UXQB CPUX-F (Foundation Level)

The CPUX Foundation Level certification (CPUX-F) attests that the holder has internationally approved and relevant knowledge in the field of Usability and User Experience (UX).

This covers the following main areas:

  • The human-centered design process

  • Definitions, concepts and guidelines

  • Understanding and specifying use contexts

  • Specifying user requirements

  • Producing design solutions

  • Usability testing

  • User surveys and usability inspections

The contents of the curriculum address both working professionals wishing to update existing knowledge to international standards, and stakeholders who want to ensure cooperation with usability and user experience experts by sharing the same knowledge about basic terms and concepts. Thus, the certification enables professionals and stakeholders to affirm the question:

"Do You Speak Usability?"

No formal requirements are necessary to take the certification exam. The CPUX-F exam consists of a multiple-choice test with a duration of 75 minutes, or alternatively 90 minutes for candidates whose native language differs from the exam language.

A preparatory training course from one of the UXQB's recognised training providers is likely to be helpful, but is not mandatory.

Contents of the curriculum and glossary for CPUX-F, in addition to public test questions, can be downloaded from the UXQB's documents section.

After succeeding with the CPUX-F certification, this solid foundation of Usability and UX knowledge can be further developed and specialized with the UXQB advanced-level certificates in the areas:

The CPUX-F certificate is a formal requirement for all advanced-level certificates.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for the UXQB CPUX Foundation Level exam.

Validity

UXQB CPUX Certification is valid permanently.

Exam Format

Multiple-Choice

Procedure of the CPUX Foundation Level Exam

The process for the CPUX Foundation Level exam and its evaluation are defined as follows: The exam always contains 40 multiple choice questions with 6 choices and a varying number of correct answers. You have 75 minutes to answer these questions. To pass the exam you have to score at least 70 percent, which equates to 28 points of 40 possible points. Each question scores 1 point if all correct answers are chosen. Depending on the number of correct answers per question, each correct choice represents an equal part of that point, which add up to one point but are also substracted if wrong. Though the total score of one question can never be negative. During the exam the use of aids, such as electronic devices or textbooks, is not allowed.

Self-Study: Preparing for the CPUX Foundation Level exam

An ideal place to begin your preparation for CPUX certification is the UXQB’s Documents Section. This contains a number of useful reference documents, such as the syllabus for CPUX-F and CPUX Advanced Levels, as well as practice exam questions.

German speaking candidates preparing for CPUX certification might also want to read the second edition of Basiswissen Usability und User Experience, by Thomas Geis and Guido Tesch.

Thomas Geis is a founding member of the UXQB, while Guido Tesch plays an active role in the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN), setting standards across the field of UX and UI design. The second edition has been updated to include new topics such as User-Interface Specification, Ethical Design, and Sustainable Design. It also aligns with the UXQB® CPUX-F curriculum (Version 4.01, 2023), making it an excellent resource for exam preparation.