cite any granted problem reports in support of your submission. A scrollable selection allows
you to select one or more references from
the available granted problem reports.
You can also set the initial value for your personal confirmation code.
This is the code that you can give out to third parties for obtaining your
details from the Directory of Certified Architects if you select not to
have a visible entry.
If you wish to send any notes to the Certification Authority about this registration you may do so on this form. Such notes are
held confidential between you and the Certification Authority. You
should use this field to specify any preferences for scheduling
for the Board Review meeting.
After you select the "Submit" button, you are then presented with
the Payment Screen. You should also complete this screen at the same
time otherwise when you return you will need to repeat the above
screen.
3.3.1 Payment
Payment is required to complete the initial submission for registration. Payment must be made by credit card. Fees are
non-refundable and net of all taxes. Included with the payment screen is the Certification Agreement, which must be accepted
in order to proceed with this registration.
When alerted that payment has been accepted, return to the site and Login. The screen will now prompt for you to upload the
Certification Package documentation. This must be a Microsoft Word format file. A template is supplied on the certification web
site that should be completed to generate this document.
If you selected OTHER as the Method(s) in the initial registration stage,
then an upload is required
containing documentation describing the method(s). This will be evaluated as part of your submission. This should take the form of a
html or pdf file. A template for a method submission and the
list of available methods is available here.
3.5 Submitting your Materials for Audit
Once you have completed input of all the required information, the web based certification system allows you to confirm your
submission details.
The certification system will display a form into which you enter the final details that are required to submit yourself for the
IT Architect Certification Program. This is done in two stages:
This form allows you to check all the information relating to yourself and the registration. It is divided into sections; each
one needs confirmation from you that it is correct. You can also signify that you wish the registration to be kept confidential. If
any of the information needs correcting you can, at this point, update it.
The second and final part is to re-affirm your commitment to the terms and conditions of the program as stated in the
Policy and Certification Agreement. Once you have submitted your application, your details are frozen until your
request is accepted or rejected.
3.6 Completion of Certification
If for any reason the submission was not complete, you will be notified within 10 business days so that any corrections
can be made and resubmitted. Such a resubmission needs to be done within one month unless an extension has been granted by
the Certification Authority. The initial fee covers one set of corrective actions.
The Certification Authority will assign you to the next
available Certification Board for evaluation. Certification Boards
meet at a time and place of the Certification Authority's choosing
according to demand.
The type of meeting is defined in
the conformance requirements.
Where a face to face interview is
required these are normally convened
quarterly. Where attendance is required in person (Level 2:Master IT Architect Level)
it should be noted that the Certification Authority will not provide
you with any monetary or other asistance with travel,
subsistence or other expenses incurred, or any compensation for loss of
earnings or revenues, in connection with attendance at the
Certification Board.
Where a telephone interview is required (Level 1:IT Architect Level, or a re-certification) this will be scheduled within
the 45 to 60 days of your submission being audited as acceptable by
the Certification Authority. In this case your details will be passed
to Board Members and they will contact you directly.
After assignment to a Certification Board, you may, with no less than 30
days notice, request a postponement to the next available Certification
Board. Failure to attend the assigned Certification Board with less than
30 days notice will result in the application being terminated without
any refund of fees.
You will be informed of the outcome of the Certification Board Evaluation of your submission by electronic mail. Upon success,
you should proceed to log in to the certification web site using your existing user name and password. You will then be given the
opportunity to enter into the trademark license agreement. You need to complete this step in order
to become certified.
The details of your certification will then be put on the Directory of Certified Architects, which is a public document, unless
you have requested that it remains confidential. To keep the certification confidential, this option must be selected in the web
certification system at the time your registration is submitted.
Once you have become certified, this will also activate some additional features within your account:
You will be able to download a certificate.
You will be able to alter your visibility level within the Directory of Certified Architects.
You will be able to download the IT Architect Certification Program logos applicable to the level of certification.
You will be able to amend certain fields of your Certification Record.
You will be able to set the initial and later amend the personal confirmation code that you can give out to third parties for obtaining your
details from the Directory of Certified Architects when you have previously selected not to be visible.
You will be able to renew your certification within the defined period prior to expiry of the certification period
You should note that certification is valid for a defined period as stated in Section 8, Re-Certification of the
Certification Policy. At the end of that period if you wish to remain certified you need to renew.
If, for any reason you wish to be removed from the register entirely please contact the Certification Authority directly.
3.7 Appeals Process
You may appeal decisions made by The Open Group Certification Authority as stated in Section 10, Appeals Process of the
Certification Policy. Any request for appeal should be sent by electronic mail to itac-cert@opengroup.org . Receipt of such
a request will be acknowledged within 6 working days by the Certification Authority and the appeals process invoked.
