Architect roles are broad, and the enterprise or solution architect must be a generalist. No syllabus, training course or examination can be enough to make an architect. The role requires extensive experience on a variety of projects spanning the spectrum from business concerns to information technologies.

The primary aims of the BCS examinations and associated training are to give enterprise and solution architects a broad framework that covers the range of architecture work that precedes and steers system development, and to focus attention on areas where the architect is responsible for effective design and risk management.

A secondary aim is to provide architects with generally applicable knowledge and training. General here means independent of any specific architecture framework (Gartner, TOGAF, etc.). This enables Accredited Training Organisations to teach general knowledge and skills, rather than
framework-specific terms, concepts, structures and processes.