ABOUT THE iSAQB®

The Association

ABOUT THE iSAQB®

The Association

The iSAQB® Promotes International Standards in Software Architecture

The iSAQB is more than just an organization ‒ it represents a unique association of leading experts from various sectors such as industry, consulting, education, academia, and other organizations. As an association, we have set ourselves the goal of promoting the discipline of softwarearchitecture and supporting professionals on their way to becoming excellent software architects.

Our association is based on the fundamental principles of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and continuous development. The members of the iSAQB contribute their individual perspectives and expertise to create a diverse and dynamic network. This diversity is not only our strength but also the key to innovative solutions and best practices in the field of software architecture.

As an association, the iSAQB takes a non-profit approach and is committed to the development and maintenance of the renowned Certified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA) certification scheme. Through our joint efforts, we contribute to the creation of internationally recognized qualifications that demonstrate in-depth knowledge and valuable skills in the field of software architecture.

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 all those who work on solution structures in IT projects: primarily software architects, developers, and quality assurance specialists, but also systems analysts who would like to improve the communication with their developers.

The iSAQB® in Numbers

founded in 2001 as the German Software Architecture Board

more than 50,000 CPSA-Certified Professionals

over 190 Members & Member Companies

Ever since the iSAQB was founded, more than 50,000 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). Over 190 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 an 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.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Why become a finan­cially supporting (sponsoring) member of the iSAQB?

We take care of the development and administration of standard curricula for software architects (CPSA Certified Professional for Software Architecture®). This includes the definition of exams for certification based on the CPSA curricula as well as guaranteeing the professional quality of further training for software architects. The iSAQB e. V. (registered non-profit association) itself does not provide trainings or exams, but determines examination rules and regulations, grants licenses to training course providers and certification bodies, and defines and supervises the necessary processes. All activities of the iSAQB e. V. are based on voluntary work – the active members do not receive any earnings or fees for their contribution.

As financially supporting member you become part of a broad network of experienced software architects. You benefit from the know-how of the members, who are often also training course providers. Make new contacts with industry experts and maybe even find new employees over the network.

Financially supporting members are presented on the iSAQB website. You can be presented with your company’s logo there, and show your membership of our well-respected association!

Financially supporting members are allowed to dispatch a member, who can contribute to the association’s working groups. Thus, own demands on the curricula can be introduced.

Which different types of membership are there at the iSAQB?

All iSAQB members work on a voluntary basis. There are different types of membership at the International Software Architecture Qualification Board:

Active Board Members

Active members are elected by the general meeting and have a right to vote on all important decisions within the association. An active member can be an individual or a representative of a sponsoring company. In order to receive the status of an active member, one has to have worked actively and productively in one or more iSAQB working groups for a longer period of time.

Supporting Board Members

Supporting members are usually individuals. They can have the status of an active or passive member. Supporting members do not pay a membership fee.

Sponsoring Board Members

Sponsoring members are usually companies that wish to support the iSAQB and its goals with their membership fees. These can be training providers, but also end users or software development and consulting companies.

How can you become a member of the iSAQB?

You can apply for membership or sponsorship at any time (a corresponding application 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.

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Downloads

General Info Brochure

Info brochure with general information on the iSAQB and CPSA certifications.

Articles of Association

Articles of Association of the International Software Architecture Qualification Board (iSAQB) e. V. with details concerning name, registered seat, purpose, bodies, board, working groups, and information on membership.

Application for iSAQB e. V. Supporting Membership

With this document, you can apply for an iSAQB e. V. supporting membership.

Application for iSAQB e. V. Personal Membership

With this document, you can apply for an iSAQB e. V. personal membership.

Academic Partner Program Info Brochure

Info brochure with general information about the iSAQB Academic Partner Program.

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