Effectively documenting a software architecture is as important as crafting it. As a Documenting Software Architectures (DSA) instructor, you'll be qualified to train others in effective software architecture documentation practices that meet the needs of the entire architecture stakeholder community.
All certified DSA Instructors are required to have sponsorship from an SEI Partner. More details about sponsorship are available on the SEI Partner Network's description of the Software Architecture Product Suite. The instructor certification must be renewed every 3 years and requires ongoing maintenance.
A BS or BA degree (or higher) from an accredited or recognized college or university.
At least 5 years of experience working in a software engineering environment, including 2 years of experience in the construction of software systems as a designer or architect and 2 years of experience writing software.
Classroom teaching experience in an engineering or technical discipline.
Familiarity with the following:
UML
architecture description languages such as AADL
architecture documentation frameworks such as DoDAF or TOGAF
ISO/IEC 42010-2007
Statecharts
commercial tools for designing and documenting software architectures
Before applying to become a DSA instructor, you must successfully complete the following four-course sequence from the SEI or an authorized SEI course provider:
Software Architecture: Principles and Practices
Documenting Software Architectures
Software Architecture Design and Analysis
Software Product Lines
Successful completion of the SAPP Examination is a prerequisite to submit your application. For additional information, please refer to the Software Architecture: Principles and Practices examination description.
Submit a signed application, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a signed Code of Professional Conduct (COPC) form.
Send to the SEI by email, fax, or mail to
DSA Instructor Certification Program
Room 2300A
Software Engineering Institute
Carnegie Mellon University
4500 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Fax: 412-268-5758
Email: certification-info@sei.cmu.edu
After you are accepted into the program, the SEI will contact you to schedule your Instructor Evaluation. You will receive a set of DSA Train-The-Trainer self-study materials. After you complete the self-study and individual practice phase, you will be asked to present selected training modules to the SEI DSA Instructor Evaluation Team at the SEI's Pittsburgh office. Evaluations will be scheduled four times per year (once per quarter).
The SEI DSA Evaluation Team will randomly select modules from the Documenting Software Architectures course for you to present to the evaluators. A checklist of required competencies will be used to rate your performance as an instructor. These include mastery of the technical content of the course as well as presentation style and ability to field questions on the topic areas.
You must complete the evaluation step within 12 months of notice from the SEI that you have been accepted as a candidate. After your observation, the SEI's DSA Instructor Evaluation Board will notify the Certification office of its recommendations. The Certification office will notify you of your certification status within 30 days of your observation. If the evaluation yields an unsatisfactory result, remediation will be provided and you may re-apply at a later date.
Candidate instructors must satisfactorily complete any required remedial work within 12 months of assignment, or other time requirements defined by the SEI. Candidate instructors have the opportunity to be evaluated a total of 4 times within the12-month window. Applicable fees apply to each presentation session that is provided by the SEI for a Candidate instructor.
You will receive a welcome kit that contains your certification diploma and other information about your certification. Your name will be listed on the SEI Partner directory 2-3 weeks after notification is sent.
The SEI requires that you keep your certification up to date by meeting the certification renewal requirements for DSA Instructors.
Please direct questions to certification-info@sei.cmu.edu.
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