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View official blueprint on Cert Atlas

Certified Pega System Architect (CPSA) Practice Test

140 questions available

The Certified Pega System Architect (CPSA) certification validates a professional's foundational ability to design, build, and implement core Pega Platform applications. This industry-recognized credential demonstrates proficiency in configuring case lifecycles, designing intuitive user interfaces, implementing business logic and decisioning, managing application data, and ensuring robust application security and performance. Earning the CPSA certification signifies that an individual possesses the essential skills to translate business requirements into scalable, maintainable Pega applications, making them a valuable asset in any digital transformation initiative. It serves as the cornerstone of the Pega certification pathway, establishing credibility and opening doors to advanced roles in Pega development and architecture. Certified professionals are equipped to contribute immediately to project teams, reducing onboarding time and increasing project delivery confidence for employers.

Certification exam
60 Exam questions
1 hour 30 minutes Time Limit
Career Opportunities & Salary
Entry – Pega Junior Developer $68,000 - $104,000
Mid-Career – Pega Developer $97,000 - $148,000
Senior – Senior Pega Architect $125,000 - $191,000
Pega Junior DeveloperPega DeveloperSenior Pega Architectstable market
Why This Certification Opens Doors

Achieving the CPSA certification is a strategic career milestone that provides tangible industry recognition and professional differentiation. In a competitive market, this credential signals to employers and clients a verified, vendor-backed standard of competency in low-code application development. It directly enhances career advancement opportunities, often leading to roles with greater responsibility and compensation. For organizations, a CPSA-certified team member reduces project risk and accelerates time-to-value by ensuring applications are built on Pega best practices. This certification is not merely a test of knowledge but a passport to a global community of Pega professionals and a prerequisite for pursuing advanced specializations like Senior System Architect (CSSA) or Lead System Architect (CLSA).

Exam Blueprint

Each domain is weighted to match the real certification exam, so a full practice simulation predicts your result.

01Business Logic and Decisioning
20%
02Case Management Configuration
20%
03Data and Integration
20%
04Application Security and Performance
15%
05User Interface and UX
15%
06Deployment and DevOps
10%
Exam Details PEGACPSA23V1 | $175 USD | 1 hour 30 minutes
Exam Code PEGACPSA23V1
Vendor Pegasystems
Exam Cost $175 USD
Passing Score 65
Time Limit 1 hour 30 minutes
Exam questions 60
Question Types Multiple Choice, Multiple Select
Retake Policy 14-day waiting period after failed attempt. Full exam fee required for retake.
Exam Format Linear (online proctored or in-person)
Online Proctoring Available
Available In
English
Study Resources
Pega Academy
PegasystemsFree
Free online learning paths and missions aligned to certification exams at Pega Academy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for taking the CPSA exam?

Pega does not enforce formal prerequisites, but strongly recommends completing the associated Pega Academy learning path (System Architect) and gaining practical experience by building applications in a Pega environment. Foundational knowledge of business process management (BPM) concepts and object-oriented principles is highly beneficial.

What is the exam format, duration, and passing score?

The CPSA exam is a proctored, computer-based test consisting of approximately 60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The passing score is determined by Pega using a scaled scoring model and is subject to change; candidates should aim for a comprehensive understanding of all blueprint topics.

How long is the CPSA certification valid?

The CPSA certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. To maintain your certified status, you must either pass the current version of the CPSA exam or progress to a higher-level certification (like CSSA) before your three-year anniversary.

How should I prepare for the exam beyond taking the courses?

Effective preparation involves a multi-faceted approach: 1) Meticulously review the official exam blueprint, 2) Complete all exercises in the Pega Academy courses, 3) Build a practice application from scratch to reinforce concepts, 4) Utilize practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, and 5) Participate in Pega Community forums to discuss topics with other candidates.

What is the career path after achieving CPSA?

The CPSA is the entry point to the Pega certification hierarchy. The natural progression is to the Certified Senior System Architect (CSSA), which delves into advanced design patterns and application scalability. Beyond that, the Certified Lead System Architect (CLSA) focuses on enterprise architecture and design leadership. CPSA also opens doors to roles such as Pega Developer, System Architect, and Business Analyst specializing in Pega implementations.

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