InfoQ has expanded its software architect certification offerings with a new online certification program designed to help senior software engineers and architects translate technical expertise into strategic influence within their organizations. The InfoQ Certified Architect Program begins October 13, 2025, with the first two cohorts running simultaneously to accommodate European and North American time zones.
The new five-week online format addresses feedback from senior engineers and architects who sought the certification benefits, but needed more flexible scheduling than the in-person certification experience offered at QCon conferences.
The changing role of the software architect
The role of software architecture is changing inside companies. More and more responsibilities are being decentralized across different functions. Where do architects fit into the grand scheme of things? How can senior and staff engineers contribute to moving a complex socio-technical system forward?
Senior architects, senior engineers, and staff engineers increasingly need to communicate business value, secure leadership buy-in for technical decisions, and influence organizational strategy beyond system design. Our new online certification program teaches you both the theory and the practice, enabling you to do exactly this.
Facilitated by Luca Mezzalira
Principal Solutions Architect, Luca Mezzalira, will facilitate the cohorts of senior engineers and software architects. Mezzalira, who has over 20 years of experience and has consulted with more than 100 teams on distributed architectures, emphasizes the evolving nature of the architect role. “The role of architecture is becoming increasingly decentralized, and the very concept of an ‘architect’ is quietly evolving”, Mezzalira said. “We’re moving from being gatekeepers and owners of decisions to becoming coaches, context providers, and ecosystem enablers”.
The 5-week program
The five-week curriculum follows a structured progression:
- Week 1 focuses on architecture.
- Week 2 explores decentralized decision-making patterns.
- Week 3 examines platform development strategies.
- Week 4 delves into enabling AI.
- Week 5 addresses the integration of AI in architectural design.
Each session involves small groups of senior engineers and software architects, deconstructing presentations from QCon conferences and applying frameworks from experienced software leaders to real-world challenges.
The program is for professionals with at least five years of experience, including senior software architects, principal engineers, and technical leads. Participants work in confidential peer groups to solve real-world problems they face in their organizations, developing strategic skills in the process.
Upon completing the InfoQ Certified Architect Program, participants earn the InfoQ Certified Software Architect in Emerging Technologies (ICSAET) certification and publish an article on InfoQ, showcasing their learnings. The program also provides access to over 100 QCon presentation videos and templates for building business cases around technical initiatives.
Two initial cohorts will run concurrently starting October 13th, 2025:
- 9:30 AM BST / 10:30 AM CEST for European participants and
- 10:00 AM EDT for North American participants.
The program includes weekly live sessions, group discussions, and homework, with participants typically investing 3-4 hours per week to develop skills that directly impact their ability to influence organizational decisions and earn the ICSAET certification.
The certification addresses the growing need for senior technologists to develop leadership capabilities alongside their technical skills.
Learn more about InfoQ’s Certified Architect Program.
