Your most important questions answered

Foundation Level

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 Foundation Level curriculum include?

The CPSA‑F (Foundation Level) consists of the following parts:

  1. Basics of software architecture, role and task of software architects
  2. Description and communication of software architectures
  3. Design and development of software architecture
  4. Architecture and quality
  5. Tools for software architects
  6. Examples of software architectures

 

Part 1–5 are relevant to the CPSA‑F certification exam.

The detailed learning content and learning objectives can be found in the official curriculum.

Which requirements must I fulfil to access Foundation Level certification?

Participants should have the following knowledge and/or experience:

  • At least 18 months of practical experience in software development, acquired by programming various projects or systems outside of education.
  • Knowledge of and practical experience in at least one higher programming language.
  • Basics of modelling and abstraction.
  • Basics of UML (class, package, component and sequence diagrams) and their relation to source code.
  • Practical experience in technical documentation, especially in the documentation of source code, system designs or technical concepts.

Helpful for the understanding of some concepts are also:

  • Knowledge of object orientation
  • Practical experience in at least one object-oriented programming language
  • Practical experience in the design and implementation of distributed applications, such as client/server systems or web applications

 

We consider it useful to prepare for the CPSA‑F exam by attending an accredited training course – but in general you can also take a CPSA‑F exam without training.

Who may offer and conduct CPSA-Foundation Level training?
In order to be able to offer and conduct training courses, an accreditation by the iSAQB is required. That means that training providers commit themselves to the accreditation conditions of the iSAQB. For more details, please see our accreditation info page.

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