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iSAQB® CPSA: Certified Professional for Software Architecture

  • 21 Trainings
  • 3 Providers

iSAQB® provides a structured certification path for software architects through the Certified Professional for Software Architecture program: CPSA-F (Foundation Level), CPSA-A (Advanced Level), and CPSA-E (Expert Level). The program covers architecture principles, documentation, evaluation, communication, and practical decision-making.

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iSAQB® Course Catalogue

21 courses

iSAQB® CPSA-A

20 courses

(Advanced Level)

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Level StructureCertificationFAQs

iSAQB® (International Software Architecture Qualification Board)

1

iSAQB® CPSA-F(Foundation Level)

iSAQB® CPSA-F (Foundation Level)

The iSAQB® CPSA-F Foundation Level covers core knowledge for designing, documenting, communicating, and assessing software architectures for small and medium-sized systems. Based on curriculum version 2025.1, valid from April 1, 2025, it focuses on six areas: basic concepts, stakeholder requirements and constraints, architecture design and development, communication and documentation, analysis and assessment, and architecture examples. It also introduces topics such as C4, SysML, and data models. This level targets developers, technical leads, and aspiring software architects with practical software development experience.

CPSA-F® is the Foundation Level of the iSAQB® Certified Professional for Software Architecture program. Since April 1, 2025, accredited Foundation Level training is based on curriculum version 2025.1. The curriculum organizes core software architecture knowledge around the main activities of architects, including:

  • Basics of software architecture, including key concepts, responsibilities, and the role of software architects

  • Description and communication of software architectures, including views, documentation, and stakeholder communication

  • Design and development of software architecture, including architectural decisions for software systems

  • Architecture and quality, including quality requirements, analysis, and assessment

  • Tools for software architects, including practical support for architecture work

  • Examples of software architectures used to connect concepts with practice

2

iSAQB® CPSA-A (Advanced Level)

iSAQB® CPSA-A (Advanced Level)

The iSAQB® CPSA Advanced Level (CPSA-A®) is the next step after the CPSA Foundation Level. It uses a modular program where candidates earn credit points through Advanced Level module trainings across three competence areas: methodology, technology, and communication. It targets experienced software architecture professionals and expects strong practical experience, since it requires candidates to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and skills. To register for the CPSA-A® exam, you need at least 70 credit points, with at least 10 in each competence area.

The Advanced Level goes deeper and is modular. iSAQB describes three competence areas and “flexible pathways” through the program, so people can focus on what fits their work. The Advanced Level also requires that you already have the Foundation Level.

3

iSAQB® CPSA-ECertified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA)® Expert Level

The Certified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA)® Expert Level, or CPSA-E, is the highest qualification level awarded by iSAQB®. It targets highly experienced software architects with strong CPSA knowledge, substantial practice in complex architecture work, and a defined area of expertise. Unlike the Foundation Level, which covers core concepts, and the Advanced Level, which deepens method, technology, and communication skills, CPSA-E focuses on expert practice, topic group work, professional contribution, and evidence of leadership in software architecture.

CPSA-E is the Expert Level of the iSAQB Certified Professional for Software Architecture program. It is aimed at senior software architects who can prove deep practice, a defined area of expertise, and active contribution to software architecture knowledge. Candidates are expected to show at least seven years of professional experience as software architects in complex projects, including work across systems, domains, or organizational boundaries.

  • Expertise and specialization: candidates document practical knowledge in areas such as Domain-Driven Design, Cloud Architecture, Architecture Evaluation, Documentation, or Modernization.

  • Community contribution: evidence may include mentoring, training, team leadership, open-source work, publications, or presentations.

  • Topic working group: certification requires active and successful participation in an iSAQB topic group, including recorded work, at least 40 hours of contribution, and participation in different activity types such as research, creating results, presentations, or articles.

  • Communication: candidates must be able to explain complex architecture topics clearly and understandably.

Certification

iSAQB® Certification

The iSAQB® Certified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA®) certification validates knowledge and practice in software architecture. The entry point is CPSA-F, Foundation Level, which covers architecture tasks, requirements, design, documentation, quality, evaluation, and tools. iSAQB defines the standards, while independent certification bodies conduct exams and issue certificates.

CPSA-A, Advanced Level, builds on CPSA-F. Candidates generally need three years of professional IT experience, work on at least two IT systems, 70 credit points from iSAQB-approved Advanced modules, and at least 10 points in each competence area. The exam includes a written architecture assignment and an interview. CPSA-E, Expert Level, is iSAQB’s highest level for highly experienced architects, including at least seven years of architecture practice, a defined area of expertise, community contribution, and active work in an Expert Level topic group. CPSA certificates are valid for life. Check the official iSAQB certification information and CPSA-E criteria for full details.

FAQs