Online Proctored Exams (OnVUE) Checklist

If you like to view the video version of this blog post, you can click on the video.

[8-Jan-2021: Blog created after passing the exam "TOGAF Business Architect Level 1" from "The Open Group"].

[3-Apr-2021: Blog updated after passing the exam "DPBoK foundation certification" from "The Open Group"].

[19-Nov-2021: Blog updated after passing the exam "ArchiMate certification" from "The Open Group"].

I passed my first Online Proctored Exams (OnVUE) exam for TOGAF Business Architect Level 1 certificate on 6-Jan-2021. In this post I'm trying to share a checklist for test-takers. I think the experience is the same regardless of the exam.

I will try to maintain this blog post if I found more tips in the future, as content is important.

Before Exam

1. Make sure to use a personal laptop with administrative rights not a work laptop as be revoked based on your company policy.
2. Use a Windows laptop, if you have Mac please check in the references section for steps to follow to make it work without issues.
   
3. The following software are allowed to run during the exam:
• Norton Anti-virus.
4. The following software should be disabled/stopped before the exam:
• Microsoft PowerToys.
• Autodesk Desktop App Service: AdAppMgrSvc.exe
5. Locate your laptop on the same location that you will be testing from.
6. Perform system test (The URL with amended /onvue):

• The Open Group: https://home.pearsonvue.com/theopengroup/onvue
• AWS: https://home.pearsonvue.com/aws/onvue

Exam night

1. Prepare your room/testing space.
• No notes.
• No pencils.
• No posters.
• No TVs, or monitors.
• My room was having mirrors and it was not an issue.
  
• Clean desk (Laptop + Mouse only).
• The room has enough light, and you may use a desk lamp. You need to make sure enough light so your picture is clear during the whole exam as usually, a computer webcam needs sufficient light to provide a good photo.
• The room has a lock inside.
• Prepare a "Don't disturb" sign to be hanged on your door from outside as a reminder to your family.
2. Prepare your ID: Passport, driving license, ... If you will use a passport, prepare a dark surface that will be used as background for it. If you get an email that you need to use your ID with your signature, just use your passport it is widely accepted (I have confirmed that with support prior to the exam).
   
3. Charge your mobile (You will need it in the beginning & if they wanted to contact you during the exam).

Exam day

1. Prepare yourself:
• Fully clothed.
  
• No hat.
• No hood.
• No watch.
2. Final room preparation:
• Close Window for no sound if possible.
• Hang the "Don't disturb" sign outside.
• Lock the door.
3. Start before 30 mins of the exam. From the dashboard, select your exam, and click "Checkin".
4. Very important: Take a note with exam access code on your computer, you might need it later to file any technical case.
5. Enter your mobile number.
6. Test your system (Microphone, Internet speed, Webcam).
7. Use your mobile to access the web browser for m.proctorcam.com?l=en-US
8. Follow the steps to take picture of:
• You.
• Identification (Passport with dark background).
• Workspace (Front, Back, Left, Right).
9. Place mobiles, headphones and watches out of reach.
10. The above process consumed around 15 mins, then wait for the proctor facing the webcam.
    
11. In one of the exams, I was asked before the exam start to lift & rotate the laptop, and use the webcam to show the desk content I was using in the exam.

During Exam

1. Food, drinks, smoking and gum are prohibited.
   
2. You must stay within your webcam view all the time.
3. You cannot move your webcam once your testing session has started.
   
4. You cannot use scratch paper, take physical notes, or talk.
   
5. You cannot get up and walk around.
6. You cannot leave your testing environment for any reason.
7. No one can enter your testing environment.
8. You can use the scratchpad provided within onVUE software (It was slow, but recent versions (After Apr-2021) are near real-time and you can use them).

References

• PearsonVue OnVue webpage
• Comprehensive Youtube video with screenshots: EXAM DAY: Process of using onVUE App (Pearsonvue Online Exam Application) at Home or Office
• Another Youtube video some more tips: Pearson VUE online exam review (August 2020) - What you NEED to know!
• Some issues Youtube video with Mac computer: MCSA Online Proctored Exam - Procedure And My Experience
• Recent video for onVue on Mac computer: Mac tips for success with PearsonVue testing software
  

How to pass TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1 in less than 1 week?

If you like to view the video version of this blog post, you can click on the video.

Thanks to Allah; I have passed "TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1" on 6-Jan-2021. In this blog post, I'm sharing my experience on how you can achieve this certification in 6 days. 

 

If you would like to know more about the certification, I recommend that you watch this good video Applying TOGAF® Business Architecture Enhancements - The Open Group. I think this certificate makes sense in the following situations:

1. When you are dealing with C-Level business management.
2. Working with corporate strategy team.
   
3. Working with corporate program management.
4. Working in Enterprise Architecture Office as Business Architect.
5. If you are a business analyst who wants to go to the next level.
   

Exam information

• Current exam code: OGB-001 - English
• Number of questions: 30
• Exam duration: 45 mins – ESL (1hrs, 15mins)
• Open Book: No
• Passing score: 18/30 (60%)
• Multiple choice with single most correct answer.
• Time / question: 1.5 mins – ESL (2.5 mins)
• Cost: 315 $ - 362 $ (Including Taxes)
• Validity duration / Expiry: No expiry / No renewal required.
• Location: Home or testing center.

Pre-requisites

Officially: None.

Personal opinion: I will recommend having TOGAF Certification v9.2 prior to applying to this exam. For the following reasons:

1. This certification is for architects who wants to specialize in development of a business architecture based on TOGAF standard v9.2, so how you want to seek specialization without understanding the general framework first.
2. To pass this certification you will need to read specific sections from TOGAF v9.2 specification, I think it will be hard for you to understand these section without understanding how the overall TOGAF framework work; especially I consider TOGAF change the mindset of IT professionals.
   
3. TOGAF Certification is more known / wanted than this specialization so if you have limited budget better invest in TOGAF certification.
   

 If you have earlier certification of TOGAF v9 or v9.1, please consider this post "Passing TOGAF Essentials 2018" for upgrade to v9.2 I think it will be better path & knowledge for you, also includes many aspects in business architecture from this certificate as value streams, business scenarios & others.

Study sources

1- Self Study Guide

Purchase B190-TOGAF® Business Architecture Level 1 Study Guide, 1st Edition. This is what I have done.

• Reasonable price: 29.95 USD (Summer, Black Friday, and Christmas sales you can get 50%).
• Authors: AndrewJosey, The Open Group and Steve Else, EA Principals
• The number of pages: 206.
• The number of chapters: 12 chapters.
• PROS: Every chapter ends with questions, answers provided.
• PROS: Includes similar exam test with same difficulty, answers provided.
• PROS: One document have it all, focused target.
  

2- Self Study multiple resources

If you want to save the cost of previous study guide & study from a complete set of free available resources. You will need to:

1. Download X191-TOGAF® BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE LEVEL 1 CONFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS. It contains all required sections required for the exam, and with links to free resources from TOGAF publications.
   
2. It references the following resources:
• G18A-Business Models
• G189-Business Capabilities
• G178-Value Streams
• G190-Information Mapping
• G176-Business Scenarios
• C182-TOGAF 9.2 Standard
  

3- Training courses

All TOGAF® 9 Accredited Training Courses are available in this link, previously I have made a small comparison below, but if you intend to select this way better to go with the full list for more updated options:

Course / Link	Cost	Duration	Notes
The Open Group Accredited Course Training Calendar	1395 USD	6 hrs - 2 days	Expensive
Good e-Learning - TOGAF® Business Architecture Level 1 eLearning	529 USD	7 hours for 6 months access	Include free exam voucher Include 2 exams Sometimes offer discounts up to 20%
EA Learning - TOGAF® Business Architecture Level 1 - eLearning	450 – 529 USD	7 hours for 6 months access	Include free exam voucher
EA principals - Applied Business Architecture	1395 USD		Active contributor in EA, and author of official TOGAF Study guide (Steve Else). Classroom or live online. Expensive

Register for home online exam

1. Start from “Pearson VUE The Open Group” page.
2. Click “Pearson VUE launch page”.
3. Review personal information that is from the open group profile page that will be used to create or login to Pearson VUE, before clicking “Proceed to Pearson VUE”.
4. In dashboard, click “View Exams”.
5. Select “OGB-001” “TOGAF Business Architecture Part 1”.
6. Select “Online from my home or office”, click “Next”.
7. In agree to online exam policies, please read carefully, and mark checkboxes, click “Next”.
8. Click “Next”
9. Select suitable date. Your local time zone will appear, select best way to view the timing 12/24hr.
10. Value with estimated tax is 362.25$
11. Click “Proceed to Checkout”.
12. Read and agree to policies, click “Accept”. (These important policies will be sent to you by email after completion).
13. Add card details, click “Next”, then “Submit order”.
14. ESL will be added after complete exam registration as long as you register from one of the ESL countries. Exam length 90 minutes!!!
15. Check-in time will be 30 mins earlier.
16. You will receive email with details of invoice, and policies / useful information.
17. For customer service online chat, use this link.

 

For detailed checklist for OnVUE exam preparation, please check this blog post Online Proctored Exams (OnVUE) Checklist

 

Getting exam results

After exam completed with 15 mins, I received email with subject "Score Report Available Notification". You will need to login Pearson with credentials of The Open Group, and you will find the link "View score report" and you will see your score and detailed report.

After the exam with around 8 hours, I received another email with subject "The Open Group issued you a new badge".

References

• Official exam site.
• TOGAF® Business Architecture Part 1 Exam
• TOGAF® BUSINESS ARCHITECTURE LEVEL 1 CONFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
• TOGAF® Business Architecture Level 1 Credential Definition
• The Open Group: Certification Examination Fees
• The Open Group: Online Proctored Exams (OnVUE)  
  

Passing TOGAF Essentials 2018

Update on 29-Feb-2020
If you prefer viewing a video & slides, please find below links to video and download slides:

Passing TOGAF Essentials 2018 in 3 weeks or less from Ashraf Fouad

Original post: 21-Apr-2019

Thank God; I have passed "TOGAF Essentials 2018" on 20-Apr-2019.

TOGAF Essentials 2018 is a credential that shows that a TOGAF certified v9.0 or v9.1 candidate knowledge is up-to-date (Latest update Apr-2018). You can know more about the credential from the Open Group official website & FAQs about the TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2.

While the upgrade is not mandated but preferred, you can check Why you should upgrade to TOGAF 9.2 Certification?

The following is the recommended steps from my perspective to prepare and pass the exam (It took me around 3 calendar weeks, not dedicated, along with work & family duties):

1- Watch Official TOGAF 9.2 webinar
(Optional highly recommended step) I think "An Introduction to the TOGAF® Standard, Version 9.2 (Full Webinar - 49 minutes)" video is the best I have seen about TOGAF v9.2 and I have used some information & references mentioned in this webinar in my preparation. It shows you the approach of this strategic re-structure.

2- Taking a 3 hrs course
(Mandatory step) You need to attend 3 hrs course, I have checked the official TOGAF® 9 Accredited Training Courses and made the below comparison list (Prices may vary based on company offers and new companies added to the list by Open Group):

Providers	Price	Duration	Course nature	Practice questions	Accredited slide pack	TOGAF standard 9.2 electronic
CC & Csolutions	$ 249 (Search for promo code as well)	4 hrs	Self-paced, 3 months access (Can be extended upon request)	No
Conexiam	$ 275	3 hrs	On-demand video based instructor, lifetime access	No	Yes	And other many ebooks & e-Papers
EA Learning	GBP 349	3 hrs	Self-paced, Instant 6 months access
EA Principals	$ 395	3.5 hrs	One time Live Online	Yes	Yes	Yes
Good learning	$ 499 (Discounted code of 20%) = $399	3 hrs	Self-paced, Instant 6 months access	Quizzes & revision modules, 2x practice exams
QA Transforming performance through learning	GBP 350 (Search for promotional code)	3 hrs

I selected the course from Conexiam as it was reasonably priced, and I prefer reading some extra material if I find them beneficial.
I prefer to have a first quick view of the course just to take an idea about the course & the material in general.

3- Take a free practice exam without preparation

• After you finish the course; the training center will contact Open Group to provide you access to practice assessment (You will receive email from donotreply@brillium.com with link to practice exam). This takes from 1 - 6 days; in my case just the next day I received the exam link.
• The idea of taking a free practice exam without preparation (Even I took it closed book) is to get the feel of the nature of questions and know what to focus in the course.
• The exam is 20 multiple choice questions with only 1 correct answer within 30 minutes (Every question should take 1.5 minutes).
• The supported browsers are (Google Chrome, Apple Safari,  Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge), by the time of writing this article Mozilla Firefox is not supported.
• The practice exam can be retaken as much as you want until you succeed (Score 75%) once you succeed this practice exam will be closed and another link will be sent to your email that has the link to the actual exam.
• The practice exam will inform you about what you did wrong & will tell you the correct answer to your mistake at the end of the practice exam.

4- Take the course again
Repeat the course again, take notes & pay attention to the questions you missed in the exam. Below is the recommended area of focus & suggested reading material (It is not required to read all the below in details, I was reading sections from many of them plus paying attention to view all the artifacts changed in TOGAF v9.2):

#	Section	Title / Link	Why
1	General	The TOGAF® Standard, Version 9.2 Overview Reference Cards (N180)	Quick access for diagrams especially content metamodel (Core, & extended), artifacts associated with metamodel, ADM.
2	General	The TOGAF® STANDARD, Version 9.2 (C182)	Quick access for the TOGAF standard for any definition, notes, the relations between content metamodel. Training for the exam as well
3	Business Architecture	Business Capabilities (G161)	The approach is changed, details of business capabilities.
4	Business Architecture	Value Streams (G170)	The approach is changed, details of value streams.
5	ISO	INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 First edition 2011-12-01	Conceptual model of architecture description mainly on page 5. Optional the complete ISO standard.
6	Security	Integrating Risk and Security within a TOGAF® Enterprise Architecture (G152)	Integrating Risk & Security with TOGAF

5- Prepare soft/hard copy material for the exam
The following is the suggested material you need to have during the exam:

#	Format	Title	Description / Link
1	Soft	Course Slides	Usually, the course material shows the difference between v9.1 & v9.2 in clear & brief way (I think better than the TOGAF reference), you can use this material as there are several questions in the exam will ask you about the delta between v9.1 & v9.2
2	Soft	Course Handouts	The course may provide handouts for the exam, I found this very beneficial during the exam.
3	Soft	The TOGAF® STANDARD, Version 9.2 (C182)	HTML, PDF I believe important chapters are the following: Chapter 3: Definitions. Chapter 5: Preliminary Phase Chapter 6: Phase A: Architecture Vision Chapter 7: Phase B: Business Architecture Chapter 30: Content Metamodel Chapter 31: Architectural Artifacts
4	Soft	PROMOTING AND PROTECTING THE TOGAF® ECOSYSTEM (W156)	Download
5	Hard	Core Content Metamodel	TOGAF Standard, chapter 30 - Figure 30-5: Entities and Relationships Present within the Core Content Metamodel
6	Hard	Full Content Metamodel	TOGAF Standard, chapter 30 - Figure 30-7: Relationships between Entities in the Full Metamodel
7	Hard	Basic Architecture Concepts	TOGAF Standard, chapter 31 - Figure 31-1: Basic Architectural Concepts
8	Hard	TOGAF Essential 2018 - Question Tracking sheet	I made this sheet to track the 20 questions, you might find it useful to use the Inclusion-Exclusion Principle when solving multiple choice exam questions

6- Take the free practice exam again till you pass

• Take the free practice exam (This time well prepared).
• The exam is repeating; no new questions, I think maybe the order of questions/answers are changed.
• The practice exam can be retaken as much as you want until you succeed (Score 75%). Once you succeed this practice exam will be closed and another link will be sent to your email that has the link to the actual exam.
• The practice exam will inform you about what you did wrong & will tell you the correct answer to your mistake at the end of the practice exam, please use this to identify areas you need improvement & cover them from the material mentioned in step 4.
• I succeeded from the first time using the material mentioned in step 5 & understanding the course in more details.

7- Take the actual exam

• You will receive an invitation to the exam (With 2 free retakes if you fail) within 1 business day from passing the practice exam with a 75% score or higher.
• Prepare the list of resources in step 5 handy.
• Drink a cup of coffee and water before starting the exam with at least 30 mins (Exam time is precious).
• Good luck with the exam, I have passed with 90% from the first time and hope you will do even better 😃

I hope you find this blog post useful, if so, please share with your friends interested in TOGAF.

TOGAF 9 certification preparation advices & exam tips

I have passed TOGAF 9 level 1 foundation, and level 2 certification on Mar-2013 and would like to share the experience with everyone. The following is the recommended steps from my perspective to prepare and pass the exam:

1- Watch tutorial video
You need to know what is Enterprise Architect? What is TOGAF? Overview of the framework so you can decide if you will benefit from this certification. A good introduction is offered here.

2- Get a quick look to TOGAF 9.1 specs
The specification is shared online here, please have a look at the content; no need to get into deep details in this stage. 

3- Attend TOGAF course
TOGAF doesn't necessitate that you get a course to attend the exam, but I think you will benefit from the course very much for the following reasons:
    a- Course takes 5 days, you will find the first two days, you just need to switch your mind to think the TOGAF way, even if you have previous architecture experience. Having someone answering your question will be of great help.
    b- Course offers TOGAF slides, exam material, template that you will really benefit from.
    c- You will benefit from instructor if he has past experience in implementing TOGAF.
    d- Most people attending such course have considerable long experience in IT in general, seeking excellence in their work, you will really enjoy the talk and you will benefit from expanding your professional network as well.
TOGAF has accredited course calendar listed here. I prefer if you select 5 days course for level 1 & 2 as course is already long and 4 days won't be sufficient.

4- Stick to a study schedule
I have prepared a study schedule using Microsoft Project 2010 shared here (For Microsoft Project 2007 shared here). It has specific study calendar “TOGAF Study Calendar” of 4hrs/day, 5 days/week. I encourage using it and modifying the project calendar to suite your availability. This link provides a detailed explanation of how to change the calendar in Microsoft Project 2010. I think 2 weeks after the course will be enough to take level 1 exam.

5- Solving exam questions
You need to solve exam questions before showing for the exam. If you attended a course, usually you will get exam material for your preparation. Others are available as below:
•    The Open Arch.
•    Technology trend analysis practice test.
•    TOGAF free quiz.
•    TOGAF 9 class.
The above are just samples, you can search and find lots more.

6- Exam level 1 foundation advices

a- ESL: You can have extended time for the exam by selecting English as Second Language (ESL).

b- After tutorial and before starting the exam: Draw ADM, as you will get questions asking you with phase letter.

c- Method of elimination is best used for exam, for tough questions, pick any answer from what you think are probably correct before marking the question for review; i.e. never leave a question without an answer.

d- Level 1 is not covering all topics, it is highlighted in study schedule with yellow color, and also indicated as (Level 1).


7- Exam level 2 certified advices (Specs open book)

a- ESL: You can have extended time for the exam by selecting English as Second Language (ESL).

b- A MUST topics for exam (ADM processes & guidelines & techniques - Transition planning techniques - Architecture Capability Framework - Iteration to ADM - Example set of architecture principals specs section 23.6 - Architectural artifacts ch 35).

c- I recommend reading the scenario twice to determine (State of EA office, Management direction, stakeholders concerns, current phase you are dealing with).

d- When you know the phase you are in, you can check the process guidelines, approach, or steps to guide your answer.

e- In answering questions that you should address concerns, or select best architecture artifacts for stakeholders, I recommend using below table as follows:
    i- While reading the statement of the question, write the concerns from multiple stakeholders in the columns.
    ii- Write multiple options in rows.
    iii- For each option, check if it satisfies the concern raised or not and add a mark X or √.
    iv- Select choice that best suites the question & have √ on all columns.

	Concern / stakeholder 1	Concern / stakeholder 2	Concern / stakeholder 3	Concern / stakeholder 4
Option A	X	√	X	√
Option B	√	√	√	√
Option C	X	√	√	√
Option D	X	X	X	X

I hope this will help someone there.