Top Framework Certifications Guide

Byframeworklogic.com

Framework Certifications

Looking to boost your career or expand your expertise in IT, project management, cybersecurity, or cloud computing? This guide highlights the top framework certifications, covering everything from industry leaders like TOGAF and PMP to specialized credentials in agile, security, and cloud platforms. Compare costs, renewal details, and find out which certification best fits your goals and professional path.

1. TOGAF® 10 Certification

  • What: The Open Group Architecture Framework; industry standard for enterprise architecture.
  • Who Should Get It: Enterprise architects, IT strategists, solution architects.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $550 (both parts)
    • Training: $2,000–$3,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: None required—lifetime certification.
  • Why Choose: Essential for large enterprise roles and consulting.

2. Zachman Certified™ – Enterprise Architect

  • What: Structured taxonomy-driven framework for enterprise architecture.
  • Who Should Get It: Architects in regulated/complex industries (gov, finance).
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $495–$795
    • Training: $2,000–$3,000+ (usually bundled)
  • Renewal: None.
  • Why Choose: Excellent for organizations with strict modeling/governance needs.

3. PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner

  • What: Project management methodology, especially popular in Europe.
  • Who Should Get It: Project managers, PMOs, business analysts.
  • Cost:
    • Foundation: ~$350
    • Practitioner: ~$450
    • Training: $800–$2,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: Practitioner every 3 years ($200–$400 or CPD points).
  • Why Choose: Globally respected, often a requirement for UK/EU public sector roles.

4. PMI PMP® (Project Management Professional)

  • What: Global gold standard for project management.
  • Who Should Get It: Project managers (all sectors).
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $555 (non-member), $405 (member)
    • Training: $500–$2,000 (required 35 hours)
  • Renewal: Every 3 years ($60 member/$150 non-member, 60 PDUs).
  • Why Choose: Recognized worldwide; opens doors in all industries.

5. SAFe® Agilist (Scaled Agile Framework)

  • What: Leading certification for scaling agile across the enterprise.
  • Who Should Get It: Agile coaches, program managers, transformation leads.
  • Cost:
    • Course & Exam: $795–$995 (training required)
  • Renewal: Annual ($295).
  • Why Choose: Must-have for agile transformations in large organizations.

6. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) Certification

  • What: U.S. government-developed security framework for risk and controls.
  • Who Should Get It: Cybersecurity pros, risk managers, CISOs.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $500–$1,200 (varies by provider)
    • Training: $800–$2,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: Usually none (depends on provider).
  • Why Choose: Required by U.S. government contracts; useful for critical infrastructure.

7. COBIT® 2019 Foundation

  • What: IT governance and management framework.
  • Who Should Get It: IT managers, auditors, compliance pros.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $275
    • Training: $1,000–$1,500 (optional)
  • Renewal: None.
  • Why Choose: Key for IT audit, compliance, and governance roles.

8. ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor

  • What: Information Security Management System (ISMS) framework.
  • Who Should Get It: Security managers, consultants, ISMS leads.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $500–$800
    • Training: $1,500–$2,500 (required)
  • Renewal: None or every 3 years (depends on provider).
  • Why Choose: Vital for information security and compliance roles globally.

9. ITIL® 4 Foundation

  • What: Framework for IT service management (ITSM).
  • Who Should Get It: ITSM leaders, service managers, process owners.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $350
    • Training: $800–$2,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: None for Foundation; higher levels renew every 3 years.
  • Why Choose: Standard for IT service roles, especially in large enterprises.

10. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

  • What: Architecting secure, scalable cloud solutions on AWS.
  • Who Should Get It: Cloud and solution architects, DevOps.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $300
    • Training: $1,000–$2,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: Every 3 years ($300).
  • Why Choose: Most in-demand AWS cert for advanced architects.

11. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

  • What: Hands-on certification for Kubernetes cluster management.
  • Who Should Get It: DevOps, platform, and cloud engineers.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $395
    • Training: $1,000–$2,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: Every 3 years ($395).
  • Why Choose: Proves real-world Kubernetes skills.

12. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

  • What: Designing and deploying solutions on Microsoft Azure.
  • Who Should Get It: Azure/cloud architects, DevOps.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $165 each (2 exams, $330 total)
    • Training: $800–$2,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: Annual (free online assessment).
  • Why Choose: Required for senior Azure roles.

13. Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect

  • What: Architecting Google Cloud solutions.
  • Who Should Get It: Cloud architects, platform engineers.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $200
    • Training: $800–$2,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: Every 2 years ($200).
  • Why Choose: Essential for advanced roles in Google Cloud environments.

14. Scrum Master (PSM/CSM)

  • What: Leading agile teams using Scrum methodology.
  • Who Should Get It: Scrum masters, agile coaches, team leads.
  • Cost:
    • PSM: $150 (no required course)
    • CSM: $495–$900 (course included/required)
  • Renewal:
    • PSM: None
    • CSM: Every 2 years ($100)
  • Why Choose: Foundation for agile leadership and scrum teams.

15. Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

  • What: Process improvement using Lean and Six Sigma frameworks.
  • Who Should Get It: Operations managers, analysts, process improvement specialists.
  • Cost:
    • Green Belt: $300–$600
    • Black Belt: $500–$900
    • Training: $1,000–$2,500 (optional)
  • Renewal: Lifetime for most; ASQ requires renewal every 3 years ($69–$89).
  • Why Choose: Widely used in manufacturing, healthcare, and quality management.

16. CISSP

  • What: Advanced security management framework, (ISC)² standard.
  • Who Should Get It: Security architects, CISOs, senior IT security staff.
  • Cost:
    • Exam: $749
    • Training: $2,000–$3,000 (optional)
  • Renewal: Every 3 years ($125/year, 120 CPE credits)
  • Why Choose: Most recognized high-level security certification.

Choosing the Right Certification

  • Enterprise/IT Architecture: TOGAF, Zachman
  • Project/Program Management: PMP, PRINCE2, SAFe
  • Cybersecurity: CISSP, NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, COBIT
  • IT Service Management: ITIL
  • Cloud/DevOps: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, CKA
  • Agile/Process Improvement: Scrum, Lean Six Sigma

Framework Certifications – Comparison

CertificationIndustry/FrameworkBest For (Roles)Exam CostTraining CostRenewalRenewal Cost/Method
TOGAF® 10Enterprise ArchitectureEnterprise Architects, Solution Architects, IT Leaders$550 (both)$2,000–$3,000 (opt)NoneNone
Zachman Certified™ – EAEnterprise ArchitectureArchitects (taxonomy-driven)$495–$795$2,000–$3,000+NoneNone
PRINCE2® Foundation/PractitionerProject ManagementProject Managers, PMOs, Analysts$350/$450$800–$2,000 (opt)3 years (Practitioner)$200–$400 or CPD points
PMI PMP®Project ManagementProject Managers (all industries)$555 / $405 (PMI)$500–$2,000 (req)3 years$60/$150 + 60 PDUs
SAFe® AgilistAgile / Scaled AgileAgile Coaches, Program Managers, Product Owners$795–$995 (incl.)Included in course1 year$295
NIST CSF CertificationCybersecurity FrameworkCybersecurity, Risk, CISOs$500–$1,200$800–$2,000 (opt)VariesVaries (often none)
COBIT® 2019 FoundationIT GovernanceIT Managers, Auditors, Compliance$275$1,000–$1,500 (opt)NoneNone
ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Impl./AuditorInfo Security (ISMS)Consultants, Auditors, ISMS Leads$500–$800$1,500–$2,500 (req)VariesVaries (3 years with some providers)
ITIL® 4 FoundationIT Service ManagementService Managers, IT Leaders$350$800–$2,000 (opt)None (Foundation)None (higher levels: 3 yrs)
AWS Solutions Architect – ProCloud ArchitectureCloud/Solution Architects, DevOps$300$1,000–$2,000 (opt)3 years$300
Certified Kubernetes Admin (CKA)DevOps/CloudDevOps, Platform, Cloud Engineers$395$1,000–$2,000 (opt)3 years$395
Azure Solutions Architect ExpertCloud ArchitectureAzure Architects, Cloud, DevOps$330 (2 x $165)$800–$2,000 (opt)1 yearFree online quiz
Google Cloud ArchitectCloud ArchitectureCloud Architects, Infra/DevOps$200$800–$2,000 (opt)2 years$200 re-exam
Scrum Master (PSM/CSM)Agile/ScrumScrum Masters, Agile Coaches, Product Owners$150 (PSM), $495–$900 (CSM)CSM incl. in cost / PSM optNone (PSM), 2 yrs (CSM)$100 (CSM)
Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)Process ImprovementOps Managers, Analysts, Process Engineers$300–$600 (GB), $500–$900 (BB)$1,000–$2,500Lifetime (most), 3 yrs (ASQ)$69–$89 (if renewal needed)
CISSPCybersecuritySecurity Managers, Architects, CISOs$749$2,000–$3,000 (opt)3 years$125/year + 120 CPE credits

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