Is iSAQB Worth It? Darshan Shah Shares His Real-World Experience in Software Architecture
It is a pleasure to introduce, in this edition of our iSAQB podcast series, the seasoned Software Architect at Bosch, Darshan Shah, recounting his personal experience with iSAQB certification. Hailing from the embedded systems world, the field of software architecture brings with it its own set of challenges and learnings along the way. For all aspiring to become certified in software architecture, the lessons that Darshan has to share about the practical relevance of iSAQB are priceless.
Before examining the opinions of Darshan, we highly advise readers to visit our main guide, Top 10 Questions About iSAQB Certification (Answered by Real Architects), to get the bigger picture of what the iSAQB certification entails and to gain access to more expert opinions.
Type of interview: Podcast transcription
Darshan Shah's Perspective on iSAQB Certification
Is iSAQB certification a waste of money and time? Why or why not?
I think I would have two perspectives here. If you are just a software developer, usually the software architect has a team of developers. So, when a software developer wants to learn more or get higher in the position, then the next step would be to go as a software architect or a system architect. And therefore, the software developer can benefit from these certifications or trainings, because this gives really a lot of information about software architecture.
But for an experienced software architect, maybe the trainings are to some extent good because an experienced software architect or an experienced architect has a chance to share his or her problems of day-to-day in the two-day, three-day training. But I feel that if there is an experienced architect, then maybe to really achieve a certification of an advanced, I think there should be more hands-on. So that it really makes worth it that, yes, I have achieved the advanced certification or an expert certification.
Why did you initially choose to get iSAQB certified?
I’ve been working in the field of automotive embedded systems or software engineering since my studies. I started as a script developer, then embedded C developer, but I wanted more exposure to the entire control unit in cars. I got a chance to become a software architect for the parking systems at Bosch, and there my interest in architecture grew. While I had a solid grasp of my work, I wanted to delve deeper into architecture, so I turned to iSAQB certification to broaden my knowledge.
How long did it take you to prepare for and pass the exam?
I really took a week off. That was during December, and it was perfect because I used my whole Christmas vacation. I studied every day for a week, and then it was exam day. So it wasn’t too difficult, but you really have to focus and understand the question, as logical reasoning is needed to find the right answers.
Did the certification help you get a salary increase or a better position/job?
For me, it didn’t directly help with a salary increase or a promotion. However, it gave me a formal qualification, something that complemented my experience. It was a great way to solidify my understanding of software architecture, but its direct impact on salary was minimal.
How do employers and clients view the iSAQB certification?
Employers in my field appreciate the certification because it shows foundational knowledge and interest in software architecture. However, many clients I work with are not familiar with iSAQB. The recognition for the certification is mostly within the industry among professionals, but clients don’t typically recognize it.
What specific skills did you gain that you couldn’t have learned on the job?
Through iSAQB, I learned new design patterns that I hadn’t previously encountered in embedded systems. While we focus on simplicity in embedded systems, the certification introduced me to more complex architectural concepts. It also helped me develop a stronger intuition for architectural decision-making.
How applicable is what you learned in real-world projects?
After completing the courses, I’ve used the skills I learned, especially when designing systems and communicating with stakeholders. However, the applicability depends on the specific sector. In my case, working in automotive embedded systems, some of the content from the courses wasn’t entirely relevant, but overall, it helped me approach problems with a broader architectural mindset.
Is the certification more focused on theory or practical application?
I’d say the certification has a mix of both. The foundation level is more theoretical, which is necessary for building a strong knowledge base. But in the advanced level, there’s more practical application, though I still feel that the training could benefit from more hands-on experience, especially for those of us coming from embedded systems.
Does iSAQB stay up to date with modern architectural trends like cloud and AI?
From my experience, iSAQB does offer specialized courses on these modern trends, but I believe they could improve the curriculum for embedded systems. While there are courses available for cloud and AI, I haven’t personally taken those, so I can’t comment on how well they cover those topics.
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Do you feel that iSAQB helped you communicate better with stakeholders or developers?
Yes, without a doubt. The certification has allowed me to approach conversations with more clarity. I now feel more confident in explaining architectural decisions and helping others understand why certain decisions are made."
What’s the biggest difference you noticed in your work after getting certified?
The biggest difference is in how I approach architectural challenges. With the tools and mindset from iSAQB, I now feel more confident in my decision-making and have a more structured approach to tackling complex problems.
Would you say this certification has made you a better architect? How?
Yes, definitely. It’s given me access to a wealth of knowledge and tools that I can now apply in my daily work. I have a better understanding of how to approach architecture, how to communicate decisions, and how to consider the bigger picture when designing systems.
Do you think iSAQB certification is necessary for software architects, or just nice to have?
It’s not strictly necessary, but I do think it’s a valuable asset for those starting out or transitioning into architecture. It gives you a clear structure for learning and provides formal recognition of your expertise. For experienced architects, it might not be essential, but it’s still a great way to reinforce knowledge.
Have you noticed a shift in how your colleagues view you after certification?
I haven’t noticed a huge shift in how my colleagues view me, but it has definitely helped in terms of engaging with other architects. We now share a common terminology, which makes discussions much easier.
Would you recommend this certification to someone who’s already experienced in the field? Why?
It depends on the individual. For those with limited experience in architecture, it’s a great way to build a solid foundation. But for more experienced architects, it may feel less impactful. I would suggest looking for certifications or training that offers more hands-on experience.
Conclusion
Darshan Shah’s experiences with the iSAQB certification highlight both its strengths and potential areas for improvement. For those new to software architecture, it offers a solid foundation, but for more experienced architects, the certification may feel lacking in hands-on applications, particularly in specialized fields like embedded systems.
Despite this, Darshan's insights make it clear that iSAQB provides a structured, valuable pathway for gaining deeper architectural knowledge and enhancing communication skills in the workplace.
