UXQB
UXQB is a Cologne-based non-profit that operates the CPUX certification programme — five ISO 9241-210-anchored credentials (foundation through advanced) for UX professionals, delivered through 36 Recognised Training Providers and independent exam providers (including Pearson VUE) across 10 countries, with 10,000+ certified holders to date.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersCologne, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What UXQB does
UXQB (International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board e.V.) is a German non-profit association (eingetragener Verein) founded in 2013 and headquartered in Cologne. The organisation operates the CPUX (Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience) certification programme, comprising five credentials: CPUX-F (Foundation in Human-Centred Design), CPUX-M (Essentials in UX and HCD Management), and three advanced certifications — CPUX-UR (User Requirements Engineering), CPUX-DS (Designing Solutions), and CPUX-UT (Usability Testing and Evaluation). All curricula are grounded in ISO 9241-210 and other international standards, authored by field experts, and made freely downloadable; UXQB has issued 10,000+ certifications cumulatively across its history. Certification exams are administered by independent certification providers globally, including Pearson VUE test centres, remote browser-based apps, and in-person paper exams arranged by training providers.
The organisation's revenue model rests on two streams: per-exam fees (approximately 300 EUR for CPUX-F/CPUX-M and 600 EUR for advanced-level exams, with member discounts of 10-20%) and annual Recognised Training Provider (RTP) membership fees of 1,500 EUR, unchanged since 2014. UXQB reaches the market entirely through indirect channels — 36 RTPs across 10 countries (Austria, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom) deliver training and handle exam logistics; the CPUX programme is officially recognised by five European national UX associations (German UPA, UX Switzerland, UXPA UK, UX Denmark, UXPRO Austria). The organisation is governed by a volunteer board under Section 26 of the German Civil Code (BGB), chaired by Thomas Geis, with John Goodall as Vice-chairperson and Matthias Reisemann as board member.
The underlying technology stack is intentionally light: the public website is built on WordPress and hosted by IONOS SE, with a separate members/login portal at app.uxqb.org and no public APIs, SDKs, or proprietary software product. The competitive positioning rests on ISO-standards anchoring, free curriculum access, official association recognitions, and the scale of the certified-professional and RTP networks rather than on technology differentiation.
UXQB firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- UXQB
- Legal name
- UXQB – International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board e.V.
- Website
- https://uxqb.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- UXQB is a Cologne-based non-profit that operates the CPUX certification programme — five ISO 9241-210-anchored credentials (foundation through advanced) for UX professionals, delivered through 36 Recognised Training Providers and independent exam providers (including Pearson VUE) across 10 countries, with 10,000+ certified holders to date.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
UXQB industry classification
Industry- Product category
- UX Professional Certification
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (61171), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Certification & Licensing Exam Management Platforms (EDAFADAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Learning Experience Design (LXD) & UX for Learning (EDAGAKAF)
Keywords
Where UXQB is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cologne
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
UXQB business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Certification Exam Fees: UXQB charges certification exam fees through independent certification providers. Advanced-level certifications (CPUX-UR, CPUX-DS, CPUX-UT) cost approximately 600 EUR per exam. Foundation and Management certifications (CPUX-F, CPUX-M) cost approximately 300 EUR. Members of member organisations receive discounts (10% for advanced, 20% for foundation/management). Revenue is collected via independent certification providers operating globally, including Pearson VUE test centres.
- Recognised Training Provider (RTP) Annual Fees: RTPs pay an annual fee of 1,500 EUR to UXQB to maintain their recognised status. This has remained unchanged since 2014. RTPs receive access to additional training materials, the UXQB Recognised Training Provider logo, ability to list courses in the official training calendar, and the right to arrange UXQB-accredited certification exams at the end of training courses.
- Training Provider Certification Coordination: UXQB coordinates with independent certification providers to deliver exams at the end of training courses, for a fee per delegate. This creates a per-transaction revenue stream alongside the RTP annual fee.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CPUX-F (Foundation in Human-Centred Design) certification exam |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CPUX-M (Essentials in UX and HCD Management) certification exam |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CPUX-UR (User Requirements Engineering) certification exam — advanced level |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CPUX-DS (Designing Solutions) certification exam — advanced level |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CPUX-UT (Usability Testing and Evaluation) certification exam — advanced level |
| Subscription | Annual | Recognised Training Provider (RTP) annual membership fee |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
UXQB product offering
Product offeringCore offering
UXQB develops and maintains the CPUX certification programme, comprising five certifications covering Human-Centred Design, UX and HCD management, user requirements engineering, designing solutions, and usability testing and evaluation. It provides open-access standards-based curricula and certification exams, with training delivered by Recognised Training Providers and exams administered by independent providers worldwide.
Product overview
UXQB (International Usability and User Experience Qualification Board) operates the CPUX (Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience) certification programme - a comprehensive portfolio of five certifications covering the full spectrum of UX and usability expertise. The programme consists of two entry points: CPUX-F (Foundation in Human-Centred Design) providing fundamentals, and CPUX-M (Essentials in UX and HCD Management) for UX leadership. Three advanced-level certifications - CPUX-UR (User Requirements Engineering), CPUX-DS (Designing Solutions), and CPUX-UT (Usability Testing and Evaluation) - build upon the foundation. All curricula are based on international standards (ISO 9241-210), free to access, and certification is delivered through independent exam providers worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- CPUX-F (Foundation in Human-Centred Design) Foundation-level certification covering the fundamental principles and processes of Human-Centred Design as described in ISO 9241-210. It introduces key UX and usability terms, concepts, and processes, including context of use, user requirements, design solutions, and evaluation, and is intended for people becoming familiar with usability fundamentals.
- CPUX-M (Essentials in UX and HCD Management) Certification introducing User Experience and Human-Centred Design management for UX managers, consultants, product owners, and other organisational leaders. It covers communicating the importance and impact of UX, advocating UX in organisations, engaging senior management, and applying UX leadership practices.
- CPUX-UR (User Requirements Engineering) Advanced-level certification for identifying and managing user requirements. It covers context-of-use analysis; planning and implementing user-research methods; and extracting, structuring, specifying, and prioritising usage requirements for development projects.
- CPUX-DS (Designing Solutions) Advanced-level certification for translating user requirements into design solutions. It covers conceptual models, information architecture, interaction design, prototyping, interface and sensory design, accessibility, design ethics, and cultural diversity for professionals involved in designing interactive systems.
- CPUX-UT (Usability Testing and Evaluation) Advanced-level certification for evaluating user interfaces through usability tests with users, usability inspections, and user surveys. It covers planning, conducting, analysing, and reporting on usability-test findings for professionals responsible for ensuring project usability.
- Recognised Training Provider (RTP) programme Annual organisational status for training companies and institutions that deliver CPUX curricula. Recognised Training Providers receive additional training materials, UXQB Recognised Training Provider branding, official training-calendar listing, and the right to arrange UXQB-accredited certification exams at the end of training courses.
Quantifiable outcome
- 10,000+ certified professionals worldwide
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use UXQB
Customer profileNamed customers17 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
UXQB technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
UXQB partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- German UPA (German Usability and User Experience Professionals Association)coreGerman UPA is the German professional association for usability and UX professionals. It officially recognises the CPUX certification programme, providing credibility and endorsement within the German UX professional community. CPUX certification holders who are members of German UPA receive a 20% discount on foundation/management exams (10% on advanced exams).
- UX Switzerland (uxschweiz.ch)coreUX Switzerland officially recognises the CPUX certification programme, providing credibility and endorsement within the Swiss UX professional community.
- UXPA UK (User Experience Professionals Association UK)coreUXPA UK officially recognises the CPUX certification programme, providing credibility and endorsement within the UK UX professional community.
- UX Denmark (ux-danmark.dk)coreUX Denmark officially recognises the CPUX certification programme, providing credibility and endorsement within the Danish UX professional community.
- UXPRO Austria (uxpro.at)coreUXPRO Austria officially recognises the CPUX certification programme, providing credibility and endorsement within the Austrian UX professional community.
- Pearson VUEcorePearson VUE is a global exam delivery partner that administers CPUX certification exams at test centres worldwide. UXQB-accredited independent certification providers use Pearson VUE infrastructure to deliver exams globally.
- 36 Recognised Training Providers (RTPs)coreRTPs are authorised training partners that deliver CPUX curricula worldwide. They pay an annual fee of 1,500 EUR, must use trainers with 80%+ exam scores, and are required to use only UXQB-accredited certification providers. RTPs receive additional training materials and the UXQB Recognised Training Provider branding. Major RTPs include: Spiegel Institut Mannheim GmbH (Germany), usability.de GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), UXEA / USE-Ing. GmbH (Germany), Mindfacts GmbH (Germany), bemorrow GmbH (Germany), eresult GmbH (Germany), ProContext Consulting GmbH (Germany), inovex GmbH (Germany), artop GmbH (Germany), Cegos Integrata GmbH (Germany), Owl Insights (Germany), rocket-media GmbH (Germany), Gain (UK), User Vision Ltd (UK), alysis GmbH (Austria), AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (Austria), TrustWorks A/S (Denmark), Digicomp Academy AG (Switzerland), Zühlke Engineering AG (Switzerland), and others. RTPs are located in Austria, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
- Independent Certification ProviderscoreIndependent certification providers are accredited by UXQB to administer CPUX certification exams. They operate globally, offering exams at Pearson VUE test centres, via remote browser-based exam apps, and in-person paper exams. RTPs must use only UXQB-accredited certification providers.
- bemorrow GmbH (newly accredited RTP)minorbemorrow GmbH was officially accredited as a Recognised Training Provider by UXQB in February 2026, joining the network of qualified UXQB training providers and expanding its professional education offerings with CPUX-aligned courses.
- leefs CX GmbH (newly accredited RTP)minorleefs CX GmbH was officially accredited as a Recognised Training Provider by UXQB in February 2026, expanding its portfolio to include officially recognised courses preparing professionals for the CPUX certification.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
UXQB competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- UXPA International: UXPA International is the global professional association for UX practitioners. While UXQB's certifications are recognised by national UXPA chapters, the parent organisation itself shapes credential expectations that compete for attention with CPUX.
- Interaction Design Association (IxDA): IxDA is the leading global community for interaction designers, with local chapters and events that shape UX professional identity. It is thematically adjacent to UXQB in setting UX professional standards and recognition.
- Skillsoft UX and Design Courses: Skillsoft offers enterprise UX training and credentialing programmes that compete with UXQB for corporate UX upskilling budgets, particularly relevant to the CPUX-M manager/leadership audience.
Direct peers
- Human Factors International (HFI): HFI offers Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) and other UX credentials and training. It overlaps directly with UXQB's CPUX-UT and CPUX-F certifications as a vendor-neutral UX certification body.
- Nielsen Norman Group: NN/g is the most recognised UX training and research firm globally, offering UX Certification and extensive UX courses. It is a direct competitor to UXQB in providing vendor-neutral UX credentials to practising professionals.
- User Interface Engineering (UIE): UIE provides UX research, training, and community resources aimed at practising UX professionals. It is comparable to UXQB in audience (working UX practitioners) and content area (usability, UX research, design).
- Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF): IxDF is a large online UX learning community offering UX courses, certifications, and memberships. It competes with UXQB for self-study UX learners and offers an alternative certification path to CPUX.
Emerging players
- IA Institute: IA Institute focuses on information architecture and content strategy certifications, which overlap with UXQB's CPUX-DS (Designing Solutions) curriculum covering IA and interaction design.
- Google UX Design Professional Certificate (Coursera): Google's UX Design Certificate on Coursera is a high-volume, employer-recognised alternative to CPUX-F for entry-level UX learners. It targets the same 'UX beginners / career starters' segment as UXQB's foundation certification.
- IBM UX Design Professional Certificate (Coursera): IBM's UX Design Certificate provides an alternative industry-recognised credential for aspiring UX professionals, competing with CPUX-F and CPUX-M for foundational learner mindshare.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
UXQB social profiles
Digital presenceUXQB compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
UXQB financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
UXQB leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
UXQB funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
UXQB 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 UXQB
What does UXQB do?
UXQB develops and maintains the CPUX certification programme, comprising five certifications covering Human-Centred Design, UX and HCD management, user requirements engineering, designing solutions, and usability testing and evaluation. It provides open-access standards-based curricula and certification exams, with training delivered by Recognised Training Providers and exams administered by independent providers worldwide.
Is UXQB a public or private company?
UXQB is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was UXQB founded?
UXQB was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is UXQB based?
UXQB is headquartered in Cologne, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does UXQB make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Certification Exam Fees are the primary driver. The others are recognised Training Provider (RTP) Annual Fees and training Provider Certification Coordination.
Who are UXQB's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are UXPA International, Interaction Design Association (IxDA) and Skillsoft UX and Design Courses. Direct peers are Human Factors International (HFI), Nielsen Norman Group, User Interface Engineering (UIE) and Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF). Emerging players are IA Institute, Google UX Design Professional Certificate (Coursera) and IBM UX Design Professional Certificate (Coursera).
Does UXQB have an API?
No public API is recorded for UXQB.
What industry is UXQB in?
UXQB's product category is UX Professional Certification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFADAG, Certification & Licensing Exam Management Platforms, with a secondary code of EDAGAKAF, Learning Experience Design (LXD) & UX for Learning. Its NAICS code is 61171 and its SIC code is 7370.