Enterprise architects play a vital role in guiding customer leaders through the digital transformation journey, offering expertise in both business and IT transformation. This requires proficiency in understanding new business models and the ability to discuss technology stacks, including Cloud, landscape strategy, Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and more.
In support of companies looking to future-proof their technology environments, SAP introduced the SAP Certified Professional - SAP Enterprise Architect certification last year. I successfully passed the exam with curated preparation. I have since received inquiries from SAP consultants worldwide seeking guidance on how to prepare for the exam. I thought of writing this article which can be beneficial for fellow consultants and architects who want to embark on this journey.
Undoubtedly, this certification is exceptionally challenging due to two main factors:
- The extensive range of concepts covered in the exam, encompasses SAP Enterprise architecture methodology, SAP EA tools, Business architecture, Data architecture, Technology architecture, Application architecture, and more.
- The passing score required for certification is set at 80%.
About the Exam
The examination comprises 40 questions divided into two sections: the initial section consists of 22 multiple-choice questions, while the subsequent section consists of 18 questions centered around a case study.
For more information about the exam, including details and a guide, please refer to the link below. It provides insights into skill areas along with weightage and the Wanderlust case study.
https://learning.sap.com/enterprise-architect
Skill Areas measured and its weightage:
SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework and Toolset 20-30 %
Architecture Vision and Roadmap 20-30 %
Business Architecture 20-30 %
Data, Application, and Technology Architecture 20-30%
Exam preparation recommendations and guides
While not mandatory, it is advisable to pursue TOGAF certification before undertaking the SAP Enterprise Architect certification since the SAP EA framework is constructed upon TOGAF. A solid grasp of the architecture framework and Architecture Development Method is essential.
There is a recommended training course, (SAP Intelligent enterprise-Architecture foundation). I could not find time to go through this training but I successfully passed the exam through the following preparation.
SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework(SAP EAF) and Toolset
- A clear understanding of SAP EA Methodology which is an EA developmental process based on TOGAF ADM is critical.
- Ensure you understand the SAP recommended artifacts (Both Mandatory and optional artifacts) at each phase from Architecture vision to architecture change governance
- Go through this wonderful blog from Rene de Daniel sharing the links on different artifacts and their usage in SAP EAF
- Check the blog on SAP EAF to get a deeper understanding of SAP EA Framework
- SAP offers various tools to access Reference Business Content (SAP RBA) and Reference Solution Content (SAP RSA). Familiarizing yourself with the functionalities of these tools, such as SAP Signavio, SAP Business Accelerator Hub, SAP EAD, etc., can prove beneficial. As a SAP Enterprise Architect, it is expected that you efficiently explore these tools for the most up-to-date business and solution contents
Architecture Vision and Roadmap
- Ensure clarity regarding the steps involved in Architectural Vision and Roadmap, including essential architectural work products.
- It is vital to share a common understanding of business strategy elements such as vision, goals, etc., and to comprehend the sustainable business model canvas. The exam aims to evaluate your approach to solving a business transformation use case and deriving the corresponding business model. Pay attention to the sequence of the Business Model Canvas (BMC).
- Examine architectural principles, their underlying rationale, and Transition Architectures as part of your preparation.
Business architecture
- Crucial: Familiarize yourself with both the capability-centric and process-centric approaches for developing the target architecture. Understand the methodology for transitioning from Baseline Business Architecture to Target Business Architecture.
- Essential concepts like the Business Footprint Diagram, Gap Analysis, and Stakeholder Review must be thoroughly understood and mastered before undertaking the exam.
Data, Application, and Technology Architecture
SAP enterprise architects are anticipated to possess comprehensive knowledge of end-to-end SAP technologies, covering Data, Application, and Technology architecture along with SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP PaaS). Gain a deep understanding of crucial topics including SAP Integration Solution Advisory Methodology, SAP Extension Methodology, SAP Clean Core Principles, Side-by-Side Extensions, Key User, and On-Stack Extensions, among others.
Integration architecture
The below guide offers comprehensive information on SAP ISA-M methodology, covering process integration, data integration, analytics, and Thing integration. Make sure to review the entire guide for a clearer understanding of SAP integration methodology and approach.
Integration architecture CIO guide
Extension architecture
Most SAP customers employ extension methodologies to expand SAP applications, encompassing key user extensibility, developer extensibility, side-by-side extensions, and more. It is essential to understand these diverse topics and how customers can leverage them for their specific scenarios. Familiarity with various options like SAP ABAP environment, SAP Build, SAP Business Application Studio, SAP Event Mesh, Advanced Event Mesh, etc., would be beneficial. Refer to the provided guide for a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end extension architecture.
Extensions in S/4HANA implementation-Clean core and BTP
Technology architecture
In your role as an enterprise architect, it is your responsibility to advise customers on IT architecture, determining factors such as the required number of instances and whether they should be global or regional based on the customer's business processes. Refer to the provided guide and blog link to gain a clearer understanding of how instance strategy functions.
S/4 HANA Transformation journey:
S/4HANA transition journey : A practical guide to senior leadership
Instance strategy blog
Data architecture
Ensure you have a clear understanding of the data and analytics products and solutions provided by SAP, including offerings like SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Data Intelligence, SAP Analytics Cloud, etc.
SAP has recently released Data and Analytics advisory methodology and recommended going through the blog to get more details
Exam day
The examination lasts for a duration of 3 hours, encompassing a total of 40 questions, divided into two segments (22 Multiple Choice Questions and 18 questions based on a case study). Familiarize yourself with the case study in advance, which you can find here
- Select the best answers for all questions, including those you may be unsure of, as you may not have the opportunity to review them later. However, for uncertain answers, flag those questions so that, if time allows (which it typically does in most cases), you can revisit and modify your answers if necessary. In my experience, out of the 40 questions, 25 were easy, 10 were of moderate difficulty, and 5 were very challenging. It is crucial to thoroughly prepare in all the skill areas mentioned above, as you need to answer at least 32 questions correctly out of 40 to obtain certification!
What’s next after the exam
- With SAP's acquisition of LeanIX, the closed-loop scenario of Business and IT transformation becomes achievable through the integration of SAP Signavio with LeanIX. SAP Signavio captures all business capabilities, seamlessly integrating with LeanIX to formulate Data, Technology, and Application architectures. Therefore, it is highly recommended to enhance your skills in LeanIX.
- Attaining certification from one of the hyperscalers (AWS, GCP, or Azure) is advisable, as many of our RISE with SAP customers utilize these platforms. Obtaining advanced architect certification in one of these hyperscalers enhances your ability to engage in customer discussions regarding the implementation of S/4HANA on hyperscaler landscapes.
- Upskilling in cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, Metaverse, and the Internet of Things is beneficial, as many leaders are turning to enterprise architects for advice and guidance on transforming their businesses with these technologies and developing a roadmap for their adoption.
All the best and thanks for reading!!! Reach out to me if you have any questions
