In an era where data drives innovation, strategy, and transformation, Data Architecture has become the cornerstone of enterprise success. To bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic impact, SAP Data Architecture experts and the SIX learning team have collaborated to introduce the "Becoming a Data Architecture Course (Foundational)," the first stage in the "Becoming a Data Architect" program.
This course empowers aspiring architects, data professionals, data solution experts, and Data enthusiasts to master the principles, paradigms, and frameworks that define modern enterprise data architecture.
Overview of the Learning
The Data Architecture course is structured as a learning pyramid, designed to build expertise layer by layer — from foundational principles to strategic business impact.
At its base lies Unit 1: Foundational Concepts, which anchors learners in the essential principles of modelling, metadata management, and architectural alignment. It serves as the bedrock upon which all modern data paradigms and governance strategies are built. You will understand the basic terminology and fundamentals of Data Architecture, including conceptual, logical, and physical data models, which ensure efficiency and scalability. Understand what metadata and semantic management are and how data architecture integrates with enterprise architecture frameworks such as Zachman and TOGAF.
In the second unit (Unit 2: Modern Paradigms & Integration), we cover contemporary data architecture patterns, including Data Mesh, Data Fabric, Data Lake, and Data Lakehouse, and compare them based on different considerations. The unit also explores integration and pipeline approaches, such as ETL and ELT, and when to use each.
In Unit 3: Governance, Security & Strategic Impact – we cover details of establishing comprehensive data governance frameworks (including stewardship and data lineage) and integrate security and privacy controls to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and secure AI/ML use cases. As data ecosystems grow, governance and security become the bedrock of trust and compliance. This unit develops your ability to design, secure, and align enterprise data strategies.
And finally, in Unit 4, Communicating Data Value: A great architect not only designs systems, but they also inspire transformation. This final unit reinforces the communication and leadership skills necessary to effect change. We talk about how you can communicate Architectural Value: Articulate the limitations of the current data landscape ("as-is") and present a compelling, business-focused narrative for the benefits of the proposed future-state ("to-be") architecture (quality, cost, scale).
Who Should Take This Course
This course is designed for data professionals at every stage of their career who want to evolve from technical roles into strategic architectural leadership. Ideal participants include, but are not limited to:
- Data Engineers and Modellers seeking to advance into architectural roles.
- Solution and Enterprise Architects aiming to strengthen their data design and governance foundations.
- Business Intelligence and Analytics professionals who need to understand how architecture underpins data-driven decision-making.
- IT and Transformation leaders looking to align data systems with business outcomes.
Why take this course?
Because modern organisations need architects who understand both technology and business value. By mastering foundational architecture principles, you’ll:
- Improve data discoverability, quality, and governance.
- Learn how to connect data architecture to enterprise goals.
- Gain the credibility to influence strategic data decisions.
- Prepare for the SAP Certified Data Architect* specialization that is planned for launch in 2026
How to Start Your Course
You can get started today without any prerequisites via the learning.sap.com: Becoming an SAP Data Architect (Foundational)
But this is just a starting point - Becoming a Data Architect is not just about mastering tools or technologies—it’s about developing architectural thinking. This Foundational Concepts course sets the stage for you to evolve into a strategic leader who can design, communicate, and drive data transformation in any organization.
In 2026, we plan to launch the Data Architecture Advanced course and Data Architect Certification (C_BDCDA), which will provide you with a comprehensive path to becoming a skilled Data Architect.
Ready to begin?
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