iSAQB Exams

The ISAQB Approach to Software Architecture

The International Software Architecture Qualification Board (ISAQB) operates differently than major cloud or hardware vendors. Founded in 2008 as a non-profit association, the organization does not sell software, hardware, or cloud services. Instead, it defines vendor-neutral standards for software architecture.

To date, the ISAQB reports over 40,000 certified professionals worldwide. The program originated in Germany and maintains a strong foothold in the European enterprise market, though its frameworks apply to software design globally. The board creates the syllabi and exam questions, but relies on independent, accredited certification bodies to administer the tests.

Certification Tiers

The Certified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA) program follows a straightforward progression: Foundation, Advanced, and Expert.

Unlike many IT credentials that require renewal every two or three years, ISAQB certifications are valid for life. The board treats the credential more like an academic degree than a product-specific certification that expires when a software version updates.

Core Exam: The CPSA-F

The entry point to the program is the CPSA-F (Certified Professional for Software Architecture – Foundation Level). This exam targets software developers and engineers transitioning into architectural roles.

The exam tests your understanding of architectural concepts rather than syntax or product configurations. It covers the roles and responsibilities of an architect, methods for documenting and communicating architectures, and design principles. You can expect questions on system coupling, cohesion, quality attributes, and the trade-offs involved in system design.

The CPSA-F exam runs for 75 minutes and contains approximately 40 multiple-choice questions. Because the ISAQB weighs questions differently based on difficulty, the exact number of questions can vary slightly depending on the specific test form you receive. You must score at least 60 percent of the maximum possible points to pass. The test is closed-book, meaning no notes or digital aids are permitted. Non-native speakers taking the exam in a foreign language receive a 15-minute time extension.

Career Value for Developers

Most enterprise IT certifications prove you know how to operate a specific vendor's technology. A Google Cloud exam proves you know GCP; an Oracle exam proves you can manage a specific database.

The CPSA-F proves you understand the structural principles that apply before you write the first line of code or provision a single server. Hiring managers look for this credential when filling roles that require system-level thinking. If an organization builds custom software, they need engineers who can map business requirements to technical structures, document those decisions, and communicate them to development teams.

Transitioning from a senior developer to a software architect requires a shift in perspective. You move from solving localized coding problems to managing system-wide trade-offs. The CPSA-F validates that you understand the formal methods and vocabulary required to make that transition.