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 of leading experts from industry, consulting firms, and science. 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 to standardize and continuously improve the education and training of software architects internationally.
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. This responsibility lies solely with the licensed certification partners who conduct and evaluate exams and issue certificates. 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 140 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 creation of curricula and examination regulations as well as in the further development of the CPSA® in terms of content. The strategic orientation of the CPSA® is determined both by the iSAQB Council and by working groups of the association.
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 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 online here). As an active member, you should spend approximately ten days a year working for for the iSAQB — within 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 organisation. The iSAQB e.V. brings together various software architecture experts. Its members include professionals from industry, consulting, training, academia and other organisations or associations.
A list of current active members can be found online here.
The purpose of the association is to standardise 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!
