Is iSAQB Just Another Theory-Heavy Certificate?
We've all been reminded of it, "You don't require a certificate to be effective at architecture." And alright, for you, it might be. But what if the appropriate training would give you the language, the confidence, and mental concentration to emerge in the complete role of architect?
It’s the angle Tobias Ammann brings in this interview.
Tobias Ammann
Business Lead Stream Technology Services & Senior Software Architect
Bedag Informatique SA
As Business Lead Stream Technology Services & Senior Software Architect at Bedag Informatique SA, Tobias did not take the traditional road to getting into IT. He used the iSAQB certification to systematize his experience, sharpen his instincts, and transition from the hybrid to the full-time architectural role.
This Q&A is part of our larger investigation of what the actual professionals have to say about iSAQB: Top 10 Questions About iSAQB Certification (Answered by Real Architects).
Tobias Ammann’s iSAQB Experience
Is iSAQB certification a waste of money & time? Why or why not?
I can only speak to the foundation certification. I do however plan to get advanced certified as soon as time allows, probably early next year.
Architecture roles are defined and lived differently in companies. The foundation certification was very helpful to find and align a shared vocabulary.
Why did you initially choose to get iSAQB certified?
I entered the IT field through a lateral move and realized again and again, that I was not the typical developer.
My interests and approaches always seemed a bit broader. At some point I realized that the architectural role best matched both my interests and my skills. Getting iSAQB certified helped me to position myself career-wise and to pursue this kind of work full time.
How long did it take you to prepare for and pass the exam?
The foundation certification immediately followed the course. I think I spent 2 hours reviewing the handouts and slides on the evening before.
Did the certification help you get a salary increase or a better position/job?
It allowed me to switch from a dev role with architecture responsibilities to a full time architecture role.
How do employers and clients view the iSAQB certification?
I have personally hired two teammates for our team. iSAQB certifications and courses were important signals when screening CVs.
During the interview rounds we observed a high correlation between overall impression and having gone through some amount of iSAQB training. Knowing that a candidate has gone through iSAQB training gave us a baseline to evaluate candidates against, which simplified things.
What specific skills did you gain that you couldn’t have learned on the job?
None, but I would not have the confidence and the intuition I have now, without having personally discussed many subjects in our field with some of the most experienced people in it.
How applicable is what you learned in real-world projects?
That depends. The training courses emphasize applicability, and usually that's supplemented with many participant questions from the trenches so to speak. Whether you actually get to address a problem is still very dependent on the company and the project, but at least the courses help you point out more options and have more explicit discussions about it.
Is the certification more focused on theory or practical application?
The foundation certification was focused on theory.
Does iSAQB stay up to date with modern architectural trends like cloud and AI?
Yes, but I am not completely convinced that they have done so in the best way possible. I would have consciously stayed away from hype topics while they are hot to then launch a more nuanced curriculum later.
Do you feel that iSAQB helped you communicate better with stakeholders or developers?
Without a doubt.
What’s the biggest difference you noticed in your work after getting certified?
I now know the secret handshake between architects. ;-)
Would you say this certification has made you a better architect? How?
Yes. The direct access to some of the most experienced people in the field has given me a shortcut to a wealth of experience, and allowed me to refine and calibrate how I look at things. This has made me a lot more effective by becoming a much harsher critic of problems I see, knowing that I have a wealth of theory, handed down experience, and shared intuition behind my words.
Do you think iSAQB certification is necessary for software architects, or just nice to have?
That depends. In theory, it's just a nice to have, in practice, it's a necessity.
Have you noticed a shift in how your colleagues view you after certification?
Not really.
Would you recommend this certification to someone who’s already experienced in the field? Why?
That depends on the specific. In most cases it's probably a positive, even if it's just for the chance to talk to peers.
Final Thoughts: Shortcut to Confidence, Not Just Curriculum
Tobias Ammann brings a unique perspective to the iSAQB conversation: he didn’t take the course for a title, he used it to transition into a career path that finally made sense.
For Tobias, the real impact came not from the content itself, but from the dialogue it sparked: engaging with experienced trainers, exchanging ideas with peers, and refining his own architectural intuition. He values the certification for helping him “speak the same language” as other architects, not just in terminology, but in mindset.
Still, he doesn’t present iSAQB as a universal solution. In theory, he says, it's optional. In practice, it often becomes necessary, a shared baseline in hiring, collaboration, and evaluation. He stops short of calling it perfect; he even questions whether the trend-driven modules always add the most value. But his takeaway is clear: the certification can serve as a shortcut to deeper understanding, especially when paired with thoughtful reflection and community exchange.
He doesn’t claim iSAQB replaces experience but it structures it, accelerates it, and, in his words, gives you the “secret handshake” to speak confidently with other architects. It’s not about memorizing slides. It’s about aligning your mindset with the realities of modern architecture.
Curious how other software architects responded to these same 18 questions?
Explore the full article: Top 10 Questions About iSAQB Certification (Answered by Real Architects)
