Your most important questions answered

Association

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.

Who are the people behind the associ­ation, and what are its aims?
The association was founded in 2008 by about 20 volunteers. The iSAQB e. V. brings together various software architecture experts. Its members include professionals from industry, consulting, training, academia, and other organizations or associations. The purpose of the association is to standardize the training of software architects internationally.
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.