The TOGAF® exam consists of two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. For the Foundation exam, you answer 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes and need a score of at least 60% to pass. The Practitioner exam contains 8 questions in 90 minutes and requires at least 60%. Both exams can be taken online. The questions below go deeper into the exact exam requirements, the topics assessed, and effective preparation.
What is the difference between the Foundation and Practitioner exam?
The Foundation exam tests whether you understand and can identify the core concepts of the TOGAF standard. The Practitioner exam goes a step further: it tests whether you can also apply that knowledge in practical situations. Foundation is therefore the entry threshold, Practitioner the proof of applicability.
In concrete terms, this means that the Foundation exam focuses on definitions, structures, and terminology. Think of the structure of the Architecture Development Method (ADM), the meaning of concepts such as Enterprise Continuum and architecture repository, and the role of building blocks. At this level, you do not yet need to make choices or analyse situations.
In the Practitioner exam, you are presented with scenarios. You must reason from the TOGAF method, justify choices, and indicate which approach is most appropriate in a given situation. This exam is therefore more complex and requires more than just memorising the material. For professionals who truly want to apply the TOGAF method in their work, the Practitioner level is the relevant goal. More background on the structure of the standard can be found in the
introduction to the TOGAF standard.
How many questions does each TOGAF exam contain and how long does it take?
The Foundation exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 60 minutes. The Practitioner exam contains 8 questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes. In the Practitioner exam, you are allowed to consult a copy of the TOGAF standard during the exam.
The extra time in the Practitioner exam is a deliberate choice, as the questions require more reading time. Each question presents a situation or case, followed by several answer options that you must evaluate based on the TOGAF method. It is not a matter of answering quickly, but of reasoning carefully.
In the Foundation exam, the time pressure is relatively low for most participants. On average, you have one and a half minutes per question, which is more than sufficient if you have a good command of the material. The combination of both exams is also offered as a combined programme, in which you prepare for both Foundation and Practitioner in a single training programme and complete both exams.
What score do you need to pass the TOGAF exam?
For the Foundation exam, the pass mark is 60%, which means correctly answering at least 24 of the 40 questions. For the Practitioner exam, the pass mark is also 60%, meaning you need at least 60% of the available points across the 8 questions.
These thresholds have been established by The Open Group, the organisation behind the TOGAF standard. They apply worldwide and are not dependent on the provider or exam format. There is no resit restriction based on the number of attempts, but you do pay exam fees again for a resit.
In practice, most well-prepared participants pass the pass mark comfortably. Accredited TOGAF training focuses specifically on exam-relevant material, which significantly increases the pass rate. The average exam score among well-prepared participants is typically well above the minimum threshold.
Which topics are assessed in the TOGAF exam?
Both exams test knowledge of the TOGAF standard in its most recent edition. The main topics assessed are the ADM phases, the structure of the architecture repository, the Enterprise Continuum, the role of building blocks, governance, and the relationship between deliverables and artefacts.
At Foundation level, the following themes are most prominent:
- The structure and purpose of the ADM phases, from Preliminary through to Requirements Management
- The definition and application of the architecture repository
- The distinction between Foundation Architecture and Common Systems Architectures within the Enterprise Continuum
- The meaning of building blocks: Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) and Solution Building Blocks (SBBs)
- Deliverables, artefacts, and their relationship to the ADM phases
- The architecture function and governance within an organisation
The Practitioner exam assumes that you have already mastered the above knowledge and then tests how you apply it. Scenarios often concern choosing the right ADM phase for a particular activity, evaluating architecture decisions, or dealing with stakeholder issues. A good command of the TOGAF explanation at a conceptual level is a prerequisite for this.
Can you take the exam online or only at a physical location?
Both TOGAF exams can be taken online via remote proctoring. You do not need to go to a physical exam centre. The exam is administered through a secure environment in which an online proctor monitors the process via your webcam and microphone.
The Open Group offers the exams through accredited exam institutions that support remote proctoring. You take the exam at a time that suits you, from home or at the office, as long as you have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a quiet environment.
For the Practitioner exam, where you are allowed to consult the TOGAF standard, specific rules apply regarding which version you may use and in what format. For online sittings, a digital version of the standard is usually made available through the exam environment itself, so you do not need to have a physical book to hand. Check the specific instructions from the exam institution in advance, as the exact procedure may differ slightly between providers.
How do you prepare effectively for the TOGAF exam?
Effective preparation for the TOGAF exam combines structured study of the TOGAF standard with practising exam questions. For Foundation, a focused training of two to three days is often sufficient. For Practitioner, a combined programme of four to five days is more realistic.
The following approach works best in practice:
- Follow an accredited training. Accredited TOGAF training is structured around the official exam objectives and covers the material systematically. Studying independently without structure takes more time and more often leads to gaps.
- Study the ADM phases thoroughly. A large proportion of the exam questions concern the ADM phases, their content, and their interrelationships. Make sure you not only know the names, but also what happens in each phase.
- Practise with exam questions. Practice questions help you learn the exam logic and identify weak points. A TOGAF practice test is a good way to measure your progress.
- Use the TOGAF standard actively. Especially for the Practitioner exam, it is important that you not only read the standard, but also know how to navigate it quickly during the exam.
- Schedule your exam soon after the training. The shorter the time between training and exam, the greater the chance that the material sticks.
Not sure where to start? The
TOGAF quick-start guide gives you a clear overview of the steps towards certification. Frequently asked questions about the exams and the certification process are also compiled in the
TOGAF FAQ.
How The Unit Company helps with preparation for the TOGAF exam
The Unit Company offers accredited TOGAF training that is specifically designed to prepare participants well for both the Foundation and Practitioner exam. The training programmes closely align with the official exam objectives of The Open Group and are delivered by trainers who also actively apply the TOGAF method in practice.
- Combined Foundation and Practitioner training: An intensive programme of four to five days in which both exam levels are covered, including exam preparation and practice questions.
- Flexible formats: Classroom, live online, or via eLearning, so you can tailor the training to your schedule and work situation.
- High pass rate: More than 98% of participants pass on their first attempt, with an average exam score of 78%.
- In house training option: Organisations wishing to certify multiple employees can opt for a tailored TOGAF in house training.
Ready to get started? View the full range of
TOGAF Foundation and Practitioner training and choose the format that suits your situation.
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