Free PC-ESA sample questions

Correct answer: Level 2: Container diagram

In the C4 model, the Level 2 Container diagram shows the high-level shape of the software architecture and how responsibilities are distributed across it. A 'container' in this context is a separately deployable unit (like a web application, database, or microservice) that executes code or stores data. This provides the exact level of detail needed for engineers to understand inter-service communication without diving into Level 3 (Components/internal modules) or Level 4 (Code/classes).

Correct answer: Zachman is an ontology and description framework used to classify architecture artifacts, while TOGAF provides the Architecture Development Method (ADM) which is a process framework.

The Zachman Framework is an ontology or 'description framework' that uses a 6x6 matrix (What, How, Where, Who, When, Why across different stakeholder perspectives) to classify architecture artifacts. It does not tell you how to build an architecture. TOGAF, conversely, is primarily a 'process framework' centered around the Architecture Development Method (ADM), which provides a step-by-step approach to developing enterprise architecture. flowchart LR Z[Zachman] -->|Provides| O[Ontology/Classification] T[TOGAF] -->|Provides| P[ADM Process Method]

Correct answers: Applications Architecture; Data Architecture

The eight architecture domains defined in the BCS syllabus are: Enterprise Architecture, Business Architecture, Applications Architecture, Solution Architecture, Software Architecture, Infrastructure Architecture, Data Architecture, and Security Architecture. Applications Architecture and Data Architecture are two of these core domains. 'Testing Architecture' and 'Operations Architecture' are not classified as distinct core domains in this specific eight-domain taxonomy.

The eight architecture domains defined in the BCS syllabus are: Enterprise Architecture, Business Architecture, Applications Architecture, Solution Architecture, Software Architecture, Infrastructure Architecture, Data Architecture, and Security Architecture. Applications Architecture and Data Architecture are two of these core domains. 'Testing Architecture' and 'Operations Architecture' are not classified as distinct core domains in this specific eight-domain taxonomy.

Correct answer: True

This is True. A key learning objective in the BCS syllabus is recognizing the limits of analogies between human activity systems and software systems. Software systems (technical systems) are deterministic and rule-bound, whereas human activity systems (businesses, teams) involve complex, non-deterministic behaviors driven by human factors, culture, and politics. Over-extending system analogies leads to treating architecture as purely technical and failing in business transformation.