Report 0049 Actions

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Problem Report Number	0049
Submitter's Classification	Certification System problem
State	Resolved
Resolution	Rejected (REJ)
Problem Resolution ID	REJ.TG.0004
Raised	2009-09-18 04:33
Updated	2010-07-20 21:57
Published	2010-07-20 21:57
Product Standard	TOGAF 9 Certification for People
Certification Program	TOGAF Certified by The Open Group
Specification	Certification Policy
Location in Spec	Conformance requirements, section 6.1
Problem Summary	Closed book examination for level 1 is unnecessary and is a barrier to the growth of TOGAF 9 certification
Problem Description [CSC template]	1.Issue Description: The level 1 examination for TOGAF 9 certification is a closed book examination. This is a barrier to growth of TOGAF 9 certification. (a) Many candidates are choosing not to submit themselves to the TOGAF 9 certification examination because of fear of failure (particularly more mature candidates). The learning outcomes for level 1 include a high volume of concepts and terminology. (b) It is inhibiting some possible improvements to the overall TOGAF 9 certification program because of the difficulty of handling examinations that are part open book and part closed book. (c) Candidates with English as a second language are at a disadvantage because the new terminology is not normally included in the permitted dictionary. Making this part of the examination closed book is unnecessary. A candidate who is unfamiliar with TOGAF 9 will not have time to search for the answer to every question in the limited time available. Consideration should be given to increasing the pass mark if this change is implemented. 2. Issue Impact: Slower growth of TOGAF 9 certification. Some actions that would address existing issues cannot be implemented. 3. Issue Urgency: URGENT/IMPORTANT 4. Issue Time Window: Immediate 5. Willingness to participate in follow-up: YES

Review Information

Review Type	CA Review
Start Date	2009-09-17 19:33
Last Updated	2009-09-30 00:01
Completed	2009-09-30 00:01
Status	Complete
Review Recommendation	Rejected (REJ)
Review Response	The Part 1 examination was designed as a closed book examination and this was approved by company review of the Conformance Requirements. The examination board has set the pass mark such that the examination should not be a significant barrier for certification even allowing for factors raised here. With respect to point a) substantial numbers of candidates have passed this examination in the first and only partial year of the programs operation. Those passing the examination have been from all backgrounds including mature and/or those with limited prior experience of TOGAF and its terminology. With respect to b) There has been no indication from the constituency of training organizations as a whole, that this represents a general difficulty. If anything it is the open book examination which presents some logistical and resource issues. With respect to c) To any inexperienced candidate some of the terminology will be new, Candidates with English as a second language are not significantly disadvantaged in that respect. To the extent that the desirability of open versus closed book examinations is debatable, the fast market take up and volumes of certification makes change at this point in the program undesirable. It would be unfair on the substantial number of certified architects who have already successful completed the certification requirements as is."




Review Type	SA Review
Start Date	2009-09-30 08:01
Last Updated	2010-07-20 21:56
Completed	2010-07-20 21:56
Status	Complete
Review Resolution	Rejected (REJ)
Review Conclusion	This was discussed at the 20 July 2010 CSC meeting. It was agreed that the Part 1 exam remain closed book.

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