If you've been googling "SABSA vs TOGAF," you're asking the right question. Enterprise architecture certifications are among the highest-paying credentials in IT — but choosing the wrong one can cost you a year of study time and thousands of dollars.
This isn't a generic overview. We'll compare real salary data, exam formats, pass rates, time-to-ROI, and give you a decision matrix so you can pick the right cert in 10 minutes.
TL;DR — Quick Decision Matrix
| Factor | TOGAF 10 | SABSA |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $95K–$165K | $105K–$185K |
| Exam Cost | $760 | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Study Time | 80–120 hours | 120–200 hours |
| Pass Rate | ~65–70% | ~55–60% |
| Best For | Enterprise/solution architects | Security architects, CISOs |
| Time to ROI | 3–6 months | 4–8 months |
| Job Postings (2025) | 12,000+ monthly | 4,500+ monthly (up 45% YoY) |
| Prerequisite | None | Foundation for Practitioner |
Bottom line: TOGAF = broader opportunities, lower barrier. SABSA = higher ceiling, security specialization.
Understanding the Fundamentals
What is TOGAF?
The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is the world's most widely adopted enterprise architecture framework. TOGAF 10 provides a comprehensive approach to designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise IT architecture.
Why TOGAF matters:
- Used by 73% of Fortune 500 companies
- 80% of enterprise architect job postings mention TOGAF
- Vendor-neutral — works across AWS, Azure, GCP, and on-prem
- The Architecture Development Method (ADM) is the industry standard
Learn more about TOGAF certification requirements from the official source.
What is SABSA?
Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture (SABSA) is a methodology for developing business-driven, risk-focused security architecture. While TOGAF addresses enterprise IT broadly, SABSA zeroes in on security governance and risk management.
Why SABSA matters:
- The only architecture framework built specifically for security
- Maps security controls directly to business requirements (traceability)
- Increasingly required for CISO and Security Architect roles
- Essential for Zero Trust architecture implementation
Explore SABSA professional training programs.
Real-World Scenarios: Who Should Get Which?
Let's look at three actual career scenarios:
Scenario 1: Mid-Level IT Professional Moving to Architecture
Profile: 5 years as a systems admin/developer, wants to become an enterprise architect. Recommendation: TOGAF
- No prerequisites — you can start immediately
- $760 total cost is manageable
- Opens doors to enterprise architect roles across all industries
- 12,000+ monthly job postings specifically mention TOGAF
Scenario 2: Security Engineer Looking to Level Up
Profile: 8 years in cybersecurity, holds CISSP, wants to become a security architect or CISO. Recommendation: SABSA
- Leverages existing security knowledge and CISSP domain expertise
- Higher salary ceiling ($105K–$185K range)
- Directly relevant to Zero Trust and cloud security architecture
- Pairs perfectly with CISSP for CISO-track positions
Scenario 3: Solution Architect Wanting Maximum Market Value
Profile: 10+ years experience, already has AWS/Azure certs, wants to differentiate. Recommendation: Both (TOGAF first, then SABSA)
- Dual-certified architects earn 25–35% more than single-cert peers
- Only ~2% of architects hold both — rare and highly sought after
- Covers both enterprise and security architecture hiring needs
- Total investment: ~$2,300 + 250 hours over 18 months
Career Impact: Salary Data Deep Dive
TOGAF Career Opportunities
Average Salary Range: $95,000–$165,000
| Role | Average Salary | TOGAF Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Architect | $155,000 | +18% vs non-certified |
| Solution Architect | $142,000 | +15% |
| IT Strategy Consultant | $135,000 | +12% |
| Architecture Manager | $165,000 | +20% |
| Digital Transformation Lead | $148,000 | +16% |
Industries with High Demand:
- Financial Services (32% of openings)
- Technology (28%)
- Government (18%)
- Healthcare (12%)
- Manufacturing (10%)
SABSA Career Opportunities
Average Salary Range: $105,000–$185,000
| Role | Average Salary | SABSA Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Security Architect | $172,000 | +22% vs non-certified |
| CISO/Deputy CISO | $185,000 | +15% |
| Cybersecurity Consultant | $155,000 | +18% |
| Risk Management Lead | $148,000 | +14% |
| Security Strategy Director | $178,000 | +20% |
Industries with High Demand:
- Financial Services (38% of openings)
- Defense/Government (25%)
- Technology (20%)
- Healthcare (10%)
- Energy (7%)
According to salary data from Indeed, enterprise architects with dual certifications command 25–35% higher salaries.
Exam Comparison: Side by Side
TOGAF 10 Certification
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | Part 1: 40 MCQs (60 min) + Part 2: 8 scenarios (90 min) |
| Total Cost | $760 (combined) |
| Pass Rate | ~65–70% |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Study Time | 80–120 hours |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Validity | Lifetime (no renewal) |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE (online or test center) |
Visit The Open Group training portal for official prep courses.
SABSA Certification
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | Foundation: 40 MCQs (40 min), Practitioner: 4 essays (3 hrs), Master: portfolio |
| Total Cost | $1,200–$2,500 (by level) |
| Pass Rate | ~55–60% |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Study Time | 120–200 hours |
| Prerequisites | Foundation for Practitioner; extensive experience for Master |
| Validity | Varies by level |
| Delivery | Accredited training providers |
How TOGAF and SABSA Work Together
Here's something most comparison articles miss: TOGAF and SABSA aren't competitors — they're complementary.
| TOGAF Handles | SABSA Handles | Together They Cover |
|---|---|---|
| IT architecture vision | Security architecture vision | Full enterprise + security strategy |
| ADM phases | Security lifecycle | End-to-end architecture lifecycle |
| Stakeholder management | Risk/threat analysis | Business-aligned, risk-aware architecture |
| Capability mapping | Security controls mapping | Traceable architecture with security built in |
| Technology standards | Security standards | Comprehensive governance framework |
In practice, organizations running TOGAF for EA often layer SABSA on top for security governance. If you hold both, you're the architect who can design the system AND secure it — a rare and valuable combination.
Certification Stacking: Building a High-Value Architecture Portfolio
The most in-demand architects in 2026 don't just hold one cert. Here are proven stacking strategies:
Stack 1: Enterprise Architecture Track
- TOGAF 10 → Foundation (start here)
- AWS Solutions Architect or Azure Solutions Architect → Cloud depth
- ITIL 4 Foundation → Service management alignment
- ArchiMate → Architecture modeling
Stack 2: Security Architecture Track
- CISSP → Security breadth (if not already held)
- SABSA Foundation → Security architecture methodology
- CCSP → Cloud security specialization
- SABSA Practitioner → Advanced security architecture
Stack 3: Maximum Value Track (18–24 months)
- TOGAF 10 (months 1–3)
- SABSA Foundation (months 4–6)
- Cloud cert of choice (months 7–9)
- SABSA Practitioner (months 12–18)
Expected salary with Stack 3: $160K–$200K+
2026 Market Trends
What's changed since 2025:
- AI Governance Architecture is emerging as a new specialization — SABSA-certified architects are first in line
- Zero Trust mandates from federal agencies are driving SABSA demand up 45% YoY
- TOGAF 10 adoption continues steady growth — now required at 73% of Fortune 500
- Dual-certified architects saw a 28% average salary increase
Growing Demand Areas:
- AI/ML Governance Architecture (SABSA advantage — risk frameworks)
- Cloud-Native Transformation (TOGAF advantage — ADM methodology)
- Zero Trust Implementation (SABSA advantage — security controls)
- Multi-Cloud Strategy (TOGAF advantage — vendor-neutral approach)
- Regulatory Compliance Architecture (Both essential — GDPR, DORA, NIS2)
Preparation Strategies
TOGAF 10 Study Plan (8 Weeks)
Weeks 1–2: Architecture Development Method (ADM) — the core of TOGAF Weeks 3–4: Enterprise Continuum, Reference Models & Tools Weeks 5–6: Architecture Governance & Compliance Weeks 7–8: Practice exams, scenario analysis, weak area review
Top Resources:
- Official TOGAF 10 Study Guide (The Open Group)
- CertStud TOGAF Practice Questions — 300+ questions
- CertStud TOGAF Practice Exams — Full-length mock exams
- Open Group online learning portal
SABSA Study Plan (12–16 Weeks)
Weeks 1–4: SABSA methodology foundations & security architecture principles Weeks 5–8: Business requirements engineering & risk assessment Weeks 9–12: Security services architecture & control frameworks Weeks 13–16: Portfolio development, essay practice, mock scenarios
Top Resources:
- SABSA Institute official training
- Enterprise Security Architecture (Sherwood et al.) textbook
- Security architecture case studies from SABSA Institute
- Professional mentorship through SABSA community
ROI Analysis: Which Pays Back Faster?
| Metric | TOGAF | SABSA | Both (Sequential) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | ~$1,500 | ~$3,000 | ~$4,500 |
| Study Hours | 100 | 160 | 260 |
| Avg Salary Increase | 15–25% | 25–35% | 35–50% |
| Payback Period | 3–6 months | 4–8 months | 6–12 months |
| Promotion Rate (18 mo) | 65% | 58% | 78% |
Based on a $120K base salary, even a 15% raise from TOGAF alone = $18K/year against a $1,500 investment. That's a 12x ROI in year one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SABSA harder than TOGAF?
Yes. SABSA has a lower pass rate (~55–60% vs TOGAF's ~65–70%) and requires essay-based answers at the Practitioner level. TOGAF is entirely multiple choice/scenario selection.
Can I get SABSA without security experience?
You can get SABSA Foundation without experience, but the Practitioner and Master levels require demonstrated security architecture experience. Most candidates have 5+ years in cybersecurity.
Is TOGAF still relevant in 2026?
Absolutely. TOGAF 10 was updated to address cloud, digital transformation, and agile architecture. It remains the de facto enterprise architecture standard globally.
Which has more job postings?
TOGAF by volume (~12,000+ monthly mentions in job postings). But SABSA postings are growing 45% year-over-year, and SABSA-specific roles tend to pay 10–15% more.
Do I need formal training for either?
TOGAF can be self-studied. SABSA Practitioner typically requires attending an accredited training course (5 days). Foundation can be self-studied.
Final Recommendations
If you're reading this article, here's what to do next:
- Decide your primary focus: Enterprise IT or Security Architecture?
- Check your local job market: Search "TOGAF" and "SABSA" on LinkedIn/Indeed in your city
- Start with the lower barrier: If unsure, TOGAF is the safer first choice
- Plan the stack: The real power move is getting both within 18 months
- Practice with real exams: Use our free TOGAF practice questions to gauge your readiness
Both TOGAF and SABSA are excellent investments. The best choice depends on where you are today and where you want to be in 2–3 years.
Ready to start? Try our TOGAF practice exams or explore cybersecurity certification guides for the security track.
