Hi All,
Today I cleared TOGAF part-2 exam. Around 5 weeks back I had cleared part-1 exam. Here is the write-up on my preparation and experience:
I decided to take parts 1 & 2 separately so that I can focus on each of these in depth. You can decide this based on your situation.
Before I started study, I went through Jeanne's blog about TOGAF preparation. The blog is at:
https://www.selikoff.net/2013/04/09/jeannes-togaf-foundation-cert-in-3-weeks-experiences/
Jeanne's blog gave me an idea on how to approach this certification.
I prepared through the self-study materials. I did not attend any workshops or trainings. In my opinion, self-study path is sufficient to clear the exams.
I purchased the self-study material on TOGAF website for $60. I did not purchase any other study materials.
Part-1 experience:
Preparation:
I spent 2 weeks to study for part-1.
I went through the study material in detail two times.
Then I did all the mock tests provided in the study material 2-3 times.
You can also go through the exam Simulator (link provided below).
I did not study the free online TOGAF manual at all for part-1 exam.
I had to memorize a lot of definitions, lists, terminologies. The content is not something that you can learn by analytical method.
Exam:
Then I took the exam. The complexity level of questions in the actual exam was slightly tougher than what I had seen in the study material mock tests.
I scored 85% in the first attempt.
Part-2 experience:
Preparation:
The amount of material to be studied for part-2 is more than that of part-1, at least according to the official study guide materials.
I went through the study guide 2 times.
Then I went through the free online TOGAF manual. Even though it takes good amount of time, it is easy to understand in the first go. This is very helpful, and strongly recommended - if you want to understand the topics in detail.
After that, I went through the 'pocket guide' that TOGAF provides along with the study guide. This covers all important points, and serves as an overall revision package. This is very helpful and a must.
Then I went through the mock tests provided in the study guide. These are available for sale on TOGAF site separately in case you dont want to purchase the study guide.
Next, I went through the questions on 'Simulator' (from OpenArch website - link:
http://theopenarch.com/81-tests/72-togaf-9-exam-tests.html )
My next step was to go through some video tutorials on Udemy. There are many tutorials on Udemy regarding TOGAF. They are costing around $20. I took one. These video tutorials cover only important points at a high level. They serve the purpose of your final revision. You cannot start your preparation with them. The advantage of these tutorials is that, they help you revise the contents in 3 hours instead of 2 days.
Overall, I spent 4 weeks to prepare for part-2. The time and effort I spent for this was definitely worth it.
Exam:
Then I took the part-2 exam. The complexity level of questions in the actual exam was same as what I had seen in the study material mock tests.
I scored 90% in the first attempt.
The part-2 exam is an Open book exam. The TOGAF manual would be available as a PDF file for reference during the exam. For me, it was opening fine and I referred to it for few questions. In the past, some people had reported that it did not open for them. So
you should check this and report to the Prometric personnel.
I thank all forum members who had shared their TOGAF experiences, and especially Jeanne.