ABOUT THE iSAQB®
The Association
The International Software Architecture Qualification Board (iSAQB®) brings together professional software architecture experts from industry, consulting, training, academia, and other organizations.
About the iSAQB®
The iSAQB® promotes international standards in software architecture
The International Software Architecture Qualification Board (iSAQB) is an association comprised of leading industry experts, consulting firms, and educational thought leaders. As a non-profit organization, the iSAQB develops technological standards and certifications in the field of software architecture. The main goal of the iSAQB is the standardization and continuous improvement and growth of the knowledge of software architects on a global scale.
CPSA® – Internationally recognized education and training program
of the iSAQB®
As holder of the international certification system Certified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA®), the iSAQB itself does not conduct any training courses or examinations. It does, however, establish training and examination regulations, accredits training organizations as well as independent certification bodies and defines the necessary processes.
The iSAQB follows the DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024 standard and therefore does not perform CPSA® certifications itself. The responsibility for this lies solely with the licensed certification partners that conduct and evaluate tests as well as the issuing of certificates for successful participants. This ensures that all CPSA® certifications are always performed neutrally and independently.
The CPSA® program is aimed at everyone who works on solution structures in IT projects: primarily software architects, developers, and quality assurance specialists, but also systems analysts who want to communicate better with their developers.
The iSAQB® in Numbers
Ever since the iSAQB was founded, more than 20,000 CPSA® certified professionals worldwide have successfully completed at least one of the two CPSA® levels – the Foundation Level (CPSA‑F®) and the Advanced Level (CPSA‑A®). An Expert Level (CPSA‑E®) will soon be added as a further and highest certification level. Over 150 members and member companies are part of the iSAQB. They promote the work of the board or actively participate in the working groups of the association.
Past & Present
History of the iSAQB®
The predecessor organization of the iSAQB was founded in 2001 as the German Software Architecture Board. The first CPSA® training took place the following year. In 2008 the organization was renamed, and thus the International Software Architecture Qualification Board e. V. (iSAQB e. V.) was founded. In the meantime, the iSAQB has developed into a globally recognized expert association for the personal certification of software architecture professionals.
Organization of the iSAQB®
The iSAQB e. V. is the central organization and origin of the iSAQB. The association’s area of responsibility lies primarily in the definition and maintenance of the examination regulations as well as the new and further development of the content of all CPSA® curricula. The strategic direction of the entire certification and training program is determined primarily by the Strategy Council.
The iSAQB GmbH was founded in 2018 as operating company of the iSAQB e. V. It is a reliable service partner for all CPSA® certified and interested parties, training providers, certification bodies, universities, and cooperating organizations. The tasks of the iSAQB GmbH include a large part of the economic and administrative activities as well as marketing activities of the iSAQB. Like the association, the GmbH also works without the intention of making a profit. The management of the GmbH reports to the advisory board of the association.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you become a member of the iSAQB?
You can apply for membership or sponsorship at any time (a corresponding form is available here). As an active member, you should spend approximately ten days a year working for the iSAQB — in one or more working groups of your choice. Preference will be given to new members who have experience in training software architects.
Who are the people behind the association, and what are its aims?
The association was founded in 2008 by about 20 volunteers, and is a non-profit organization. The iSAQB e. V. brings together various software architecture experts. Its members include professionals from industry, consulting, training, academia, and other organizations or associations.
A list of current active members can be found online here.
The purpose of the association is to standardize the training of software architects internationally.
Downloads
Application for iSAQB e. V. Associate Membership
Industry Excellence
All CPSA® training courses are conducted by iSAQB® Accredited Trainers and Training Providers. Profit from these excellent iSAQB partners!
