CPSA Foundation

What CPSA Foundation does

The International Software Architecture Qualification Board (iSAQB) is a German non-profit association (eingetragener Verein, VR 61084) founded in 2008 that develops and owns the CPSA (Certified Professional for Software Architecture) certification scheme, the internationally recognized standard for software architecture training and certification. The organization defines curricula and examination standards across three tiers: Foundation Level (CPSA-F), Advanced Level (CPSA-A, requiring 70+ credit points across modular training), and Expert Level (CPSA-E). The Advanced Level comprises 12+ specialized modules covering topics including Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Application Programming Interfaces (API), Cloud Infrastructure (CLOUDINFRA), Green Software (GREEN), Embedded Security (EMBEDDEDSEC), Software Architecture for AI Systems (SWARC4AI), and Formal Methods. Certifications are valid for lifetime, comparable to academic degrees.

iSAQB operates through an exclusively indirect distribution model: it does not deliver training or conduct examinations itself, but instead accredits a global network of 60+ independent training providers and licenses independent certification bodies to administer CPSA exams. Revenue is generated through training provider accreditation fees, certification body licensing fees, materially supporting corporate membership fees, and ticket sales from events including the Software Architecture Gathering (annual, Berlin), Software Architecture Forum (DACH region, Munich), and Community Meetups. The Advanced Level examination fee is standardized at 2,550 EUR plus VAT per first attempt, paid to the certification body rather than iSAQB directly. The organization maintains a dual-entity structure with iSAQB e.V. as the governing non-profit association headquartered in Ludwigshafen am Rhein and iSAQB GmbH as a wholly-owned operational subsidiary in Potsdam handling day-to-day operations, certification systems, and partner communications.

The organization serves three primary customer segments: individual software architects and senior developers seeking internationally recognized credentials; enterprise IT organizations standardizing staff competencies; and training/consulting companies offering accredited CPSA certification courses. iSAQB is member-governed with active members receiving no compensation, operates across 12 countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ireland, UK, Belgium, Turkey, Spain, USA, China, India, Peru), and in June 2026 signed an MoU with ISTQB to strengthen cross-certification collaboration between software architecture and software testing credentials.

Name

CPSA Foundation

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 internationally recognized CPSA certification scheme for software architecture, operating across three levels (Foundation, Advanced, Expert) with 12+ specialized modules. It serves software architects, enterprise IT organizations, and training providers in 12 countries through an indirect distribution model of 60+ accredited partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification

NAICS

Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications (EDAAANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications (EDAAANAB), Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies (BPAIAOAC)

Keywords

• Software architecture certification
• Professional certification standards
• Training provider accreditation
• IT professional development
• Exam certification bodies

Headquarters

HQ city

Ludwigshafen Am Rhein

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Training Provider Accreditation: iSAQB accredits training providers who wish to deliver CPSA certification training. Training providers must meet iSAQB's accreditation conditions and undergo a thorough review and assessment process.
2. Certification Body Licensing: iSAQB certifies independent certification bodies that conduct CPSA examinations. These certification bodies must be licensed by iSAQB and adhere to the organization's examination standards and rules.
3. Membership Fees: Materially supporting members (typically companies) pay membership fees to support iSAQB and its goals. These members receive visibility on the iSAQB website with company logo placement.
4. Event Revenue: iSAQB organizes and hosts events including the Software Architecture Gathering (global), Software Architecture Forum (DACH region), and Community Meetups. These events generate revenue through ticket sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

iSAQB defines international standards for training and certification in software architecture and accredits training providers and independent certification bodies to deliver the CPSA (Certified Professional for Software Architecture) certification scheme across Foundation, Advanced, and Expert levels. It does not deliver training or conduct examinations itself; instead, it licenses the CPSA curriculum, examination rules, and accreditation framework to accredited providers globally and generates revenue through accreditation fees, licensing, membership dues, and events.

Product overview

iSAQB (International Software Architecture Qualification Board) operates the CPSA (Certified Professional for Software Architecture) certification program, which consists of three levels: Foundation Level (CPSA-F), Advanced Level (CPSA-A), and Expert Level (CPSA-E). The Foundation Level provides entry-level certification covering software architecture fundamentals including design, communication, quality, and tools. The Advanced Level offers specialized modular certifications across 12+ topic areas including API, DDD, GREEN, SWARC4AI, CLOUDINFRA, ADOC, FLEX, AGILA, SOFT, EMBEDDEDSEC, and FM (Formal Methods). Candidates must earn 70+ credit points across three competency areas. The certification is recognized internationally and administered through accredited training providers and independent certification bodies. Beyond certifications, iSAQB organizes events including the Software Architecture Gathering (global), Software Architecture Forum (DACH region), AI Day (online), and Community Meetups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• CPSA Foundation Level (CPSA-F) Entry-level certification introducing software architecture fundamentals with a high proportion of practical exercises, covering architecture basics, design, communication, quality, and tools. Targeted at software architects and senior developers with practical development experience seeking to formalize their architectural skills.
• CPSA Advanced Level (CPSA-A) Professional-level certification for advanced skills in technology, methodology, and communication for experienced software architects. Requires 70+ credit points from modular training across 12+ topic areas including API, Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Green Software Development (GREEN), Software Architecture for AI Systems (SWARC4AI), Cloud Infrastructure (CLOUDINFRA), Architecture Documentation (ADOC), Flexible Architecture (FLEX), Agile Architecture (AGILA), Software Quality (SOFT), Embedded Security (EMBEDDEDSEC), and Formal Methods (FM).
• Software Architecture Gathering Annual global conference for software architecture professionals held in Berlin, Germany. Features sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities for the international software architecture community. Generates revenue through ticket sales.
• Software Architecture Forum Annual conference for the German-speaking (DACH region) software architecture community held in Munich-Unterhaching, Germany. Features sessions on current architecture topics and trends.
• Software Architecture AI Day Online conference focusing on the intersection of software architecture and artificial intelligence, exploring AI's impact on architectural practices.
• iSAQB Community Meetups Regular community meetups held throughout Germany for software architecture professionals to network and share knowledge.
• Train-the-Trainer (T3) Program Comprehensive training program for iSAQB-accredited trainers covering curriculum delivery, pedagogical methods, and certification examination standards.

Quantifiable outcome

• CPSA certifications are valid for a lifetime, comparable to academic degrees.
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026iSAQB and ISTQB have signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in software architecture and software testing. This partnership enhances cooperation between the two leading certification bodies in software engineering, recognizing the complementary nature of their certification schemes.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Scaled Agile (SAFe): SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) and SAFe Architect certifications address architecture within agile at scale. Comparable as a multi-tier professional architecture/engineering certification scheme sold through accredited partners and trainers globally.
• ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board): Non-profit global certification body for software testing professionals operating a parallel three-tier (Foundation/Advanced/Expert) scheme. Most directly comparable to iSAQB in structure, governance model, and partner-based delivery, and is already an MoU partner of iSAQB.
• IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis): Non-profit certifying business analysis professionals (ECBA, CBAP, CCBA) with member-supported chapters globally. Comparable in non-profit, member-driven, multi-level professional certification structure aimed at adjacent IT/software roles.
• (ISC)²: Non-profit issuing CISSP, CCSP, and related security credentials with a comparable member-body governance structure and tiered credentialing model. Strong analog for a non-profit IT certification organization operating internationally through accredited partners.
• The Open Group (TOGAF): Owner of the TOGAF enterprise architecture standard and certification program, the most recognized alternative to CPSA for architecture credentials. Comparable as a standards-body, vendor-neutral architecture certification with global training-provider accreditation.

Emerging players

• Scrum Alliance: Member-based non-profit issuing Scrum and agile certifications (CSPO, CSM, CSP) with a similar volunteer/community governance model. Comparable in non-profit, member-driven certification economics, though focused on agile rather than architecture specifically.

Others

• Gartner / Gartner Research (for TOGAF ecosystem): While not a direct certification competitor, Gartner's research and advisory influence shapes enterprise architecture tooling and certification choices. Relevant as an ecosystem influencer that affects how architects evaluate credentials like CPSA versus TOGAF.

Broad incumbents

• AWS Certification (Amazon Web Services): Vendor-led Solutions Architect certification family (Associate/Professional) directly competing for the same software architect audience as CPSA. Comparable as a globally recognized architecture credential, though vendor-tied rather than vendor-neutral.
• Project Management Institute (PMI): Operates PMP, PMI-ACP, and related credentials through a global network of ATP partners and PMP-credential holders. Comparable as an internationally recognized professional certification body selling through accredited training providers and member organizations.
• Linux Foundation (Linux Foundation Training & Certification): Operates widely adopted open-source/cloud certifications (CKA, CKAD, LFCS) with global exam delivery partners. Comparable as a vendor-neutral, globally delivered IT certification scheme with strong infrastructure/architecture adjacency.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@isaqbev
• Facebookfacebook.com/iSAQB.org
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/isaqb.org

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CPSA Foundation