Policy
ACSA-F Renewal Policy
The ACSA-F designation is renewed every three (3) years to preserve credential credibility as cloud, security, and AI practices evolve.
1. Renewal cycle
ACSA-F is valid for three (3) years from the date of award. Renewal maintains the designation’s reliability and employer trust while keeping the process lightweight for working professionals.
2. Renewal requirements (choose 2 of 3)
To renew ACSA-F, holders complete any two (2) of the following:
Continuing Practice Proof
Evidence of relevant architecture or operational work (e.g., design memo, diagram, redacted repo excerpt, postmortem, policy approach). Redacted materials are acceptable.
Update Assessment
A short, scenario-based assessment (about 60 minutes) focused on modern cloud security patterns, operational readiness, and AI governance.
Mini Defense
A 15-minute decision defense: present one real architecture tradeoff and defend assumptions, constraints, and risk controls.
3. Renewal window
Renewal windows open before expiration. The Institute will provide renewal instructions and deadlines to holders using the contact information on file.
4. Credential status
The public Fellows Directory may display the following status labels:
- ACSA-F (Active) — renewed and currently valid
- ACSA-F (Lapsed) — renewal overdue; designation is not active
- Fellow (Completed) — program completed without ACSA-F award
Lapsed status can be returned to Active upon completion of renewal requirements, subject to Institute review.
5. Re-validation scope
Renewal focuses on maintaining relevance in modern architectures, including security-by-design, automation maturity, operational resilience, and responsible use of AI.
6. Integrity and credential misuse
The Institute may deny renewal or revoke credential status in cases of dishonesty, misrepresentation, or misuse of Institute designations. See the Terms of Use for additional details.
7. Fees
Renewal fees and employer bulk renewal options are provided to ACSA-F holders and sponsoring organizations in advance of renewal windows.
8. Contact
Cloud & Security Architecture Institute
Email: info@csarchitecture.org
Effective Date: (set upon launch)
Want to earn ACSA-F?
Apply to the Fellowship. Admission is selective. Designation is earned through capstone and defense.