Certification/Course for software designer/architecture [closed]

Question

After being a software developer for 7+ years, I think it is time for me to take my programming to the next level. I am thinking in terms of a designer or an architect.

Is there a certification/course available for designer/architect? I do agree that a certification/course will not make me a good designer/architect, but it will go on my resume. IMO it will also provide me with a platform for me to dig deeper.

Please advise me a Certification or a Course for software designer/architect.

Answer 1

Part of the question, you already answered that Certification is not the only criteria to become a better architecture or designer. You must have real architectural experience by designing some real world application.

I think, you can start by

1- Designing a component from ground 0 this may be in your current project, a module, a small application.

2- Thinking in terms of more efficient Algorithms, design procedure, patterns

3- Be in touch with latest technology, platform etc.

4- Learning more deployment patterns.

5- Learning more about data storage and retrieval systems.

6- Start participating in forums, Q&A sites like SO

7- Start writing small technical papers.

There are more points beyond the ones mentioned above, but these points are surely a starting point for the long journey to be an architect.

Plus, work under a senior architect / architect as a Technical Lead or Junior Architect will also act as a boost.

Finally, there are certain certifications by the industry leaders like Microsoft, IBM, and others. One of the certifications which I know is

MCA (Micorsoft Certiifed Architect)

But this certification has some predefined criterias like (Min 10 Yrs work ex etc..)

Answer 2

Before thinking about certificate, learn Design well,

• I think the basis of design described by Uncle Bob Martin principles.
• learn about Design Patterns .
• There are some certificates like MCA, but I think one should prefer to participate in thoughtworks university, or other international and great developers workshops.