iSAQB CPSA Foundation Level exam-day guide
iSAQB CPSA Foundation Level · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm exam format, duration, and delivery mode with the provider
iSAQB CPSA Foundation Level is delivered in different settings depending on the training provider and whether you sit it remotely or on site. Before exam day, confirm from your provider or iSAQB: the exact duration, number of questions, question format (multiple choice and/or short answer), permitted aids, and the pass mark. Do not rely on second-hand accounts, because policies can change. Mark this as needs_review until you have written confirmation.
Valid photo ID matching your registration name
Bring the identity document your provider requires. The name on the ID should match the name you registered with; if it does not, contact the provider before exam day. Confirm which ID types are accepted, especially for remote proctoring, where additional identity checks may apply.
Registration confirmation and appointment details
Have your booking confirmation, candidate number if one was issued, and the exact start time and location (or remote-access link and instructions) available. For remote exams, test the link and login in advance rather than on the morning of the exam.
Know which materials are allowed (open-book or closed-book)
Confirm whether the exam is open-book and, if so, which materials you may bring. If notes or the official syllabus are permitted, prepare them in advance and tab them. If it is closed-book, leave notes and reference sheets outside the exam area; possession of unauthorised material can be treated as a conduct issue. Mark as needs_review until confirmed.
Certified architecture terminology refreshed
Revise the core concepts the syllabus covers: architecture and design, architecture patterns, architecture views and notations, requirements and quality attributes, architecture and organisation, and the role of the architect. Be able to give a short, precise definition and a concrete example for each. This is the highest-value preparation in the final days.
Practice with timed sample questions
Work through practice questions under timed conditions to calibrate your pace. Note which topics you answer slowly and plan to skip and return to long items. Do not memorise sample questions; use them to check understanding of concepts.
Prepare a one-page concept map or summary sheet
Condense the syllabus into a single sheet of keywords, pattern names, quality-attribute terms, and view types. If the exam is open-book, this becomes a reference; if closed-book, writing it is itself effective revision and you leave it outside the exam room.
Plan travel, arrival time, and a buffer
For on-site exams, arrive with time to spare for check-in and ID verification. For remote exams, arrange a quiet room, a stable connection, a charged device, and a backup plan (phone hotspot or provider support number).
Sleep, food, and hydration plan
A timed exam rewards a clear head more than last-minute cramming. Plan a normal night's sleep and a light meal before the exam. Avoid heavy study in the final hour; review your summary sheet only.
Provider contact and support details
Save the provider's contact details and any technical support number in case of login problems, delays, or a need to reschedule. If you are ill, contact the provider as early as possible to ask about rescheduling; do not assume a policy, confirm it.
Plan the day
Switch from learning to consolidating. Re-read the syllabus and your notes, and check each syllabus area against your own understanding. For each weak area, write a short explanation in your own words and one example. Do one or two timed practice sets, then review every wrong answer to find the underlying concept gap rather than memorising the answer. Finish by confirming exam logistics with the provider: start time, mode, ID requirements, and permitted aids.
Do a light review only: your one-page summary sheet, key definitions, and the pattern and view names you tend to forget. Do not start new topics. Re-check the practical details: ID packed, confirmation available, remote setup tested, travel planned. Prepare the room or bag the night before. Stop studying early enough to sleep well.
Eat a normal meal and avoid cramming new material. Skim your summary sheet once. Arrive or log in early; complete ID checks without rushing. If remote, close other applications and silence notifications. Take a few slow breaths and remind yourself that you can skip and return to difficult questions.
Read the instructions and note the total time and question count, then set a rough pace. Answer the questions you know first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Read each question carefully for words like 'not', 'best', or 'first', which change the answer. For scenario questions, identify the quality attribute or architectural concern being tested before choosing. If short-answer items are included, answer in precise, complete sentences using standard terminology. Keep an eye on the clock so you have time to review flagged items; do not leave items blank if there is no penalty for guessing, but confirm the scoring rules first.
Rules to check
Bring the identity document required by your provider and ensure the name matches your registration. If it does not, resolve the discrepancy with the provider before exam day rather than at check-in.
Follow the provider's rules on permitted materials and aids exactly. If the exam is closed-book, keep notes, phones, and smart devices out of reach; if open-book, use only what is explicitly allowed. Confirm the exact list with the provider.
During a remote exam, follow the proctoring instructions: keep the camera and microphone on if required, stay in view, and do not communicate with others. Ask the provider in advance what is and is not permitted in the room.
Breaks are governed by the provider and the exam format. Ask before the exam whether breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops, and how to request one; do not assume you can leave and return freely.
Scoring and the pass mark are set by iSAQB and the provider. Confirm the pass criterion and whether wrong answers are penalised before deciding whether to guess on unanswered items.
If a technical failure occurs during a remote exam, follow the provider's stated procedure and contact support immediately; do not attempt to restart or reschedule on your own without instructions.
If you are ill or cannot attend, contact the provider as soon as possible to ask about rescheduling or withdrawal. Do not assume a refund or transfer policy; confirm it with the provider.
Maintain academic integrity: do not share, record, or reconstruct exam questions afterwards. This protects the validity of the certification and is a condition of sitting the exam.