iSAQB
iSAQB is a German non-profit association that owns the CPSA certification scheme for software architects, defining curricula and accrediting 60+ training providers worldwide across Foundation, Advanced, and Expert levels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersLudwigshafen, Germany
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What iSAQB does
iSAQB (International Software Architecture Qualification Board) is a non-profit association (eingetragener Verein) founded in 2008 in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany, that defines and licenses a modular training and certification curriculum for software architects. It owns the CPSA (Certified Professional for Software Architecture) scheme, structured in three tiers — Foundation (CPSA-F), Advanced (CPSA-A), and Expert (CPSA-E) — with the Advanced tier built from multiple specialized credit-point modules including AGILA (Agile), SOFT (Soft Skills), API, GREEN (Green Software), EMBEDDEDSEC (Embedded Security), ADOC (Architecture Documentation), DDD, CLOUDINFRA, IMPROVE, FM, and others. The association does not deliver training or conduct examinations directly; instead, it accredits a global network of 60+ training providers and independent certification bodies that adhere to formally separated training-and-examination standards.
Revenue is generated primarily through certification and examination fees (e.g., Advanced Level examination at €2,550 plus VAT, with €750 plus VAT retakes), accreditation fees paid by training providers, and supplementary income from member contributions and events. Go-to-market is exclusively indirect: iSAQB sells standards access and accreditation to providers, while end-user architects obtain the credential through those providers. Marketing is content-led via the iSAQB website and blog, email newsletter, and an event portfolio that includes the annual Software Architecture Gathering (Berlin, 60+ speakers, 400+ attendees), the Software Architecture Forum (DACH-focused), and the Software Architecture AI Day. A separate operating entity, iSAQB GmbH (registered in Potsdam), handles operational functions, while the association itself remains volunteer-governed with no parent company, no venture funding, and no disclosed financials.
iSAQB firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- iSAQB
- Legal name
- International Software Architecture Qualification Board e. V.
- Website
- https://isaqb.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- iSAQB is a German non-profit association that owns the CPSA certification scheme for software architects, defining curricula and accrediting 60+ training providers worldwide across Foundation, Advanced, and Expert levels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
iSAQB industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Certification Services
- NAICS
- Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications (EDAAANAA)
Keywords
Where iSAQB is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ludwigshafen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
iSAQB business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Certification and Examination Fees: iSAQB generates revenue through certification fees, accreditation fees for training providers, and examination administration. The association charges examination fees for certification at various levels (Foundation, Advanced, Expert). Advanced Level examination fees are 2,550 EUR plus VAT, with retake fees of 750 EUR plus VAT.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Advanced Level Examination |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
iSAQB product offering
Product offeringCore offering
iSAQB defines and licenses a modular training and examination curriculum for software architecture, delivered as the Certified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA) certification scheme across Foundation, Advanced, and Expert levels. The non-profit association does not deliver training or conduct examinations directly; instead it sets standards, accredits training providers and independent certification bodies, and collects certification, accreditation, and examination fees.
Product overview
iSAQB (International Software Architecture Qualification Board) is a non-profit association that develops technology standards and certifications for software architecture. The core product is the Certified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA) certification scheme, which consists of three levels: Foundation Level (CPSA-F), Advanced Level (CPSA-A), and Expert Level (CPSA-E). The Advanced Level is modular, with multiple certified modules including SOFT (Soft Skills for Architects), AGILA (Agile Software Architecture), API (Application Programming Interfaces), GREEN (Green Software), EMBEDDEDSEC (Embedded Security for Architects), and ADOC (Architecture Documentation). iSAQB does not directly deliver trainings or conduct examinations; instead, it defines training and examination standards and accredits training providers and independent certification bodies. Additionally, iSAQB organizes events including the Software Architecture Gathering (SAG), Software Architecture Forum, and Software Architecture AI Day.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CPSA-F: Certified Professional for Software Architecture - Foundation Level certification program
- CPSA-A
- CPSA-E
- Software Architecture Gathering (SAG)
- Software Architecture Forum
Products and services
- CPSA Foundation Level (CPSA-F) Entry-level CPSA certification providing an introduction to software architecture with a high proportion of practice. Covers fundamentals of software architecture, the role of software architects, architecture description and communication, design and development, architecture and quality, and tools for software architects.
- CPSA Advanced Level (CPSA-A) Advanced-level certification for software architects requiring advanced skills in technology, methodology, and communication. Requires at least 70 credit points across three competence areas (technological, methodological, and communicative) earned through modular Advanced Level training.
- SOFT - Soft Skills for Architects (CPSA-A Module) Advanced Level module teaching practical, recipient-oriented communication skills, moderation of challenging groups, and conflict resolution skills for communicating with stakeholders in IT projects. Awards 30 communicative competence credit points.
- AGILA - Agile Software Architecture (CPSA-A Module) Advanced Level module teaching how to design, develop, and further develop software systems and architectures in accordance with agile principles. Covers agile approach to architecture, architecture requirements in agile projects, designing architectures in a team, and reflection and feedback. Awards 20 methodological and 10 technological competence credit points.
- API - Application Programming Interfaces (CPSA-A Module) Advanced Level module teaching software architects how to design and manage APIs effectively, ensuring scalable, future-proof digital business models.
- GREEN - Green Software (CPSA-A Module) Advanced Level module on green software development and the development of resource-efficient applications.
- EMBEDDEDSEC - Embedded Security for Architects (CPSA-A Module) Advanced Level module covering embedded security topics for software architects.
- ADOC - Architecture Documentation (CPSA-A Module) Advanced Level module covering architecture documentation topics.
- Train-the-Trainer (T3) Curriculum Curriculum for training trainers who deliver CPSA certification courses. Ensures consistent quality and knowledge transfer among accredited training providers.
- Software Architecture Gathering (SAG) International software architecture conference featuring over 60 speakers, more than 55 sessions and keynotes, and ten full-day workshops across eight thematic tracks. Expected attendance of over 400 participants.
- Software Architecture Forum Conference for the German-speaking software architecture community. Held in Munich in June.
- Software Architecture AI Day Online conference focusing on the intersection of software architecture and artificial intelligence.
Companies that use iSAQB
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
iSAQB technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
iSAQB partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)coreiSAQB and ISTQB strengthened collaboration in software architecture and software testing. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was announced in June 2026 to enhance cooperation between the two leading certification bodies in software engineering.
- heise conferencescoreCo-organizer of the Software Architecture Gathering 2026 international conference. heise conferences is a leading German technology conference organizer that partners with iSAQB to deliver the annual SAG event.
- Accredited Training Providers NetworkcoreOver 60 accredited training providers globally authorized to deliver CPSA training courses. Providers include qSkills, inovex, TechTalk, Expleo, Novatec Consulting, Haufe Akademie, INNOQ, and many others. All undergo thorough accreditation review and commit to iSAQB quality standards.
- Certification BodiescoreIndependent certification bodies authorized to administer CPSA Foundation and Advanced Level examinations. iSAQB formally separates training and examination functions to maintain certification integrity.
- Academic PartnersminorUniversity and educational institution partners that integrate CPSA curricula into academic programs. Partnership program allows academic institutions to offer iSAQB-aligned education.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
iSAQB competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT: UK-based professional body issuing chartered and certified IT practitioner credentials, including architecture-related certifications; competes in European markets.
Emerging players
- The Linux Foundation: Operates cloud-native certifications (CKA, CKAD, CKS) that increasingly compete with advanced-level architecture credentials as Kubernetes-native and platform-engineering roles grow.
- DevOps Institute: Issues DevOps and platform-engineering certifications that increasingly attract the same enterprise IT practitioners as CPSA-A modules.
Broad incumbents
- CompTIA: Major US-based IT certification body offering CompTIA Server+, Cloud+, and other credentials that often substitute for architecture certifications in hiring.
- (ISC)²: Global non-profit issuing CISSP and other professional cybersecurity certifications through accredited training partners — mirror-image operating model in the adjacent cybersecurity credentialing space.
- Project Management Institute (PMI): Global non-profit issuing PMP, PMI-ACP and related professional certifications to a similar enterprise IT and developer persona targeted by iSAQB.
Direct peers
- ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board): Non-profit that defines and accredits globally recognized software testing certifications via a network of training providers — identical operating model to iSAQB, and explicitly noted as a strategic collaborator.
- Scaled Agile (SAFe): Issues SAFe Architect and SAFe Program Consultant certifications, frequently competing with CPSA-A in enterprise architecture career paths.
- The Open Group (TOGAF): Operates the TOGAF Certified Architect program, the most widely adopted enterprise architecture framework and the primary direct substitute for CPSA in architecture roles.
- ICAgile: International consortium offering agile certifications targeted at similar software-development practitioners; overlaps with iSAQB's AGILA and SOFT Advanced modules.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
iSAQB social profiles
Digital presenceiSAQB financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
iSAQB leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
iSAQB funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
iSAQB M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about iSAQB
What does iSAQB do?
iSAQB defines and licenses a modular training and examination curriculum for software architecture, delivered as the Certified Professional for Software Architecture (CPSA) certification scheme across Foundation, Advanced, and Expert levels. The non-profit association does not deliver training or conduct examinations directly; instead it sets standards, accredits training providers and independent certification bodies, and collects certification, accreditation, and examination fees.
Is iSAQB a public or private company?
iSAQB is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was iSAQB founded?
iSAQB was founded in 2008.
Where is iSAQB based?
iSAQB is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does iSAQB make money?
One revenue line is on record: certification and Examination Fees.
Who are iSAQB's main competitors?
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are The Linux Foundation and DevOps Institute. Broad incumbents are CompTIA, (ISC)² and Project Management Institute (PMI). Direct peers are ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), Scaled Agile (SAFe), The Open Group (TOGAF) and ICAgile.
Does iSAQB have an API?
No public API is recorded for iSAQB.
What industry is iSAQB in?
iSAQB's product category is Professional Certification Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAANAA, Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications. Its NAICS code is 6114 and its SIC code is 8200.