Admissions
Apply to the Fellowship
Applications are reviewed in fixed cycles. Admission is selective. The ACSA-F designation is earned through capstone delivery and architecture defense — not participation.
Who should apply
This fellowship is designed for professionals ready for architectural depth. Typical applicants have experience in cloud, DevOps, SRE, platform engineering, or security engineering and want to operate at architect level.
- Cloud / DevOps / SRE engineers (2+ years recommended)
- Platform engineers seeking architectural authority
- Security engineers transitioning into cloud security architecture
- Professionals who can commit 10–15 hours/week
Not for:
- Entry-level candidates or complete beginners
- Passive learners or “watch-only” participation
- Tool-only practitioners with no interest in tradeoffs
- Applicants unwilling to complete required pre-work
This is not a bootcamp. It is a standards-driven evaluation pathway.
Admissions process
Applicants are evaluated on architectural reasoning, automation proficiency, security integration awareness, operational maturity, and commitment to completion.
1) Written application
Background + architecture thinking questions. We look for clarity, tradeoff reasoning, and seriousness.
2) Technical baseline
A short scenario-based assessment (architecture + automation + investigation). Not multiple choice.
3) Interview (shortlist)
15–20 minutes. Focus on maturity, coachability, and fit for a high-standard cohort.
Application review fee
The Institute charges a non-refundable application review fee to support structured evaluation, assessment review, and interview selection.
Application Review Fee: $250
Covers assessment review, scoring, and interview process administration. This fee does not guarantee admission.
Employers may expense the application review fee as professional development evaluation.
Admissions timeline
- Applications open: (set date)
- Applications close: (set date)
- Review period: 7–10 days
- Interviews: (set week)
- Acceptance notices: (set date)
- Cohort begins: (set date)
We recommend applying early in the window to allow time for assessment completion.
Begin application
Complete the form below to submit your written application. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete the technical baseline.
Apply only if you’re prepared to meet the standard.
This is a defense-based evaluation pathway. Admission is selective. Designation is earned.