CPSA®-Advanced Level

iSAQB^® Advanced Training in Software Architecture

As a follow-on to the Foundation Level, the CPSA-Advanced Level (CPSA‑A) is the next logical step in qualifying software architecture professionals. Developed according to the iSAQB’s specification, this training scheme follows a modular structure and requires successful participants to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and skills.

The CPSA^®-Advanced Level Program

The Advanced Level training program deepens the knowledge in the competence areas of methodology, technology, and communication. In various training courses for the Advanced Level modules, the necessary credit points for the Certified Professional for Software Architecture-Advanced Level (CPSA‑A) exam can be collected. Certification at the Advanced Level requires prior completion of the Foundation Level.

Training Objectives

A CPSA‑A certification requires a great deal of time and effort, and places high demands on the expertise and experience of candidates. Software architects who have earned CPSA‑A certification are able to:

design medium-sized to large IT systems independently and in a methodologically sound manner,
assume technical and content-related responsibility within IT systems of medium to high criticality,
plan, design and document appropriate measures to meet non-functional requirements,
accompany development teams in the process of implementing these measures, and
manage and direct architecture-related communication processes within medium-sized to large development teams.

Two colleagues discussing work at a desktop computer.

The Three Areas of Competence at Advanced Level

COMPETENCE IN

Methodology

iSAQB-accredited organizations, trainings and trainers enjoy an excellent reputation. Become a part of the growing international iSAQB community and benefit from the ever-increasing demand for CPSA training.

COMPETENCE IN

Technology

Knowledge and implementation of technology solutions used in design tasks.

COMPETENCE IN

Communication

Communication, presentation, argumentation and moderation skills as well as the ability to cooperate productively with different stakeholders.

Participants receive a defined number of credit points for successful participation in an Advanced Level training course. Participants who wish to register for the CPSA‑A examination will need at least 70 credit points in total. All three areas of competence must be covered with at least 10 credit points each. A maximum of 30 credit points is granted for a training for one module, even if it takes longer than 3 days in some cases.

Overview of the Advanced Level Modules

Acronym	Module	Credit Points
		technological	methodical	communicative
ADOC	Architecture Documentation	0	20	0
AGENTA	Architecture for Agentic Software Engineering Contexts	10	20	0
AGILA	Agile Software Architecture	0	20	10
API	Application Programming Interfaces	10	10	0
ARCEVAL	Architecture Evaluation	0	20	0
CLOUDINFRA	Infrastructure, Container, and Cloud Native	20	10	0
COSMO	Collaborative Software Modelling	0	10	20
DDD	Domain-Driven Design	0	20	10
DSL	Domain-Specific Languages	10	20	0
EAM	Enterprise Architecture Management	0	30	0
EMBEDDED	Embedded Systems	20	10	0
EMBEDDEDSEC	Embedded Security for Architects	10	20	0
FLEX	Flexible Architecture Models	20	10	0
FM	Formal Methods	20	10	0
FUNAR	Functional Software Architecture	20	10	0
GREEN	Green Software – Development of Resource-Efficient Applications	10	10	0
IMPROVE	Evolution and Improvement of Software Architectures	10	20	0
REQ4ARC	Requirements for Software Architects	0	20	10
SOFT	Soft Skills for Architects	0	0	30
SWARC4AI	Software Architecture for AI Systems	20	10	0
WEB	Web Architecture	30	0	0
WEBSEC	Web Security	20	10	0

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iSAQB responsible for the quality of its training providers’ CPSA trainings?

The iSAQB operates an elaborate quality assurance system with regard to its training providers, CPSA trainings, and trainers. Our aim is to ensure a consistently high training standard for all CPSA training courses worldwide. However, despite extensive accreditation processes, the iSAQB assumes no liability for the quality of trainings provided by its accredited training partners. Furthermore, the iSAQB assumes no liability for the results of CPSA examinations.

How is CPSA program different from TOGAF certification?

Alongside the TOGAF training, the CPSA program rates highly in companies internationally. Compared to the TOGAF training, the CPSA program generally places more emphasis on the practical implementation of IT systems.

I have lost my certificate. Can it be reissued?

If your certificate has been lost, you can contact the certification body that took your exam or the iSAQB. Generally, you can request a copy of your certificate within 10 years after the date of the exam.

Is it possible to attend Advanced Level training courses without an existing CPSA Foundation Level certification and earn credit points for it?

Software architects who do not yet have a Foundation Level certification can also participate in the Advanced Level training courses. Successful participation in the Advanced Level courses earns credit points, which are required for a possible Advanced Level exam. However, a prerequisite for applying for an Advanced Level exam is always a successfully passed Foundation Level exam.

May I call myself “Software Architect” after passing the exam?

The CPSA certification is not a vocational qualification, but a proof of knowledge in the field of software architecture. The iSAQB is not entitled to award vocational qualifications, so we propose you call yourself “Certified Professional for Software Architecture by iSAQB” after passing the exam.
In Germany it is unclear if it is legally allowed to call oneself “Software Architect”. We recommend you inform yourself about the laws regarding the vocational qualifications in your country.

What does the Advanced Level curriculum include?

For the purpose of CPSA-A training, the iSAQB has defined the three following areas of competence:

Methodical competence: a systematic approach to architectural tasks, regardless of the technologies used
Technological competence: knowledge and implementation of technology solutions used in design tasks
Communicative competence: communication, presentation, argumentation, and moderation skills as well as the ability to cooperate productively with different stakeholders

Which requirements must I fulfill to access Advanced Level certification?

Successful training and certification at CPSA‑F level (Certified Professional for Software Architecture, Foundation Level).
A minimum of three years full-time professional experience in the IT industry, including the involvement in the design and development of at least two different IT systems. Exceptions can be granted upon application (for instance involvement in open source projects).
Training and further education within the scope of iSAQB Advanced Level trainings of at least 70 credit points. All three areas of competence must be covered with at least 10 credit points each.
Successful completion of the CPSA‑A certification task, including an interview with two independent examiners appointed by the iSAQB.

Who may offer and conduct CPSA-Advanced Level training?

Trainings at CPSA-Advanced Level may only be offered and conducted by training providers accredited by the iSAQB. Accredited training providers have proven the high quality of their CPSA training offers and are committed to the iSAQB accreditation conditions.

Are participation certificates for Advanced Level training courses also issued if a training course has to be cancelled through no fault of one’s own, or if the participation is delayed?

For Advanced Level training courses, participation certificates with the designated credit points can only be issued if a participant has attended at least 75% of the training. If less than 75% have been completed, the intended credit points may not be awarded. It is necessary to repeat the entire training or to make up for the missing part in order to earn the credit points. In any case, this regulation also applies to reasons that are not the fault of the participant (e.g. illness, accidents, traffic jams, etc.).

Are credit points awarded for participation in online training courses at Advanced Level?

For online training courses at Advanced Level you will receive an official iSAQB participation certificate with the respective credit points.

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Downloads

Curriculum Module COSMO – Collaborative Software Modelling

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module COSMO with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module AGENTA – Architecture for Agentic Software Engineering Contexts

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module AGENTA with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Glossary of Software Architecture Terminology

The iSAQB Glossary covers the basic terminology of software architecture. The glossary is available in English, French, German, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. Please note that only the English and German versions contain a detailed explanation of all terms.

General Info Brochure

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

Curriculum Module WEBSEC – Web Security

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module WEBSEC with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module WEB – Web Architecture

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module WEB with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module SWARC4AI – Software Architecture for AI Systems

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module SWARC4AI with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module SOFT – Soft Skills for Software Architects

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module SOFT with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module REQ4ARC – Requirements for Software Architects

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module REQ4ARC with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module IMPROVE – Evolution and Improvement of Software Architectures

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module IMPROVE with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module GREEN – Green Software – Development of Resource-Efficient Applications

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module GREEN with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module FUNAR – Functional Software Architecture

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module FUNAR with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module FM – Formal Methods

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module FM with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module FLEX – Flexible Architectural Models

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module FLEX with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module EMBEDDEDSEC – Embedded Security for Architects

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module EMBEDDEDSEC with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module EMBEDDED – Embedded Systems

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module EMBEDDED with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module EAM – Enterprise Architecture Management for Software Architects

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module EAM with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module DSL – Domain-Specific Languages

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module DSL with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module DDD – Domain-Driven Design

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module DDD with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module CLOUDINFRA – Infrastructure, Container, and Cloud Native

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module CLOUDINFRA with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module ARCEVAL – Architecture Evaluation

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module ARCEVAL with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module API – Application Programming Interfaces

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module API with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module AGILA – Agile Software Architecture

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module AGILA with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Curriculum Module ADOC – Architecture Documentation

Curriculum of the Advanced Level Module ADOC with all learning goals and terms for the individual chapters.

Advanced Level Info Brochure

Info brochure with general information on the CPSA-Advanced Level.

Advanced Level – Sample task for the CPSA‑A examination task

Sample task “BigSpender” / Topic – Information System

Advanced Level – Examination Rules

This document contains general rules regarding the CPSA-Advanced Level examination. It provides information on areas of competence, modular concept, examination requirements, costs, preparation, registration, and structure of the examination.

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