Is the iSAQB Certification Overhyped?
You’ll hear no shortage of opinions within the online community in favor of, and against, certifications, especially in software architecture. Some developers believe them to be unnecessary. Others assert they’re simply expensive badges.
We've all perused the Reddit threads.
But instead of debating in echo chambers, we wanted to go straight to the source: from experts who in fact passed the iSAQB certification and utilized it in practice.
This post is part of our series exploring the Top 10 Questions About iSAQB Certification (Answered by Real Architects).
Today, we’re diving into the perspective of Lukas Kamber, Lead Developer at myky.ch, who shares how the certification reshaped his thinking, gave him practical tools, and even played a role in his promotion.
Lukas Kamber’s iSAQB Experience:
Lukas didn't just walk out with a certificate, he walked out with a sharper mentality, a more effective communication technique, and with a toolbox delivering its value in everyday work.
His reaction is brief, honest, and realistic.
If you're in doubt whether iSAQB is for you, this is the kind of remark you're unable to find on Google.
Here's what Lukas had to say in reply to the top questions regarding iSAQB certification:
Is iSAQB certification a waste of money & time? Why or why not?
iSAQB comes at a cost, but the price for the certification and training is within a reasonable range. However, the time investment compared to the learning effect is relatively small. In just two to three days, you gain a solid foundation in a specific area, which you can then deepen through practical experience in your day-to-day work.
Why did you initially choose to get iSAQB certified?
I was looking for a way to deepen my knowledge in the field of software architecture. As a result of my research, I decided on an iSAQB Foundation course.
How long did it take you to prepare for and pass the exam?
During the three-day course, I stayed at a hotel, which gave me enough time in the evenings to prepare for the exam. However, I didn’t need much additional time, as all exam-relevant topics were thoroughly covered during the course.
Did the certification help you get a salary increase or a better position/job?
It wasn’t about the certificate itself, but rather a step in my personal development, one that ultimately contributed to a promotion.
How do employers and clients view the iSAQB certification?
While searching for a job, I noticed that potential employers responded positively to the certificate. Now that I'm in a recruiting role myself, I see the iSAQB certification as a sign of genuine interest and foundational knowledge in the field of software architecture.
What specific skills did you gain that you couldn’t have learned on the job?
It’s less about specific skills and more about a mindset that helped me approach problems differently, supported by a toolbox of methods (like arc42) and referenceable knowledge that makes solving architectural challenges more manageable.
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How applicable is what you learned in real-world projects?
After completing the Foundation course, I pursued further Advanced modules to deepen my expertise in areas that were directly relevant to my day-to-day work. Both courses proved to be highly valuable, and the insights I gained continue to support me in my role today.
Is the certification more focused on theory or practical application?
I would say the certification itself is more theory-oriented, but the courses I attended were enriched with many practical examples. These not only made the sessions more engaging but also helped to deepen my understanding.
Does iSAQB stay up to date with modern architectural trends like cloud and AI?
I can’t really judge that, as I haven’t attended the relevant courses myself. But since those courses are available, I assume they do cover that aspect.
Do you feel that iSAQB helped you communicate better with stakeholders or developers?
On one hand, I became aware of how important this topic is and how easily misunderstandings can arise. On the other hand, the course also introduced strategies to improve communication, for example, to argue more effectively when speaking to management.
What’s the biggest difference you noticed in your work after getting certified?
It has definitely influenced how I tackle problems. I’ve come to embrace the mindset behind the classic architect’s answer: ‘it depends’.
Would you say this certification has made you a better architect? How?
Looking back, the most valuable takeaways were the mindset of ‘it depends’, access to practical tools and references, and a deeper understanding of the importance of communication, along with strategies to improve it.
Do you think iSAQB certification is necessary for software architects, or just nice to have?
It's not strictly necessary, you can acquire the same knowledge on your own. But given the breadth of the topic, it can quickly become overwhelming. In the end, it depends on your personal learning style. However, completing the course does offer a clear way to demonstrate to future employers that you have expertise in this area.
Have you noticed a shift in how your colleagues view you after certification?
Not directly, but in discussions with other architects, I noticed that there’s a better mutual understanding, because we share the same terminology and underlying concepts.
Would you recommend this certification to someone who’s already experienced in the field? Why?
The Foundation course provides a solid basis in software architecture, while the Advanced modules offer a deep dive into various specialized topics. Both are valuable, whether in day-to-day work or when changing jobs.
Final Thoughts: Applying the iSAQB in Practice by Lukas Kamber
Lukas Kamber, Lead Developer at myky.ch, brings a grounded and pragmatic perspective to the iSAQB certification.
Lukas Kamber's responses disclose one thing for certain: to him, iSAQB certification means absolutely nothing in terms of title hunting, it's about building the foundation and growing up to the mentality of the software architect.
He doesn't overestimate the effect, nor does he diminish it. For him, the real gain is the intense study opportunity, gaining a disciplined mindset, a set of tools, and improved communication techniques all within a couple of days.
Especially, Lukas does not say that the iSAQB is required by everyone. He sees it as yet another way, a good one for individuals who require structure and a tangible way of demonstrating architectural expertise. For self-educators, the same might essentially be done outside of a formal setting. His conclusion: it comes down to how you learn best and what you're trying to prove.
Want to see how other architects answered these same questions?
Don’t miss our full post: Top 10 Questions About iSAQB Certification (Answered by Real Architects)
