OGA-031 The Open Group ArchiMate 3 Part 1 Examination Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

Based on the ArchiMate 3 documents or objectives, the generic metamodel defines two main types of elements: structure and behavior. Structure elements represent the structural concepts that model the static construction or composition of concepts of the same or different types. Behavior elements represent units of activity performed by one or more active structure elements.

References: ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification, Chapter 4 Generic Metamodel, Section 4.1 Behavior and Structure Elements 1; ArchiMate® 3.0.1 Specification - The Open Group 2.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

This diagram represents avalue stream, which is a key concept inArchiMate 3.2. Avalue streamdescribes howvalue is created and deliveredacross a sequence of activities. It is used to represent high-levelbusiness activities that contribute to the value creationfor a stakeholder or customer.

TheAcquire Insurance Productat the top level represents anend-to-endflow.

Thesub-elements(Develop Products, Market and Sell Products, Manage Policies and Claims, and Serve Customers) depicthow value is progressively builtthrough different stages.

Thedashed arrowsindicate a flow of value from one stage to the next, typical in value streams.

Analysis of Answer Choices:

✅A. A set of processes for acquiring insurance products→❌Incorrect.

Processes are typically lower-level activitiesdepicted using process modeling, such as BPMN or a process flow diagram.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 6.3.2, differentiatesbusiness processesfromvalue streams.

✅B. A sequence of capabilities for acquiring insurance products→❌Incorrect.

Capabilities represent the organization’s abilitiesrather than sequential activities.

InArchiMate, capabilities are morestatic, focusing on what the organization can do, rather thanhow value is delivered over time.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 7.3, explains the distinction betweencapabilities and value streams.

✅C. A value stream for acquiring insurance products→✅Correct Answer

A value stream represents a series of high-level activities that create valuefor a customer or stakeholder.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 8.2.4, definesvalue streamsas sequences thatdeliver value incrementally.

Thisexact pattern(top-level action decomposed into astructured sequence of stages) is avalue stream.

✅D. A decomposition of the course of action for acquiring insurance products→❌Incorrect.

Course of actionis a concept inStrategy Layerof ArchiMate, referring to guidelines, policies, or directions rather than aflow of activities.

This isnot a strategic breakdown, but rather a flow ofvalue creation.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 7.5, states thatcourse of action is different from a structured value creation sequence.

Final Answer:✅C. A value stream for acquiring insurance products.

References:

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification: Sections 6.3.2 (Business Process), 7.3 (Capabilities), 8.2.4 (Value Streams), and 7.5 (Course of Action).

Archi User Guide: Value Stream modeling and decomposition principles.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:TheActive Structureaspect of theArchiMate Core Frameworkrepresents elements thatperform behavior, such asbusiness roles(e.g., employees, partners) andsystem software(e.g., databases, middleware).

Active structure elements areresponsible for actionsin an enterprise. TheArchiMate 3.2 Specificationstates thatbusiness roles and system software are part of the Active Structure aspect.

References:

Archi User Guide​

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification

Based on the ArchiMate 3 documents or objectives, a communication network represents a set of structures that connects devices or system software for transmission, routing, and reception of data. A path models the relation between two or more technology internal active structure elements, through which these can exchange information. The diagram uses a flow relationship to indicate that data flows from server B to communication network E, then through path F to communication network I. The notation for a flow relationship is a dashed line with an open arrowhead at the end that points to the direction of the flow.

References: ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification, Chapter 11 Technology Layer, Section 11.2 Active Structure Elements 1; ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification, Chapter 5 Relationships, Section 5.4 Dynamic Relationships 1; ArchiMate communication network 2.

The diagram uses the ArchiMate notation for physical elements, which are used to model physical concepts like machines, physical installations, materials, and distribution networks. A is an equipment element, which represents a physical machine, tool, or instrument that can create, use, store, move, or transform materials. B is a material element, which represents tangible physical matter or energy. C is a distribution network element, which represents a physical network used to transport materials or energy.

References: ArchiMate Physical elements1; ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification, Chapter 9: Physical Elements2; Introduction to ArchiMate 3.0 (Part 4 Physical Elements)3.

According to the ArchiMate 3.2 Specification1, a business event is a behavior element that denotes an organizational state change. It may originate from and be resolved inside or outside the organization. A business event accesses a passive structure element that represents an entity relevant from a business perspective, such as a business object, a contract, or a product. A business passive structure element is denoted by a rectangular shape with square corners. The access relationship is denoted by a line with an open arrowhead.

The diagram below shows a business event named Order Received that accesses a business passive structure element named Order. The access relationship indicates that the event reads or writes the order.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ThisArchiMate Implementation & Migration Layer diagramrepresentsan architecture evolution model, specifically showingtwo plateaus (X and Y) with a Gap (Z) in between them.

Plateausin ArchiMate representstates of an enterprise architectureat different points in time.

Gapsrepresentthe difference or missing elements between two architectural states, indicating what needs to change.

Thecircle with lines (Z) represents a Gap, which identifies what is missing or needs to be addressed when transitioning from Plateau X to Plateau Y.

Analysis of Answer Choices:

✅A. Two plateaus (X and Y) with a transition architecture (Z).→❌Incorrect

A transition architecture is different from a gap.

ATransition Architecture provides an intermediate step between two plateaus, whereasthis diagram is identifying a Gapbetween them.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 7.4.3, definesGaps as structural differences, not transition states.

✅B. A gap (Z) associated with two plateaus (X and Y).→✅Correct Answer

The circle with lines (Z) is the correct representation of a Gap in ArchiMate.

Plateau X represents the "Before" state, andPlateau Y represents the "Target" state.

Z (Gap) represents what is missing or what must be addressed to move from X to Y.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 7.4.3, states thatGaps are used in architecture migration to analyze missing capabilities or elements.

✅C. A deliverable (Z) exchanged between two projects (X and Y).→❌Incorrect

A deliverable is typically represented as a document or artifactin ArchiMate, not as a Gap.

Z represents a missing element between states, not an exchanged deliverable.

✅D. Two nodes (X and Y) connected by a communication path (Z).→❌Incorrect

Nodes and Communication Paths belong to the Technology Layer, but this diagram represents theImplementation & Migration Layer.

X and Y are plateaus, not technology nodes.

Final Answer:✅B. A gap (Z) associated with two plateaus (X and Y).

References:

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification: Sections 7.4.1 (Plateau) and 7.4.3 (Gap).

Archi User Guide: Modeling architecture migration using Gaps and Plateaus.

According to the ArchiMate 3.2 Specification1, a driver represents an external or internal condition that motivates an organization to define its goals and implement the changes necessary to achieve them. Drivers that are associated with a stakeholder are often called “concerns” of that stakeholder. A stakeholder represents the role of an individual, team, or organization (or classes thereof) that represents their interests in the outcome of the architecture. A motivation element is an element that represents the reasons for designing and implementing an architecture, such as stakeholders, drivers, goals, principles, requirements, or value. A motivation element is denoted by a hexagonal shape.

The diagram below shows a motivation element (driver) named Market Share that influences a stakeholder named CMO. The influence relationship is denoted by a dashed line with an open arrowhead.

The influence relationship means that the driver affects the stakeholder’s interests or concerns. Therefore, the best interpretation of the diagram is that the CMO is motivated by the driver Market Share.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:TheArchiMate Core Frameworkcategorizes elements into three primary types:

Active Structure Elements– Represent entities that perform behavior (e.g., business actors, applications).

Behavior Elements– Represent functions, processes, or services.

Passive Structure Elements– Represent objects or information (e.g., data objects, artifacts).

TheArchiMate 3.2 Specificationexplicitly defines thesethree primary element types.

References:

Archi User Guide​

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ThisArchiMate Technology Layer diagramrepresents aserver configuration, where:

E250is modeled as aTechnology Node(a physical or virtual server).

Y2000 and XSeriesare contained withinE250, indicating that they aresoftware components running on this node.

Therelationship suggests that Y2000 is middleware and XSeries is an operating system.

InArchiMate 3.2, aTechnology Noderepresents acomputing platform that hosts software elements like applications, middleware, and operating systems.

Analysis of Answer Choices:

✅A. The E250 is an assembly of Y2000 processing units and XSeries high-speed memory.→❌Incorrect

E250 is a Technology Node (server), not just hardware components.

Y2000 and XSeries are software components, not processing units or memory modules.

✅B. The E250 node is running internally-developed Y2000 software for enterprise risk analysis and is fitted with an XSeries custom disk array.→❌Incorrect

There is no indication that XSeries is a disk array; rather, it appears to be software.

The diagram shows Y2000 and XSeries as software components inside E250, not as hardware attachments.

✅C. The E250 device is fitted with the Y2000 software application and the XSeries communication middleware.→❌Incorrect

Middleware typically supports application integration, while operating systems manage hardware resources.

The diagram suggests that XSeries functions as an OS, not middleware.

✅D. The E250 node is running Y2000 middleware and the XSeries operating system.→✅Correct Answer

This matches typical server configurations where a middleware application runs on top of an operating system.

Y2000 (middleware) handles enterprise risk analysis functions, while XSeries (operating system) manages the E250 server.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 6.6.5, defines Middleware as software that facilitates integration between applications and the underlying OS.

Final Answer:✅D. The E250 node is running Y2000 middleware and the XSeries operating system.

References:

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification: Sections 6.6.1 (Technology Nodes), 6.6.5 (Middleware), and 6.6.6 (Operating Systems).

Archi User Guide: Modeling technology infrastructure and server configurations.

Based on the ArchiMate 3 documents or objectives, the top-level language structure of the ArchiMate concepts defines four types of elements: Behavior, Composite, Motivation, and Structure. Behavior elements represent units of activity performed by one or more active structure elements. Composite elements represent collections of other concepts that belong together based on some criteria. Motivation elements represent the reasons for designing and implementing an architecture. Structure elements represent structural concepts that model the static construction or composition of concepts of the same or different types.

References: ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification, Chapter 3 Language Structure, Section 3.2 Top-Level Language Structure 1; ArchiMate - Wikipedia 2.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:AnInterfacein ArchiMate representsan access point through which elements interact with services. It can be aBusiness Interface, Application Interface, or Technology Interface.

Interfaces serve as aboundarybetween internal and external systems, allowing controlled interactions. TheArchiMate 3.2 Specificationexplicitly states thatinterfaces expose services to the environment.

References:

Archi User Guide​

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification

Based on the ArchiMate 3 documents or objectives, the diagram uses a composition relationship to indicate that the financial processing function consists of three sub-functions A, B, and C. A composition relationship is a type of structural relationship that represents a whole-part hierarchy between elements. The notation for a composition relationship is a solid line with a filled diamond at the end that points to the whole element.

References: ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification, Chapter 4 Generic Metamodel, Section 4.1 Behavior and Structure Elements, Subsection 4.1.2 Structural Relationships 1.

According to the Technology Layer metamodel, a communication network is a physical communication medium between two or more devices or other networks. A communication network realizes a path, which is a relation between two or more nodes through which they can exchange information.

References: Technology Layer in ArchiMate Part 1 - Metamodel1; ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification, Chapter 10: Technology Layer2.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

TheChief Marketing Officer (CMO)in this diagram is depicted as astakeholder, as it representsan individual or a group with concerns about market share.

InArchiMate 3.2, astakeholderis an entity thathas an interest in the outcomes of enterprise architecture, business processes, or strategic goals. TheMarket Shareconcept represents abusiness driver or key metric, which directly aligns withstakeholder concernsin an organization.

Analysis of Answer Choices:

✅A. Business Actor→❌Incorrect.

ABusiness Actorrepresents anorganizational entity that performs behavior(e.g., a company, department, or system).

TheCMO is an individual with a concern (Market Share), not a system or department performing business processes.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 6.2.1, states that aBusiness Actor is an operational entity rather than a strategic role or stakeholder.

✅B. Role→❌Incorrect.

ARolerepresents aresponsibility or job function assigned to actors, but thediagram does not depict responsibilities or assigned functions.

Arole is usually linked to a business actor, while theCMO in this context is linked to a business concern (Market Share).

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 6.3.1, states thatroles are used to define responsibilities, whereas stakeholders are used to define concerns.

✅C. Stakeholder→✅Correct Answer

TheCMO represents a strategic position with concerns about business performance, making it aStakeholderin ArchiMate.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 6.2.1, definesStakeholder as an entity concerned with outcomes and business goals, exactly fitting the context of this diagram.

✅D. Actor→❌Incorrect.

AnActorin ArchiMate is used to defineentities performing business behaviors(such as a department or a system).

TheCMO is not performing an explicit business function but rather has concerns about market performance.

Final Answer:✅C. Stakeholder

References:

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification: Sections 6.2.1 (Stakeholder), 6.3.1 (Role), and 6.2.1 (Business Actor).

Archi User Guide: Defining stakeholders and their concerns in Enterprise Architecture.

According to the ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification1, external active structure elements are also called interfaces. An interface represents a point of access where one or more services are offered by an active structure element to its environment1. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Interfaces.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ThisArchiMate Technology Layer diagramrepresents asoftware application architecturewhere different application components interact with data objects.

"Online Claims" is an application component that interacts with "Loss Claim".

"Loss Claim" is another application component, likely acting as a back-end systemthat processes claims.

"Customer Record" is a data object that "Loss Claim" accessesto retrieve or store customer-related information.

TheOnline Claims system does not directly access the Customer Record, but insteadrelies on the Loss Claim system to fetch the required data.

Analysis of Answer Choices:

✅A. The Loss Claim application serves the Online Claims department and accesses a data object called Customer Record.→❌Incorrect

There is no indication that "Online Claims" represents a department; it is an application component.

Thediagram focuses on software components, not organizational units.

✅B. The Online Claims application uses a back-end module called Loss Claim to access a data object called Customer Record.→✅Correct Answer

The Online Claims system depends on the Loss Claim system, which in turn accesses the Customer Record.

Thismatches the typical structure of a front-end application relying on a back-end module.

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification, Section 7.3, states thatapplication components can interact hierarchically, where a front-end application calls a back-end service to process data.

✅C. The Loss Claim application realizes the Online Claims service and accesses a Customer Record data object.→❌Incorrect

"Realization" means the Loss Claim application would be implementing a service provided by Online Claims.

In the diagram,Online Claims and Loss Claim are separate application components, andLoss Claim is not a realization of an Online Claims service.

✅D. The Customer Record application uses Loss Claim middleware to present the Online Claims user interface.→❌Incorrect

The Customer Record is a data object, not an application.

Loss Claim is not middleware; it is a back-end application component.

Thediagram does not indicate that Loss Claim is responsible for presenting a user interface.

Final Answer:✅B. The Online Claims application uses a back-end module called Loss Claim to access a data object called Customer Record.

References:

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification: Sections 7.3 (Application Components), 7.5 (Data Objects), and 7.6 (Application Services).

Archi User Guide: Modeling front-end and back-end application interactions.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:AnApplication Interfacein ArchiMate represents apoint of accesswhere anApplication Serviceisexposed to users or other applications.

Application Interfaces define howusers or other software components interactwith anApplication Service. This is clearly defined in theArchiMate 3.2 Specification, which states that anApplication Interface provides access to an Application Service.

References:

Archi User Guide​

ArchiMate 3.2 Specification

According to the ArchiMate® 3.2 Specification1, a principle defines a general property that applies to any system in a certain context. A principle is a normative property of all systems in a given context that expresses a fundamental value or property1. Therefore, the correct answer is A. A principle.