Iasa – Architect Core, for Business Technology Architects
Your pathway to become a successful business technology architect.
The Iasa Architect Core course welcomes business technology architects to a collaborative journey of professional growth and understanding.
A business solution that is fit for purpose (flexible, scalable, compliant, secure, reliable etc) depends on the underlying architecture being aligned to the business. In the same way, a good architect is based on a core set of foundational skills and knowledge from key competency focus areas.
Designed by architects for architects, and with a focus on bridging business visions with technological solutions, this course delves into fundamental principles, frameworks and best-practices. Beyond technical proficiency, the course emphasises strategic thinking, innovation and effective communication, for both aspiring and experienced IT professionals.
Delivered in partnership with the Irish chapter of Iasa Global, this 5-day in-person course will prepare you for key aspects of architecture practice, and give you the required knowledge of models and tools for developing business technology architectures that meet the demands of modern business.
If you are ready to become a skilled business technology architect who designs impactful, business-driven technology solutions, the Iasa Architect Core course provides the essential knowledge and tools to achieve your goals.
The Iasa – Architect Core course develops a clear pathway and defined baseline for successful IT architects.
The course is ideal for IT professionals interested in transitioning to business technology (BT) architecture roles, experienced BT architects seeking formal recognition, technical team leaders wanting to deepen their strategic and business-focused architectural knowledge, and business analysts aiming to bridge the gap between business and technology.
You should at a minimum have basic knowledge and experience of system development. In order to pass the exam for certification, a thorough and complete understanding of the Iasa Business Technology Architecture Body of Knowledge (BTABoK) is necessary.
Ideal candidates for the course are:
- Technology architects, that are either new into the role or are seasoned architects, looking to update their skills, transition into BT architecture roles or are preparing for CITA-P/D certification.
- Experienced IT staff from other roles that are considering the move into technology architecture.
- Senior technical team leaders that are considering establishing or improving their architecture practice or want to deepen their strategic and business-focused architectural knowledge.
- Business analysts aiming to bridge the gap between business and technology.
All great business technology architects have a strong foundation in the three critical areas of architecture practice. The course structures the demand and supply chain over a series of 16 lessons, 20 plus exercises and a final presentation. Scroll down beyond the below graphic to learn more about the Competency Focus Areas.
Competency Focus Areas
This course specifically looks to improve understanding and skills in the following BTABoK Competency Areas:
- Business Technology Strategy
- Business Fundamentals
- Strategy Development and Rationalisation
- Industry Analysis
- Business Valuation
- Investment Prioritisation and Planning
- Requirements Discovery and Constraints Analysis
- Compliance
- Architecture Methodologies & Frameworks
- Risk Management
- Human Dynamics
- Managing the Culture
- Customer Relations
- Leadership and Management
- Peer Interaction
- Collaboration and Negotiation
- Presentation Skills
- Writing Skills
- Design
- Requirements Modeling
- Architecture Description
- Decomposition and Reuse
- Design Methodologies and Processes
- Design Patterns and Styles
- Design Analysis and Testing
- Traceability Throughout the Lifecycle
- Views & Viewpoints
- The Whole Systems Design
- Quality Attributes
- Balancing and Optimising Non Functional Requirements e.g. Performance, Security, Localisation, all the “ilities”
- Monitoring and Management
- Packaging, Delivery, Post Deployment
- IT Environment
- Technical Project Management
- Asset Management
- Change Management
- Infrastructure
- Application Development
- Governance
- Testing Methods, Tools, and Techniques
- Knowledge Management
- Decision Support
- Platforms and Frameworks
The premise of this course is very much ‘learn by doing’, and is structured over the 5-days into lessons that walk through the demand and supply chains of an architect’s engagement with clients, customers and other key stakeholders typical in any business.
In each lesson there are learning slides to help prepare for the workshop exercises that follow. Case studies are then used to support the learning outcomes.
There is extensive use of a subset of visual-based templates, preloaded in a visual tool, to capture important architecture information. This is referred to as the Structured Canvas Approach in the Iasa BTABOK (Business Technology Architecture Body of Knowledge). Students will collaborate in teams using the visual tool, present back to the wider class to be challenged and for open discussion, for the benefit of everyone on the course.
By the end of the week, you will be able to think about your technology solutions and communicate them with an entirely new level of stakeholder. Get ready for an intensive week of knowledge sharing, debate and teamwork!
At the end of this course you will gain a deep understanding of analysing complex business requirements, translating them into technological solutions, and ensuring alignment with overarching business strategy.
You will be able to think about your technology solutions and communicate them with an entirely new level of stakeholder. You will be able to describe the way your company is positioned within the enterprise and devise methods for making that position stronger. You can take these learnings and tools into your organisation, along with a wealth of further material provided in the Iasa Business Technology Architecture Body of Knowledge (BTABOK).
Ultimately this course, and the CITA-F certification, will set you up for success in the business technology architect profession, knowing what’s core to making you a better architect that adds value to your organisation.
Upon completion of this course, you will have an improved understanding of:
- What are architecture lifecycles, deliverables, and engagements
- How to improve an architecture practice engagement model
- Tools and techniques for value measurement, tradeoff analysis, design and quality attributes
- Methods to work across business, technical and management stakeholders
- Ways of understanding and using customer centric design approaches
- Better ways to combine agile delivery with architecture excellence
- Critical skills in navigating change management from ideation to execution
- How to plan and manage the competencies you need throughout an architecture career
Assessment
On the final day of the course, candidates present back their learning journey reflecting on what they have learnt, what they can apply to their role and that of their organisation’s architecture practice, and thoughts on their own career path.
Following completion of the course candidates must undertake an open book exam featuring multiple-choice questions within a specified time frame to earn the CITA-F certification level. Guidance on exam preparation and recommended study materials are provided to participants during the course.
Award
Upon completing the course, participants will receive CITA-F industry certification from Iasa Ireland, validating their expertise in the field. This certification is recognised by industry professionals and signifies proficiency in relevant skills and knowledge essential for successin the field of architecture. The CITA-F credential is awarded by achieving 70% or higher on the CITA-F examination.
Fees
The fees for this programme are part-funded by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet.
Full course fee – €2,500
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant – €500
Subsidised course fee – €2,000*
Subsidised fees are only available to eligible applicants*.
*Funding Eligibility
Applicants must be working in a private or commercial semi-state organisation registered in the Republic of Ireland (Business, Consultant, Freelancer) to avail of the grant-aided fees. As a government-funded training network, we can only support those meeting these criteria.
Applicants who do not meet our funding criteria may in some cases be able to apply directly with Iasa Ireland and pay the full course fee of €2,500 if there are available places.
“The Iasa Architect Core course gives professionals a holistic journey through an overall approach and key considerations to ensure architecture deliverables and outcomes are setup for success.” Ger O’Flynn, Head of Commercial IT, Musgrave
“The Iasa Architecture Core training course was a great in person experience with a good balance of instructor led content, classroom discussion and practical learning. I would highly recommend to any aspiring to practicing architects. It’s not just foundational – it is core.” Niall Clancy, Corporate Technology Domain Architect, Canada Life Europe
“The CITA-F in-person course was a great opportunity to understand the depth and breadth of architecture, the supportive tools, the journey to achieve great outcomes, and how to describe the value propositions to all stakeholder levels. This was an incredibly empowering experience.” Matthew Downing, Principal Platform Architect, Kainos
If you have any questions for our programme team, please use the ‘Make An Enquiry’ form.
If you would like to make an application to join the next course start date, please use the ‘Apply Now’ form.
