The Certified Pega System Architect (CPSA) certification is the foundational credential for individuals looking to launch their journey into Pega application development. As of 2025, there are three versions of this exam available through Pearson VUE: PEGACPSA88V1, PEGACPSA23V1, and PEGACPSA24V1. But which one should you take?
Understanding the CPSA Certification Path
The CPSA certification is designed for developers and technical staff who want to learn how to build Pega applications using the Pega Platform. It tests essential knowledge and skills around case management, data integration, user experience, security, and more. This certification is considered the entry point for more advanced Pega certifications such as the Senior System Architect (CSSA) and Lead System Architect (CLSA).
All versions of the exam include:
●60 questions
●90-minute time limit
●Passing score: 65%
●Available in multiple languages depending on the version
Differences between the Three Versions
Exam Code |
Version |
Language(s) Available |
Best For |
PEGACPSA88V1 |
Version 8.8 |
English |
Candidates working with older Pega 8.8 environments or upgrading from older certifications |
PEGACPSA23V1 |
2023 Edition |
English, Japanese |
Candidates working on Pega 8.8/8.8.x but want content closer to 2023 best practices |
PEGACPSA24V1 |
2024 Edition |
English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese-Brazilian |
Most current exam aligned with the latest Pega features and development practices |
Why Choose PEGACPSA24V1?
The PEGACPSA24V1 is the latest and recommended version of the CPSA certification exam. It reflects the most up-to-date content and product capabilities of the Pega Platform as of 2024. Key advantages include:
●Updated exam objectives aligned with modern case management and automation strategies
●Broader language availability for global candidates
●Covers essential areas such as:
Case lifecycle design
Data and integration configuration
Security policies
DevOps best practices
Mobile and UX development
Reporting and insights creation
If you're just starting your journey in Pega or working in a current Pega 8.8+ environment, PEGACPSA24V1 provides the best foundation.
When to Consider the Other Versions
PEGACPSA88V1: Choose this if you’re specifically supporting legacy Pega 8.8 environments or if your organization is slow to upgrade.
PEGACPSA23V1: A transitional version for those who want more recent content than 8.8 but are not yet working with 2024-level updates.
Which One Is Right for You?
●Start fresh or aiming for longevity in Pega development? Go with PEGACPSA24V1.
●Maintaining existing systems built on 8.8? Consider PEGACPSA88V1.
●Want a middle ground with support for Japanese users? PEGACPSA23V1 may be your match.
To succeed in your exam, focus on the official exam blueprint, hands-on practice with the Pega Platform, and real-world application scenarios. No matter which version you choose, earning the CPSA certification is a solid step toward a rewarding career in low-code development and business process automation.