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BCS Foundation Certificate in Architecture Concepts and Domains
- Confidently navigate enterprise and solution architecture domains from day one.
- Perfect for professionals transitioning into architecture roles without prior experience.
- We blend real-world case examples with guided framework walkthroughs throughout.
- Categories:
- Software and DevOps Infrastructure and Networking
- Level:
- Intermediate
- Code:
- QAFCACD
- Exam:
- Yes - Included
Overview
This foundation-level course provides a comprehensive introduction to enterprise and solution architecture. It equips learners with a fundamental understanding of architectural concepts, practices, and subdomains, from business architecture through to security and infrastructure. Participants will explore the importance of alignment between business and IT, and how architecture contributes to designing systems that are efficient, compliant, and cost-effective. Designed for both aspiring and early-career architects, this course lays the groundwork for further certification and practical application in architecture roles.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is accessible to anyone interested in understanding enterprise and solution architecture, regardless of prior experience.
Target audience
This course is aimed at individuals involved in or transitioning into architecture roles, including enterprise, solution, and domain-specific architects. It is also suitable for professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge of architecture domains or begin their certification journey in enterprise architecture.
What's included
Select your preferred way to learn:
What is Virtual?
Live, instructor-led training delivered online
Interactive online sessions led by subject matter experts. Learners join live classes, take part in discussions, and complete practical exercises from any location, making it easy to fit collaborative learning into busy schedules.
If you prefer to connect to a course that is taking place in a physical classroom, you can choose our Remote Access option. .
Best for: Teams and individuals who want expert guidance, real-time collaboration, and flexible access.
What's included?
3 Days instructor led course
Exam included
Exam preparation aids
6 month free access to QA learning platform
Free 6-Month Access: Learning Platform Discovery plan
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What is bespoke training?
Custom instructor-led training designed by QA to fit your needs
Tailored programmes built around your organisation’s goals, challenges, and skill levels. Delivered in the format that suits you to maximise relevance and impact.
Best for: Organisations and teams looking to target specific business priorities and capabilities with QA subject matter expertise.
Find out more about the course:
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define the concept of architecture and describe the different levels it includes
- Distinguish between various types of architecture and their roles in the IT/IS industry
- Understand the strategic business context and the need for business-IT alignment
- Describe architectural precursors such as goals, directives, and constraints
- Explain the process of architecture development and common description frameworks
- Identify and understand the subdomains of enterprise and solution architecture
- Recognise the core activities and artefacts produced within each architectural domain
Course outline
Core concepts and architecture fundamentals
- Introduction to architecture and its importance in IT strategy
- Levels and types of architecture
- Roles and responsibilities of architects
- Business-IT alignment and strategic value
- Understanding architectural goals, constraints, and guiding principles
- Overview of architecture development methodologies and description frameworks
Enterprise architecture domains
- Business architecture: organisational structures, strategies, and processes
- Applications architecture: systems, integrations, and software services
- Data architecture: data models, governance, and lifecycle
- Infrastructure architecture: networks, platforms, and technology stacks
Specialised domains and solution architecture
- Continuation of infrastructure architecture topics
- Software architecture: structure, design patterns, and principles
- Security architecture: risk, compliance, and control mechanisms
- Solution architecture: combining multiple domains to meet business needs
Exams and assessments
This course includes a BCS Foundation Certificate in Architecture Concepts and Domains exam voucher. The exam is a one-hour, closed-book, multiple-choice assessment via remote proctor. Learners must schedule the exam to take place after the course. The exam voucher expires 12 months after confirmed attendance of the course.
Hands-on learning
Participants will engage in interactive discussions, guided walkthroughs of architecture frameworks, and case-based examples. The course blends theory with practical scenarios to help learners apply foundational architectural thinking in real-world contexts.
Good to know
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What our customers are saying
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Frequently asked questions
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Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.