The iSAQB CPSA® Foundation Level: Building a Strong Foundation in Software Architecture

In this interview, Dr. Gernot Starke – founding member of iSAQB and lead of the CPSA-Foundation Level Working Group – explains the philosophy, structure, and real-world value of the iSAQB CPSA-Foundation Level training. He highlights how the curriculum evolves with practical needs, why iSAQB’s community-driven and technology-neutral approach matters, and how the training equips partic­i­pants to handle complexity, stake­holder commu­ni­cation, and day-to-day architectural challenges.

Gernot also empha­sizes that strong commu­ni­cation and decision-making skills are just as important as technical knowledge. The Foundation Level helps partic­i­pants bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice, enabling them to confi­dently present technical solutions to management and build a solid basis for their career in software architecture.

Key Takeaways

• Contin­u­ously updated curriculum – The CPSA-Foundation Level evolves every two years to reflect real-world architectural challenges.
• Open and community-driven – The curriculum is publicly developed on GitHub and shaped by experts from diverse domains.
• Technology-neutral and vendor-independent – iSAQB enables unbiased decision-making and broad architectural thinking.
• Strong focus on commu­ni­cation – Partic­i­pants learn how to explain and justify architectural decisions to business and management stakeholders.
• Practice-oriented learning – The training combines theory, method­ology, and hands-on exercises to prepare archi­tects for real-world complexity.
• A solid profes­sional foundation – Ideal for devel­opers and IT profes­sionals who want to strengthen their architectural mindset and grow into greater responsibility.

This interview is a must-watch for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in software architecture and under­stand how independent, practice-oriented education can strengthen both technical expertise and commu­ni­cation skills.