CPSA Foundation
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersLudwigshafen Am Rhein, Germany
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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.
CPSA Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- 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
CPSA Foundation industry classification
Industry- 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
Where CPSA Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ludwigshafen Am Rhein
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
CPSA Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Advanced Level Examination |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
CPSA Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use CPSA Foundation
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
CPSA Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
CPSA Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board)coreiSAQB 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
CPSA Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
CPSA Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceCPSA Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CPSA Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
CPSA Foundation subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
CPSA Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CPSA Foundation 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 CPSA Foundation
What does CPSA Foundation do?
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.
Is CPSA Foundation a public or private company?
CPSA Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was CPSA Foundation founded?
CPSA Foundation was founded in 2008.
Where is CPSA Foundation based?
CPSA Foundation is headquartered in Ludwigshafen Am Rhein, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does CPSA Foundation make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Training Provider Accreditation is the primary driver. The others are certification Body Licensing, membership Fees and event Revenue.
Who are CPSA Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Scaled Agile (SAFe), ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis), (ISC)² and The Open Group (TOGAF). Scrum Alliance is listed as an emerging player. Gartner / Gartner Research (for TOGAF ecosystem) is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are AWS Certification (Amazon Web Services), Project Management Institute (PMI) and Linux Foundation (Linux Foundation Training & Certification).
Does CPSA Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for CPSA Foundation.
What industry is CPSA Foundation in?
CPSA Foundation's product category is Professional Certification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAANAA, Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications, with a secondary code of EDAAANAB, Project, Program & Portfolio Management Certifications. Its NAICS code is 6114 and its SIC code is 8200.