Mark Goetsch discusses accreditation as a process to verify that certifications, universities, and frameworks meet standards for disseminating and teaching enterprise architecture knowledge and skills. The process accredits how knowledge is gathered and shared, not the information itself. Accreditation ensures terminology is consistently taught and mapped, and that skills are challenged and applied to a practicum with consistent standards. It also aims to accredit professional practice skills like ethics. The accreditation process will develop an online registry of accredited architects and determine what additional information it should contain. Stakeholder involvement is needed to help shape and administer the accreditation process.

1. Please WelcomeMark Goetsch CAEAP Director

2. Center for the Advancement of the Enterprise Architecture Profession Accreditation and REA Mark Goetsch, Chief Accreditation Officer

3. Accreditation is Critical! Accreditation is not certification. It is rather the process by which certifications, universities that support certifications, and frameworks that support the knowledge needed for certification. Is very important that the information itself is not accredited! There is no accredited glossary or accredited set of definitions. The process for gathering this knowledge, disseminating it, and verifying that the necessary tenants of the profession are met is accredited.

4. What type of Process? We are still early on in much of this but at a minimum the following three standards must be met either in tandem or separately. There is an expectation that the terminology of the field is being certified or taught. That the concepts that use this terminology are understood and can be applied. A practicum of sorts that demonstrates that the terminology and concepts can be applied to an original enterprise architecture.

5. Isn’t this already available? There are certifications that address these three elements. While we trust that our certifying partners do a great job with this there are some elements that only accreditation can cover. Terminology must be consistent and where not consistent must still be mapped into other terminologies to maintain that consistency. [As-Is vs. Current State] Must be at a constantly challenging level for the profession. [CFA exam] Be applied with consistent standards.

6. So architectural understanding iscertified? Not Quite… Professional Practice also needs to be certified. Acting in a professional manner. Acting in an ethical manner. Legal understanding of profession. And other things that need to be understood for an enterprise architect to act as a professional. To be called a profession this must be added.

7. What about architecture? Almost… There are many skills to being an architect and part of the accreditation and advocacy process certain core capabilities must be maintained. Architects should know something about finance, business, technology, and other areas that may not be strictly architecture but address core capabilities.

8. Registration One of the first tasks of our accreditation is to develop and maintain an online registry of architects. Will contain the name, firm name, and contact information. What other information makes sense?

9. How can I help? This is just a start. There is much more to go. Be part of the accreditation process. If you are a certifier work with us. CAEAP administers this process but is not the driver but you are. …We need your help.